This photo was taken by me, with them not yet knowing there were still 2.5 more hours to the finish line. 😀
The First Hike of 2025
March 2025
It was one of those rare March days in Basel when the sun peeks out, the air smells like spring, and you start believing winter might finally be packing its bags. Feeling inspired, I floated the idea to the family: “How about a hike in Pfeffingen?” Everyone, still drowsy from months of cozy indoor living, said yes immediately. I sent the hike info in advance—links, maps, the whole deal—but, as it turns out, nobody bothered to check the fine print.
Fast‑forward five hours later, we’re still on the trail, halfway up what now looked suspiciously like a mountain. The “easy little hike” had turned into an epic endurance test, complete with huffing, puffing, and occasional mutterings about my definition of “fun.” The best moment? Petar’s girlfriend’s mom calls mid‑hike to ask if we were lost. LOST? No—we knew exactly where we were… we just weren’t entirely sure our legs would take us where we wanted to go.
By the end, we made it back in one piece, a little sweatier, a lot hungrier, and with a brand‑new family rule: nobody says “yes” to a hike without reading the entire description.
Vietnam Adventure
September 2024
Traveling to Vietnam was an unforgettable journey filled with warmth and wonder. From the breathtaking natural beauty of Halong Bay in the north to the bustling vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City in the south, every moment revealed layers of rich culture and history. The people’s friendliness and deep-rooted traditions left a lasting impression, while the cultural sites offered fascinating insights into the country’s soul. Yet, amidst the beauty, we also witnessed the haunting scars left by war—reminders of a painful past that shaped Vietnam’s resilient spirit. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and learning about the suffering endured by the people deeply saddened us, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of war.
Vietnam is highly recommended for anyone seeking a blend of captivating landscapes, heartfelt culture, and meaningful history.
Kenya Voyage
October 2017
Our journey to Kenya began with a few wonderful days in Nairobi, where we visited the elephant and giraffe sanctuaries. Watching these gentle giants up close, seeing how carefully they were being cared for and rehabilitated, was both heartwarming and inspiring. From there, we set out along Africa’s stunning Rift Valley toward the legendary Masai Mara, the anticipation building with every mile.
For four unforgettable days on safari, we were immersed in nature’s grand theater. We spotted zebras grazing under the vast skies, majestic lions lounging in the tall grass, elegant giraffes reaching for acacia leaves, and even the rare rhinoceroses. Herds of wildebeest and antelopes moved across the plains, leopards prowled in the shadows, elephants marched in calm family lines, and cheetahs surveyed their territory with sleek grace. Crocodiles lurked by the riverbanks while monkeys chattered in the trees above.
The most thrilling moment came at the Mara River—a wildebeest stampede crashing through the water, dust flying and the air electric with tension. In the chaos, one zebra narrowly escaped the snapping jaws of a crocodile, its dash to safety leaving us breathless.
We left Masai Mara in awe—humbled by the raw beauty, the powerful wildlife, and the sense that, in this corner of the world, nature still writes its own epic stories.