Happy normal day to you!

I think I was happy today. Like really happy. I think I am really happy now – in the evening after the NORMAL DAY. I loooove normal days! You know. The days that fall in haze. The ones you won’t remember in a few days because nothing special happened on them. And that’s the key! That’s why I love them! It’s the normal days, that’s the place to be. That’s where you can stop and take a breath. That´s where you’re finally free to slow down and look around, because you´ve been running for a while and things just passed you by.

The NORMAL days. Nothing crazy good is happening so you have nothing to miss or doubt in the evening, and nothing crazy bad is happening, so there is a slightly smaller probability of an overthinking mind before bed.

It’s the days when you wake up, brush your teeth, have your breakfast, go to work/school, talk to your friends, do one or two hobbies of yours (sports or arts or movie or whatever it is), have a dinner, and then you go to bed. Simple and nice. And maybe that’s all I’m asking from life. Not to be incredible. Not be amazing. Just to be. Simple, and nice.

*so please, take a minute to appreciate the normal days. Because they are the ones that give us ease and peace.

How I (-ran a half-marathon-) befriended running

This article was supposed to be called “How I ran a half-marathon”.  And I did, but not long after that, I realized that that’s not what it was all about. I mean, it was, at first – I did have it on my bucket list. But truly, if anything, it was more about getting into this sport and finding out what I was missing on all along.

I don’t even know where to start, because my history with running reaches quite far. Simply said, getting older – I seemed to like running less and less. I mostly took it as something I should do (because of basketball or to stay fit) rather than something I’d do voluntarily (besides those fun runs and races which I mostly did because of the medals). I didn’t like running. Why would I? It’s exhausting, and why would I want to be voluntarily exhausted?

And I guess that may be it! – Why would I want to be exhausted? Once you find the answer to that, you will fall in love with any sport. Look for your reason. But truly! And please don’t make it just something mainstream and negative. Don’t make it a “I don’t want to be fat“. Make it something good. Make it something positive and if possible, make it a process, not just a state or a one-time thing that you fulfill and that’s it. Make it “I want to be a runner” or “I want to get stronger“.

Find your own WHY

My reason? Simple. I need an abreaction. I need something that can make me forget my everyday struggles for a bit. Something that allows me to clean my mind, and lets me focus on something else fully. So that’s what running did for me. It became my little daily getaway.

Some days I needed it more than others, but later on, I went for it even when I didn’t need it at all. That’s simply how relationships work. Or how I think they should work. We should show up even when there is nothing in store for us that day. We should do it because they showed up when we were the ones in need.

So we became friends and just as with anyone else, we had our ups and downs. We laughed and we fought, and we made it through some hard times – like when some asthma tried to tear us apart. We took it easy, step by step, being nice to each other and pushing it just a tiny bit out of our comfort zone.

Asthma tried to ruin what we had, and my sore legs weren’t helping much either. But then there too were those like the NRC app who made our bond way stronger. Every guided run brought us closer and every achievement just strengthened our bond. I began to understand the differences between those runs. I found joy in running fast and strength in taking control over the longer runs. And it wasn’t always awesome, but I began to appreciate the bad/hard runs. I found a way to be actually proud even though they sucked. I gave myself credit for making it through them. Because in the end, what is more admirable – going easily through 10k with no heavier breathing, or finishing those 5k where you struggled already on the third kilometer?

Also, I figured that it was the hard times that made me better. Yes, I did do 15k but I probably wouldn’t, if there wasn’t for the asthma. Because once I knew the feeling of being literally out of breath and not being able to get much air into my lungs, those sore legs didn’t seem to be such a problem ever again. It sounds stupid, but yeah, bad things make us appreciate when things are not as bad.

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What is difficult in training will become easy in a battle.

Alexander Suvorov

I already explained, that though I got to check off that bucket list line, and though it was such a powerful moment finishing that half-marathon (as well as running it), it wasn’t really what it was about. But if you’re still questioning what helped me to cross its finish line, it was the consistency. The persistence – how I regularly showed up over and over, on good and on bad days. But hey, anyone can run a half-marathon. People run it with no training. It is very possible, for it’s more about the head than those legs. But to be honest. I don’t think I would want to do so. Not because of the muscle fever afterward, but because of this whole process, I would miss out on.

Get off the ferris wheel.

What time is it? – Am I late again? What’s for breakfast? Go, go, go… damn the freaking traffic! Ugh, the boss wants to see me, I must have done something wrong. Oh hi! – Can’t wait to hear all about her new stuff and perfect kids… When is the lunch break? How the hell do I fill this form? Why won’t they respond?! Oh gosh, her again? Finally, I can go home! Shut, I forgot the groceries. Running low on gas. Where did this mess come from? – I cleaned it yesterday… Gosh, I gotta call my mom, I forgot last night. I don’t feel like going to that party, what would be a good excuse? Let me just get some take-out. Oh, what happened to him? – He’s upset from work so he’s pouring it all on me? – Great… My face is a mess and my body? – I gotta start working out. But not now, I’m ready for bed. I’ll just check the social media. How is she so perfect? Oh, look at that place! I need to go there. And this puppy, OMG! – Nope, can’t have that. Okay, turn it off – sleep time. But what do I tell my boss about the forms I didn’t fill out today? It will be Fine… It will. Right?

We all know those. The everyday problems. The wheel that slowly spins and brings us from spot A to spot… A. Same morning routine, the same old job, the same problems to deal with every single day. And it’s tiring! The days feel endless, yet they go by fast and leave us a little numb. We got on this ferris wheel once, enjoyed the first few rides, but then it became a routine. The views didn’t change, the creaks always come in the same spots, and we somehow lost count of the spins.

Well, if you waited for a sign, then this is it. Because now I’m telling you to

GET OFF.

You need it more than you think! Because even routine can get overwhelming. And we all need a break. Sick days at home won’t solve anything. Days of doing nothing can drain you even more. You need to get off and get out. Well, I’m now giving you one of the ways to do it.

Get a good backpack, solid shoes, sleeping bag, tent, or hammock, and look for some nice destination with great nature. I’m not talking camping (even though that’s definitely a way to do it too). I’m talking a MULTIPLE-DAY HIKE! If you’ve never done one of those, this is your call. Because that will kick you off the ferris wheel even in the middle of a spin.

So, what is this multiple-day hike thing? It is exactly what it sounds like. A hike that you do over the course of several days. It can be 2, it can be 5, 7, or even more. You just pack all the necessities and go. Yes, you put on that heavy backpack and

HIKE.

It’s that simple. You barely do anything else. You just walk all day long with that backpack and watch the amazing views.

But how does this help me? Isn’t it boring? – Well, could be, but it could as well be the most freeing thing you have ever done in your life. And how does it help you? – Crazily! Because you’ll get a whole new set of problems to deal with. Plus some of the ones you used to have will be solved for you automatically.

You can’t be late because you’re on your own time schedule. You have only very limited options for breakfast. There is no traffic on the forest paths. No boss, no annoying colleges (unless you bring them with you). You have no service, all your food is in your backpack, no mirrors and you’ll fall asleep right away because you’ll be tired from all that physical activity.

On the other hand, there are some new problems that you’ll be often dealing with. Problems and questions that seem simple, but are very core. Like – Where am I gonna sleep tonight? Where can I build a tent? Do I have enough water? Where is the next source of it? Is it gonna rain today? Or tonight? Which path should I take? – The longer one or the steeper one? In how long does the sun set? Is my stuff still wet?

Your legs are gonna be sore, your back will hurt, and you may get some blisters. You’ll be taking layers of clothes off as you walk, and be cold every time you take a longer break, so you’ll put them back on. You’ll feel light every time you put the backpack down, and dragged to the ground when you throw it back on. You’ll get annoyed every time you take the wrong trail or slip on that muddy hill. Your knees will be killing you from all the climbs down, while your thigh and calf muscles will be on fire from the climbs up. Some nights will be colder than others, and some days may be filled with sharp sun or a hard rain.

Sometimes all you’ll want to do will be to stop. To get off the freaking trail, get a taxi and go to a hotel with a bed and air-conditioning or a heater. And you may. But you probably won’t. There will be so many things that can go wrong and some may be more essential than others but you’ll manage to solve them all eventually. Because at that point, it will be worth it.

The views will leave you stunned, the fresh air will be filling not just your lungs, but your whole body and mind. You will get to see a little bit more of the great world with every step you take. You’ll feel more like a being, like you’re one with nature for once. It will bring you physical pain but mental ease.

It’s about the change of problems. About the shift of your focus. Because there will be swelling calves instead of annoying colleagues. There will be rain or a lack of water instead of the work tasks. And this change or shift or switch is what will help you. It may sound like it’s 1 for 1. But it really does make a huge difference. Trust me on this one. The struggle is still a struggle, but if it helps you to forget about the problems you’ve been dealing with every single day, isn’t it a relief after all?

So get off that ferris wheel and take another attraction for a while. I know that you’ll need to step back on it eventually. But you may be coming back with a different mindset, with a different point of view. Maybe the crowd will then become happy faces. Maybe you’ll look further than on the nearby city this time because there are mountains and oceans behind it.

So if your problems get overwhelming, just step back and deal with the core ones. Because that’s the essence. You have basic needs – those are the ones that need to be satisfied. Anything else is just extra. And the sooner you understand that, the better.

There is no such thing as a problemless mind. Your mind will always find problems to deal with. That’s how it was designed. But it’s up to you to pick the problems. Because your mind won’t let you to care about nothing. But you shouldn’t be making it to care about everything either.

Open-Air

To sleep under the open sky, to cowboy camp, to free camp. I don’t really know what it’s called, all I know is that it hits differently.


Falling asleep to the crickets chirping while watching the infinite number of shiny dots. Waking up to the songs of birds, buzzes of bees, the smell of fresh air and just observing how the sky lights up to get the whole world ready for the day. It all sounds so miraculous, right? And it is! It’s just that, it’s not everything that’s to it.

“The more angles I see, the more confused I get”

Phil Simms


There is also the waking up several times a night, trying to get just a bit more comfortable. Or that wondering, of what could possibly that weird sound or shadow be. The shakes from the cold and the tightening up of the sleeping bag so no warmth sneaks out. 


The backpack is lighter when there needn’t be a tent. Looking for a spot to lay your head is only as simple and as difficult as you make it. You feel a bit more animal-like because suddenly you think more about the basic needs than about anything else, really. 

“Humankind differs from the animals only by a little and most people throw that away.”

Confucius


You may see a rabbit jumping around or a bat flying above; bugs and mouses sneaking around. You may hear dogs barking, cows mooing, or voices of some people nearby; the ringing bell of a church, or in the worst case – buzzing mosquitoes. You may witness deers running just a few meters above your head, be awaken by the stumping of a hedgehog or interface with any other member of the animal kingdom. 


But in the end, it’s only up to you, if you find it amazing or scary (usually scary in the moment, and amazing a few hours later). Indeed it can be intense. You feel free but way more vulnerable. You’re there, laying in the grass and once you fall asleep, you’ll be unaware of anything around you. Does that scare you? Because it may. 

“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me.

Danger is very real. But fear is a choice”

Will Smith – After Earth


It’s funny how at night a fallen leaf landing on the grass can be so loud. How a broken twig or the sound of birds wings immediately catches your attention. All these little things that we don’t even notice during the day, can easily make you jump at night when everything is quiet.


All you need to do is to find your peace and control your mind. I just think that everyone should go, and experience all this at least once in their life. Because it makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It makes you feel a bit more unsafe. But we all need that little kick out of our comfort zone right? So go, do it. You may not get much sleep on the first night, probably not even on the second. But trust me that the dewy morning will be totally worth it.  

Social detox getting social

I wasn’t planning on writing about this trip. Not that it would be as bad, or that nothing special would happen there (it was actually quite the opposite) but I didn’t post or talk about it much either. It was one of those trips that I do to feel ok or to feel better. To gain more confidence, to ensure myself. To take a break, to distance myself, and to get the right headspace. I do them simply to give myself some me-time and to try to get more hints of who the “me” really is. So rather than posting about every single day of mine, I turn the phone off and direct all the energy inward. But during this trip, I came to a great realization that needs to be shared. So here I am, writing these lines only for you not to be as wrong as I was from the very beginning.

Okay, let me give you some background so you can get the picture. It’s still pandemic and the idea of getting tested every other day just so I could be abroad doesn’t sound appealing. I haven’t been on a solo trip for too long and it feels like a necessity by now. I’m staying in a shared apartment in Prague, the insanely beautiful yet a super-busy city. Feeling a bit stuck in this ever-moving place I missed nature and the peace it brings. Not long before, I had heard about a year-old project which was a collab between one of the universities here and KRNAP (Krkonoše National Park). Basically, there were some architecture students who built a few shelters, that were placed around the national park and are supposed to serve as an emergency place to sleep in while hiking in the mountains. They are so lovely and for free. That sounded pretty perfect to me. So I planned up a hike connecting four of those shelters, packed my backpack with a bunch of food, some clothes, and a sleeping bag. And ready to take a break from people I hit the road.

As far as I know. I like to talk to people, I really do, but I need some alone-time, and it’s super hard for me to be around a bigger number of people or even around one but for longer period of time. Riding the bus from Prague, I was more than ready for this social detox and so happy with the vision of being alone in the forest just hiking and leaving all the noise behind. I knew my choice of meals was gonna be limited, I knew I wasn’t going to shower for 4 days, and that the bathroom is gonna be shared with squirrels, deers, and all the other animals. So, call me crazy (or disgusting) but I was looking forward to it. For, as one of my schoolmates said

You don’t need a shower to clear your mind

The hike went well. The nature was stunning. I got my space, I got my peace and silence when hiking the trails across those gorgeous mountains. I got all I wanted, all I needed, all I planned, except one thing. The main thing. The very core of this trip. I WASN’T ALONE. I met quite a few people during this hike. Some I shared the shelters with. Some joined me on the walks between. And they all were… super nice. Yes, they all were super nice, because I guess that grumpy or city people don’t really go on hikes in the mountains.

The first two guys I got to talk to and with whom I shared the first shelter, were so funny and easy-going. They made me laugh several times even in that little amount of time, and they offered me hot water in the morning as well as some goodbye and have-a-great-trip smiles (only later I found out that that wasn’t as unusual there). The next was an older man pushing his bike up the hill who asked me about my travels and told me about his. Then an elderly couple who sat down as I was about to cook my linner and told me all about their journeys and grandchildren. They were really sweet and the man kept on talking even when the woman told him several times that they needed to go. Next up were my lovely co-hikers who I only spent one and half day with but it felt like we have known each other for a while. They gave me great tips, shared some tea, and made me laugh even about the simplest things as brushing teeth. A couple of girls brought some laughter into the Jenga shelter. And last but not least a group of great people with whom I got to sit outside and talk through the sunset or feed the mountain cows. Two energetic and upbeat friends, a well-traveled couple, and a mom-daughter duo with a strong and inspirational bond.

Every single person made me smile, every laugh made the time pass by faster, every story shared shortened the distance between the milestones. My backpack got lighter but I felt way richer. They all allowed me to peek into their wonderful lives. And I am very, very grateful for it. It was all so heartwarming, it was all so fun. And I never thought I can get all this here. Here in the country, I was born in.

And so only then I realized. Only then I knew that I was wrong. Wrong from the very beginning. Because I didn’t leave to be alone. I didn’t leave to not be with people. I left to not be with the people who are not like me. Because I thought that only being alone can make me feel better at that point. But I was there, with all those like-minded people and I was HAPPY. And it is good to talk to people who are not like us. In fact, I consider it super important, because only that way we can learn. But it is the like-minded people who make you feel like you belong and that may be important too.

This hiking trip was a great success. The purpose was fulfilled and I was leaving with a clearer mind. The goal was reached by sleeping in all the shelters. But what more? I came to some nice realizations, met great people, and got some stunning views on the way. What else could I ask for? So, as stupid as it sounds, I’m thankful that I (kinda) couldn’t cross the borders this time, and that I got to see the incredible beauty of this little country I was born in.

Let it be the way it was meant to be

Sometimes the best thing that can happen is to get caught in a rain. Sometimes the worst scenario is for everything to go as planned or to make changes that seemed to be for better. Trust me, I’ve been there. And let me show you all that on this trip I recently returned from.

Yes, another ferrata trip, yes it was again in Austria, but it was different. Every trip is. And it wasn’t just the fact that I had a different climbing buddy, or that we went to a different area. It was the concept,  the quite phlegmatic approach if I may. It was the last-minute plan with some flexibility and the expectation of unexpectable. I’m pretty sure you’ll get the idea even by reading just the very beginning of this all. 

Where should I start? Well, two days before our departure, it seemed like this trip is not gonna happen. It only took a couple of texts, moods, and above all an unfavorable weather forecast to make me think, this trip may not be the best idea. But thanks God, that a great realization kicked in. A realization, that it wasn’t the forecast that was being negative. It was me, it was my mind. And therefore only that was to be changed

Sorting out all the thoughts, I talked to my co-traveler and we agreed to postpone the trip by one day (just to avoid stressing out about it). We met later that day, finding out that the weather was clearly not gonna change. So we took it as it was given and planned stuff out with several modifications that were opened to be further modified. I was leaving his place after midnight quite tired, but pretty excited about this to-be-rainy trip.

We left early in the morning with a full trunk (mainly of food) and only with a couple of not-so-important items forgotten. With oldies playing out loud, we reached Austria and the first ferrata we planned to climb. All happy and excited, we walked towards the entrance. All happy and excited till we found out it was paid. Rolling our eyes we paid it and got in. But only then we understood. The area was so beautiful! Brightly blue water running down a great waterfall hitting rocks here and there, and all the little bridges going along and over the river. Such an amazing place and such a great ferrata. There even was a little zipline included. We could have turned and left, but we didn’t. And those €8 were so worth it! Money is money, and on this trip, we really tried not to care about it too much (even though we still did. Well, I did). 

Money isn’t everything, but everything needs money”

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Leaving that place, thinking we started super strong and not being sure if anything can really top it up, we got caught in a rain (as predicted). Driving to the camp, we decided not to go to the “optional” place that was on the plan that day. However, my companion said words I would have never expected to leave his mouth. “We can go to the lake and run around in the rain”. It was pouring! How crazy you must be to even get that idea? And I love crazy! And at that moment this guy really grew a few centimetres taller in my eyes. Well, we did that. We went and ran in the rain all alone with only ducks watching us. And let me tell you that even though we didn’t last long, I don’t think any walk could possibly beat that feeling. The feeling of running and jumping around barefooted in the wet grass, on sharpy stones, slippery paths, and into the puddles while being poured over with all that freshness. Is that weird? I suppose. But I don’t care. Because I would never want to miss that out.

The next day was in the name of Grossglockner. He picked it. I wasn’t so thrilled about that idea. I know it’s not about money, but am I the only one who thinks that €37 is a ridiculously high entrance fee? Plus all the gas you’re gonna use. Gosh! But I knew that my personal driver was super excited about that serpentine. So we went. To be honest the views were great, but were they worth €37? Ehhh… well, not to me. Then we stopped, and we went on one of the best hikes I have ever been on. That peaceful, fun and totally miraculous 15km / 4h long hike. I was taken away by that natural beauty. No people, just us, and the outstanding nature that made us feel so small. I was so glad he didn’t let me to talk him out of going there. So glad! And even the weather was surprisingly great. I don’t ever want to forget that day, the perfectly splendid hike I could have so easily passed.

There were four possibly “not-so-great” things that happened that day. Four (and maybe more) things you may call by the P-word. 1st – we almost ran out of gas before we made it to the nearest gas station. 2nd – there were wild sheep going after us (yes, sheep that weren’t far from attacking us). 3rd – at one point, we weren’t sure if we’ll be actually able to finish our hike or if we’ll be forced to turn around and go back. And 4th – We got hit by a storm and heavy rain right when we were cooking our dinner, so we had to stop and put everything in the tent real fast. Yes, you could call all of these “problems” or “complications”, you can get mad about them or let them stop you. But they can also make the best memories. And one day, you will laugh at them, so why wait? Why not laugh at them straight away?

The weather forecast got way better and the next few ferratas went as expected. Well, besides me getting sunstroke, and us getting lost on probably the dumbest ferrata I have ever climbed. Due to the weather and our tiredness, we modified our next-day plan to not to go on a day-long ferrata but two beautiful and chill ones instead. They both were by a waterfall. And so we went. Little did I know what an experience that was gonna be. Halfway up the first one, we found out that there is an option of taking a more difficult way, which went literally right next to the waterfall (and over the steepest part of the rock … A longer hang) I looked at my climbing buddy and he nodded.

Best decision ever! I climbed first and took 3 breaks to actually make it. It was hard on my arms since I was hanging on them most of the time, and everything was super slippery from the water spraying the rock as well as me. Full concentration got me totally in the zone. Yes, I was in the flow, the best feeling ever. And once I made it past that tough part, a burst of happiness! The adrenalin, endorphin, dopamine, serotonin. Gosh, I was high! I just sat there smiling like a fool waiting and cheering for my buddy to make it through that difficult part too. It was THE MOMENT. I knew it was. And it felt amazing! (and as you could have guessed, I would miss all this if we went with the plan A. So I’m really, really happy that we didn’t)

One last day ahead of us, we were tired. Tired, but still wanting this to last a bit longer. So my co-camper came to me with a question if I can possibly call my boss and get another 2 or 3 days off. That got me thinking. I really was considering it. But I had my commitments and things to do, which really bugged me since I did want to stay. I’m always trying to be free and open-minded. But I knew my responsibilities and I partly know my body too… So in a sad tone, I said the “no” and guess what. We both were glad that I did. Since only on our way back, we found out that if we returned only one day later, we would need a Covid test to be allowed to cross the borders back to our country. That would be a pain in the butt.

On our way back, we stopped by a super rainy Innsbruck which we still fully enjoyed (especially the first 10 minutes with no umbrella when we only stood under some framework that was near when the heavy rain hit the city) and the drive back was pretty chill. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. I couldn’t have imagined this whole trip to be any better. I’m so thankful for everything that happened and everything that didn’t. For changes, modifications, and the random ideas that we made happen. I’m so grateful for every place we went to and I don’t regret a single cent spent.

Let this be an example, let this be a lesson. Because planning and expecting may be good, but judging too fast and acting too early may not. I feel like this trip went so well, mainly because we let it build itself. We did plan, but flexibly. We stayed open to anything that could come in our way and we went with our guts when needed. It went well because we went with the flow. Because we let it be the way it was supposed to be, and then just went from that.

A trip / A break / A runaway

Call it what you want, but besides all the other names, I also call it a „necessity“. Routines may be good. Routines can help us a lot. But they as well can be quite sneaky killers. And one of the ways to get around them is to take these little runaways, trips, breaks.

Not so long ago, I got a part-time job in one of the covid vaccination centers. It´s just a temporary thing, but I work quite long hours there. I literally spend there most of my days. So on the workdays, I do nothing, but sleep, work, cook, eat, read, play the uke or watch some videos. That´s it. It´s been just two weeks since I got the job, but considering the epidemics and all the restrictions, I was more than ready to get out and to cross the borders.

Therefore once I had the chance, I took two days off and hit the road.

Final destination? Austria.

I have already been to an Austrian-via ferrata-trip about a year ago. However, if you have ever climbed any ferrata in Austria, you probably know that it isn´t something you would easily deny. (and for those of you who hasn´t, you´ll just need to believe me)

Packing my bags and getting ready for this trip, I had no idea how splendid it will be. I had my expectations (even though I tried not to) but after all that time, leaving this country felt really freeing. And all the beautiful nature just enhanced the wonderfulness of it all. My climbing buddy helped me to fill all those days with laugh and to conquer all the planned out ferratas. It of course wasn´t all just sunshine and rainbows. But it mostly was. Literally.

And let me tell you, that even in the storm, when it rained into our tent and our sleeping bags got soaking wet, we laughed. For it´s about the attitude, it´s about the vibe. And we both were happy to be in that place, at that time. We both were happy to get out of our routines for a while and we decided that nothing is gonna ruin it.

After the 4 days I came back physically exhausted (falling asleep on the way), but happy and with a bit clearer mind. I returned and fell back into the routin, but I was significantly more enthusiastic about it since I still had some of the Austrian sun’s heat under my skin.

I had stories to remember, stories to tell. New lessons learned, new muscle tissues grown. Bruises and scratches. Smile and ease. So I was ready to wake up the next morning at 6 am and go back to work (to make money to be able to afford another trip)

There was a lot to this trip and you can only get a bit of it from the video I dropped above. But this article isn´t about ferratas, nor about this particular trip. It´s about showing you how a few days, can totally boost you up, and make a difference.

I have already said this, but I´m gonna say it again:

You need to break the routine. Step out of it even just for a while. It can make a huge difference! You´ll forget about your daily struggles, for you´ll have new ones to deal with. And it may sound stupid but trust me. It is a biggie. It truly helps.

Just make a change, a shift, get into a different environment, and free yourself a bit. No matter where you go or if you stay in the exact same place you are at right now. Do what makes you happy. Do something you don´t get to do every day. Do something new. Look for challenges. Go get some experiences. Go peak out of your comfort zone. Just take a break, make a trip, go on a runaway.

Covid’s silver lining

The crazy disease is spreading. Person to person, country to country. Masks cover everyone’s face. Stores and schools are closing down. Now you can’t leave the house at certain hours. News full of terrifying and scary info. How many people died today? People can’t stand each other (or themselves?). Nobody cares about a UFO, come on people, it’s covid what else should we care about? This has been going on for over a year now. Kinda like a zombie apocalypse if you ask me. Yet, I’m trying not to care about it too much. Am I stupid? Yes. I suppose. Oh, wait. I’m gonna tell you that there is a bright side to this all. Yeah, now you can say that I’m stupid. Ready?


This is not to make fun of, this is not to act irresponsibly about. But this also is not to cry about every single day and to let it bring us down and get us all shaky. As I said, I didn’t care about this all too much. I didn’t watch the news, I have no idea about the numbers, I don’t know where it came from, I don’t know what it is exactly. I don’t know how they came up with all these restrictions or about any of those affairs and politicians our whole country was making fun of. I didn’t let it affect me too much.

I guess I was more on the irresponsible side, but don’t get me wrong. I did follow all the restrictions. I was one of the sheep. I wore the mask all the time when in public, I didn’t meet up with any bigger groups of people and I even helped in the covid testing center for a bit. I just didn’t let it get into my head and into my reality too much. I just didn’t let it be a huge problem. When I had the opportunity, I traveled, when somebody wanted to meet up, we did. When somebody had a problem with me coming over, I just didn’t go. Simple as that. I was trying to live my life, taking online classes, working out at home, going for walks or runs, cooking, reading, watching movies, nothing special really. I was avoiding those talks about pandemic and how horrible it is. I was still talking with people from time to time, just not about all this. Because what’s the point of that? It’s no good. It only brings us down and it doesn’t change anything.

I believe that what people need when things get bad is a feeling that things are normal. Not awesome, but that there is something stable.

And so that’s what I did. For others and for myself. I acted like there wasn’t anything bad going on. And so there wasn’t. Because our reality is in our heads. And it’s up to us what we let in. I had other things going on, other problems to solve or to worry about. There was simply no place for covid. So I respected the regulations, I respected others, but I also respected myself. It lasted longer than it should have and I saw the effects it had on people around me. Breakups, pills, psychiatrists, deep sadness. But the longer I observed this whole situation, the more I also saw some bright spots.


APPRECIATION 

This one is a biggie. I’ve been always trying to be thankful for what I have but I did too take some things for granted. Just as you. And you may shake your head now, but that doesn’t change the fact that you were not realizing what you had before you lost it. The world is full of ungrateful people, some more than others. But I guess it’s human nature that we get used to what we have, we get comfortable with what we get and it’s always okay to get more and it’s never okay to lose any.

Covid showed us that what we took for granted never was. The right to breathe freely with no mask on. Seeing people smile and not being scared to be closer than 2 meters away. The right to go to school or work every day. You know, the one Maria Theresa gave us. How much do you miss going to school or work every day? Yes, the early classes and working hours you hated so much and used to complain about. How happy would you be to sit at the desk with your schoolmates or colleges right now? Maybe it was not as bad after all. Was it? You would probably not turn down the party or meet-up invitation you got last year. You would probably like to compensate for all the gym classes you skipped before. And have you heard about all the claps for the doctors? They are heroes now. And guess what, they were heroes before too. They saved lives every single day but it wasn’t until this pandemic that the light of a super trouper found them. 

And so I guess people will become more grateful even for the little things. Maybe now they will appreciate these not so granted rights. And it may not last forever, but I hope it changes us. And it can, because that’s how we grow. Through experiences.


GET TO KNOW YOUR ROOTS

I don’t know how about you, but if you’re anything like me, you love to explore and get to know new things and places. I love to travel, to cross the borders. That’s just something that makes me feel free. I always knew I’m missing on a lot by not getting to know the country I was born in a little better. But I never got myself to travel it. When I could, I always picked a foreign country to explore rather than my own. I’m not saying I traveled most of it during this pandemic, but I did get to go to places I wouldn’t go to otherwise. I got to see what’s surrounding my hometown. I hiked hills I never knew the names of, the ones I saw from the tops of the other ones. And I hope you did too. Because it was amazing. I don’t know if it was just my hometown but there were way more people going out to the nature than there has ever been before. The places I go to, to get my alone-time, got peopely. And I didn’t like it but I was happy for them. 

And then there’s the family aspect. You probably got to go home over the pandemic. I personally got to spend more time with my mom than I did over the last 7 years. And we found balance, we compromised, we worked things out, we laughed, we shared food and stories. We played games and totally respected each other even on the worse days. Pandemic gave us all an opportunity to get to know the people we share blood with a bit better.  Some may see it as a bad thing, for they found out that their significant other wasn’t the person they thought he/she was. Some may have found a great new quality in the other that they have never seen before and that they fell in love with. You know, even the first case is not that bad. I think it’s good because you would find out about the “bad thing” in the other person sooner or later anyways, so covid just speeded it up. It gave you more time. A friend of mine recently told me

“When you really want to get to know someone, you need to take them climbing, or walking for 30kilometeres in the sun or in freezing winter. You need to get them into some uncomfortable situation because that’s where they’ll show who they truly are”

and that’s what these lockdowns are – an uncomfortable situation. So we got to see the true colors of people, bright or dark. And that can only help us. It helps us to know them better and us better. It helps us to sort out the qualities we look for in others and the ones we can work on ourselves. It helps us to see who we want to keep closer and who to step back from. It’s all just a one big lesson.


LET THE NATURE BREATHE

Have you noticed how the nature got more alive? And it’s not because the gardeners got the time to work on their gardens. The air seems to be cleaner. There suddenly were fewer cars. You could see a blue sky with no white lines from the airplanes. Fewer deers hit on the roads. The grass seems to be greener, and I heard something about dolphins swimming through the canals of Venice. That could have been totally fake news but still. People riding bikes instead of cars, trying to cook some plant-based meals, because, why not, we have time now.  And it may be bad to say this, but we all know how the Earth is overpopulated. There are studies showing that we don’t have the capacity to live this way if the number of people on this planet keeps on increasing. We live unsustainably. And so maybe this is the way this planet Earth detoxifies itself.


LEARN SOMETHING NEW

I have learned a new skill and I obviously I wasn’t the only one. A couple of people already told me how they found themselves a new hobby during the lockdown. They found out that they love baking, or painting or maybe they even started some super weird collection. With a bit of help, I fell in love with ferratas, and I don’t know if this was due to the lockdown or just the overall procrastination, but I got myself a ukulele and started to learn how to play it. I’m really happy with it, it brings me joy and I’m definitely planning to keep on learning more.

Oh and the school? Our teachers have learned how to use Teams or Zoom, they are pros with the technology now. And the systems got so much better. There were some new inventions in the technology fields just to improve the scholar system and not just the scholar system. The banking, insurances, all sorts of services are now available online and will be. Covid made the technology boom a bit more again.

We also met and got to know people we wouldn’t if there wasn’t for covid. Covid made me stay in my country after three summers spent abroad in a row. I went on trips I wouldn’t go on if I didn’t stay, I met people who gave me a lot. Oh, how much would I lost! And even after the summer. I don’t know if you had this level of lockdown where you had to stay in a certain area and were not allowed to cross the borders of it. Well, we did. And it wasn’t a district, it was an area which is not big at all. But I was more than lucky that a couple of weeks before this restriction was placed, I got a winter job in the mountains as a snowboard instructor. So I got the opportunity to stay there, with a couple more people who weren’t really my family. And as the time was passing by there was still less and less people and so I got to talk to them more and more.

They shared stories with me I wouldn’t have heard if there wasn’t for this time. There were lessons they taught me and experiences they told me about. One told me more about meditation and a spiritual and philosophical way of living. Another got me laughing every single day no matter the age gap between us two. With one I got some deeper, meaningful talks as well as stupid jokes and a kids song that got stuck in my head. These people got me to hike up a slope with a snowboard on my back, learning that the ride down is not for free, but that it is way more enjoyable after the sweaty climb. I went up for the sunset, I went up for the sunrise, I went up to stargaze, I went up to get sunburnt. Believe it or not, I met these people before, two or three years ago, yet I never got to talk to them. And if it wasn’t for the pandemic, I could have missed out on all of this.


And so I am thankful. I am thankful for this terrible virus everyone hates and complains about. The one that seems to be more important than anything else right now. The one that makes people scared, afraid, and worried. The one that makes your family tell you that they don’t want you to visit them. The one that closed the borders and didn’t let us travel to foreign countries. The topic number one. The thing that got the schools and businesses to close down and that got most of us going crazy. I am thankful. And I am stupid. And I do think that COVID-19 has an unoverlookable silver lining.

I’m off – end of the chapter

Moving out can be fun. But it doesn’t have to be. It is exciting when you find a new apartment you’re thrilled to move into. But when you’re being kicked out, that’s a different story. There is a whole range of cases in between these two. And now, I am somewhere on that scale too.

I’ve spent the last few days packing up all of my stuff and putting my life physically into boxes. I’ve been thinking quite a bit about minimizing lately, I have thrown a lot of stuff away. Yet, it seems like I still own a crazy amount of material things I needed to find a place for. Now they are all set and I’m off. For the next few months, I’ll be everywhere yet nowhere to be found. And no one knows where I’ll end up, nobody can, because I don’t know it either.

I’m just taking everything day by day, not planning further than a week ahead. Because the future is quite uncertain. And I can tell, just by looking at the empty shelves where my stuff used to be, or at the overflowing boxes where it is now. I can tell by seeing those faded walls with only a few bright spots that my pictures left on them. I can tell that things can change pretty fast, that you can lose stuff you almost took for granted.

This room has seen a lot. I filled it with stories when it promised me not to ever tell anyone. It’s between us two, and it will stay that way. I hope it will remember, because I will. I’m not gonna haunt this place, I’m gonna leave in peace. The empty walls look colder and my voice echoes here. So I’m taking my boxes and it’s time to move on. End of the chapter.

Solo not Solo

Solo traveling is a thing nowadays. All these Solo-Travel Facebook groups and Female-Solo-Travel Instagram accounts are getting more and more popular. I guess it goes hand in hand with feminism. This may be a way for girls to show how independent they are, that they can do stuff on their own. And I support that. After all, I’m one of them. Not that I would be trying to prove anything to others. The only person I may be assuring is myself. I do travel solo, but still, I barely find myself being solo.

I love to travel alone, and I’m taking it with everything it brings. The advantages, disadvantages and dangers. I frame plan everything by myself and budget it as well. I enjoy the freedom and flexibility I get. I patiently listen to all those warnings from people who have never left the country on their own. We all have heard those stories about kidnapping, and creeps taking advantages of lonely tourists. Many people will tell you what a dangerous place the country of your visit is. How you should be careful and always have someone with you. They won’t tell you that the narrow empty streets may lead to the hidden gems, or that you may find an altruistic kindness in strangers. So I’m telling you now.

You may think that solo traveling means simply being on your own. Staying at a hotel or hostel, walking around, fulfilling your plans, listening only to your mind or your great playlist. Well, let me tell you that in most of the cases, you’re wrong!

SOLO TRAVELING ≠ BEING ALONE

Yes, you are on your own and you do all those things I named above. But you often are accompanied. You always meet new people. There hasn’t been a trip so far, where I would not talk to a single stranger. In fact, you talk to more people than while traveling with someone. Because having a person (or a group) always with you, only stops you from meeting new people. You have no need to talk to strangers. You don’t need to ask someone in the streets to take a picture of you or to help you out. Being alone sort of makes you to have a conversation with strangers. Afterall, we are social beings. Some more than others, but naturally we talk to people. At the hostels, by the sights, at a restaurant or a bar, in a store, on the plane or bus. People you know would only take these opportunities away.

If I should be honest with you, it was traveling what brought the most interesting people into my life. I met many strangers on my travels. People I still talk to. Some with who I only exchanged a smile. Ones I stayed or spend some time with. Co-hikers and story-sharers.  People I had a small talk with and never saw them ever again. Free spirits, amazing personas, people who helped me, all sorts of weirdos but also creeps. Each of them gave me a lesson, and every new one will. Because everyone has something to say, something we can learn from. We only have to listen.

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