Hey everyone, it’s great to be back with my first monthly recap of the year. January was simply amazing, and I am excited to share some of my favorite moments with you.
The first day of January was a day to remember. We started the year off with a bang by watching the sunrise on top of a NYC rooftop. The view was simply breathtaking and set the tone for the rest of the month. After a quick nap, we met up with friends at our favorite diner to relive the hilarious memories from NYE night. The laughter was contagious, and we all left feeling energized and ready for the day ahead.
After our diner recharge we headed out to Coney Island for a sunset polar plunge. It was an exhilarating experience, and we were so proud of ourselves for taking the plunge. Afterward, we treated ourselves to some much-needed foot massages and Thai food takeaway. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.
As much as I loved being back in NYC and spending time with friends, it was time for me to return to Berlin. With a full heart and new energy for the new year, I left NYC behind and headed back to Germany.
Although the start of the year was amazing, the middle of the month was a little rocky for me. Unfortunately, my situationship dissolved into a “nothingship” – a classic Berlin story, I guess.
But thankfully, everything was soon fixed because I got to spend so much time on the mountain and surrounded by friends. There’s something about being in nature and surrounded by loved ones that just heals the soul. I was able to take a break from the chaos of the city and reconnect with myself and those around me. On top of spending time with friends in nature, I also moved into my dream apartment and started crushing my marathon goals. So alls well that ends well.
My first ski trip of the season was a second annual trip with my new European friends. Las year we went to Garmish and this year we decided to send it even further to Kitzbuhel! Not only did we get lucky and plan our trip during the same weekend as the epic Hahnenkamm ski race, but we also booked a house with its own sauna, which was a game-changer for our sore muscles.
First off, Kitzbuhel is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Its traditional Tyrolean architecture and quaint cobblestone streets give it a cozy and authentic feel. But don’t let the small town vibe fool you – Kitzbuhel is home to one of the most challenging ski races in the world, the Hahnenkamm, which takes place every January. We were thrilled to be there during the same weekend as the race and soak up the electric atmosphere. We even got to watch some of the world’s best skiers take on the infamous Streif downhill course!
After my incredible ski trip to Kitzbuhel, my next adventure was a reunion with my New York City friends in Chamonix, France. Chamonix is a classic European ski town, and we were excited to hit the slopes of Mont Blanc and indulge in some delicious French cuisine.
Despite the icy conditions, we had an absolute blast skiing down the challenging slopes of Mont Blanc. The mountain offers a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs. The breathtaking scenery of the French Alps made every run feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When we weren’t skiing, we were exploring the town of Chamonix and sampling the local French cuisine. The town is home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, each offering their unique take on classic French dishes. We indulged in traditional fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, which are all perfect dishes for warming up after a cold day on the slopes.
One of the highlights of our trip was taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to the top of Mont Blanc. The ride up is a thrilling experience as the cable car ascends to over 12,000 feet. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, and we spent hours taking in the scenery and snapping photos.
I had a wonderful start to the year in January 2023, as I was fortunate to spend the majority of the month in the company of my dear friends and loved ones. The experiences and memories I shared with them were incredible, and I am incredibly thankful for them. I’m looking forward to the second month of 2023 and what it has in store for me, especially my birthday!