It’s been a mostly hot month in Germany and everywhere else in the world. And I’m only partly talking about the weather. There comes a point when no one can ignore what’s happening politically and globally, and there’s no clear answer to the question of who’s right and who’s wrong. It’s a big illusion that everything will turn out okay, but we need to hold on to it in order to keep living.
And that pretty much sums up my mood in June. Somewhere between heavy news, hope for a better future, and a few memory-worthy moments. Here’s my personal June recap.
Maimann
There’s this one tradition Maimann that only takes place in a few German villages and isn’t widely known, even by Germans outside those areas. This year, I got to experience it myself, and honestly, it was the weirdest and funniest experience.
Every year around Pentecost, the village selects one (usually young) man to become the Maimann, a traditional figure completely covered in branches, leaves, and greenery. You can’t even see his face. The poor guy then has to walk through the entire village for about an hour in this super-heavy “costume,” surrounded by singing children. It’s super hot under the greens and it’s weighing him down.
If he actually makes it to the end without collapsing from heat or exhaustion (in which case he would be picked up by a tractor), he reaches a grill tent where the whole village gathers for sausages and beer. Meanwhile, the kids receive raw eggs, which are then cooked in the same tent the next day.
It’s such a strange but beautiful little slice of local culture!
Interesting Conversations with Interesting Ladies
I’ve been also trying to explore more local initiatives, but up until now, nothing really moved me. So when I got invited to a monthly evening get-together with local female entrepreneurs, I decided to give it a shot.
The venue was a super stylish showroom with a pretty outdoor terrace and pink prosecco that basically begged you to relax and chat. I was surprised at how much is happening in my city, and how little of it I’d been aware of.
It was refreshing to meet women from so many different walks of life. Leaving your own little bubble once in a while really is the best gift you can give yourself.
Non-Stop Prep for the MVP Launch
At first, we tried to find a developer — and that didn’t go as planned at all. So now, my co-founder is putting in extra hours to get the first version live, while I focus on… well, everything else. And believe me, “everything else” is a lot: The website, pitch deck, logo, networking events, social media, finances, admin and about a thousand other small details.
There’s been definite progress though, the website is launching next week!
Family Time
Late-night terrace talks over rosé, BBQing chicken and feta, and taking much-needed couple time, dog time, and family time.
It’s easy to forget how precious life is when we’re constantly working, but honestly, this is what matters most: quiet moments with loved ones.
And summer continues. So many exciting things planned for next month, I can’t wait!
EXPRESSO NIGHTS 