Didn't the snow just melt?! I stare out the window in disbelief. Here, you can practically watch the leaves slowly turn red and nature prepare for its winter sleep. And yet it feels like summer only just began. Apparently not. But as soon as I open my calendar entries for September, I know why time is flying by. Because there's simply far too much happening ….
New visions and projects inspire
September got off to an exciting start. In the first few days, I had a two-day meeting with maha Productions on the agenda. We called it a strategy meeting. Or the "Summit on Summits". That's because our gathering wasn't just held in the city. No, the Hoizalm served as our meeting room instead.
We share ideas. Spot opportunities. Discuss which projects might be on the horizon and what hurdles and obstacles we might encounter. Honestly, it was a super productive start to September. We shared and developed some stimulating ideas, some of which stayed with me for quite a while. Conversations that reaffirmed that we're all doing something pretty cool in our own way, and visions that inspired us.
That gives me energy and motivation. Now it's time to set our sights on our goals and bring our dreams within reach. I've always believed that we can achieve anything we set out to do. We just have to dare. And of course, it's easier to take that leap when you're not alone, but sharing the journey with like-minded people. Felix, Marius, Basti … thank you for the inspiration!
Sailing again at last
Did you know I once took a week-long sailing course? I was out on the Ijsselmeer in the Netherlands, wrestling with a dinghy. Gybing, tacking, dropping anchor. I had it all down and even got a sailing diploma. That was years ago. Since then, I haven't set foot on a little wind-powered boat. Until now.
This time I headed to Tegernsee. First to hike up the Risserkogel, a local mountain with beautiful views. A week later, I went sailing. Not alone, of course, but with trained sailing instructors. The weather was great. So was the wind. Luckily, Tegernsee gets wind just when the sun is shining. Thanks to the thermals!
Oh, that was fun. Racing across the water, feeling the wind in my hair and taking the helm myself again. Maybe I should take a little more time and really practice sailing some more. I think it's a lovely hobby.
A trip to the Dolomites
The trip to Val Gardena/Gröden was at least as cool, though. I love going to the Dolomites. The mountains look so different from the familiar Austrian or German Alps. More rugged. More jagged. Wilder. And at the same time, you can already feel a touch of dolce vita here. It's a lovely contrast: a culture of savoring life meets seemingly unconquerable rock towers.
But these mountains aren't quite as unconquerable as they look. I hiked through the imposing Langkofel and climbed the Geislertürme behind the photogenic Seceda . It was my first proper climbing tour. Exciting, but not really difficult. Another one of those contrasts: thrilling, yet still enjoyable. Yes, I felt right at home.
Then, in the evening, as the sun bathed the flanks of the giant mountains in warm orange and I settled down with a drink on a sunny terrace, I felt like I was on vacation. A real, true vacation feeling. Because that's always thrown in for free in the Dolomites.
A little relaxation is part of it too
I actually like the time when the days get shorter again. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love sitting outside late into the evening without getting cold. Yes, I get cold easily. But I also like the time when it gets cooler and the evenings grow quiet again. Simply staying home, putting my feet up and even spending a Saturday in bed. That's what I enjoy about cool autumn days.
I also enjoy being able to slip into warm sweaters again or walk around wearing a hat. I love cozy hoodies, warm socks and thermal ski underwear. Lighting candles in the evening and disappearing under a warm duvet with a book is the best thing about these months. So, dear September, thank you for bringing me the first hints of this wonderful season.
Hello October
And now, with a big drumroll and plenty of fanfare, I'd like to welcome October. It promises an almost perfect mix of quiet Netflix evenings and interesting travel destinations too. This time, Northern Ireland is on the agenda, I'll hopefully kick off the ski season, and I'll give a talk about my life as a full-time travel blogger at the Medientage in Munich. So there's plenty more excitement to come!