About Jo

Embracing a Slower Pace: Meet Jo

Welcome to my world! After spending three decades navigating the fast-paced technology sector, I stepped into my mid-50s ready for a change. Today, I am enjoying early retirement and embracing a more mindful, slower pace of life in the beautiful Dutch countryside, which I share with my partner, the Dutchman, and our beloved Prins Timo, a Siamese-Ragdoll cat.

Originally from the Philippines—the Pearl of the Orient Seas—I moved to the Netherlands more than twenty years ago. Since then, I have journeyed through every stage of the expat experience: from the initial culture shock to fully immersing myself in the corporate and social pulse of Amsterdam and Utrecht. I learned to speak the language fluently, embraced local traditions, and came to love those uniquely Dutch quirks. Like watching a movie trailer, I have seen the world around me transform over the decades. And so did I. I was always a city girl at heart, but recently, I have fallen in love with the quiet beauty of countryside living.

This website is my digital diary. It is a space designed for anyone who loves to explore, nest, and savour the finer, slower moments in life. Here, I document a few of my favourite things:

What You’ll Find Here:

Jo Travels: My lifelong passion for discovering our planet Earth. From road trips and city breaks across Europe and the world to winter sports and local hidden gems, this is where I share collected travel diaries, culture, adventure, art and architecture, beautiful places and people, and delicious cuisine.

Jo Home & Garden: A look inside my new journey into country living. I document our modern country house, interior nesting, garden design, and the rewarding rhythm of watching things grow as the season changes.

Jo Life Musings: Mindful reflections on navigating life in your 50s, leaving the hectic corporate world behind, managing a secure lifestyle in the Dutch countryside of North Brabant (home to the Burgundian lifestyle and the most welcoming province of the Netherlands), and enjoying the everyday peace and joys of early retirement.

Whether you are planning your next travel adventure, looking for home and garden inspiration, or simply exploring the art of slow living, I am so glad you are here.

Grab a cup of tea, explore the stories, get inspired with the pictures, and enjoy your stay!

With love from Jo