As the calendar year comes to a close, I find myself pausing in the stillness of late-night hours, when half the world is asleep, to reflect on the extraordinary journey that 2024 has unfolded before me.

A practice I have developed over the last decade or so, is to take some time at the end of the Gregorian year to look back at the photos I took. As I scrolled through my photo gallery finding what my camera lens registered and the stories it wove from each “click” into my travels, I came to a realization that this year resembles the dreams of the 14-year-old Nabil—a time when adventure seemed just out of reach for a Brazilian kid, born in the country side of the Amazon. I often recall my mother’s words when I would compare my life with my friends’ and wonder why their ' families traveled extensively while ours would remain country bound. With a lot of wisdom she simply said, "The right time will come when you will travel for the right reasons." 

Aware of the privileges I carry today, thankful for the opportunities ahead of me, and, beyond that, the courage I had to make this dream possible (considering I am afraid of flying), I never forget the path I have trodden to get where I am.

Putting it into numbers, because they give me a precise idea of all my activities, 2024 concluded in a total of 38 flights across 5 countries and 13 cities, in 4 different continents: starting in the Middle East, to the European winter, down to the warmth of South America up to North America a few times, ending back in the Middle East, where my year started. Blurring the lines of where I call home.

Each journey yielded an unexpected gallery of vibrant landscapes, diverse cultures, and a multitude of “firsts.” I navigated the bustling streets of iconic cities like London, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Santiago, but also crossed the quiet streets of neighborhoods, whose names I can’t recall but whose sounds I vividly remember.

It would be impossible to convey every experience in just a few paragraphs and photos. Yet, I cannot overlook some unforgettable moments:

Words aren’t sufficient to describe the privilege of attending events at the United Nations Headquarters such as the Commission on the Status of Women and Summit of the Future, and witnessing from across the street the United Nations General Assembly for the first time, interacting with some of the most amazing people I have ever crossed paths with - each moment contributing to this rich tapestry of experiences. And the remarkable moment that the current President of the United States, Joe Biden’s convoy passed by me—not once, but twice. Experiences in which I do not take for granted as a photojournalist.

And of course, the exhilarating thrill of witnessing my first Broadway show in Times Square, teaching me the American History with Hamilton. And, in between meetings and events, wearing suit and tie, I watched The Lion King, as tears flowed down my cheeks, as the sound of Circle of Life and drums echoed in the theatre, taking me back to my childhood.

I could not leave aside the movie scene of the stunning array of colors during the Fourth of July fireworks, viewed from just across the Empire State Building, painting a night to remember.

To conclude the many opportunities of capturing the radiant joy of brides and grooms with their families and friends on their wedding day, many of them being my close friends.

The following photographs offer just a glimpse into what 2024 truly meant for me. Setting aside personal experiences and the wonderful friendships I made on the road, this gallery is an effort to encapsulate the thousands of photos captured throughout the year - because behind every image there is an instant experienced by me - not only as a photographer but also as a human being. 

"Where in the world are you?" was the most frequent question I received, so I invite you to join me on a visual journey through these images. From iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods to stunning architecture that seamlessly merges history with modernity. 

Behold breathtaking views that span from the Tower Bridge in London to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, all the way to the Golden Bridge in San Francisco, along with the enchanting Copacabana beach and the vibrant hills of Rio de Janeiro, culminating in the urban landscape of São Paulo's known as the Brazilian concrete jungle.    

And as the famous Tik Tok audio says “And with that the season of 2024 comes to an end.”

 





      

 
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