I previously wrote about my plans for this summer with a focus on travelling, solo, for work and with family. Of course, nothing turns out as planned but I still want to take the time to write down what happens and what doesn't, so ground myself in a way, and to document for myself what life ends up containing.
I did go to London and it was great, and a dumpster fire. I spent most of my time stressing out, working and fretting over not getting to explore they way I wanted to. However, I did get to experience the city again, I went for a walk in Hyde Park, Chelsea, the West End, along the Thames, Whitechapel, and lived in Canary Wharf. I even walked the Abbey Road crossing, road the underground, checked out St. Paul's Cathedral, revisited Buckingham Palace, walked the London Bridge and the Tower, etc, etc. It was a nice addition to my previous experiences there.
I didn't go to Johannesburg (yet), didn't go to Frankfurt, didn't go to Vienna. Johannesburg will happen in a few weeks from now, while the rest of the trips will probably have to wait a bit.
We did go to Mallorca for three weeks. It was great. I don't really appreciate the spanish culture much to be honest, but in some ways it was less touristy than expected, which was nice. The best part was getting to experience nature closely, getting to drink beer in the sun, and getting to feel a hint of luxury even though things didn't get out of hand.
The major event for me this summer was buying a boat. We bought a previously owned 24 foot daycruiser type boat, with a 150hp engine and a medium sized cabin. It is my first boat and I've honestly never driven a boat myself before. It's a new dimension opening up and it's making me look forward to the next summer already. Not too shabby!
I will not do any moutain trek this year because of all the travelling for work and with family. I guess that's fine, considering. I was planing something shorter, like 2 days jogging in the mountains or doing a 4x10k whole day even, but honestly I don't think I can manage this year.
I am still planning to go to Stockholm twice this fall, and next week we are leaving for Gothenburg. So far it's been a great year.
For next year, my biggest goal is a 2 week solo trek in Sarek, which is a major item on my bucket list.