A Life of Curiosity, Creativity and Exploration

I don’t believe a bucket list should only be about destinations.

For me, it is about experiences, learning, beauty, creativity, nature and meaningful moments.

This evolving list reflects places I dream of exploring, musical experiences I hope to live, creative goals and personal adventures still waiting ahead.

Welcome — I’m Vibecke Markhus

I’m a Norwegian physician, economist, researcher, musician and photographer with a passion for intelligent living, creativity, nature and lifelong curiosity.

Through this space, I share reflections, experiences and practical insights on:

• health & longevity
• financial freedom
• creativity & music
• travel & photography
• research & academic life
• living a meaningful life beyond convention

My background combines medicine, economics and research with a lifelong love for culture, music and the natural beauty of Scandinavia.

I believe life becomes richer when science, creativity and human experience are allowed to coexist.

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Professional Background

I hold degrees in both medicine and economics and work within research and healthcare. My academic interests include neuroscience, proteomics, biomarkers and translational medicine.

At the same time, creativity has always been an essential part of my life:

• music
• photography
• travel
• visual storytelling
• concert programming
• cultural experiences

I also play flute at a high level in concert band and serve on both the board and music committee of Alvøens Musikkforening.

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Why This Blog Exists

This blog started as a creative outlet for photography and reflections from everyday life, travel and nature.

Over time, it evolved into something broader:
a place where professional knowledge, creativity, financial thinking and personal growth meet.

My goal is not perfection or performance.

It is to explore:

• how to age well
• how to maintain curiosity
• how to create freedom
• how to live creatively
• how to build a meaningful and balanced life

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What You’ll Find Here

Health & Longevity

Evidence-based reflections on healthy aging, lifestyle, energy, wellbeing and sustainable living.

Finance & Freedom

Thoughts on investing, FIRE, passive income, financial independence and building more freedom over time.

Creativity & Music

Concert ideas, wind band inspiration, repertoire recommendations, musical projects and artistic life.

Travel & Photography

Hidden gems in Norway and beyond, fjord landscapes, visual storytelling and stock photography.

Research & Academic Life

Academic writing, reviewer comments, AI tools, productivity and reflections from scientific work.

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A Scandinavian Perspective

Living on the west coast of Norway, surrounded by fjords, mountains and rapidly changing weather, deeply influences both my photography and perspective on life.

I’m drawn to simplicity, depth, nature, beauty and lifelong learning — values that shape both this blog and my work.

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Let’s Connect

Whether you are interested in:

• healthy aging
• financial freedom
• research
• music
• photography
• travel
• or simply living more intentionally

— I hope you find something here that inspires you.

Welcome to my world.