Australia Holiday, East Coast
Visited Australia. Stayed in Bargo, Chisholm, and Sydney. Had many adventures.
Bike Theft, Basement Upgrade, Hernia Operation
MTB was stolen, leading to basement upgrades, leading to a hernia (which could have been easily avoidedand). Also went to Oldenburg for the school holidays.
Flüebödeli and Flüelen Bike Rides
Attepmted to ride from Ziegelbrücke to Einsiedeln. Walked in knee-deep snow for hours. Attepmted to ride from Flüelen via Sattel to Zürich. Road was closed; had to go over a mountain.
Paper - Scisors - Whatever
Went for a short walk above the clouds in the snow, and invented an engaging game.
Greece Holiday
Went to Greece and drove in a big anti-clockwise loop via Athens, Delphi, Metoria, Kefalonia and Corinth. Many old rocks. Many cats. Many bad drivers.
Summer with Aussies
Had a staycation in Switzerland with visiting Aussies. Travelled south to explore mountains, valleys and marble tracks.
Scottland Holiday
Travelled around Scotland in a camper. Surprisingly good weather, but cold.
Sardinia Holiday
Holidayed on Sardinia, and Italian island in Mediterranean Sea, out of season. Lots of empty pebble beaches, decent weather, so much beach glass.
Zürich Snow Dump 2021
Snow fell in Zürich. A lot.
Flims Holiday
Enjoyed a week in Flims during lockdown
3 Hikes and a Fancy Meal
Did three big manly hikes and had a very fancy meal with friends
Kids Bed Complete
Designed and built a double high bed hanging from the roof in the kids room. Many holes drilled.
Azores São Miguel Week Two
Holiday in the Azores on São Miguel island in the Atlantic ocean, week two. Hiking and more icecream.
Azores São Miguel Week One
Holiday in the Azores on São Miguel island in the Atlantic ocean, week one. Hot springs and icecream.
Good Ski Tour. Bad Ski Tour.
You went on a very good ski tour and a vary bad ski tour.
Bed Complete and 2D Drawing Expert
Your massive new bed is complete. Also, you are now considered a 2D drawing expert at work.
Montenegro Holiday Week 2
Second half of your Montenegrin holiday spent mostly on the coast staying on a bee farm, in a glamping tent, on an olive plantation, in a camping tent and in a hotel.
Montenegro Holiday Week 1
You went on a family holiday to Montenegro. Hills, canyons, rivers and spomeniks everywhere.
Føroya Holiday Week 2
Second week on the Faroe Islands. More rain, waterfalls, tunnels, and fish.
Føroya Holiday Week 1
Upon deciding to holiday in the Faroe Islands, people responded in one of two ways: <q>where's that?</q> (mostly from people living in the Southern Hemisphere) and <q>why there?</q> (those from Europe).
Hyderabad Training 2016
Went to Hyderabad India to, effective, train your replacements. KPIs were a big thing. Learning was not. Food was good.
Fancy Zermatt and Pazolastock
Went for a skiing weekend in fancy Zermatt, and did a skitour up Pazolastock. Later went to Wroclaw, Poland, for a welding workshop.
Finland Cross Country Skiing
You went to a small village in Finland for a week of cross country skiing. There was snow. It was cold.
Skitouring, Skating and Various Other Things
You blew off work on Monday to go skitouring with Piotr, lots of little things happened in Zürich, and you went to Pontresina for some cross country skating.
90th Birthday, Xmas in Berlin, no Snow in St. Gervais
You visited Meike's grandmother for her 90th birthday in Oldeburg, did Xmas in Berlin and then went to St. Gervais in France for a yew years skiing holiday. There was no snow.
Fishkek to Bishkek
The last few days were spent travelling from Bokonbajevo via Balykchy — a.k.a. ‘Fishkek’, the most desolate town of Kyrgyzstan — back to Bishkek, where you visited the Dordoy Bazaar — a square kilometer of staked shipping containers.
Tamga to Bokonbajevo
You began the recovery process in Tamga in the style of Yuri Gagarin, and visited Skazka Canyon. You then travelled onward to Bokonbajevo, did some horse riding and slept in a yurt camp.
Inylchek Glacier Trek
You went trakking in the Kyrgyz mountain from Echkili-Tash, over the mountains, up the Inychek Glacier to the South Base Camp, and then evacuated by helicopter. Twelve days hiking with full kit: was kinda massive.
Visas, Tents, Dehydrated Food and Bishkek
You had a mad rush to get everything arranged for Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is nice.
Drippy Days, Erstfeld Klettersteig
Drippy weather, drippy walls and overenthusiastic plant watering made for a wet week. Also did a klettersteig near Erstfeld
Burnt Feet and Dents du Midi
You burnt your feet walking on hot ground before your career as a fire-walker ever got off the ground. Went hiking near the French border after healing.
Basement Shelves and Bergsee Klettersteig
There is a lot to do when you move into a new apartment. Luckily, you know people who have more free time than youselves who came to help. The week after you did the Bergsee klettersteig with the guys.
S and S's Wedding, Churfirsten Hiking
You all went to Berlin for S and S's wedding on the Spree. It was a long and smiley day. Well put together. Next you went hiking in the Churfirsten.
New Apartment
Got the key and moved into your new apartment. Lots of lightning.
Sugar Man, Burning Man and Japan
As a birthday present, you went to see Sixto 'Sugarman' Rodriguez in concert in Zürich. He did pretty well for a 72 year old. After that a fondue exploded, landing your mate in hospital, and you scanned some photos from Japan. Normal stuff.
Strolling, Watching TV and Visiting Hungary
You've been watching lots of anime series from the past few years and there have been some real gems amongst them. Something to do while on vacation... err, working in Hungary.
Oldenburg and Gemsfairenstock
Went to Oldenburg on the overnight train, where you ate cake and dug about in the garden. Next did a ski tour up Gemsfairenstock.
3D Rooms, Eclipses and Visiting Ever
You went to Siegen to see the fancy new 3D room, watched an eclipse (rather than working) and then went to the north of France to visit Ever.
Corss Country Skitour and Pizolsattel
It sounded like a good idea to cross country ski up Flumserberg. It also sounded like a good idea to skate back down a black slope. Snowshoe hiking up Pizolsattel was more successful.
Skitour Report 2015
Skitour 1: Gulme. Ski-day: Flumserberg. Skitour 2: Vanatasch. Skitour 3/4: Churfirsten. So much snow; too few weekends.
Hyderabad Again
Went to Hyderabad in India to give some training. Sunny +30°C weather and lots of big boulders made it fun. Rode a 2-wheeler and required an emergency whisky.
Many skiings
The elevated avalanche risk and subsequent recent fatalities had made you extra cautions about visiting the mountains. Still, it was possible to go providing you took reasonable precations. Crosscountry skiing on the other hand was damn-safe.
Snow Gämel Day and Lizanne Visiting
You had no idea what a snow gämel was, but it was fun. Lizanne came to visit Zürich and you saw the Alps (in her opinion).
Berlin Xmas, Küblis Newyears
Went to Berlin for Xmas. Was fun, relaxing, many biscuits. Went to Küblis for New Years. Was fun, relaxing, much snow.
Thailand Holiday: Trains, Caves and Chiang Mai
You saw some amusing things in Bangkok, caught the train to Chiang Mai and went caving in the north, and came back for the lights festival.
Thailand Holiday: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Went for an excursion into Cambodia for a few days. Stayed in Siem Ream and explored the Angkor runis.
Thailand Holiday: Similan Islands, Tonsai
You went scuba diving in the Similan Islands National Park off the coast of Phuket from a live-aboard boat for four days. After you stayed in Tonsai Bay for some deep water solo climbing, ocean canoeing and relaxing.
Thailand Holiday: Bangkok
You flew to Thailand to visit Dani and Ulf in Bangkok. Adventures were had.
India Again
You went back to India for the third time this year to support primary part sourcing. You went to Vadodara, Pune and Mumbai, spending many hours in taxis and airports.
Wiggis Hike
Years ago you went walking near the Glärnisch mountains with Gav but never attempted them. Now you finally went up one, and it was a long hike.
Goggeien Hike, Oepfelchämmer
You went for a short T4 hike near Stein which turned out to be a wet, manure-covered experience. Later you went to the Oepfelchämmer in Zürich as a surprise birthday dinner for Guillaume. You did the bar climb again.
Funyacking, Mountain Biking
You went funyacking in the Rheinschlucht. It's like kayaking but with inflatables. Next you went mountain biking in Schies.
Federispitz, Diavolo
After Limmat swim was cancelled, you had a BBQ and went up Federispitz. Later you did the Diavolo via ferrata in Andermatt.
Monta Rosa
You went for a hike from Riffelberg over the Gorner/Gregnx glacier, and up to Monta Rosa Hütte. It was unexpectedly warm and sunny in this Summer of unpredictably bad weather, and the views were amazing.
Sex Rouge
Together with Grég and Matthieu you decided to ignore all wet weather predictions, and traveleld to the furthest reaches of the country. The plan: to climb up up Sex Rouge - a mountain in Vaud.
Grosse Mythen
The weather was determined to ruin the August long weekend. None the less, you went up Grosse Mythen and relaxed.
Confracourt and Alpe Fidels Cow Day
Having won the favor of some friends by lending them a scanner, you were invited to a holiday house in the French countryside for the weekend. The weekend after you worked for a day on a dairy farm, learning how cheese is made and clearing trees to expand grazing land.
Bike Repair and Poo Coffee
Your bike was in need of some new handlebar tape and a clean, so you got to it. Your espresso machine also needed fixing but decided for a replacement instead.
Brisbane Business Trip
Went to Brisbane on a business trip. Shame it was Winter being so close to the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef. You visited Moreton Island and Byron Bay with Charles. You also worked... or whatever.
Handstand Blocks, Hikes and Wrocław
Went to a balcony party, went on a hike, made some handstand blocks and went to Wrocław.
Break in Win
Several small things: Mic threw a final bash in his apartment before leaving for Canada; you lazed about in the sun on Hönggerberg; you turned a profit following the break-in last year; and you approved the layout of the apartment tiles.
Creux du Van Hike and Darmstadt
The super-long weekend started with some very wet weather, so in defiance you went wet-hiking along Creux du Van in Jura. The rest of the weekend was spent in Darmstadt visiting Maren. Darmstadt translates literally to 'colon city'; a fact which even she jokes about.
Company Soccer Tournament 2014
This year's company soccer tournament was in Wrocław Poland. As usual the team presentations were the highlight and everyone enjoyed the pre- and after-game events, whereas the games were too agressive for a friendly tournament. The boys went out into Wrocław after the game, some returning with hangovers, one with a black eye.
La Heutte and Spitzmeilen
Perhaps a bit early in the year but sunny enough to stay warm, you went outdoor multi-pitch climbing in Biel. A fortnight later Maren came to visit and you all went to Spitzmeilenhütte for the weekend.
Skating in Fuldera
If it weren't for the train-chaos on Friday, you would have been awoken by the gently sunbeams shining through your mountain valley hotel window. You got there a bit late, but had a blast anyway doing some cross country skating in Fuldera. Also, your office had an audit and you were grilled for seven hours with questions.
Avalanche Training w. Brendon
The construction progress on your apartment is continuing as planned, and you were able to visit your apartment. It was still very much a work-in-progress but so far so good. On the weekend you double booked a visit from Brendon and an avalanche safety course. He came along for the weekend-stay in a Swiss alps mountain hut and everyone had a laugh.
Konkai Nihongo de
For a change you decided to write something in Japanese. It's s tiny update about work at the moment, and some thoughts on this web page.
Drum Concert and Skiing
As an Xmas present you got tickets to see the Yamato Japanese Drummers live in Zürich, and it was pretty cool. The following weekend everyone went via Ofenpass to Val Müstair for ski touring, and you went up Piz Daint (ca. 3000m). Since the snow wasn't getting any better, the next weekend you went cross country skiing in Einsiedeln.
India Training Trip
You were asked to provide designer training for your outsourcing IT company in India, so off you flew. While there, you took the opportunity to evaluate the recently established welding factory. The rumours you heard were true; the place was not quite running to European standards.
Igloo Village
The girls gave Meike a night in an igloo village as a birthday present, so off you all went to Davos for the weekend. It really was a village, with big rooms interconnected by snowy passages and sculptures carved into almost every wall. It even had a sauna and hot tub.
Overland Track Tasmania
A rag-tag group of scientists, engineers and bankers banded together to attempt the Overland Track through St. Clair National Park in Tasmania. You visited Tom and Jenny's farm and then walked for seven days in the rain.
Steel Factory Scuba Diving
You headed back to Duisburg for the last part of your welding course, and somehow passed the damn thing. While there you went scuba diving in the Industrial Park gas tank - no the best diving of all time but an experience. You headed north with your ladyfriend and her sister to visit their grandmother, all the while preparing fo your trip to Tasmania.
Wrocław and Wieliczka
You spent one month in Wrocław Poland to learn how frames and such are made. It was nice to see a new city, but it was a shame it rained so much. You also visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Immenstadt and Neuschwanstein
Went to Bavaria for the weekend for hiking and seeing stuff.
Derby Standardisation
You visited Derby in the UK for a work standardisation thingy. While there, saw Derby.
Windsurfing Weekend in Thun
A long time ago you gave a windsurfing weekend to you lady-friend as a present; almost two years later you finally went!
Late Summer Hiking
Summer kept its tempo for longer than expected, and provided another two wonderful weekends for adventures. You went on two multi-day hikes, staying in huts, up into the mountains: Zinal in the south and Gauli in the middle.
Early Summer Hiking
This year's hiking adventures got off to a late start, but once the sun came out you were rearing to go up into the mountains. Here's the short version...
Mátranovák Wellding Factory, Hungary
You spent a month in Hungary learning how to weld. Time in the country was very relaxing, surrounded by hay bails and sunflowers.
Bought a Hole, Many Puns
You and your lovely lady are the proud owners of a muddy hole, from which one day shall grow an apartment. Also, mixing people from different countries makes for some very punny-funny moments.
Maggia Camping, Climbing
You went camping with With Alex, Grég and Meike in Tessin, south of the alps in Maggia valley. It was utterly spontaneous, being arranges the night before, and worked out well somehow. Got a spot by the river and went rope climbing on 30°C rocks in the sun.
Welding in Duisburg, Gardening in Oldenburg
You traveled to Duisburg for a month for the International Welding Engineer course, and explored the surroundings. One weekend went to visit Meike's grandmother in Oldenburg and did some gardening on a very sunny Sunday afternoon.
Escape to Copenhagen
While living temporality in Duisburg and being drenched by endless rain, you made an escape to Copenhagen to meet Mike, et. al., and go to Eurovision. Twas a gay old time in a house of 11 men.
Skiing Season '13
Once the snow got itself inorder, you had many winter adventures. Snowshoe hikes, ski touring and cross country skiing.
Japan Quick Trip
Your lady went to Japan for business and you tagged along. Visited the Watanabe family in Niigata, walked around Tokyo and met some Macaques monkeys.
Tanzania - Zanzibar, Stone Town
This was the last week of our Tanzania holiday. You all travelled down the coast, making a stop at a spice farm, and went to Stone Town to explore for a few days. Stone Town is a really interesting place, even if the shop owners are a little pushy.
Tanzania - Beach Crab to Zanzibar
We had made it to the Indian Ocean and took a few days to rest at the beach. We slept in our rooftop tent directly parked on the beach, and relaxed listening to the calm waves. We then caught a speedboat over to Zanzibar, to Kendwa for scuba diving, more relaxing, chatting up German girls, and even getting arrested!
Tanzania - Ngorongoro to Lake Natron
Everyone needed some to recover after climbing so many mountains, so we went on safari. We visited the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Natron, and ended up on the coast near Pangani.
Tanzania - Mt. Kilimanjaro
We steeled our nerve and made for Mt. Kilimanjaro. The hike was to take seven days but we skipped one day and did it in six. It wasn't easy or comfortable but it was an amazing, albiet cold, experience
Tanzania - Mt. Meru
It was the first big adventure of your Tanzania trip! You went up Mt. Meru over 4 days with Hendrick, a friendly park ranger and his big rifle. You carried food for 4 days with you; it was heavy.
Tanzania - Arrival
Holiday in Tanzania! We began with collecting the 4x4 and buying supplies. Drove to Lushoto Mountains, continued north to Lake Chala, and then had a restock of supplies in Moshi in preparation for climbing Mt. Meru.
Saentis Pfingston Hike, Spirstock Jog
Went on a 3-day hike on the Pfingston long weekend, slept in a barn at a goat farm. Drinking the water there was a bad decision.
Nurnburg, Magic Wood
Went to Nuernburg for a welding course. Went camping and bouldering at Magic Wood in Graubunden over the 4-day long weekend. Bathing in the river was cold.
Engelberg Bouldering
Went camping and bouldering in Engelberg. It was windy and wet.
Ischgl Skiing
You spent a week in the Austrian alps in *the* skiing village Ischgl - although compared to Swiss prices / fancyness it was nothing out of the ordinary. The highlight was the apartment's wellness spa. Following this, you had your wrist's screw removed.
I Want My Hat Back
Xmas presents from Australia arrived, one of which was an amazing book about a bear who lost his hat. Snowshoe hiking and such on the weekend, and all is good.
Flumserberg Snowshoe Hike
Went for a snowshoe hike from Oberterzen to Seebenalp, and then had beer, pizza and crepe. Also massively updated your page, and had trouble with second source supplier at work.
African Adventure Eleven: Back to South Africa
You returned to South Africa after many thousands of kilometers driving though so many African countries. Bourkes Potholes and Kruger National Park were the last two stops before flying back home.
African Adventure Ten: Mozambique
You entered Mozambique from Zambia along a long, seldom driven road into Tete. From Tete you continued along rough patchy roads to Vilanculous, and then on to Tofo Beach for a few days scuba diving, and finally returned to South Africa.
African Adventure Nine: Zambia
Traveled to Kasane and had a boat cruise. Entered Zambia via the most chaotic checkpoint imaginable, and went to Victoria Falls, met some shifty blokes. Had an exciting white-water riverboarding adventure in the crocodile infested waters of the Zambeze, survived.
African Adventure Eight: Botswana Okawango Delta
Crossed into Botswana and travelled south, camping at several locations along the delta. Went for a boat ride on the Okawango Delta, and had a joy-flight over it. Visited Nxai National Park as the rains set in.
African Adventure Part Seven: Waterberg, Etosha, Shitemo
Passed the petrified forrest (several actually) on the way to Waterberg, and hiked. Continued on to the Etosha National Park for three days safari, and finished at Rainbow River Logde near the boarder to Botswana.
African Adventure Part Six: Cape Cross Seal Colony, Spitzkoppe and Twyfelfontein
Drove to the Nimibian Sea Lion colony at Cape Cross, stayed at the Bushmens campsite at Spitzkoppe, and visited Twyfelfontein
African Adventure Part Five: Drive to Atlantic Ocean
You spend a day hiking up a dry riverbed in the sun, and the next day travel through the empty desert to Wavis Bay
African Adventure Part Four: Namib Desert
You drive and camp near the big Namibian sand dunes in the Namib desert. It's damn hot!
African Adventure: Part Three
You have a day trip to Kolmanskop, the Namibian diamond mining ghost town, and Luderiz
Me Getting More Massive
Just a little update as to whey you take so long to write about Afrika
African Adventure: Part Two
You travel to Augrabie Falls and drink some local wine. Next over the border into Namibia and to Ai-Ais Hotsprings Camp and see the Fish River Canyon. Finally to Klein Aus Vista.
African Adventure: Part One
Your african adventure begins in Johannesberg, visiting Pilannesberg National Park and then to Red Sands resort in the desert
Braunwald Klettersteig
Had a rather awesome adventure in the mountains, another awesome adventure along a glacier, and was hissed at by strange old ladies
Zittauer Klettersteig by Steam Train
Visited a place called Zittauer in Germany on the boarder to Poland and Czech Republic for rock climbing
Finding Scooters, Visiting Factories and Hiking
Had some luck with scooters, visited a foundary and later went hiking.
Skiing in Les Gets France and Light painting.
Visited Izzy at her challet in Les Gets, France, for some skiing. Did some light painting.
Mike visits, manly rock climbing
Mike comes to visit and you two went sledding, and then later you started rock climbing (and being massive)
New Years into Skiing
You enter the new year and don't write about it until the end of Feb? Boo!
Harrie visits, Meike visits
Your sister, Harriet, comes to visit for a while and later Meike comes for new years
Izzy, Nice, France. Mike, Maastricht, Nertherlands.
You went and visited Izzy in Nice, France, and then Mike in Maastricht, Netherlands
Dr. Gav Comes To Visit
You were paid a visit by your best friend, Dr. Gav from Australia. Adventures were had.
Job Description, Innotrans, 92 Pillows
Sam now thinks he know what his job is all about: mechanical design and long weekends any time he feels like it. He also bought 92 pillows to fill his loungeroom, and went to the Innotrans Expo in Berlin
Testing Springs, Riding Up Hills
You've been busy at work but you're are slowly getting used to it, and after getting back on your bike things feel more normal again
Living In Zurich Now
Sam has moved into his new appartment with his wonderful new roommate Melanie, and has started his new job
Subtle Swiss Urban Art
While wandering around I've noticed all the good urban art in Switzerland is very subtle and often well hidden
Searching Switzerland For Somewhere To Stay
Sam skipped over to Switzerland to start searcing for some splendid shack in which to stay. Sam struggled. Seriously, some shonky share-house would suffice!
Aussies Visit Berlin
We had 7 people staying with us over a 2 week period. Damn fun, damn busy, damn loud non-stop laughing!
Soccer Hooligans
Berlin has a lot of soccer hooligans to deal with. They are smelly, sweaty and I don't like them very much
Interview in Zurich
Went to Zurich for an interview and some other things - also I am well aware most of this happened before the ride we went on
Big Bike Ride
Went on a big ride from the North of Germany all the way back to Berlin
Trip To France
I know this trip was waaaaaaay back in March (I think) but I've not had the chance to write about it until now
Present Adventure
The book is almost done. Quick update about the book, interview, Germany. Book complete but needs checking before I order it. Please check and comment
Penis Tower?
Mike came to visit over the long weekend and we had adventures! We saw the Teufelsberg abandonment and walked all over Berlin. Was fun :-)
Efficiency: Low
I guess I'd not noticed until now how inefficient this place really is :-(
Being Manly, the Phone Fiasco, and my Numb Penis
How I was manly carrying a case of beer home, trying to get a phone and not being allowed to have it, and my penis going numb...
Cycling about Berlin, Chillin'
A week here and settling slowly. Trying to speak German is hard!
In Germany Now
Not much of an update, just wanna say that all's good!
Holiday In Coffs Harbour
We went up to Coffs Harbour and stayed with Tom's mum for time time away.
Last Weekend At Work
The last weekend of work and the last The Card Game.
Living At Bananahome
The week after moving out, spent at Mike's house in Redfern.
Moving Out and The End Of 2007
The last days of 2007 spent having as much fun as we all were able.
Holiday'n South
Holiday to Huskisson.
After Exams
After my final Sydney University exams ever!
The Gong Ride
The Sydney to Woolongong bicycle ride.
Blog Page Complete
I have completed the basic design and it all works.