Category: Stories

How an expedition to the Himalayas strengthened the bond between Mila and Lorenzo Ricetti

Motherhood is often described as a journey, but for Mila Ricetti (56) and her son Lorenzo (24), it materialized into a literal expedition across the rustic landscapes of Nepal with the Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region—a route that invites a profound introspection in the face of the Himalayas’ grandeur.

Mila already had a yoga retreat planned. To celebrate Lorenzo’s graduation from law school and the new chapter in his life, they altered the schedule to include trekking. With the support of PlanetaEXO in organizing the logistics, mother and son traded traditional graduation parties for the silence of high altitudes.

Together, they were able to connect even more in one of the most beautiful and enigmatic settings in the world.

The Beauty of the Path

In Nepal, spirituality isn’t found only in temples but in the very rhythm of the walk and the spectacular views from the mountaintops after a long trek.

“We woke up at 3 a.m. to climb the mountains and watch the sunrise,” Mila recalls.  I didn’t think I’d make it in time, but I went at my own pace, and it worked out. It was beautiful and very emotional.”

The starlit sky that seemed low enough to touch, the frozen darkness, and the snowy peaks covered with golden sunlight made that moment a rich, unforgettable exchange where the silence between one step and the next spoke louder than a thousand words—especially in such good company.

👉 Read more: Women over 50 Shatter Stereotypes and Prove that Adventure Has No Age Limit

A New Dynamic on the Trail

Traveling to Nepal demands physical endurance and mental preparation. For Mila and Lorenzo, the challenges of the harsh terrain acted as a catalyst.

The trip marked a clear transition from traditional “family vacations” to a shared experience between two adults. The simple act of walking side by side for hours on end created a safe space for dialogue and mutual observation.

“It was wonderful to have this companionship above all else, helping each other out and solving problems together. It was a great experience of maturation for our relationship,” Lorenzo shares. 

For Mila, the immersive environment provided an uninterrupted space to appreciate the present moment and, most importantly, the presence of Lorenzo in a new light. “It was an intimacy with the surroundings, with myself, and with my son by my side. Everything felt so perfect; I was worry-free and incredibly happy.”

Strength in Vulnerability and Mutual Inspiration

Facing the altitude, the cold, and the physical exhaustion required a level of trust that is only forged in adversity. Mutual support became vital as they found strength in giving each other space to deal with their own limits: Mila’s cardio limitation and Lorenzo’s fear of heights during the steep descents.

“I realized there was nothing I could do to change the situation, so I just focused on doing what I could to get through it. And then, she followed right after,” he says, recalling that both had their individual experiences and how they met halfway.

Seeing her son navigate these obstacles changed Mila’s perspective. It was no longer about protecting him from every danger, but about respecting each other’s space and acting as true partners.

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A Legacy of Admiration

Reflecting on Mother’s Day and the meaning of sharing this path, Mila and Lorenzo’s story serves as a reminder that the greatest gift one can give a child is presence and example. The trip to Nepal anchored even more their already-loving relationship.

For Lorenzo, the journey was also a moment to acknowledge the foundation his mother built over the years, allowing him to become the man he currently is. “What I admire most is the way she raised me. Her believing in herself was essential. If she hadn’t made the choices she made the way she did, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.” 

In the end, Nepal was just the setting, but the true destination was the deep and mature connection between mother and son.

Meet Jean and Mailys, a French father and daughter who dove into the beauty of the crystal-clear seas of Fernando de Noronha.

Some trips are taken to see the world, while others are meant to reconnect with those we love. For Jean Laprevotte (60), a Frenchman who has called São Paulo home for just over two years, the journey to Fernando de Noronha was the perfect chance to cross an iconic destination off his Brazil bucket list.

But his motivation went beyond simple tourism. In early 2026, he and his daughter, Mailys (26), embarked on this adventure to celebrate a major milestone: her completion of a master’s degree in Marine Biology.

To turn this celebration into a deep and authentic experience, Jean relied on the assistance of PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in trips to Fernando de Noronha, bridging the gap between the family’s wishes and the magic of the archipelago.

The Magic of a Wild Island

Upon arriving in Noronha, what first captivated Jean was the impressive state of preservation. “It is a place of wild beauty, very well preserved. What I found most incredible is that there are no buildings on the beachfront; it is nature that truly speaks there.“

Unlike other destinations, the scenery in Fernando de Noronha is dictated by the horizon. Without the distractions of the typical busy city routine, Jean and Mailys could dedicate themselves to what truly mattered: walking the trails and observing the local wildlife—from curious crabs to majestic birds crossing the clear, sunny sky.

Diving Into Mailys’ World

Given Mailys’ specialization in Marine Biology and her focus on corals and reef fish, the father-daughter dynamic was reversed underwater. It was she who guided Jean through the rich biological diversity of the islands of Noronha.

“For my daughter, who has already gone diving in Barbados, the Dominican Republic, and the Seychelles, Noronha was one of the most interesting places she has ever seen,” notes Jean.

Together, they explored the deep blue and encountered sharks, turtles, rays, and octopuses. For the father, seeing his daughter’s passion up close was the greatest gift. “The experience allowed for a shared journey and was very positive and relevant to my daughter’s profession. It was a moment of mutual discovery.“

👉 Read more: What is the best time to dive in Fernando de Noronha?

Connections That Transcend Tourism

The most striking element was not just what they saw, but how they lived those moments. One of the highlights was the direct contact with local conservation efforts.

“Seeing my daughter talking and exchanging experiences with a biologist working on dolphin observation was something very special. It brought professional and human meaning to the trip,” said Jean, impressed by the receptivity of the island’s professionals and the knowledge exchange they had with Mailys.

He returned to São Paulo with a positive perception of the preservation model adopted in Fernando de Noronha. “They take conservation seriously, limiting plastic and protecting species. It is an example that stays with you.”

👉 Read more: 10 fun facts about Fernando de Noronha

The Legacy of the Experience

More than just a diving trip, Jean and Mailys’ journey was an opportunity to celebrate achievements and strengthen bonds.

Through PlanetaEXO’s curation, they returned home with renewed spirits and the certainty that the ocean will always be the place where they reunite—a perfect frame for a father’s pride and a marine biologist’s bright curiosity against the backdrop of the vast ocean.