You must be my longest work colleague ever—we’ve worked together on and off for more than 10 years now. That alone deserves a medal. In all these years, I’ve learned to admire you. Pure, sheer admiration. You’ve been strong even when the whole world around you was collapsing—and you still stood there, fighting your battles. I love how you take care of yourself, whether it’s exercise or food. You proved that a person who exercises really does have stronger bones when you had your accident. That was a big eye-opener for me—and the inspiration I needed to make myself fit. Thank you for that.
Passion at work
At 60-something (😉), your drive and passion for our work are honestly unbelievable. Magnesium intake after work or not, you move like you’re still in your 40s. And that smile of yours—it gives instant assurance.
MC, I think we really will work together until we’re properly old, just like we always say: “Den oukes is weer aan slag.”
I admire you deeply—and you are my silent (and sometimes very obvious) inspiration.
Last night, I did my progressive test training — the test that almost every one of Jonathan’s ( you can follow him or check his ig profile jonathan_elevatecoaching) clients knows means living on the edge (and questioning life choices).
Those leg day ..
For the last 18 months, I’ve been grateful to have a coach who pushes me, lets me curse him, believes in me, and somehow still earns my trust that every week I am looking forward of our session
Starting assisted pull ups with inverted grip .. I am 53 why ?
As I powered through those painful supersets, I looked back and realized these 18 months have been a journey of consistency, brutal core exercises, sore muscles, and new gym buddies — the kind you just exchange fist bumps with and keep moving. Yes, I look good, feel good, and I’m grateful to have a badass coach.
Again and again, I’m a full believer in getting yourself a coach for better guidance and results — or at the very least, keep moving and lift if possible. So, to me: happy 18 months. And thank you, coach. 💪🔥
Yep getting stronger .. to be able to keep doing what I love most indepemdently walking , and playing with my dog
“Striving valiantly in the arena, facing challenges, and daring to try, even if one fails.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Victory is not always about triumph; sometimes, it is simply the courage to keep going, to face our own imperfections with love and acceptance. At times, life takes unexpected turns that carry us higher than we ever imagined.
Santorini. The pandemic had just begun to ease, borders carefully reopening, and after two long years of isolation, it was my first journey back into the world. The island was almost empty, its silence amplifying its beauty.
One afternoon, Jen, Ralla, and I decided to walk from Akrotiri to Emporio, a trail of about 7 kilometers. By the time we arrived, our feet were heavy, and our bodies tired. Jen sat down to rest and asked us to capture photos she could post later.
As Ralla prepared the camera, my eyes caught a beautiful church nearby. Its roof looked climbable, and I thought to myself—this could be the perfect place for a once-in-a-lifetime shot, with the caldera standing boldly behind me.
Without a second thought, I leapt, climbed, and stood tall on that rooftop. “Take the shot now!” I called out. The result was stunning: a woman standing with confidence against the wide-open sky. But what the picture didn’t show was what I felt inside—the rush of fear as the wind brushed past me, the trembling thought that I might fall. And yet, beneath that fear, a quiet voice whispered: Hold still. You got this.
And I did.
Reflection Life often places us on rooftops we never expected to climb. From the outside, others may see only strength, beauty, and confidence. But inside, we may be battling fear, doubt, or the wind that threatens to unsteady us. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is the choice to stay, to trust, to hold still in the moment and whisper to ourselves, You got this.
In the end, the most powerful victories are not in how the world sees us, but in how we rise above our inner storms and dare to stand tall—imperfect, yet unshaken.
To hold still and not giving up is the truest meaning of Victory
Every November, Claire reigns as the queen of our annual getaway. This year, she’s once again celebrated in her style, as we take a five-day road trip through the heart of Andalusia, Spain. Organized by me but entirely led by her whims, this journey is a tribute to her birthday and our shared love of travel.
For the second year in a row, Málaga is our base—a sunlit city full of energy, nestled along the southern coast.
Here, our days are filled with long walks, rooftop cocktails, bustling mercados, and endless tapas. One of our favorite spots is El Pimpi, the famous restobar partly owned by Antonio Banderas. It’s the closest we get to a brush with fame, and it’s now a cherished tradition in our travels.
First meal tapas and Tinto Verano and Cerveza VictoriaOf course she will always have the traditional picture near the wall of fame
Last year, we’d planned a side trip to Granada but didn’t quite make it. This time, however, we fulfilled our promise and ventured into Granada’s charming streets and storied hills.
Granada: A Two-Day Journey Through Time and Culture
Granada’s tranquil beauty and rich Moorish heritage made our two-day trip feel like a step back in time. We started at the Mercado de San Agustín, a bustling market that reminded us of Cebu’s shotokil tradition. We bought fresh seafood to be cooked on-site, and it turned out to be a delicious, affordable feast.
Madame Clair
The next day, we set out for the Albaicín de Granada (historically known as Rabad al-Bayyīzīn or the Falconers’ Quarter). This historic neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Granada’s oldest and most emblematic district. It’s where Iberians, Romans, Muslims, and Christians left traces of their cultures.
We began our day at the Mirador de San Nicolás, where we were treated to a stunning view of the Alhambra, Granada’s iconic Moorish palace and fortress. The breathtaking scenery was the perfect start to our day.
The famous Alhambra
Nearby, we stopped for tea and baklava at the Mosque of Granada and experienced the peaceful ambiance as men prayed and chanted from the Quran.
We had mint tea and Baklavas then ordered again for a latte and baklava
Afterward, we continued up to the Cuevas del Sacromonte, or “Gypsies’ Caves,” said to be the birthplace of Flamenco. The energy in this area is contagious, with echoes of dance and music deeply embedded in its hills and caves.
Our day concluded with a stroll along Calle Elvira, which marks the border between the Albaicín and Granada’s city center. This vibrant, colorful street, with its narrow cobblestones and bustling vibe, felt like stepping into a Moroccan souk, rich with scents, sounds, and flavors that stay with you long after you leave.
Calle Elvira
Back to Málaga
Tomorrow, we’ll return to Málaga to close out our annual November escape. Until next year! As we always say, “It’s not about the years we live; it’s about the life we choose to celebrate every year.”
Here’s to many more birthdays, adventures, and memories together.
A Fairytale Come to Life For as long as I can remember, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list. Nestled along the Romantische Strasse—the Romantic Road of Germany—this picturesque town in the Ansbach district of Middle Franconia, Bavaria, has always called to me.
Finally, after years of dreaming, planning, and imagining, I found myself on a long drive through the rolling countryside, each mile bringing me closer to this enchanting place.
As I approached Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the anticipation that had been building inside me reached a peak. The town’s iconic medieval walls, turrets, and half-timbered houses appeared in the distance, looking like they had been plucked straight from a storybook. I had seen countless photos, read endless articles, but nothing truly prepared me for the magic of stepping into this fairytale world.
The moment I walked through one of the town’s ancient gates, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets wound through the town like veins, leading me to charming squares and hidden alleys, each more beautiful than the last. It’s often said that Rothenburg is like a Disneyland for adults, and I couldn’t agree more. But where Disneyland is fantasy, Rothenburg is delightfully, authentically real.
This town wears its history proudly, with every building, every stone, telling a story. The medieval architecture here is breathtaking. Timber-framed houses painted in soft pastels line the streets, their steeply pitched roofs and intricate details making them perfect subjects for photographs. It’s no wonder every corner of this town is Instagrammable.
I found myself constantly pausing to capture yet another scene—whether it was the flower boxes brimming with vibrant blooms, the warm glow of sunlight filtering through narrow alleyways, or the towering spires of St. Jakob’s Church in the distance.
The most icon street Plolein , this was featured in the 1940’s disney film Pinnochio
One of the highlights was strolling through the Castle Garden, where the view of the Tauber Valley was simply breathtaking, surrounded by vibrant flowers and ancient stone walls.
I also savored a glass of Franconian wine served in the distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle, which added a local touch to the experience.
BocksbeutelOne must have a typical German Cuisine
And let’s not forget the famous Schneeballen pastries—a sweet treat that’s as delightful as the town itself.
The Schneeballen
Rothenburg isn’t just a town; it’s a dream come true, a place where history and beauty collide in the most enchanting way.
It was long beautiful drive back home with Rothenburg Ob der Tauber in my heart .
Sundown but our spirits are high .. thank you Rothenburg
An informal art installation in remembrace to those who were inflicted with violence.
Lost in the labyrinthine streets of Rome, our journey to the Vatican took an unexpected turn. Amidst the ancient cobblestones and towering architecture, we stumbled upon a haunting mural that stopped us in our tracks. The ‘Wall of Dolls’ stood as a changing art and memorial installation remembering the female victims of violence and murdered.
Each doll represented a soul lost, a life shattered by brutality. As we gazed upon the faces of the missing and the fallen, a chill swept through us, a reminder of the darker shadows that lurk behind Rome’s storied facades. In this city of timeless beauty and history, every corner holds a tale waiting to be uncovered, a narrative of resilience and remembrance.
We remember them
Rome whispers its secrets, urging us to listen, to learn, and to never forget.
Step into the charming time capsule of Òbidos, Portugal, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of medieval romance.
The tourist in the quaint town of Obidos
As we strolled through its fortified walls, we were whisked away to an era of knights and fair maidens, surrounded by quaint shops offering treasures from yesteryears.
A picturesque town with lovely shops
But amidst the historical splendor, one thing stole the show – Ginja de Óbidos! This potent potion, served in chocolate cups, was both tempting and intimidating. With hesitant hearts, we pondered its strength until Mario from Ocean Clover dared us to take the plunge. And oh, how we soared on the wings of cherry-scented bravery!
The Kings Best Secret And the last but the best dare ..
With giggles and glee, we wandered, sipping on liquid courage, until we found ourselves posing for a picture-perfect moment outside the fort, thanking Ocean Clover for unveiling Portugal’s spirited soul. In the end, Òbidos wasn’t just a town; it was a whimsical journey through time, with a cherry on top!
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira beckons as a paradise for those enchanted by nature’s wonders and seekers of thrilling adventures. For me, it’s always been a dream destination, with its lush landscapes and inviting trails. Positioned about 700 km from Marrakesh, Morocco, this island, despite its proximity to Africa, proudly stands as an autonomous region of Portugal, boasting tropical weather and crystalline blue seas.
Recently, I embarked on a three-day escapade to Madeira with my dear friends Jennifer, Clara, and Ralla, eager to explore its marvels.
The tourist
Day 1: Discovering Funchal
Mercado Lavadores 0
Our journey kicked off in Funchal, the pulsating heart of Madeira. After dropping off our bags, we dove into the city’s charms. Brunch at Mercado Lavadores fueled us for a leisurely stroll along Rua Santa Maria, the oldest street adorned with captivating door paintings.
Brunch at Mercado Lavadores A chitchat and more Obligatory shot The paintings on the doors of Rua Santa Maria
The cable car ride treated us to panoramic vistas, including the exhilarating toboggan descent, a timeless Madeiran tradition.
Down we gooo
We wrapped up the day with ice cream along Ave. Do Mar, relishing the salty breeze, before indulging in elegance at Reid’s Palace.
Day 2: Chasing Sunrise and Embracing Nature
Rising before dawn, we embarked on a rendezvous with nature.
Our guide whisked us away to witness the breathtaking sunrise from Pico de Aireiro, the island’s second-highest peak. Despite the chilly morning, the radiant sun’s embrace warmed our souls, reinforcing our bond with the natural world.
Good morning world Here comes the sun
A hearty camping breakfast prepared by our guide sustained us for an enchanting hike along the Levadas, deepening our reverence for Mother Nature.
Levada walk
Day 3: The Defender Adventure
Jen and the defender
Our final day dawned with excitement as we embarked on an off-road odyssey with our intrepid guide, Mauricio. From the vertiginous heights of Cabo Girao to the tranquil beauty of Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools, each stop unveiled Madeira’s rugged splendor.
And it will just take your breath away
A gastronomic delight awaited us at a local fisherman’s restaurant, where we savored Espada with banana, a culinary revelation.
Espada with banana on top
Our journey culminated in Fanal Forest, a UNESCO-protected sanctuary graced by majestic Laurisilva trees, leaving an indelible imprint on our hearts.
As we bid farewell to Madeira, we knew our adventure had only scratched the surface of its allure. Until we meet again, Madeira, your beauty continues to beckon us with promises of new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
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