2017 was a difficult year for me. After an already turbulent 2016, I started with hope and expectations into the new year and moved to Berlin for a job in February. Following a generally difficult period, I got fired from this job at the end of June.
After the first shock, I managed to pick up the pieces with the help and support of wonderful friends and a great network which helped me to secure a fantastic freelance project first, and an exciting new job afterwards. A big thank you goes out to everyone who supported me during this difficult time!
Eventually, I did travel more than I had anticipated. I spent a few great days in Madrid and Northern Spain in January. Over the Easter weekend, I went to the German Baltic Sea. But most importantly, I returned to my beloved Scotland in July. It was an escape from all the trouble in Berlin, all the while ticking off one of my top bucket list items: I rented a car and drove nearly all of the North Coast 500 in Northwestern Scotland. Oh my, what a lovely adventure, what a salvation for my mind! I love that place!
In November, I spent a month as Entrepreneur-in-residence in Albania. An opportunity which my new employer was kind enough to render possible. It was an opportunity of a lifetime indeed. I spent four interesting weeks there, supporting the local startup community in Tirana and discovering this little Balkan country I didn’t know much about before my trip. Albania is well worth visiting, I certainly will be back soon.
In December, I spent a short but crazy and sweet weekend in Amsterdam. I had the chance to spend time with a group of amazing friends I really don’t see often enough. This weekend gave me so much joy and happiness. Onion Summit ftw! And last but not least, I went on a spontaneous trip to Budapest after my other Christmas travel plans fell through. A fabulous few days in the city of lights, sparkles and great architecture, and most importantly, in wonderful company.
2017 ended much better than it started. I’m in a much better place now, especially mentally and emotionally. I learned a lot on so many levels, again, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
2018 is already a couple of days old, I’m making a few plans for the year but can’t wait to see what more it has in store for me, for you, for everyone!
PS: If you were as frustrated by the news and general state of the world as I was this year, read this article with „99 Reasons 2017 Was A Great Year“ (at least a bit).
