Vacation

Marcel goes for a run, works at a laptop, and celebrates as Anna books their vacation.

Will this be the year I buy myself a second or even third pair of workout clothes? Will it finally put an end to the constant juggling of my laundry schedule and workout plans? Stay tuned to find out!

I’m still practicing being a good traveler, and while actually being on vacation has gotten easier for me, booking one is still a nightmare. I’m in the very privileged position of being with someone who somehow enjoys planning trips, but a balanced relationship probably requires me to take the lead on that at some point.

But first I have to be anxious about this particular trip, because it’ll be our first vacation that requires a rental car, and I hate driving cars. Still, one must do what helps one grow, so I can’t just not do it because I’m afraid. I’ll persevere. Probably while gripping the steering wheel with both hands and staring straight ahead.

Anna, Marcel, and Anna's mother travel by car to a rental house, then relax together while watching soccer.

Anna's mother had always dreamed of doing a Wattwanderung, a walk through the Wadden Sea at low tide to one of the nearby islands. So we packed our things, rented a car and a house, and made our way to Germany's north coast, where I'm originally from.

Marcel flies home from a vacation, says goodbye to Anna, and reunites with his cats.

This was the first vacation I never wanted to end. But I was also glad to be back with the cats.

Marcel and friends eat baguette in the sun, browse a bookshop, admire the Sagrada Família, and share tapas and drinks.

Not even the very expensive tickets could lessen my amazement about Sagrada Família.