Author Archives: JJS

Gehrden (I)

Posted on June 10, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Where everybody knows your name (unless they moved in after 2018) After an Olympic-quality sleep—nearly 12 hours—I emerged from slumber like a well-rested marmot. Fueled by a single heroic slice of toast and a humble cup of tea, I … Continue reading →

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Bavaria is definitely different

Posted on June 9, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 A weekend of Bratwurst, Beer and (a little) Reflection There’s a reason Bavaria has its own identity within Germany—it is definitely different. This weekend, that difference came to life in the charming embrace of a small Bavarian town, where … Continue reading →

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Sky-high vibes

Posted on June 8, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Pretzels on the horizon Lufthansa, Toulouse to Munich Ah, Lufthansa. The very name conjures images of efficiency, precision… and mildly stern smiles. Today’s airborne escapade took me from the sleepy southern charm of Toulouse to the polished punctuality of … Continue reading →

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Kempten

Posted on June 7, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Beer, Bavarian and a blissful nap We rolled into the charming Bavarian town of Kempten in the early afternoon, just in time to realize we were too early for our hotel check-in and too late to ignore the rumblings … Continue reading →

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The hydration hustle

Posted on June 4, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 How I became full-time water staff in my own home I think I’ve stumbled onto a full-time job I never applied for: personal water butler. Not for someone else, mind you—just for me. Let me explain. It all began … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday life, Modern Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Packing again

Posted on June 3, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 The never ending suitcase saga Funny how life keeps serving up these little déjà vus. One minute you’re blissfully unpacked, the next you’re knee-deep in socks, weather apps, and existential shoe dilemmas. Yes, folks, the time has come yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel Preparation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dear Millenials (My kids)

Posted on May 27, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Your Boomer parents aren’t that bad Hey kids—yes, I mean you, the ones who taught us how to mute ourselves on Zoom and introduced us to oat milk. Before you roll your eyes and mutter “Okay, Boomer,” give us … Continue reading →

Posted in Generational reflections, Personal Reflection, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

25 Years since Expo 2000

Posted on May 22, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Still hungover from the fun? On June 1st, 2000, Hannover did something a bit outrageous: it opened its gates to the World Expo 2000, and the world wasn’t quite sure what to think. “What is this?” people asked. “A … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Germany, World expositions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The rise and fall of my frequent flyer glory

Posted on May 21, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Confessions of a former sky God There was a time—not so long ago, really—when I moved through airports like a minor monarch. Security queues parted at my approach. Airline staff smiled like they’d been trained at a Swiss finishing … Continue reading →

Posted in Frequent flyer life, Life after business class, Travel tales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Post-Polynesian ponderings

Posted on May 15, 2025 by JJS

🇬🇧 Jet lag, lagoons & life lessons Well, bonjour again from France! I’ve just landed back home and am spending a luxurious whole two days trying to figure out which time zone I belong to. My jet lag is currently … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily Journal, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments