We arrived at this journey from different directions. Ola came with a love for the written word, a journalist's instinct for the narrative thread, and a strategist's need to understand the 'why.' Riza came with an engineer's eye for detail and a photographer's heart for the unspoken feeling of a place. Though our paths were different, our compass was the same: a shared, insatiable curiosity and a love for capturing the stories that lie just beneath the surface.
Like many, we followed the script. Life got busy. We focused on our demanding tech careers, moved countries, and built a stable life. But the quiet ache of our shared curiosity never faded. It lived in the stacks of history books, the vinyl records we collected, the museum sketches we saved. It was a constant whisper reminding us of the more artful, meaningful life we dreamed of integrating into our everyday.
And so, On Way Storytellers was born. Not as another polished travel blog, but as our quiet rebellion. It is a slow project, built with intention in the margins of our busy lives. It’s our answer to the 'ache' – a space dedicated to the belief that travel, and life itself, reveals its deepest secrets only when we have the courage to slow down, see with new eyes, and ask better questions.
Together, we shape a space that’s both intellectually deep
and soulfully resonant. It's a fusion of two distinct ways of seeing.
With a background in journalism and a love for strategy, she builds the narrative frameworks. She's the one asking "why," digging through the research, and connecting the dots to create a clear, insightful journey. Her brain runs on context, curiosity, and coffee.
An engineer by training with an artist's heart, he transforms that structure into a felt experience. He brings the visual flair, the intuitive connections, and the atmospheric warmth that make a story come alive. He’s the one framing the perfect shot or finding the perfect soundtrack that says what words cannot.
On the ground, we trade consumption for connection. This means making thoughtful choices: seeking out ethical wildlife sanctuaries, listening for the less-told stories, and tasting the food that holds cultural memory. We believe profound travel is about context, not just location. It’s not just about where you go, but understanding why it matters – and how it might change you.
This is a mini cultural journey through history, heritage, and personal reflection. Articles unfold every 4 days — for a richer, calmer way to learn and travel.
Each of our Seasons is our antidote to the endless scroll. It's a curated, digital cultural magazine – a focused deep dive into a single region or theme, designed to build your understanding layer by layer for a richer, calmer way to learn.
We believe the most profound souvenirs are not objects that gather dust, but perspectives and stories that are woven into the fabric of daily life. Our home is our living journal: a space where a rug woven by Riza’s grandmother tells a story next to a print from a Berlin gallery, where the scent of incense evokes Granada, and the sound of a vinyl record transports us to Bangkok.
These aren't just decorations; they are daily rituals of connection. They are our practice for living more slowly, with intention and joy, long after a trip is over. It’s a reminder that a meaningful, globally-inspired life is something you build, not just visit."
This is a space for intentional cultural exploration. We are a cultural journey in motion—curated by two expat creatives balancing tech careers with a deep hunger for meaning.
Here’s what that means for you:
We believe the journey doesn't end when you unpack. Here, you'll discover how to practice 'Artful Living' – the intentional act of integrating global insights into your daily life. From curated playlists and coffee rituals to our 'Bring it Home' prompts, we share tangible ways to make your home a sanctuary for your stories and keep your curiosity alive, long after the trip is over.
Checklists and 'Top 5' lists leave you with information, but not understanding. Our 'Content Seasons' are designed to go beyond the 'Where' and dive deep into the 'Why' – the rich, layered context of art, history, and heritage that gives a place its soul. Here, you'll learn to read the story behind the sight and connect the dots for yourself.
We don't offer a detached, expert view. As a Polish-Turkish couple living in Ireland, we explore culture from the inside out, through the lens of our own layered identities. Here, you'll find the nuanced perspectives, personal reflections, and honest 'figuring it out' moments that come from a life lived between worlds. It's an invitation to a more authentic conversation about culture.