2023 - A year in review

My annual review has become a real tradition by now. Reviewing what happened in the past year provides clarity for the new year ahead. Even if it’s a little late, here it is. My review of 2023.

I started writing the first lines between Christmas and New Years, at the airport. My pockets full of liquorice, there’s so little good liquorice in England. Then life happened. And writing took a back seat again for a while. But now I’m finding a quiet moment. Spring is already peeking through the window and I try to remember.

2023 was an exciting year for me. So exciting, it flew by.

Selling a flat & buying a house

The year was dominated by one major goal: buying a house. Not as easy as it sounds.

But first we had to sell Harry’s flat. I don’t know how often I cleaned the flat during this time (but you could have eaten off the floor at any time). We were constantly leaving, sitting in the park until the next viewing was over. We spent the evenings in front of our laptops or on the dining table with documents spread out, gathering all the data the solicitors needed.

We decided to find a suitable buyer for the flat first before we started looking at houses. That way, we could give ourselves enough time, not accept any hasty offers and focus on the sale.

We found a buyer in just under two months. Looking back, it happened very quickly, but during the viewings it felt like eternity. And then we got going. Even more documents. Even more time in front of the laptop. Back on the hunt, this time for a house. Over the next two months, we looked at many houses, experienced ups and downs, got to know new corners of south-east London. Finally we were sure we found the one! Location, price, size, charm - everything was right. The buying process was almost easier than selling, but the emotional rollercoaster was wilder. On the 1st of December, we got the keys, moved into our house together and felt one thing above all: happiness.

Reisen

End of March Harry and I decided it was time for a change of scene. We got on the train and arrive in Rye roughly 1,5 hrs later. A small town in East Sussex, south of London. I fell for it immediately. The small high street in Rye is completely independent (apart from a drugstore). The chocolate manufactory borders art galleries, cafés, shops for beautiful things, tea rooms and pubs. 17 in total. We drank many pints, hot chocolate, ate scones, strolled around, snuggled up in front of the fire in the little Airbnb and enjoyed our time together. Maybe we should come back here every year?

Shortly after our Rye trip, we travelled to Germany. We met friends in Hamburg and then made our way to Berlin for a family birthday party. It was so nice to see everyone again.

In June, we were back in Germany and celebrated my grandad’s 90th birthday. We then spent a week with Harry’s family in Cornwall. In the small town of Portscatho, we jumped into the cold waves, went for walks, discovered the region and savoured English wine. I particulary enjoyed our visit to the Eden Project. The former barren clay mine, devoid of soil and plants, has been brought back to life and the huge crater has been transformed into a beautiful garden. In the centre of it all there are covered biomes that house an indoor rainforest and Mediterranean flora. The whole thing is complemented by art exhibitions. Definitely worth a visit!

When we moved out of our flat at the end of September, we took two weeks off and flew to the Canary Islands to soak up some sun. The Canaries had never really been an option for me as a holiday destination before. I always imagined them being crowded with pensioners and all-inclusive hotels. However, a bit of research convinced me to give the islands a chance. We flew to Tenerife, stayed away from the all-inclusive hotels and enjoyed the peace and quiet on a banana plantation before catching the ferry to La Gomera. Although it was already October, the sun was burning down hot. But that didn’t stop us from exploring the volcanic island. The diverse flora and unique views were well worth the long hike. Then we took the ferry across to La Palma.

Along with Chile and Hawaii, the island is one of the three best places on earth for stargazing. The elevated location, little light pollution and the vast ocean contribute to a clear sky. After a day at the blacks sand, we drove up a mountain in narrow hairpin bends, parked the car at the side of the road and met our guide for the night. Alex is an astronomer and had already set up his huge telescope for us. One look through it and Venus literally jumped out at me. So clearly I had to ask if it was real, not a photo. Alex spent two hours showing us the stars, nebulae and planets, adjusting the telescope again and again, explaining everything we wanted to know.

At the end of November, we made another little detour to Hamburg to celebrate the wedding of good friends. How convenient that this coincided with the start of the Christmas markets. With snowflakes falling, we drank mulled wine and savoured hearty German food. My heart was full.

London

This year, I felt more at home in London than ever before. I love the city and can’t get enough of it. The food, the culture, late nights, loud music, walks, quiet moments. All the house viewings also meant I was able to discover new areas, coffee shops and cool places.

I especially enjoyed visits from friends and my parents. It’s always so nice to show them what I love about London - the little corners, the best croissants - and to experience the city together.

Health

Health also took priority this year. I have been interested in a healthy lifestyle my entire adult life. Over the last few years, ‘Zoe’ kept popping up in this context. When I finally got the news in May that I was next on the waiting list, I didn’t hesitate to order the test kit. At the Zoe lab, a personalised report was compiled for me from my blood, glucose and gut tests. At the same time, I was given access to the Zoe app, which gave me personalised scores for all kinds of foods. Over the next 8 months, I tracked almost everything I ate and worked through the Zoe lessons. I learnt how to combine foods and eat in a way that would have the most positive effect on my body and my health. An investment I would make again anytime.

In January, I also finally signed up to a yoga studio. After years of practising at home, I felt it was time. Since then, I’ve been going to the studio twice a week. It feels good to get out of the house. I notice how my practice improves and I can challenge my body in new ways.

Regular running was also part of my routine in 2023. It clears my head and the feeling afterwards is unbeatable.

Summary

I am ending the year on a high note. Everything feels so good right now. I am so calm inside. I’ve learnt to prioritise and find more self acceptance. I hope to maintain and build on this in the new year.

I’m looking forward to making the house our home. Painting, finding furniture, hanging art on the walls.

The time I spent last year doing documents for solicitors, I want to spend with friends and myself in 2024. I am sure that new challenges await me, but I am equally sure that I will find the strength to take them on.