Greetings, Voyager Anonymous! This is your July 2025 debrief from the Vegout Voyage HQ, handcrafted with care by your humble custodian. Materials henceforth are for your eyes only.

🌎 Think you got what it takes to crack the new Mini Voyage? 🌎

Happy belated Fourth of July to everyone who celebrates in the United States! Many countries around the world mark their own National or Independence Day with unique traditions that reflect their identity.

Your challenge is to identify which country each of the four photos comes from, and determine the month of that country's National or Independence Day. Then, add the numeric value of each of those months together to get your magic number. (If a month is a double-digit number, keep it as is. No need to split the digits.)

Hint: Google Lens might come in handy! Pay attention to small details, like wall decorations, for clues.

🎶 Answers to the previous Mini Voyage 🎶

Image A shows the comedy trio, KAJ, from Finland, performing Bara bada bastu, representing Sweden. Country #4 has the correct description for Sweden: As an example of the fluid exchange of culture and people among European countries, this nation entered the contest with a song by an artist group from another country, featuring lyrics in a dialect deeply connected to the nation it represented.

Image B shows the Austrian singer, JJ, performing Wasted Love, representing Austria. Country #3 has the correct boundary shape of Austria:

Image C shows the Maltese singer, Miriana Conte, performing Serving, representing Malta. Country #1 has the correct description of Malta: In 2025, this country shut down its golden passport program that allowed foreigners to obtain citizenship by investment due to concerns over the commercialization of nationality.

Image D shows the Israeli singer, Yuval Raphael, performing New Day Will Rise, representing Israel. Country #2 has the correct description of Israel: The artist representing this country sang the contest song in English, French, and Hebrew.

I found this YouTube playlist that has most of the Eurovision 2025 songs if you are interested in given it a listen. Have fun!

🚀 Vegout HQ Happenings 🚀

As I have complained mentioned previously, the Iceland adventure book production has been delayed and partially beyond my control, so my new update is that I have been restlessly dabbling in a few "side quests." I’ve worked with an amazing illustrator, Jessica, on creating personalizable achievement keepsakes for people who may want some memento upon finishing the presently very elusive Iceland adventure book:

I’m also in talks with a plushie company to explore turning my leaf-tailed-cat logo into a 3D plushie. They've said that it generally takes six months or more to produce, so I’ll keep you posted! Outside of Vegout Voyage, my partner and I have been actively gigging with our band around the San Francisco Bay Area. It's has been a pretty fulfilling year since our new album release in the spring!