Living in a mid-sized German city, I’m surrounded by noise, buildings, and trash 24/7. And there are people everywhere. On the streets, in buses, parks, and countless cafés. And all the events you need to attend, from after-work drinks and networking meetups to constant invites from my gym and various organisations.
And that’s only one part.. The other part is even louder in a way: endless Zoom meetings, message pings, and emais that never really end. Like so many others I often feel disconnected from myself and the world. Also anxious and even angry at times, without even knowing why.
So when a public holiday opened a window of opportunity, I decided to take some time off and go away from the craziness. Four nights under €320 wasn’t a bad deal.
Day 1
I arrived by car in the late evening with a thousand of bags, carrying mostly food but also some clothes, books, and two laptops.
Out here, there’s barely any light pollution. I can just about see a couple of houses down the road, but the property itself is pitch dark. The cabin is charming and pretty: two floors, lots of space, and everything is so incredibly clean. One of the cleanest Airbnbs I’ve stayed in, honestly.
It must belong to a hunter. There’s a stuffed fox on the wall watching me. It creeps me out a bit. I’m also not a fan of the big leather sofas, they feel uncomfortable and cold, and they make that weird sticking sound when you sit on them in thin clothes. But hey, I’m not here for interior design.
The next morning, I’m up at 5:30 to the sound of birds. It feels like there’re a thousand of them. It’s like an orchestra paired with the gentle sound of a nearby creek. With the coffee in hand and still in my pajamas, I step outside. The air here is unreal, the freshest smell.
Wow, I’m blown away. My casual anxiety, thousand worries and digital projects are immediately forgotten. Words can’t describe this feeling of freedom and endless possibilities. I actually have space to breathe.
Today is about arriving. Exploring. Unplugging.
And already, I think this might be exactly what I needed.
EXPRESSO NIGHTS 