Timeless Trends recently turned two, and I just turned 32. In my mind, I imagined I would glide through my 30s effortlessly. And truthfully, I believe that kind of ease is my portion, permanent and unshaken. But before I could step into it fully, there was work I had been avoiding. Work on myself, my environment, my faith. Once I finally faced it, walls began to break. The fog lifted. And slowly, I found myself in a season that feels like everything I prayed for.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of front-row seats to incredible experiences, from exclusive events to breathtaking destinations. But nothing compares to how I stepped into this new age: my first trip to Europe, celebrating my birthday in the most cinematic way imaginable.
The Invite That Changed Everything
When the invitation to Italy for PMI Connects Monza landed in my inbox, perfectly aligned with my birthday, I was stunned. After a year that tested my resilience, this felt like divine timing, an answered prayer.
I had always dreamed of turning 30 in Europe. Two years later, there I was, boarding an upper-deck Lufthansa flight from Johannesburg via Frankfurt to Milan, Italy. I traveled with a colleague-turned-friend, the kind of travel partner you just know guarantees a good time.
A Party in the Sky
The celebration began before we even touched down. We met in the lounge, where champagne flowed as if it already knew the weekend ahead would be one for the books. Onboard, things went up a notch, literally.
The upper deck felt like a private jet. Flight attendants spoiled us with champagne, sang for me mid-air, and even surprised us with gifts from first class. My travel partner, a true foodie, insisted on sharing his meals, fork to my plate mid-flight. To onlookers, it might have looked romantic. For us, it was pure fun.
Somewhere between the laughter, the clinking glasses, and the soft hum of the engines, I drifted off to sleep. Resting in the clouds, wrapped in that cocoon of luxury, felt like the perfect prelude to what awaited us in Italy.
That flight was more than just a journey; it was a reminder that faith, persistence, and finally doing the work I had been avoiding can change the story completely. And as for Italy? This was only the beginning.
Next up: the magic of Monza, the speed, the soul, and the moments that made this Italian adventure unforgettable.
By: Nokuthula Khwela
