{"id":14189,"date":"2022-12-20T04:49:23","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T08:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/?p=14189"},"modified":"2022-12-24T11:51:17","modified_gmt":"2022-12-24T15:51:17","slug":"highlights-im-jahr-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/en\/highlights-im-jahr-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"My highlights in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

What a crazy year 2022 was!<\/strong> Here I will show you my personal highlights of 2022. The plan was to spend another year in the Caribbean. We wanted to celebrate Easter under palm trees and leisurely sip cocktails on the beach throughout the summer. We wanted to use the fall to look at the remaining things from Barbados and then celebrate Christmas in paradise once more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But everything turned out differently. Everything turned out even better. Unplanned, much further away, and yet, in the end, so close!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

My favorite word of 2022: exciting boredom!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What does exciting boredom<\/strong> Actually? It comes about through reflection. For me, reflecting is extremely important in life. So much is always going on. We're traveling with family, working a lot, and having a great time with our kids. Because we're always seeing new places, meeting new people, and taking on new projects, we quickly run the risk of time just flying by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daher reflektiere ich alles und achte auf die kleinen und kleinsten Dinge. Dadurch wirkt alles sehr „langweilig“ im positiven Sinne. Ich bezeichne das als „exciting boredom<\/strong>„. Es wird nichts vergessen, nichts geht unter und ich kann alle Eindr\u00fccke und alles Erlebte viel mehr geniessen. Und Blogbeitr\u00e4ge wie dieser Jahresr\u00fccklick 2022 hier tragen nat\u00fcrlich auch dazu bei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First tip for the year 2023: Do it too!<\/strong> So, when I say reflecting \ud83d\ude09 I don't just mean at the end of the year looking back at everything I've done, achieved, and completed. But rather, every now and then, every few months. And of course, I also check what's still on my bucket list and what plans are open for the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aber genug der vielen Vor-Worte…jetzt gibt es meine Highlights in 2022<\/strong>. It wasn't entirely easy to summarize these. It also gets a bit philosophical at times, and I've included a few good tips that I want to pass on to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveled around the world 1.8 times with 15 flights in total.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Laut Google war ich im Jahr 2022 insgesamt 73’000 km unterwegs. Das entspricht einer Weltumrundung von 1.8 mal. Gut, zweimal um die Welt w\u00e4re jetzt auch echt krass \u00fcbertrieben gewesen. Daf\u00fcr hab ich dann 15 Fl\u00fcge und 7 Mietwagen ben\u00f6tigt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of my highlights in 2022 was actually this mobility. Together with my family, we got to know so many different cultures or got to know them better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Die Welt ist so gross und jede Reise bildet dich weiter. Das „\u00fcber den Tellerrand schauen“ wird so oft vernachl\u00e4ssigt. Es ist aber gerade in der heutigen Zeit oftmals wichtiger denn je. Mir zeigen meine Reisen so oft, wie privilegiert wir Europ\u00e4er eigentlich sind. Das hat in den wenigstens F\u00e4llen mit Geld zu tun. Meist kommen die Privilegien und Unterschiede durch die verschiedenen Kulturen oder auch Religionen und Lebensweisen, je nach Land und Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, our kids also benefit from the many trips, of course. On their travels, they develop either no prejudices at all or far fewer. They play with children from all over the world. In Barbados, they fed monkeys with children from Nicaragua. They danced ballet with children from Serbia and practiced handstands with friends from Colombia. They had swimming lessons with children from England, and our oldest was comforted by a friend in Australia when she broke her arm. At the last birthday party, there were children from seven different nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"urlaub
Kindergeburtstag in Barbados – Highlights im Jahr 2022<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hautfarben existieren f\u00fcr unsere Kids nicht. Mit Englisch als zweiter Muttersprache k\u00f6nnen sie sich „fast“ \u00fcberall verst\u00e4ndigen. Das nimmt ihnen viele Hemmungen und sie schliessen sofort Freundschaften.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Das Reisen schmelzt Eltern und Kinder st\u00e4rker zusammen. Es ist nicht zu untersch\u00e4tzen, dass Familien auf Reisen deutlich mehr Zeit mit ihren Kindern verbringen „m\u00fcssen“, als das an einem festen Ort der Fall ist. An den meisten Tagen bist du einfach jede einzelne Minute zusammen, schl\u00e4fst im gleichen Bett und erlebst exakt das Gleiche. F\u00fcr mich ist das toll, denn meine Kinder so intensiv aufwachsen zu sehen, ist ein weiteres Privileg, das ich zu sch\u00e4tzen weiss und f\u00fcr das ich unendlich dankbar bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ein ehemaliger Chef sagte mir bei meiner letzten K\u00fcndigung: „Ich (also er! \ud83d\ude09) habe eine halbe Million Franken pro Jahr Einkommen, aber habe keines meiner Kinder wirklich aufwachsen gesehen.“ Er w\u00fcrde alles anders machen, wenn er nochmal die M\u00f6glichkeit h\u00e4tte und er hoffe, dass ich nicht den gleichen Fehler mache. Time never comes back, so choose wisely how you spend it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editor's note: I am not making the same mistake! <\/em>\ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 L\u00e4nder in 12 Monaten – Jahresr\u00fcckblick 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well, that sounds quite relaxed in itself. A different country each month. But as mentioned above, many things happened very spontaneously for me. That's why we stayed in Barbados for the first seven months and basically did the other eleven countries in five months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbados<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Jahresr\u00fcckblick<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n
Barbados Impressionen – Jahresr\u00fcckblick 2022<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Paradise – In kaum einem anderen Land habe ich mich auf Anhieb so wohl gef\u00fchlt. Viele tolle Reiseberichte sind hier entstanden und wir haben unz\u00e4hlige tolle Menschen getroffen. Barbados war f\u00fcr mich ein idealer Ort zum Arbeiten. Es gab wenig Ablenkung, obwohl wir den weissen Sandstrand und das t\u00fcrkis-blaue Meer direkt vor der T\u00fcr hatten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 years vacation in the Caribbean<\/a>
The 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Barbados<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Das Saarland – Das sch\u00f6nste Bundesland der Welt<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heimatbesuch. Ich werde oft gefragt: „Wo bist du daheim?“. Und die Antwort auf diese Frage \u00fcberrascht dann oft, denn daheim, das ist tats\u00e4chlich da, wo meine Familie ist und daher nicht an einen Ort gebunden. Aber Deutschland ist meine Heimat im Sinne der Herkunft und Verbundenheit. Ich liebe das Saarland<\/a><\/strong>, so small and lovely on the edge of the republic. In April, we visited family and friends in the Saarland and discovered the Easter Bunny there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's exciting every time to discover what has changed. Okay, admittedly, not much changes there, but that's exactly what has ensured the feeling of home has remained over the years. And for that reason, I'm happy to dedicate a spot in my 2022 year-in-review to this great area here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journey Home 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Highlights<\/figure>\n
Only one night passed between the two pictures in April 2022<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My adopted home and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. In April, we were still able to find snow in Graub\u00fcnden, which the kids in particular were extremely happy about. In July and August, we were back in Switzerland and planned our next trips from here. This works really well in the mountains. Besides a few great Family Hikes<\/strong><\/a>, we also visited many friends and our family here in Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journey Home 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad & Tobago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Trinidad – Ein sch\u00f6nes gr\u00fcnes Land<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

WHAT? Why? It's quite simple. The pandemic offered us so many opportunities, including a day's stay in Trinidad, where we stayed near the airport. We even had to apply for a visa just to work at Starbucks for a day. But it was great and the people here were extremely nice and helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curacao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"willemstad
Holland als Insel verkleidet – nur trockener und bunter<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What a beautiful island. We flew on from Trinidad to Curacao. We spent a few days there and saw the country. Apart from all the Dutch people, we really liked that we found European products in the supermarket again. That was more the exception in Barbados. We spent some really nice days here in July and even got almost a whole extra day due to a flight delay. That's how it should be \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family vacation in Curacao 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netherlands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Urlaub
Vacation with family in Amsterdam<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back in Europe. Yay! We're spending a few days in Amsterdam, getting used to the hustle and bustle we haven't had for two years. If you have an appointment for 2 PM here, you're expected to be there a little before 2. In Barbados, everyone goes more by the sun. =) But Amsterdam is great, and we enjoyed the shopping and sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We then took the train to Switzerland, which with the German ICE is always an experience in itself. Will we arrive, won't we arrive, will we arrive a day late? Fortunately, in the end, almost everything worked out. While we didn't get all the way to Basel, Switzerland, we were able to change trains and go directly to Zurich Main Station, where we were picked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vacation with family in Amsterdam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n
Riquewihr in Alsace<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Long live France<\/strong><\/a> – Wir haben einen kurzen Abstecher ins Alsace gemacht. Ich mag Frankreich nicht all zu sehr, aber im Alsace gibt es wundersch\u00f6ne, malerische Orte, die zum Entspannen einladen. Riquewihr ist einer dieser Orte, der von einer Stadtmauer umgeben ist und tolle Restaurants und Caf\u00e9s hat. Solltest du mal in der Gegend sein, besuche die Gegend auf jeden Fall! Sie ist so toll, dass sie sogar einen Platz in meinen Highlights im Jahr 2022 bekommt. (Und weil ich einfach auch alle L\u00e4nder hier auflisten wollte, die wir besucht haben \ud83d\ude1c)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liechtenstein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n
F\u00fcrstenhaus Vaduz – Jahresr\u00fcckblick 2022<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Liechtenstein is one of my favorite hiking destinations. So we always make a detour when we're in Switzerland. The F\u00fcrstenweg is ideal for families because there are always great barbecue areas and playgrounds along the trail. Unfortunately, the wasps in summer 2022 thwarted our plans. Our planned BBQ only lasted a few minutes, and then we kept walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, the principality makes it onto my list of highlights for 2022. It is simply a beautiful country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Austria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Familienwanderung
Familienwanderung in Dornbirn – Blick zum Bodensee<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In August, we'll check out the Karren in Dornbirn. We'll take the Karrenbahn cable car up and enjoy the view, which stretches all the way to Lake Constance. In the distance, a Zeppelin makes its rounds while we enjoy a delicious ice cream up here. The kids will run around on the playground, and afterward, we'll walk back down into the valley from the Karren on the family hiking trail. A great place, definitely check it out. For me, clearly one of the highlights of 2022, because I'd wanted to go there on and off for the last few years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/strong>It always makes sense to keep points on your bucket list for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coolest family hike in Dornbirn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Australien
Perth Western Australia <\/em>– Jahresr\u00fcckblick 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Oh Yeah! Finally! We only came up with ideas in August about what else we could do this year. Australia was one of the very spontaneous actions, with the biggest effort. We set off for Perth with a one-way ticket. With the whole family, of course, although the \"family\" here probably symbolizes a huge suitcase filled only with toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next tip for 2023<\/strong>If you have an idea, implement it. See later if it works, otherwise you'll never do it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, after five weeks, we realized that Australia isn't really our country. At least not the region around Perth, where all the residential areas are built so anonymously and identically; we wouldn't feel comfortable there. Additionally, our visa lasts a good year, and we have to spend that waiting period outside the country. But those five weeks were just MEGA!!! It won't be my last time in Australia. Next time, though, I'll be armed with a campervan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The distances in Australia are just huge. We had chosen a great beach for a day trip. It was 12 hours away, although on the map it was only a few centimeters. Here in Australia, we also had many great moments, as you can read in the following reports. Exciting boredom guaranteed and one of my favorite highlights of 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Super Beautiful Zoos In Western Australia<\/a>
2 Great Botanical Gardens in Western Australia<\/a>
4 Must-See National Parks in Western Australia<\/a>
Australia Travel Report 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Arab Emirates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"dubai
Family vacation in Dubai 2022<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Australia, we then went via Qatar to Dubai. We are spending two weeks in the coolest city in the world. A sensational experience for all of us, and therefore one of the highlights of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Die Stadt ist Entertainment pur. W\u00e4hrend in Europa die Lichter ausgeknipst werden um Strom zu sparen, \u00fcberlegt sich ein Scheich gerade, wie ein 1.3 km hohes Geb\u00e4ude gebaut werden k\u00f6nnte. W\u00e4hrenddessen leuchtet die ganze Stadt und jedes kleine Pfl\u00e4nzchen ist mit einer Lichterkette umwickelt. C’est la vie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you can practically do anything imaginable in Dubai, there's a lot of exciting boredom here \ud83d\ude09 We didn't plan our days here extremely tightly, as a visit to a cafe or restaurant can sometimes take a whole day. We experienced this ourselves in a cafe where we went in for breakfast and stayed until dinner. It was a game cafe with over 500 board games \ud83d\ude00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Trip to Dubai 2022: Travel Report<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malta \/ Gozo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"spannende
Gozo – Eine wundersch\u00f6ne Insel im Mittelmeer<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Short stopover in Switzerland to gather strength for the last action of 2022. We pack all the kids back in and set off for Gozo. This was the toughest flight of the year, flight number 15. Sometimes you need a bit of luck for the plane to be able to land with the last drop of fuel. But we arrived safely in Malta and are now living in Gozo. This lovely little island offers us what we had imagined for 2022. And now we are enjoying the Christmas season and the turn of the year here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is hardly a better place in the world to spend the Christmas season. EVERYTHING is incredibly beautifully decorated here. It feels like people here prepare for this time all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 horse, 15 cats, 6 sheep, and countless chickens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"hightlights<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n
Our own zoo at home <\/em>\ud83d\ude00<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We discovered another paradise. The island of Gozo. Clearly one of the highlights of 2022. We are now living in the north of the island and are enjoying a tranquility I couldn't have imagined. At least now in winter. In the summer, of course, tourists come and then there's a bit more going on here. But now we are enjoying the quiet time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Die Kids k\u00f6nnen sich hier austoben. Zu unserem Apartment geh\u00f6ren ein riesiger Garten mit Grillpl\u00e4tzen, eine H\u00f6hle, ein eigener Spielplatz und sogar eine eigene Kapelle. Ausserdem haben wir jetzt ein Pferd, zig Katzen und H\u00fchner und sogar sechs Schafe. Alles, was das Kinderherz quasi h\u00f6her schlagen l\u00e4sst. F\u00fcr uns Eltern bedeutet das ganz klar: Wenn wir etwas unternehmen wollen, brauchen wir nur in den Garten zu gehen. Picknick einpacken und los geht’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, I will of course write one or two posts here about Gozo and Malta. But for the 2022 year in review, I want to mention this trip already. When we were still in Dubai, I didn't even know the island. Sometimes the unknown is precisely what is exciting about such trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This year I got a head start on some things, and my 2022 year-in-review will be finished right on time for Christmas. This year, visitor numbers here increased significantly again. Just as they had in previous years. A big thank you for that, and it makes writing about my travels and experiences a little more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year on Gozo this year, as mentioned above, and I will of course report on it. Both here on my blog, and on Instagram<\/strong><\/a>. If you don't already follow me on Instagram, you should definitely catch up quickly. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas. A peaceful and quiet time to recharge your batteries for a fantastic year 2023. Have a happy New Year and take care!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merry Christmas!!!!!<\/strong> \ud83c\udf85<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My 2022 highlights in pictures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few more snapshots from 2022. Of course, they don't include all the places we visited. I focused on the essential ones. Let them inspire your next trips, or simply enjoy the great landscapes and sights.<\/p>\n\n\n