Project Kosmos | a record-breaking journey of world happiness

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My Story

It is said more people have been to space than every country in the world.

Project Kosmos is Michael Angelo Zervos' voyage to visit them all--faster than anyone has ever done it in history.

In every country, he asked the people he meets one simple question:

"What is the happiest moment of your life?"

His journey ended May 30th, 2025. In doing so, he broke the previous world record by nearly two months.

Michael is now writing a book about the stories he collected, with a projected release of Q3 of 2026 by Penguin Life.

🎉 To celebrate breaking the world record for visiting every country in the world, Michael is giving away a trip package to one lucky follower!

The winner gets:

✈️ Economy airfare to 1 of 4 handpicked destinations (Iraq, Pakistan, Algeria, or a surprise mystery spot!)

🏨 Accommodations

🌍 A guided tour from @untamedborders

✨ Two ways to enter (do both to boost your chances!):

1 entry
✅ Follow @theprojectkosmos
❤️ Like this post
🔖 Save this post
👥 Comment “Happy” and tag two friends who love adventure

Additional 50 entries
🎥 Post a video in your Instagram story answering: “What is the happiest moment of your life?”
📲 Tag @theprojectkosmos
🏆 Winner announced June 13th!

Fine print:

Open to passport holders age 18+

Winner must handle ALL required visas/passport costs; UTB will provide guidance for visa requirements

Prize includes: economy flight, lodging, group tour w/ Untamed Borders

Valid on new group bookings only (Pakistan, Algeria, Iraqi Kurdistan, or “Mystery Destination”)

Travel window: 6/13/25–12/31/36

One trip, one person, one destination

Does not cover add-ons, extras, or trip extensions

Not transferable, no cash alternative

Subject to availability; UTB may modify offer

Standard Booking T&C apply

Instagram is not affiliated with this giveaway

#tripgiveaway #travelgiveaway #giveaways #giveaway #projectkosmos #intrepidtravel #adventurenthusiasts #adventureiscalling #adventures #adventureawaits #travelgram #travelbloggers #travelgiveaways #travelholic #travelbeautifulpakistan #travelislife #travelblogs

🎉 To celebrate breaking the world record for visiting every country in the world, Michael is giving away a trip package to one lucky follower!

The winner gets:

✈️ Economy airfare to 1 of 4 handpicked destinations (Iraq, Pakistan, Algeria, or a surprise mystery spot!)

🏨 Accommodations

🌍 A guided tour from @untamedborders

✨ Two ways to enter (do both to boost your chances!):

1 entry
✅ Follow @theprojectkosmos
❤️ Like this post
🔖 Save this post
👥 Comment “Happy” and tag two friends who love adventure

Additional 50 entries
🎥 Post a video in your Instagram story answering: “What is the happiest moment of your life?”
📲 Tag @theprojectkosmos
🏆 Winner announced June 13th!

Fine print:

Open to passport holders age 18+

Winner must handle ALL required visas/passport costs; UTB will provide guidance for visa requirements

Prize includes: economy flight, lodging, group tour w/ Untamed Borders

Valid on new group bookings only (Pakistan, Algeria, Iraqi Kurdistan, or “Mystery Destination”)

Travel window: 6/13/25–12/31/36

One trip, one person, one destination

Does not cover add-ons, extras, or trip extensions

Not transferable, no cash alternative

Subject to availability; UTB may modify offer

Standard Booking T&C apply

Instagram is not affiliated with this giveaway

#tripgiveaway #travelgiveaway #giveaways #giveaway #projectkosmos #intrepidtravel #adventurenthusiasts #adventureiscalling #adventures #adventureawaits #travelgram #travelbloggers #travelgiveaways #travelholic #travelbeautifulpakistan #travelislife #travelblogs

This is @manuelspina_ , who found out he was having a baby.

#happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #fatherhood #fathers #fatherlove❤️ #fathersday2025 #fatherhoodrocks #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza

This is @manuelspina_ , who found out he was having a baby.

#happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #fatherhood #fathers #fatherlove❤️ #fathersday2025 #fatherhoodrocks #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza

This is @niccobrighe , who threw a rager with his friends.

#friendshipgoals❤️ #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #rager #parties #friendshipismagic #friendshipbonding #friendshipgoal #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza

This is @niccobrighe , who threw a rager with his friends.

#friendshipgoals❤️ #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #rager #parties #friendshipismagic #friendshipbonding #friendshipgoal #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza

Meet @mollicavito, who became a father.

#happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #fatherhood #fathers #fatherlove❤️ #fathersday2025 #fatherhoodrocks #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza #vitomollica

Meet @mollicavito, who became a father.

#happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #fatherhood #fathers #fatherlove❤️ #fathersday2025 #fatherhoodrocks #florence #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #fiorenza #vitomollica

The cloistered micro state of Liechtenstein is one of the least populated in the world. Nestled in the Alps, its isolation and quietude attracts artists, luxury businesses, and a very high standard of living.

Though German speaking, its culture is a potpourri of the surrounding regions, given it a neither “here-nor-there” identity. I was surprised to discover it’s one of few remaining European monarchies where the ruler has near absolute power, the occupied castle above Vaduz makes perfect sense now.

What I love about places like tiny Liechtenstein is that everyone knows everyone. Nearly all the people I met were introduced to me by the good folks at the TAK Theater, as much supporters of Project Kosmos as I am of them.

If you like the idea of waking up, walking outside your hotel, and seeing the Alps in your backyard, swing by Liechtenstein. Say hi to everyone for me.

This is Elmar, who celebrated his friend’s Grammy.

And @karinospelt , recalling her time in her grandmother’s garden.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #liechtenstein #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #liechtensteiner #vaduzliechtenstein #vaduzcastle #vaduz🇱🇮 #smallcountry #monarchies #alpsmountains #alpscape #alps

The cloistered micro state of Liechtenstein is one of the least populated in the world. Nestled in the Alps, its isolation and quietude attracts artists, luxury businesses, and a very high standard of living.

Though German speaking, its culture is a potpourri of the surrounding regions, given it a neither “here-nor-there” identity. I was surprised to discover it’s one of few remaining European monarchies where the ruler has near absolute power, the occupied castle above Vaduz makes perfect sense now.

What I love about places like tiny Liechtenstein is that everyone knows everyone. Nearly all the people I met were introduced to me by the good folks at the TAK Theater, as much supporters of Project Kosmos as I am of them.

If you like the idea of waking up, walking outside your hotel, and seeing the Alps in your backyard, swing by Liechtenstein. Say hi to everyone for me.

This is Elmar, who celebrated his friend’s Grammy.

And @karinospelt , recalling her time in her grandmother’s garden.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #liechtenstein #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #liechtensteiner #vaduzliechtenstein #vaduzcastle #vaduz🇱🇮 #smallcountry #monarchies #alpsmountains #alpscape #alps

This is @karinospelt who dreams of paradise.

(Thanks to the @taktheaterliechtenstein for letting me film in its beautiful theater!)

#Liechtenstein #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happiestmoments #projectkosmos #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #vaduz #childhooddream #dreamsmatter #grandmotherlove❤️ #grandmothers

This is @karinospelt who dreams of paradise.

(Thanks to the @taktheaterliechtenstein for letting me film in its beautiful theater!)

#Liechtenstein #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happiestmoments #projectkosmos #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #vaduz #childhooddream #dreamsmatter #grandmotherlove❤️ #grandmothers

Here’s Elmer, who celebrated his friend @david_russellguitar achievement.

#Liechtenstein #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happiestmoments #projectkosmos #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #vaduz🇱🇮 #grammy #grammyawardwinner #classicalguitarist #davidrussellguitar

Here’s Elmer, who celebrated his friend @david_russellguitar achievement.

#Liechtenstein #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happiestmoments #projectkosmos #liechtenstein🇱🇮 #vaduz #vaduz🇱🇮 #grammy #grammyawardwinner #classicalguitarist #davidrussellguitar

I had little desire to visit this country. I know, I know, I’m not supposed to say that but Switzerland didn’t ever scream “must-see” in the past. Turns out, being forced to visit was a very good thing indeed.

Zurich is a monolith to refined cosmopolitanism, a place where art, business, and politics are tied up in a neat inoffensive bow. My sense of things is that to rock the boat here would be met with an eye roll rather than jail time.

Elsewhere in Switzerland can you find places that look a lot like your current screensaver, extraordinary landscapes where even idiots can take good pictures. Finally, it was in the little town of Stein am Rhine where I realized there’s so much more I’d like to see here.

A local told me that the only way to get the Swiss to riot is a poorly managed train system. This is the most fitting statement I’ve heard used to describe a people yet. When you’ve been around the world, you know just how rare it really is…and why their opinion of themselves is rightfully so high.

Introducing Sam, who had a weekend of making music.

And Malik, who discovered himself in Berlin.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #zürich #zurich🇨🇭 #zurich_switzerland #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #zurichtourism #switzerland🇨🇭 #switzerlandmylove #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandvacations #switzerland_vacation

I had little desire to visit this country. I know, I know, I’m not supposed to say that but Switzerland didn’t ever scream “must-see” in the past. Turns out, being forced to visit was a very good thing indeed.

Zurich is a monolith to refined cosmopolitanism, a place where art, business, and politics are tied up in a neat inoffensive bow. My sense of things is that to rock the boat here would be met with an eye roll rather than jail time.

Elsewhere in Switzerland can you find places that look a lot like your current screensaver, extraordinary landscapes where even idiots can take good pictures. Finally, it was in the little town of Stein am Rhine where I realized there’s so much more I’d like to see here.

A local told me that the only way to get the Swiss to riot is a poorly managed train system. This is the most fitting statement I’ve heard used to describe a people yet. When you’ve been around the world, you know just how rare it really is…and why their opinion of themselves is rightfully so high.

Introducing Sam, who had a weekend of making music.

And Malik, who discovered himself in Berlin.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #zürich #zurich🇨🇭 #zurich_switzerland #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #zurichtourism #switzerland🇨🇭 #switzerlandmylove #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtrip #switzerlandvacations #switzerland_vacation

Introducing Malik, who discovered himself.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #zürich #zurich🇨🇭 #zurich_switzerland #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife #bisexual #bisexual🌈 #bisexual🏳️‍🌈 #bi #selfdiscoveryjourney #selfdiscovery #berlingay #swissboy

Introducing Malik, who discovered himself.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #zürich #zurich🇨🇭 #zurich_switzerland #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife #bisexual #bisexual🌈 #bisexual🏳️‍🌈 #bi #selfdiscoveryjourney #selfdiscovery #berlingay #swissboy

This is Sam, who had a connection through music.

#zurich #zürich #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments #musicconnection #musicconnectspeople #musicconnects #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife

This is Sam, who had a connection through music.

#zurich #zürich #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments #musicconnection #musicconnectspeople #musicconnects #zürichcity #zurichcity #zurichlife

Zagreb is understated place where the magic lies in the corners and crevices rather than the whole.

The contradictory nostalgia of 80’s Yugoslavia. Pent up emotions in the Museum of Broken Relationships. Hearty meals in homey environments. Massive crowds celebrating the homecoming of a national team.

These are some of the memories I’ll bring with me from the city. But something about it as a whole didn’t resonate with me, like a song sung in the wrong key. Maybe it was simply that it felt like so many other Balkan cities. At least I had some friends to keep me company.

The locals tell me that it was a mistake to come to Zagreb for my first visit, that I should’ve gone to the countryside and coast. Perhaps next time, but as for now I must move on.

This is Domagoj, whose childhood nightmares stopped.

And Filip, who overcame a stutter.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #zagreb #zagrebcroatia🇭🇷 #croatian #croatia🇭🇷 #croatiawithlove #everycountry #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #intrepidtravel #croatiatourism #zagrebcroatia #zagrebstreet #croat #croatá #croatia_lovers #croatie🇭🇷 #croatia_ig

Zagreb is understated place where the magic lies in the corners and crevices rather than the whole.

The contradictory nostalgia of 80’s Yugoslavia. Pent up emotions in the Museum of Broken Relationships. Hearty meals in homey environments. Massive crowds celebrating the homecoming of a national team.

These are some of the memories I’ll bring with me from the city. But something about it as a whole didn’t resonate with me, like a song sung in the wrong key. Maybe it was simply that it felt like so many other Balkan cities. At least I had some friends to keep me company.

The locals tell me that it was a mistake to come to Zagreb for my first visit, that I should’ve gone to the countryside and coast. Perhaps next time, but as for now I must move on.

This is Domagoj, whose childhood nightmares stopped.

And Filip, who overcame a stutter.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#projectkosmos #zagreb #zagrebcroatia🇭🇷 #croatian #croatia🇭🇷 #croatiawithlove #everycountry #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #intrepidtravel #croatiatourism #zagrebcroatia #zagrebstreet #croat #croatá #croatia_lovers #croatie🇭🇷 #croatia_ig

This is Domagoj, who had nightmares.

#projectkosmos #nightmares #nightmare #zagreb #croatian #happiestmoments #happymoments❤ #happiest #truthseekers #croatia

This is Domagoj, who had nightmares.

#projectkosmos #nightmares #nightmare #zagreb #croatian #happiestmoments #happymoments❤ #happiest #truthseekers #croatia

This is @philatz, who overcame a speech impediment.

#projectkosmos #zagreb #zagrebcroatia🇭🇷 #croatian #croatia🇭🇷 #croatiawithlove #speechimpediment #stutter #stuttering #stutteringawareness #speechpathology #stutteringtherapy #speechpathologist #domesticviolencesurvivor #domesticviolenceawareness

This is @philatz, who overcame a speech impediment.

#projectkosmos #zagreb #zagrebcroatia🇭🇷 #croatian #croatia🇭🇷 #croatiawithlove #speechimpediment #stutter #stuttering #stutteringawareness #speechpathology #stutteringtherapy #speechpathologist #domesticviolencesurvivor #domesticviolenceawareness

Slovenia, a little country of two million, is not the place you typically dream of when planning a European vacation. But its capital Ljubljana does everything just a little bit better than the average.

Its medieval town is just a little cuter. Its prices are just a little cheaper. It’s bridges a little more eccentric. Shopfronts a bit more dressed. And its people more easygoing. It reminded me of the town I grew up in, halfway around the world.

Yes, some locals complain about it being a little too quiet, sometimes even too close-minded. But for every parochial city, there are people in them willing to buck social norms. I stumbled upon one such group performing in the street. This merry band of misfits I’d see every day throughout town, charming me with their silly songs and poking fun at their own country.

I remember kids like this growing up with dreams of leaving their city for greener pastures. For years they’d be away, only to realize the place they began wasn’t so bad after all.

Meet Mattea, a musician who assembled a band.

And Dean, whose mother’s life was saved at the eleven hour.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#ljubljana #ljubljana #projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #slovenia #slovenian #slovenia🇸🇮 #sloveniatravel #slovenia_ig #sloveniatourism

Slovenia, a little country of two million, is not the place you typically dream of when planning a European vacation. But its capital Ljubljana does everything just a little bit better than the average.

Its medieval town is just a little cuter. Its prices are just a little cheaper. It’s bridges a little more eccentric. Shopfronts a bit more dressed. And its people more easygoing. It reminded me of the town I grew up in, halfway around the world.

Yes, some locals complain about it being a little too quiet, sometimes even too close-minded. But for every parochial city, there are people in them willing to buck social norms. I stumbled upon one such group performing in the street. This merry band of misfits I’d see every day throughout town, charming me with their silly songs and poking fun at their own country.

I remember kids like this growing up with dreams of leaving their city for greener pastures. For years they’d be away, only to realize the place they began wasn’t so bad after all.

Meet Mattea, a musician who assembled a band.

And Dean, whose mother’s life was saved at the eleven hour.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#ljubljana #ljubljana #projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #slovenia #slovenian #slovenia🇸🇮 #sloveniatravel #slovenia_ig #sloveniatourism

Here’s Matija, who played music on a mountain.

#ljubljana #ljubljana #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #musicislove #musicismydrug #musicislifeismusic #slovenia🇸🇮 #slovenia #slovenian #slovenianartist #musicismedicine

Here’s Matija, who played music on a mountain.

#ljubljana #ljubljana #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #musicislove #musicismydrug #musicislifeismusic #slovenia🇸🇮 #slovenia #slovenian #slovenianartist #musicismedicine

Meet @dean_laibachink , whose mom’s life was saved.

#livertransplant #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happiest #happymoment #motherday #mothersday2025 #mothersonlove #mothersonbond #sloveniatattoo #livertransplantsurvivor #livertransplantrecipient #slovenia🇸🇮 #slovenian

Meet @dean_laibachink , whose mom’s life was saved.

#livertransplant #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happiest #happymoment #motherday #mothersday2025 #mothersonlove #mothersonbond #sloveniatattoo #livertransplantsurvivor #livertransplantrecipient #slovenia🇸🇮 #slovenian

With all but a few exceptions, a country isn’t its capital and a capital isn’t its country. Prague exemplifies this truism, offering a devastatingly beautiful yet deceptive view of what the rest of the country could look like.

Layered history of a past and present commingle in art and architecture by day while nightly strolls through hauntingly empty streets lulled me into believing I’d taken a wrong turn into the 19th Century. That is, until you make a right turn into a hidden underground club.

I’m not writing home about the local food but conversation shifts when I have a big ole glass of pilsner in my hand. Eat your heart out, Budweiser.

To travel in Central Europe is to always have something to do but to rarely have those things pushed in your face. Here the cautious tourists who like to look before they buy will feel safe. And if you want something more aggressive, you will surely find it.

Here is @8pho.to , a photographer who helped someone.

And Jan, an explorer out in his element.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#czech #czechrepublic🇨🇿 #czechtraveler #czechrepublik #prague #prague🇨🇿 #praguestagram #praguecity #praguecastle #praguetrip #praguecastle🏰 #pragueoldtown #projectkosmos #praguebynight

With all but a few exceptions, a country isn’t its capital and a capital isn’t its country. Prague exemplifies this truism, offering a devastatingly beautiful yet deceptive view of what the rest of the country could look like.

Layered history of a past and present commingle in art and architecture by day while nightly strolls through hauntingly empty streets lulled me into believing I’d taken a wrong turn into the 19th Century. That is, until you make a right turn into a hidden underground club.

I’m not writing home about the local food but conversation shifts when I have a big ole glass of pilsner in my hand. Eat your heart out, Budweiser.

To travel in Central Europe is to always have something to do but to rarely have those things pushed in your face. Here the cautious tourists who like to look before they buy will feel safe. And if you want something more aggressive, you will surely find it.

Here is @8pho.to , a photographer who helped someone.

And Jan, an explorer out in his element.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#czech #czechrepublic🇨🇿 #czechtraveler #czechrepublik #prague #prague🇨🇿 #praguestagram #praguecity #praguecastle #praguetrip #praguecastle🏰 #pragueoldtown #projectkosmos #praguebynight

This is @8pho.to , who realized something after helping someone.

#helpingothers #helpingother #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #czechrepublic #czech #czechrepublic🇨🇿 #praguestagram #helpothersinneed #helping

This is @8pho.to , who realized something after helping someone.

#helpingothers #helpingother #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #czechrepublic #czech #czechrepublic🇨🇿 #praguestagram #helpothersinneed #helping

This is Jan, who took care of dogs.

#greenlandicdogs #arcticdog #dogsled #dogsledding #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #happymoments #animallover #dogsoul #dogsoulmate #dogloversofinstagram #prague #czechdog #czech

This is Jan, who took care of dogs.

#greenlandicdogs #arcticdog #dogsled #dogsledding #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #happymoments #animallover #dogsoul #dogsoulmate #dogloversofinstagram #prague #czechdog #czech

For an outsider, the veil between what is real and fake in North Korea is razor thin. Just a little seed of doubt calls into question everything you are shown.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a dangerous place. Order and law exist in the extreme, undergirded by a state religion unrivaled anywhere else. For the Koreans, the entire world is against them and only they stand as a bulwark against imperialist rule.

Above every building is a slogan, in every performance there is a ritual, meant to reinforce, remind, and impel the socialist project. To speak to locals about their worldview is mesmerizing. Fear bleeds into love for the great leaders, both living and dead, so that one cannot quite tell what motivates what.

When we sing songs of peace, against our better wishes, sometimes that peace looks a little something like this. I am not rushing to live here but to call this a hellscape is to deny the existence of very real war zones elsewhere.

That is very hard to swallow indeed.

This is Jong Un Rim, who loves her country.

And @ring5825 , who left it.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#pyongyang #northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #projectkosmos #dprkorea #koryo #korean #northkoreamemes #northkorea🇰🇵 #intrepidtravel #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #communism #communismwillwin #communist

For an outsider, the veil between what is real and fake in North Korea is razor thin. Just a little seed of doubt calls into question everything you are shown.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a dangerous place. Order and law exist in the extreme, undergirded by a state religion unrivaled anywhere else. For the Koreans, the entire world is against them and only they stand as a bulwark against imperialist rule.

Above every building is a slogan, in every performance there is a ritual, meant to reinforce, remind, and impel the socialist project. To speak to locals about their worldview is mesmerizing. Fear bleeds into love for the great leaders, both living and dead, so that one cannot quite tell what motivates what.

When we sing songs of peace, against our better wishes, sometimes that peace looks a little something like this. I am not rushing to live here but to call this a hellscape is to deny the existence of very real war zones elsewhere.

That is very hard to swallow indeed.

This is Jong Un Rim, who loves her country.

And @ring5825 , who left it.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#pyongyang #northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #projectkosmos #dprkorea #koryo #korean #northkoreamemes #northkorea🇰🇵 #intrepidtravel #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #communism #communismwillwin #communist

This is @ring5825, who was reunited with her mother.

A special thanks to @caseylartigue for filming this.

#northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #projectkosmos #dprkorea #koryo #koreangirlstyle #korean #koreangirl #mothersday #motherdaughterlove #motherdaughter #motherdaughtermoment #motherdaughterbond #motherdaughtergoals #mothersday2025

This is @ring5825, who was reunited with her mother.

A special thanks to @caseylartigue for filming this.

#northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #projectkosmos #dprkorea #koryo #koreangirlstyle #korean #koreangirl #mothersday #motherdaughterlove #motherdaughter #motherdaughtermoment #motherdaughterbond #motherdaughtergoals #mothersday2025

Meet Jong Un Rim, who visited Pyongyang.

#pyongyang #northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #happiestmoment #happiest #projectkosmos #happymoments #happymoment #dprkorea #koryo #koreangirlstyle #korean #koreangirl

Meet Jong Un Rim, who visited Pyongyang.

#pyongyang #northkorea #northkorean #northkoreans #dprk #happiestmoment #happiest #projectkosmos #happymoments #happymoment #dprkorea #koryo #koreangirlstyle #korean #koreangirl

This is @sonjapikart, who won a prestigious award.

#womenincomedy #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #femalecomedian #femalecomedians #austrian #austria🇦🇹 #comedianlife #komikerin #komiker #austriagram #femalecomic #kabarettistin #kabarett #preisverleihung

This is @sonjapikart, who won a prestigious award.

#womenincomedy #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #femalecomedian #femalecomedians #austrian #austria🇦🇹 #comedianlife #komikerin #komiker #austriagram #femalecomic #kabarettistin #kabarett #preisverleihung

This is @caseycwolf , who had a moment of gratitude.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #motherhoodthroughig #motherhoodisdarling #motherhoodismagic #motherhoodiscolorful #viennalife #motherhoodmoments

This is @caseycwolf , who had a moment of gratitude.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #motherhoodthroughig #motherhoodisdarling #motherhoodismagic #motherhoodiscolorful #viennalife #motherhoodmoments

Here’s @liam.trials , who jumped off a building.

#projectkosmos #streettrial #streettrials #biketricks #bikejump #bikejumps #viennese #viennaboy #austrianathlete #mtb #mtbike #mtb❤️ #mtbforlife #mtblove #mtbfun #mtbkids #mtbpassion

Here’s @liam.trials , who jumped off a building.

#projectkosmos #streettrial #streettrials #biketricks #bikejump #bikejumps #viennese #viennaboy #austrianathlete #mtb #mtbike #mtb❤️ #mtbforlife #mtblove #mtbfun #mtbkids #mtbpassion

This is Hugo, who felt complete freedom.

#freedom #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #freedomofchoice #freedomtobeyou #freedomseeker #dutch #Amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdam🇳🇱 #dutchman

This is Hugo, who felt complete freedom.

#freedom #projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #freedomofchoice #freedomtobeyou #freedomseeker #dutch #Amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdam🇳🇱 #dutchman

Introducing @amsterdam_budtender, who adores the beach.

#amsterdamcity #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #beachlifebestlife #beachlife🌊 #beachlifestyle #beachlife #beachlovers #beachlover #beachlove #beachlover❤️ #projectkosmos

Introducing @amsterdam_budtender, who adores the beach.

#amsterdamcity #happymoments❤ #happiest #happymoment #happymoments #beachlifebestlife #beachlife🌊 #beachlifestyle #beachlife #beachlovers #beachlover #beachlove #beachlover❤️ #projectkosmos

Here’s Suleiman, who got lost.

#lost #projectkosmos #gettinglost #scarymoments #happymoments❤ #happiest #happiestmoment #happymoment #cameroon #cameroon🇨🇲 #yaounde #yaoundé

Here’s Suleiman, who got lost.

#lost #projectkosmos #gettinglost #scarymoments #happymoments❤ #happiest #happiestmoment #happymoment #cameroon #cameroon🇨🇲 #yaounde #yaoundé

Meet Gary, who found his biological family.

#adopted #projectkosmos #adopt adoption #adoptionstory #adoptuk #adoptionislove #happymoments❤ #happiest #happiestmoment #happymoments #happymoment #English #england #england🇬🇧

Meet Gary, who found his biological family.

#adopted #projectkosmos #adopt adoption #adoptionstory #adoptuk #adoptionislove #happymoments❤ #happiest #happiestmoment #happymoments #happymoment #English #england #england🇬🇧

This Polina, who fell in love.

#London #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #happiest #fallinginlove #fallinlove #inlove #firstlove #uk #unitedkingdom #londoner #england #english #lovestory

This Polina, who fell in love.

#London #projectkosmos #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #happiest #fallinginlove #fallinlove #inlove #firstlove #uk #unitedkingdom #londoner #england #english #lovestory

How do you smile at me, a stranger, when your brothers are dying all around you? Why do you give me what you don’t have, when I will pass through your memory like the wind through the palm?

In a plane half full, I travel away from my final African country on my voyage. There was no climax, no celebration for this one. To come to any country, much less Sudan, in a time of war is to see a country at its worst. There is not a man, woman, or child that hasn’t lost something in a bloodbath that few have heard of.

To witness then, that even in a time of weakness, a time of earned cynicism, and misery for all, I am still treated like an old friend coming back from a long journey, I can only respond in timid gratitude.

That is the feeling of coming to the world’s poorest places, where stripped naked for you are the richness of souls and the countless miracles of human perseverance.

Here is @hamaaada.the.moon, who found his faith in Allah

And introducing Muataz, who first saw the face of his daughter.

Edited by @ftt.pat

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #projectkosmos #sudanese_photos #sudanese_video #sudaneseculture #sudani #sudanforever #intrepidtravel

How do you smile at me, a stranger, when your brothers are dying all around you? Why do you give me what you don’t have, when I will pass through your memory like the wind through the palm?

In a plane half full, I travel away from my final African country on my voyage. There was no climax, no celebration for this one. To come to any country, much less Sudan, in a time of war is to see a country at its worst. There is not a man, woman, or child that hasn’t lost something in a bloodbath that few have heard of.

To witness then, that even in a time of weakness, a time of earned cynicism, and misery for all, I am still treated like an old friend coming back from a long journey, I can only respond in timid gratitude.

That is the feeling of coming to the world’s poorest places, where stripped naked for you are the richness of souls and the countless miracles of human perseverance.

Here is @hamaaada.the.moon, who found his faith in Allah

And introducing Muataz, who first saw the face of his daughter.

Edited by @ftt.pat

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #projectkosmos #sudanese_photos #sudanese_video #sudaneseculture #sudani #sudanforever #intrepidtravel

Meet Motaz, who had his first girl.

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happymoments #happiest #happymoment

Meet Motaz, who had his first girl.

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happymoments #happiest #happymoment

This is @hamaaada.the.moon, who found Allah.

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happymoments #happiest #happymoment #saudiarabia🇸🇦 #saudi

This is @hamaaada.the.moon, who found Allah.

#sudanese #sudanese_shoutout #sudanese_love #sudanes #sudani #portsudan #allah #sudan🇸🇩 #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #projectkosmos #happymoments #happiest #happymoment #saudiarabia🇸🇦 #saudi

Iceland, the land of fire and ice.

True to its moniker, you will get hot and you will get cold, your face will freeze and it will burn. You’ll put a on jacket, you’ll take it off again.

Iceland’s environment expresses neither a love nor hate for you, the human, rather an indifference to your desperate attempts to survive its elemental forces.

Somewhere in the middle of two extremes lie the Icelandic people, a phlegmatic, even-keeled lot who descend from Viking berserkers crazy enough to pitch tents in an inhospitable tundra prone to winter darkness lasting twenty hours.

But with the darkness comes the extraordinary. During a certain time of year, all hell breaks loose. The families out in droves. Fires as high as buildings. And when the clock strikes midnight, cascading lights like an infinity mirror forever into the horizon. .

If you are hearty and adventurous, come. You’ll be rewarded with images you’ve only seen in your dreams.

This is @olidori , who got his first apartment.

And Johannes, who remembers his child’s birth.

Edited by @grantosbornefilms

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #intrepidtravel #icelandtourism #icelandtours #icelandtour #icelandtrip #icelandtravels

Iceland, the land of fire and ice.

True to its moniker, you will get hot and you will get cold, your face will freeze and it will burn. You’ll put a on jacket, you’ll take it off again.

Iceland’s environment expresses neither a love nor hate for you, the human, rather an indifference to your desperate attempts to survive its elemental forces.

Somewhere in the middle of two extremes lie the Icelandic people, a phlegmatic, even-keeled lot who descend from Viking berserkers crazy enough to pitch tents in an inhospitable tundra prone to winter darkness lasting twenty hours.

But with the darkness comes the extraordinary. During a certain time of year, all hell breaks loose. The families out in droves. Fires as high as buildings. And when the clock strikes midnight, cascading lights like an infinity mirror forever into the horizon. .

If you are hearty and adventurous, come. You’ll be rewarded with images you’ve only seen in your dreams.

This is @olidori , who got his first apartment.

And Johannes, who remembers his child’s birth.

Edited by @grantosbornefilms

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #intrepidtravel #icelandtourism #icelandtours #icelandtour #icelandtrip #icelandtravels

This is Johannes, who had his second kid.

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments

This is Johannes, who had his second kid.

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments

This is @olidori, who got his first place.

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments

This is @olidori, who got his first place.

#reykjavík #reykjavik #reykjavìk #icelandic #icelander #icelanders #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #happymoments

Twas the night before Christmas, and all throughout Oslo, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

I’ve been away from my family for a year and I knew I’d be away during the holidays as well. Being an introvert at heart, I could’ve just as easily spent Christmas alone, strolling down foggy streets with only my thoughts to keep me company. When empty, Oslo has a haunting beauty fit for poetic verse and celluloid frames.

But as I’ve said before, the people make the place. And what’s more, so many happy moments I’ve heard across the world involve loved ones. The success of one. The survival of another. The birth of new ones. I have no doubt that relationships are fundamental to producing a more happy life.

I could’ve treated the day like any other day, but I’m glad I didn’t. Instead, I put the camera away and celebrated it with special people who gave me memories I’ll cherish.

This is @emiliehov , who was held in a perfect embrace.

And @andreathiis , who had a homecoming to Norway.

Edited by @grantosbornefilms

#projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #christmasinnorway #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaygirls #oslo #oslonorway #oslogram #oslolove #oslo🇳🇴 #oslove❤️

Twas the night before Christmas, and all throughout Oslo, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

I’ve been away from my family for a year and I knew I’d be away during the holidays as well. Being an introvert at heart, I could’ve just as easily spent Christmas alone, strolling down foggy streets with only my thoughts to keep me company. When empty, Oslo has a haunting beauty fit for poetic verse and celluloid frames.

But as I’ve said before, the people make the place. And what’s more, so many happy moments I’ve heard across the world involve loved ones. The success of one. The survival of another. The birth of new ones. I have no doubt that relationships are fundamental to producing a more happy life.

I could’ve treated the day like any other day, but I’m glad I didn’t. Instead, I put the camera away and celebrated it with special people who gave me memories I’ll cherish.

This is @emiliehov , who was held in a perfect embrace.

And @andreathiis , who had a homecoming to Norway.

Edited by @grantosbornefilms

#projectkosmos #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #christmasinnorway #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaygirls #oslo #oslonorway #oslogram #oslolove #oslo🇳🇴 #oslove❤️

This is @emiliehov, who became a butterfly.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happymoment #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaygirls #authenticity #authenticitymatters

This is @emiliehov, who became a butterfly.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happymoment #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaygirls #authenticity #authenticitymatters

This is @andreathiis, who came back to Norway.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happymoment #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaylove #norwaygirls #cominghome

This is @andreathiis, who came back to Norway.

#projectkosmos #happiestmoment #happymoments❤ #happymoment #norway #norwayinanutshell #norwegian #norwegen🇳🇴 #norway🇳🇴 #norwaylove #norwaygirls #cominghome

It shocked me to realize I have visited Sweden more than any other country besides Greece. Why is a story for another day. The point is I never really liked it.

Places can change over time. More importantly, you change. What once was won’t always be, both internally and externally. Something was different coming to Sweden this time. A great many things. The country was in its darkest time of the year. The streets were flooded with Christmas tourists. I was visiting a city I hadn’t been to before. And I am undergoing a journey that has altered me irrevocably.

In the great big world of places to visit, I understand why you may not want to give a place a second chance. But my frosty view of Sweden has warmed just a bit. And perhaps the heartwarming Christmas traditions didn’t hurt either.

This is Emil, whose relative survived cancer.

And Elsa, who had a midsummer to remember.

Edited by @ftt.pat

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #sweden🇸🇪 #projectkosmos #uppsala #uppsalacity #stockholm #stockholmcity #stockholmsweden #swedentourism #swedishwinter #wheninsweden #sweden_images

It shocked me to realize I have visited Sweden more than any other country besides Greece. Why is a story for another day. The point is I never really liked it.

Places can change over time. More importantly, you change. What once was won’t always be, both internally and externally. Something was different coming to Sweden this time. A great many things. The country was in its darkest time of the year. The streets were flooded with Christmas tourists. I was visiting a city I hadn’t been to before. And I am undergoing a journey that has altered me irrevocably.

In the great big world of places to visit, I understand why you may not want to give a place a second chance. But my frosty view of Sweden has warmed just a bit. And perhaps the heartwarming Christmas traditions didn’t hurt either.

This is Emil, whose relative survived cancer.

And Elsa, who had a midsummer to remember.

Edited by @ftt.pat

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #sweden🇸🇪 #projectkosmos #uppsala #uppsalacity #stockholm #stockholmcity #stockholmsweden #swedentourism #swedishwinter #wheninsweden #sweden_images

This is Emil, whose relative beat cancer.

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #sweden��🇸🇪 #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #swedishboy #swedishfika

This is Emil, whose relative beat cancer.

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #sweden🇸🇪 #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #swedishboy #swedishfika

This is Elsa, who celebrated Midsummer.

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #midsummer #midsummereve #midsummerseve #sweden🇸🇪 #swedensummer #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #midsummerfestival

This is Elsa, who celebrated Midsummer.

#sweden #swedish #swedishculture #midsummer #midsummereve #midsummerseve #sweden🇸🇪 #swedensummer #happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happymoment #midsummerfestival

It was brutally cold when I arrived by bus to Belarus…and once immigrations noticed I had just been to Ukraine, so was my welcome.

Still, after an intense interrogation, I disappeared into a wintery Minsk with relative ease.

Because of the language barrier, connecting with many people was difficult so I took to exploring a bizarre combination of military and miniature museums, malls, and markets. My stops represented a chance to learn about its culture and an effort to stay out of the cold. Not that I need an excuse to stuff my face.

Since Minsk’s blistering cold made wandering between distant landmarks an uncomfortable proposition, Belarus still remains a bit of a mystery to me. Fragments of a place without understanding the whole.

Then again, that’s just about every place I’ve seen.

This is @kotovss_ , who saw U2 live.

And Vika, who recalls New Years with her family.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾#belarustoday #minsk_i_belarus #minskgram #minskinstagram #minsknow

It was brutally cold when I arrived by bus to Belarus…and once immigrations noticed I had just been to Ukraine, so was my welcome.

Still, after an intense interrogation, I disappeared into a wintery Minsk with relative ease.

Because of the language barrier, connecting with many people was difficult so I took to exploring a bizarre combination of military and miniature museums, malls, and markets. My stops represented a chance to learn about its culture and an effort to stay out of the cold. Not that I need an excuse to stuff my face.

Since Minsk’s blistering cold made wandering between distant landmarks an uncomfortable proposition, Belarus still remains a bit of a mystery to me. Fragments of a place without understanding the whole.

Then again, that’s just about every place I’ve seen.

This is @kotovss_ , who saw U2 live.

And Vika, who recalls New Years with her family.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾#belarustoday #minsk_i_belarus #minskgram #minskinstagram #minsknow

This is Vika, who recalls a special New Year’s Day.

Big thanks to @kotovss_ for refilming an interview for me!

#belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾#belarusgirl #belarusiangirl #belarussiangirl

This is Vika, who recalls a special New Year’s Day.

Big thanks to @kotovss_ for refilming an interview for me!

#belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾#belarusgirl #belarusiangirl #belarussiangirl

Meet @kotovss_ , who went to a @u2 concert.

#u2 #u2ietour #belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾

Meet @kotovss_ , who went to a @u2 concert.

#u2 #u2ietour #belarus #belarus_instagram #belarusgram #belarusian #minsk #minskcity #minsklife #minskpeople #minskinsta #minsk🇧🇾 #belarus🇧🇾

This is Riyad, who once lived in Greece.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

This is Riyad, who once lived in Greece.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

This is Ali, who had his first sale.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

This is Ali, who had his first sale.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

This is Moab, who moved cities.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

This is Moab, who moved cities.

#happymoments❤ #happiestmoment #projectkosmos #happiest #palestine #palestine🇵🇸 #palestine🇵🇸❤️ #palestinian #palestina #palestinians

Say the name Yemen and what feelings come to your mind? Sadness? Confusion? Apathy? Despair? Rage? What about happiness?

So many have died here, silently, in a conflict too inconvenient, too esoteric for mainstream media to report on its people’s suffering. How then can I come in good conscience to this place to ask about an emotion so antithetical to war as happiness?

It turns out, happiness is as much an anchor as it is a beacon for the downtrodden. As the dozens of people I spoke with heard my question, their eyes would light up, they would grow animated, and they would immediately recite answers as though they had them memorized.

Yemen is a deeply religious country whose people put their faith in Allah that the happiness they may have lacked in the here may be multiplied in the hereafter. But in order to comprehend a heavenly reward, one must first have tasted it sometime in the past. To ask about happiness is to summon the very reason many people all over the world endure through the darkest of days.

This is Fatima, a lawyer accepted into a prestigious organization.

And introducing Seba, the only female conflict expert in all of Yemen.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#yemen #yemeni #yemen🇾🇪 #yémen #yemenia #yemenioyası #yemencrisis #yemenis #projectkosmos #yemeniah #everycountryintheworld #everycountry

Say the name Yemen and what feelings come to your mind? Sadness? Confusion? Apathy? Despair? Rage? What about happiness?

So many have died here, silently, in a conflict too inconvenient, too esoteric for mainstream media to report on its people’s suffering. How then can I come in good conscience to this place to ask about an emotion so antithetical to war as happiness?

It turns out, happiness is as much an anchor as it is a beacon for the downtrodden. As the dozens of people I spoke with heard my question, their eyes would light up, they would grow animated, and they would immediately recite answers as though they had them memorized.

Yemen is a deeply religious country whose people put their faith in Allah that the happiness they may have lacked in the here may be multiplied in the hereafter. But in order to comprehend a heavenly reward, one must first have tasted it sometime in the past. To ask about happiness is to summon the very reason many people all over the world endure through the darkest of days.

This is Fatima, a lawyer accepted into a prestigious organization.

And introducing Seba, the only female conflict expert in all of Yemen.

Edited by @demetri_zervos

#yemen #yemeni #yemen🇾🇪 #yémen #yemenia #yemenioyası #yemencrisis #yemenis #projectkosmos #yemeniah #everycountryintheworld #everycountry

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Follow the journey

@theprojectkosmos

The Partners

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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Untamed Borders

Genki

Sheath

Vibram

Moosejaw

Climate Pioneers

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Untamed Borders

Genki

Sheath

Vibram

Moosejaw

Climate Pioneers

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