23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
To travel is to live

When I took this photo in Kenya, I was having one of those days where everything felt heavy. I’d been stressed, overthinking, and honestly just exhausted. I stepped outside for some air, and the moment I looked up, the sky was glowing with the most unreal sunset and view. Standing there, I felt something shift. It was like the world was reminding me that no matter how chaotic life feels, there’s still so much beauty around us if we just pause long enough to see it. That sunset made me realize that the little stresses don’t define anything; life keeps moving, and there are moments like this waiting to ground you, calm you, and remind you of the bigger picture. This photo is my reminder to slow down, breathe, and stay open to the small, quiet miracles happening every day.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Watamu, Kenya
Copyright: © Nicole Sukaria