Happiness at home – Parental leave
A review of nine weeks without boating
Text: Christian / Pictures & short films: Carola
We have decided to take a break from sailing this summer. Yes, this time we are heading home. Instead of sweltering heat on board, we will enjoy cool nights in our own beds, time with family and friends, excursions and mountain hikes. Recharging our batteries for future adventures. In mid-August, we plan to return to Cartagena to our boat...
Family time in Berlin
Our first stop takes us to Caro's parents' house near Berlin. There, we help out a little around the house and yard, spend lots of time with the family and enjoy pleasant hours with nice people from the neighbourhood. The weather is on our side, with pleasant summer days that restore our desire to travel after the leaden heat in Spain knocked us out.
But for me, it will soon be time to say goodbye again: Bye Berlin – Grüezi Zurich.
Caro is spending a little more time with her parents, as her father is not in the best of health at the moment.
As the plane turns south over the endless lake landscape after take-off, I doze off.
Once I arrive in Zurich, I continue my journey by S-Bahn. While changing trains, I have a moment of panic: on the platform, I realise that I have left my mobile phone on the train. I manage to get back on the train just in time – the phone is still lying on my seat. But the train leaves immediately and I have to make an extra trip. Slightly delayed but relieved, I fall into my own bed in the evening.
Reunion is a joy
Shuttle-Service
Old habits and visitors
Back in Zurich, I fall back into old habits: tidying up my flat, meeting friends, visiting my favourite places. A week later, Caro joins me, and soon the next visitors arrive: Caro's mother and granddaughter come to stay for a few days.
Together we go on excursions, visit the zoo and hike in the Zurich Oberland.
Our dinner on Lake Zurich remains unforgettable, where we unexpectedly meet our old sailing instructor – what a cool coincidence. And yes, despite all the wonderful times we have at home, we do miss the water and our floating home a little.
Visit to Rapperswil Zoo
Enjoy the view
Atzmännig – The mountain is calling
Yes, so blue, blue, blue blooms the... (unfortunately, it's not a gentian)
Hike from Flumserberg to Maschgenkamm. It's a deep descent.
Lonely on the way
Does Milka chocolate come from here?
Our boat in dry dock
As we travel through the country, our boat basks in the Spanish sun on dry dock. A noise coming from the shaft made us suspicious during our last trip, and sure enough: the shaft bearing is worn out.
Did we rely too much on the engine? Perhaps, but that alone cannot have been the reason. In summer, the winds in the Mediterranean are often inconsistent and weak. Even if we keep an eye out for good weather windows, it is not always enough for sailing. Even in the most beautiful bay, at some point you want to move on.
In any case, we hope that the problem has now been resolved and that we can set off again in the autumn.
change of plan
The days back home fill up quickly: meeting friends, going to a concert, visiting well-known pubs, and, for me, of course, enjoying a delicious cordon bleu.
Time passes and our planned departure date for Spain draws nearer. But, first, things turn out differently than expected, and second, than one thinks.
Unfortunately, Caro's father's health has deteriorated again after a period of stabilisation. This prompts her to return home to her parents once more. Her father's health fluctuates, and she provides support wherever it is needed.
She is also working on her own project: setting up her own business. But she'll tell you more about that another time.
Spontaneous concert visit to...
…Ed Sheeran
A touch of Italian charm
I'm taking the opportunity to take a trip with my father to our holiday home in Italy. Tidying up in and around the house, going for walks, enjoying good food.
A week in Italy – perhaps my third home, after Switzerland and our boat.
But soon it will be time to cast off again. Our return to Spain is imminent, and Caro is also moving back to Switzerland.
One thing is certain: the next stage of our journey is already waiting for us.
Mediterranean Lake Maggiore
Of course, a few boats are a must
To reinforce the stereotype, there is of course also an aperitif.
Conclusion – Was the break from boating worthwhile?
Last autumn, we had already decided to take a longer summer break this year. After the first hot weeks of June in the Mediterranean, this decision felt absolutely right. Looking back, we can say that it was exactly what we needed.
The climate in Central Europe, with its warm but pleasant summer days, is simply perfect. And now that temperatures here are slowly dropping, anticipation is growing for a long, mild autumn in the Spanish Mediterranean.
Of course, the break was originally planned to be shorter. But as is so often the case, plans are there to be changed. For us, it was absolutely the right decision – and we would do it again anytime.
