Now I’m sitting here at the gate in Zurich waiting for the delayed flight. Somehow gone and yet still here. The last few days have been surreal.
On Friday, I sent the last offers, did the handovers, of course, in between a short chat with the office colleagues, activated the out-of-office reply and finally shut down the computer.
On Saturday a last time for almost 120 days weekly shopping, laundry, a last chat with the neighbors, a last time summer at home with barbecue and dinner outside. One last dram, one last time sleeping in my own bed.
Today then a last Sunday morning jog with Andrea in the Sihlwald, breakfast with the family in the garden and then finally pack and wait until it starts.
In general, we all became aware in the last few days that there will be only a little time together until departure. What seemed far away for a long time was suddenly within reach. Norge på langs we often discussed in the family during the last four years. Everyone egged on and contributed to the concretization of my vision with their ideas and comments. Together we share the passion for being outdoors and in Scandinavia. So we benefit from many experiences and lessons learned, from which we can develop practical solutions for smaller or bigger problems. Of course, everyday life at home was also a topic in the family. After all, not only is an assistant missing for activities that need to be done, but also an open ear to share worries and joys, or simply to be there for each other. Many things will (have to) be done differently at home now. The thought that I will now be away from the family for a long 4 months is difficult for everyone. Andrea will now have to run the business on her own, of course with the support of Maurus and Flurin. High time to thank her for all the support in the preparation, but especially for putting the flea in my ear and then supporting this crazy project. That is real love and deepest mutual trust, even after or because of soon 20 years of marriage! From food, to route, risks, equipment, communication, feelings…. with her I can talk about everything. Our great boys, through their independence and responsible involvement in work and school, contribute significantly to my ability to realize my plan. I will miss you all and I’m proud of you!
Selvfølgelig klarer dere det som jeg må klare utfordringene mine! Dere er flinke og lure. Ingen tvil. Jo, vi savner hverandre!
Johannes, my dearly beloved husband and father – we are proud of you too!
And we are confident that you will find your way. Your way through the Norwegian wilderness, through snow, wind, rain and sun, through long days of wandering, bright nights and endless moors. You will find your rhythm between thoughtful hiking, relaxed resting, admiring the heights and valleys – and oatmeal porridge 😉
And we will find our way through everday life. We will manage to grill lamb chops ourselves, bake fresh bread and find our way in the Migros – but we are missing you greatly.
Andrea