The plan was to leave for the airport at 8:30 CET this morning with Carolin, my wife. Packing had gone smoothly and even though I always had the feeling of having forgotten something, everything turned out out fine … so far. Unfortunately, Carolin had woken up with a sick stomach and was really unwell so we had to say good bye at home. I hope she will get well soon. Thankfully, our neighbor Robert jumped in spontaneously and volunteered to drive me to the airport.
There goes my bike Rosinante
We arrived there well in time. The check-in was a piece of cake. Bulky luggage is by far more relaxed than regular one. No lines and friendly attendants. It was a funny feeling when Rosinante got finally wheeled away.
This year, my right knee is going to be a challenge. I must have torn a ligament or something some days ago. It hurts when I sit still. Whenever I move it gets better. Great thing when you have a 13 hour flight ahead of you 🤓
About 30 years ago, two zis scholarships helped me to broaden my horizon, expand my understanding of what is possible, and develop more self-confidence. zis is a non-profit organization that has been awarding scholarships for study trips to young people between the ages of 16 and 20 for more than 60 years. Today, the word we use for tenacity and grit is resilience - and I've made it my profession, to help managers around the world to develop more of this inner power.
In retrospect, the experiences I've had on these trips to Scotland and Iceland have been priceless for my development. After having had a childhood with some challenges, I learned that I could cycle 1,700km on my own and get wet every day without despairing. I have learned that I was able to get along with only 300 € for 4 weeks and still had a good time. I have learned what it's like to be threatened with deportation and how to get an interview with the President from such a crisis. I have understood that limitations are primarily constructs in our heads, and I want to make these insights available to as many adolescents as possible.
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