Patrik Naindenel

Saturday today and we’re on our way to Loano *yeah* ⛵

Next week we’ll spend on board Luna Azzurra and hopefully will manage to shorten our to-do list 😅

That’s

• Replacing the radar (we’re still discussing who will be the lucky one, hanging on the mast. Hopefully not me, because, unfortunately, I’m afraid of heights. I know, I know, not very practical with a sailing boat… 🤣)

• FINALLY remove the bench between galley and salon and mount the cupboard 

• Fix the anchor chain counter, and get it working (counting the meters)

• Filling up our water storage under the bench (preparing for our summer vacation)

• And bits and pieces (which will be a lot again, I’m afraid 🙄)

Well, mostly we’ll enjoy being on our beautiful yacht. With or without work. We’ll make sure to have some spare time for the odd beer or glass of wine 😉

IMG_6771

fd610144-19d9-4e01-b1f1-e2827c9acc9c

IMG_4348

IMG_4347

IMG_3564

So long and be good!

Originally, my idea was to buy “normal” bikes – foldable of course since we’ll have them on board.

Being on a boat usually means you won’t get much movement. So, by having an ordinary bike, we would get the exercise we would lack, while exploring the surroundings on land (or simply go grocery shopping).

Well, Patrik wasn’t veeeeery enthusiastic about my thoughts and tried to convince me otherwise, whenever we discussed this topic. In the end he just ordered an e-bike and so I saw myself a tiny little bit forced to buy one as well. 

I mean, imagine this: Say we are in Corsica – which is hilly, it’s 37 deg. C, sunshine and Patrik sitting on his e-bike, cycling easily and smiling uphill. Now I’m coming with my non-e-bike, puffing, sweating, red-faced…. 🥵 Until I would finally reach Patrik, the break is over, and we continue our adventure. Not very tantalizing I must admit 🙄

376D4AA0-5C2D-4399-BB48-E557626841E2

995D8142-23EF-4725-898C-D19DDFD3B28E

IMG_8744

IMG_8747

IMG_8750

IMG_8752

In the end I gave in and ordered my own one on May 02^nd. The delivery was scheduled for the day after. Only that it never arrived, although the tracking said the parcel was delivered. Was it karma? 🤨

After contacting the company and explaining the situation, they checked and decided the parcel must have been lost somewhere during the transport. They would send me a new one immediately!

WOW, what a customer support! And so I received my e-bike on Wednesday, and it looks very nice. It’s also easy to handle (important for me). Is that karma???

However, time will show if both bikes were worth the money and if the promises can be kept! 

We’ll definitely keep you updated 😎

http://www.fiido.com

th (1)

th

Today Patrik and I post a theme which is a special heartfelt wish to us.

The 07^th of May marks the 10^th anniversary of the Empty The Tanks Worldwide Event. It’s a global call to action to end the dolphin and whale captivity and pressure the marine park industry to stop using animas for entertainment.

So undoubtedly, we wanted to be a part of this movement!

The pandemic showed us that being locked up is no way to live, but for these captive animals the confinement never ends. 

ItA's working...

istockphoto-89441057-170667a

These dolphins are born in captivity never now freedom.

animal abuse, dolphins, captivity.

They are endlessly suffering in artificial tanks, most of them heavily traumatized from the capture, many had to witness the brutal slaughter of their family members.

So how can you help?

Wherever you are in the world, you can join the Empty the Tanks movement. Use the official event map to find an event near you and stand with others against cetacean captivity.

You can also do your part from home on May 07^th. Create a poster or download one from the Empty The Tanks site, take a selfie and upload on social media, using the hashtags #SelfieForCetaceans and #EmpthyTheTanks.

Luckily, in 2012 the Swiss Parliament decided on an import ban for cetaceans, after eight dolphins had died within three years in the last existing dolphinarium called Conny-Land. In 2013 it finally closed, and the remaining two dolphins were sent to a sanctuary in Jamaica. 

Therefore, Patrik and I participate on social media and we’re happy about this fact!

the official event map

We certainly hope that many people join the cause, and that these degrading dolphin shows soon will belong to the past!

Create a poster or download one from the Empty The Tanks site

And never forget: The facial expression of a dolphin is their doom – they keep “smiling”, even when being tortured.

dolphinproject

photo-1591014148345-40a3256ad822

so A week ago I had to visit Shetland Island. As it was the first time for me to be on Shetland I really looked forward to it. Even though it did make my trip to USA more complicated.

To come to Shetland Island is not that easy and quick. From Switzerland I needed three flights. First Zurich- Amsterdam then Amsterdam – Aberdeen then last Aberdeen – Shetland. It took me 10 hours to make this trip.

I arrived late evening to the super tiny airport with the smallest baggage claim belt I have ever seen. The length of the belt was approximately 10 meter.

IMG_7850

IMG_7896

IMG_7891

IMG_7880

IMG_7877

IMG_7876

IMG_7872

IMG_7855

When arriving my taxi pick up was waiting and which was organised by our customer, This make it smooth and quick to come to the hotel in Lerwick.

The day after I was picked up by my customer outside the hotel, Then I needed a safety brief before allowed in on the power plant. When in I was presented to everyone and shown around to see our equipment.

Second evening I stayed at the hotel and went to bed early. Third evening I took a stroll through Lerwick downtown and harbour.

IMG_8007

IMG_8044

IMG_8042

IMG_8038

IMG_8036

IMG_8030

IMG_8029

IMG_8028

IMG_8027

IMG_8026

IMG_8025

IMG_8023

IMG_8022

IMG_8018

IMG_8017

IMG_8016

IMG_8013

Then the day after I was out early to the airport heading for London where I needed to take a PCR test before my trip to Huron, South Dakota, USA, But that is another story which will come another time.

IMG_8051

IMG_8063

IMG_8059

IMG_8058

IMG_8052

A few weeks ago it was time for my friend Lars and I to have our skiing week. As last year was cancelled we looked really forward for this year.

We where waiting to the last minute we dared to book a apartment. When we start looking we managed to find a really nice apartment which Hotel National at Davos Platz had for rent.

The price was good as well, specifically as we did not rent any apartment last Year.

2F447520-0CD9-47E7-B071-17B576239BF4

IMG_7655

IMG_7654

IMG_7651

6A7270BB-581C-425E-B225-465D6BFBDF75

When we arrived we where informed that the apartment was that new and we where the 3 guests renting it. It really smelled of new painted walls when we came in in the apartment.

After carried everything in from the car we went to buy some food for our stay. So that we had for breakfast and off course a few beers as well for the evenings. When this was done it was time for a relaxing beer and a whiskey on the balcony and enjoying the view.

Lift-card we could purchase in the reception at check-in. As well we received the information that the hotel had a shuttle but between the hotel and the skiing area Jacobshorn and that the bus was running from 08:15 every day.

Monday morning the bus was waiting when we came at 08:15 and left as soon as we where on. 30 minutes later we where standing on the top of Jacobshorn. To our surprise we where almost alone in the pist…. We did not complain at all. Weather was showing its best with blue sky and a temperature of -6°C so the snow was perfect and sun warming.

IMG_7707

IMG_7673

IMG_7675

IMG_7686

IMG_7682

IMG_7678

IMG_7676

IMG_7714

IMG_7711

IMG_7724

IMG_7719

IMG_7717

IMG_7690

IMG_7687

We where skiing for two days on this side of Davos and we did enjoy it a lot.

After these two days we decided to test the other side of Davos which meant Parsenn which have longer slopes and a better mix of them as well. This side have more restaurants as well which fits us good as we nowadays skiing most in the morning and until lunchtime After lunch we enjoying the sun and a relaxing time instead.

Every morning we ended up skiing between 30 and 35 km whit a few quite long runs of 6 – 7 km which felt really wonderful.

We did find our perfect place to relax in the afternoons too. It is a restaurant/ bar named Sture Bock  / Parsennhütte which had the best ever service we have had during our years of skiing. As we where so good customer too we always gott a wonderful spot to site every afternoon.

IMG_7740

IMG_7742

IMG_7750

IMG_7748

IMG_7747

IMG_7746

IMG_7745

IMG_7743

IMG_7752

IMG_7754

IMG_7755

IMG_7766

IMG_7769

IMG_7785

IMG_7779

As always the time is going quick and the Sunday for departure arrived. When leaving we both thought the same that weather and snow quality wise it was the best ever week of skiing we have had. The same counts for the apartment which was the best we ever have had. We hope we will be able to rent it next year too.

We made a lot of filming during our skiing and there will come a short video soon.

As already threatened last week, here comes the review from last weekend in the Vosges, France.

The drive on Friday went very well. No traffic jam, except around Zurich. At 2 p.m. we picked Pascale up from the train station in Mulhouse. From there it took us about an hour more to the beautiful camping ground “Domaine de Champé” in Bussang.

The check-in was smoothly done, and we moved into our chalet. It was very comfy, super clean and lovely decorated in a rustic kind of style with a lot of wood and hearts.

IMG_7501

IMG_7499

af33c5ee-b84a-4689-95c8-4a8438579bdb

B20DD67A-DF1C-46C6-B7A5-6CBAA3C3CA75

IMG_7516

IMG_7515

IMG_7527

IMG_7524

IMG_7522

IMG_7519

776c83c7-0351-466b-ac03-cb9bbece614f

After the three bedrooms were assigned, we eyeballed all the drugs, some food and blankets which Pascale and her friends in Luxembourg donate. She brought them with her for the homeless dogs and cats in Turkey and the Balkans. The goods are desperately needed, so a big THANK YOU ALL ♥🐾

After that it was time for an aperitif – santé 🥂! 

Pascale’s friend Hans from The Netherlands arrived at around seven thirty. Later than he’s planned, but How apparently he’s got lost on his way. No problem, our table at the camping’s restaurant was booked. So there was no hurry.

We had a wonderful evening, with good food and wine. Well, talking on my behalf, the French kitchen still can’t veggie, not to mention vegan. But they managed to make me a nice plate without animals on it. And it tasted OK 😉 

Even life music was present, a guy with his electric guitar who played all kind of cover songs! The mood was excellent and we really enjoyed the eveing!

93bb4704-3656-4d71-8926-105fbd1f09a8

IMG_7573

IMG_7570

IMG_7579

IMG_7571

IMG_7567

IMG_7562

IMG_7563

IMG_7560

IMG_7549

IMG_7555

IMG_7553

IMG_7558

IMG_7556

Back at our chalet we had a drink or so more….. in the end it was almost 3 a.m. until we went to bed. 

No surprise that we slept in long on Saturday. Patrik was up first and went to buy some fresh bread and croissants. What a wonderful day it was, blue sky and sunshine greeted us. The icy wind was the only unpleasant factor.

Anyway, after breakfast we decided we would go for a hike. Nearby was the Source de la Moselle and visiting that seemed to be a good choice. No sooner said than done, we were on our way and after about an hour we reached our destination. It’s a lovely spot and Pascale said, usually you take a bottle of crémant with you and enjoy it there… Well, we forgot it and it would have been too cold anyway 🍾

So, after taking pics we went back to our chalet, where we took it easy. Talked a bit, drunk a bit and soon we got ready for dinner. 

Same restaurant, same people (at the table), different corner. A live band was playing again with quite relaxing music, which fitted nicely to our dinner.

b83749ac-8e83-4b60-abec-3a1ee053bc19

IMG_7576

ba310732-46b9-4cbc-855c-0a244e023e94

1b544b2c-7bb4-4dc9-96a8-6dafebd580d5

6be9cd50-44f3-4b75-852d-d54fc945a651

This time it didn’t get that late (for me in any case). I was dog-tired and had to admit (once again) that I’m not twenty thirty forty that young anymore! 

It paid out the next day, I went up with Patrik and together we strolled to the boulangerie. Again, it was a sunny day, but sadly the wind hadn’t died during the night. 

Didn’t matter much, since we were leaving anyway after breakfast. It was 12.30 p.m. when we said good-bye. Pascale drove with Hans back to Luxembourg. Her place lies roughly on his way, so that was handy for her.

Since it was a Sunday, Patrik and I had not much traffic, at least no trucks. So after 3 o’clock we were at home.

Unpacking was quickly done and afterwards it was time to chill. Patrik had to work again on Monday, while I had the day off. I did the laundry, though, and took it easy….. 

Hope you all have a good time – cheers!