as some of you wanted to see how i live, here are some pictures of my home and my university 🙂
Hello dear readers,
there is finally a feeling of arrival. Or is it?
As you might have noticed i havent written anything for a loong time.
The last entry was actually a decoy. i wrote it while being at home at my dads place.
But it was the perfect way to surprise my sister and mother for christmas.
I knew that i want to start studying in september, and that i really want to go do that in Zuerich, Switzerland.
So what to do with all that free time?
I noticed that there is so many possibilities, that it become overwhelming.
In the end i started working 40h a week in a company producing 3d printers, http://bigrep.com
I wasn’t really feeling like home yet though.
That the company sent me to Israel and America (where i spent 3 weeks holidays in Cali, afterwards) did not really help arriving.
After a couple complications and the insight that it is better to live in my own flat than in the guest room at my mothers place, i found a flatshare.
But the whole time in Berlin i felt uprooted and partially estranged.
I was meeting all my friends and it was great to be reunited, but the circles from the past had shifted (as they do) and it felt like i am not really belonging in most of them.
It takes time to integrate, share experiences and somehow build trust.
In some cases i felt like i never left and in others like there was two strangers meeting, who in forgotten times spent time together.
I recognized that my time abroad had changed my personal boundaries, opened a few and closed others.
The winter was gray, wet and cold. There was almost no snow.
I was so grateful that exactly for my birthday there was so much snow that it was enough to build an iglou.
I really enjoyed spending time with my parents, sisters and grandma, especially my grandma 🙂 She is a real special one!
After i came back from the business trips the spring was in full force, which was a blessing as i think i am a sun-addict.
I wonder how i will stand the next winter here.
Because now i am actually in Zurich.
I stopped working in the 3d printer company. Being there was so interesting, i had an insight into real engineering of the future. I saw the rise of a startup in almost a clichee kind of way. You could have thought they just made a movie out of it and called it “Jobs”
Then i learned for the university entrance exam, which was hard.
After 3 years of not sitting on a school bench i had to look into my old folders again.
I felt completely lost. i could not even recognize my own handwriting.
Who finished this test, who calculated this exercise? my mind was blank.
It felt hopeless, where to start. After 3 weeks i learned enough of the math basics to start with physics.
However big my anticipation of the exams, i seemed to have done good enough, as i passed and started university a week ago.
Being in University is exactly what i was craving. The ETH in Zurich is a established technical university and it feels a bit like being back in school.
Great! A place where i go and people teach me stuff, i don’t even have to ask them to do it… i really missed that.
My expectations have so far been exceeded, but it is the first week and the level will definitely increase, only 45% pass the first year.
Anyhow i decided to write this blog-post, because i felt you faithful readers deserve a proper ending of this story.
When i arrived in Germany i was so happy not to write blog anymore, i could just be in the moment and if i did not take a camera with me then that was okay, because there was nobody to take pictures for.
I hope you guys are all doing well
I am so happy to announce that i found a home to grow roots. Its beautiful, a big garden, a meadow with sheep, a lake very close and its still only 15min away from Zürich. And best of all i have amazing house mates. It makes me really happy to walk down the street and see the house that i will call my home for (at least) the next 3 years.
So long
Ole Mueller
(to be continued?)
My dear readers,
I send out some surprises allready, but i am sure most of them haven’t arrived yet.
Thats why i am giving you another present right here.
it is once again picture time:
And now for all the fans of furry animals…i give you tigers!
Now we take a night train to our next destination… what an adventure.
So long
Ole
Dear readers,
i am pushing myself to finally write another blog entry.
it has been more than a month, the last time it has been so long between two entries was when i was in the middle of the pacific i think.
At least i have a good excuse 😉
Anyhow lets start at the beginning.
Rose and i explored the mountain springs of the Krabi-province. Blue pools and hot waterfalls were awaiting us in midst a beautiful jungle.
We were quite enjoying these natural wonders and relaxed a little before we took a bus that took us straight into a spooky Bangkok.
We met up with old friends Nico from Infinity and my friend Rawi that i met last time i was in Bangkok. Together we jumped into the Halloween parade on Khaosan Rd.
After Halloween war over we readied ourselves for the North.
Our Hotel-concierge recommended to go up early as the festival of lights “Loy Krathong” would be in full flow. So we jumped in the next available bus to Chiang Mai to catch a view of the lantern fest. It was breathtaking.
Like ghosts or ascending souls all over the sky the lanterns were flying.
In columns of thousands, never ending.
They were rising up to the clouds where the flames where extinguished by the moisture.
On their way up however they created a second starry sky.
The river was full with little floating candles which were joined by descending lantern paper.
Of course we joined the madness and wrote our wishes on a skylight and let it fly to unknown heights.
The next day, we were not really expecting anything and had just changed hostels, we got notice from the monastery: “Now is the time, the next opening is in a week”
We were confused, as a couple days later we got information, that we could just walk in.
But we quickly packed our necessities and i tried to contact my parents, so they wouldn’t be worried when their son suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth for a month 🙂
The monastery was intense to say the least.
Feelings that have boiled unknown, ideas and thoughts that presented themselves and memories well remembered and also long forgotten all tried to keep me from the present moment. Some still do.
Meditation is a great exercise to get calm, to discover inner truths and to build up grey matter in the brain. I hope it will be seen as necessary as brushing our teeth in the future.
But enough of that.
Now i am out and on my way to the next adventure 🙂
So Long
Ole
p.s. Pictures will follow soon.
Dear readers,
I have really relaxed for the last 2 weeks, so much so I am not even in the mood for writing. Luckily I have met up with my beautiful girlfriend Rose again and she agreed to write my first guest entry. I am happy, as she is a published author.
I hope you enjoy the fresh style.
Enjoy:
Hello Ole’s fabulous fan club! I am so very honored to have been invited to guest write on his most inspiring blog. Hopefully this will be the final push to start one of my own! https://initiationtowonder.wordpress.com/
So after a month and ½ apart, out of all our infinite choices Ole and I decided to rendezvous in Thailand! A mystical enchanted land and of smiles, elephants, monkey’s, jungle bungalows, massages, alien fruit, white sand beaches, golden naga temples and some of the most epic spicy delicious food on the planet.
We chose Krabi, because of its dramatic cliffs and the beauty of the surrounding beaches and islands. Ole was waiting for me at my gate from my flight from the Amsterdam with a sign saying Chaska which is my Mayan name meaning Star. He’s so sweet and romantic!
It’s the end of the rainy season here, high season starts next month, which we want to miss.
I booked a nice bungalow beneath the famous Krabi cliffs (Aonang Cliff view resort link) for us to stay while we scoped out the area the first few days. The place was so cute with a fabulous pool, surrounded by the towering cliffs, fan palms, tropical flowers, peacocks, baby bunnies and cats. We were so happy to be re-united and our bungalow was cozy and romantic. We relaxed to the sounds of thunder and rain enjoying our reunion immensely.
In the mornings we were awoken with the sound of Thai boxing at the gym next door. We explored the Aonang beach nearby, eating curries on the beach, enjoying mango shakes, mangosteen, spicy papaya salad and Thai massages.
The town is a bit of tourist armpit complete with a creepy red light district but the beach is lovely and we just took our free shuttle back to our cozy and peaceful cliff bungalow, away from all the touristic turmoil.
We were offered a very cheap deal to do a 4-island tour from our bungalow resort for staying 4 nights there. We’re not really your typical tourists so it was an experience. The Thai long boats they use here are pretty loud but super photogenic and efficient. Our funny tour guide lined us up like sheep and packed us into a unique wooden long boat. It felt like a elementary school trip. The tour was filled with deaf Malaysians talking in sign language. Our first stop is Pharaong Cave beach where we found herds of Chinese tourists, caves filled with wooden penises and young fit hotties climbing cliffs.
The beach and cliff islands are gorgeous although we only get 40min to look around. Then off to the next island for some zombie tourist snorkeling in life jackets. The place is overrun; the coral is sad but still beautiful. We manage to not have to use the life jackets and swim away from the masses and enjoy the beautiful fishes.
The next island is for a lunch break we set up our hammock and eat rice and veggies overlooking the white beaches and clear blue water of Koh Jub. There is no bathroom for all the tourists and there is a lot of them. Our guide says to go in the water. Eeeeeeeew…
At the last island (Koh Poda) we have a jam session with the monkeys, the place is trashed, filled with tourists and old falling apart buildings, despite that all it’s still so very pretty.
Just as we are leaving the afternoon rain starts and we get soaked on our way back to our bungalow.
We learned quickly that the best food is with the street vendors. Everything is so delicious and I’m amazed that Ole can eat even hotter stuff than me.
Even though the whole time we have been together he never eats spicy things? What a freak.
We moved to a bungalow on a beach called the Dawn of Happiness, the ocean is right out our window with the cliffs in the background across the bay. They are getting ready for a reggae party and have built a cool tree house DJ booth which they say I can DJ in. Lecker!!
We rented a motorbike and head into Krabi for the Sunday night market. We get caught in a rainstorm, its pretty exiting. In Krabi we eat so much delicious street food, Curries, morning glory, mushroom soup, quail eggs, amazing pad Thai, fruits, Thai iced tea and yummy sweets. It’s so fun and romantic.
This is it, all that has happened over here in paradise. I hope you enjoyed her post.
International media apparently covered that there was full on Ukranian-style riots over here, but everybody seems to disagree. It is just not the laid back thai style.
So everybody at home, don’t worry its fine here, very fine 🙂
So Long
Ole
For the last 2 weeks i worked as a cook in a beach kiosk.
I made money so i can afford to fly to Thailand.
I booked a ticket today.
The winter here was hard. people don’t heat their homes and most europeans agree that it is harsher than the european winters. Even though we get colder temperatures.
But the summer has started and i like it. Beaches with beautiful people tanning in the sun. Surfers waiting for the perfect wave. It feels like it has become a different place.
Yet i had enough.
I sold my car and i am getting rid of the stuff that i have accumulated because of it.
I am looking forward to the relaxed attitude of the Asians. It sometimes feels like most things here are about money.
I have an urge to not worry about money anymore to thrive and live, but australia seems so expensive you are on a constant survival.
It is going to be great to go back to asia, meditate and meet old friends before i go back home. Or maybe i will change my mind completely after meditating. Who knows.
I am looking forward to meeting my family and friends again, working in switzerland, and eventually starting to study there.
Loving life today, my job hired other people, so i am not working at the moment, but really enjoying my free time.
Here are some pix of the job.
So long
Ole
I am tired.
Not only in a literal sense, but in an emotional sense.
Australia is tiring me. Or i should say sydney is tiring me.
It is a great place to make money, but it is like a dark abyss, where when once caught it keeps you in.
That might be just slightly exaggerated.
I feel like i am having a normal life at the moment.
I feel like the splendor of past days has… well passed.
Working like a dog.
Every day I wake up in the morning walk along the beach to work. As a cook in a cute little beach cafe at Tamarama Beach. I work for 8-9 h and walk back home.
It is a simple life, nothing fancy. Sleep, work, sleep.
I get great food and my workmates are nice and money is good so that i am planning to go to Thailand soon. 🙂
My car is going to be sold and i will be a free spirit once again 🙂
No pain no gain, or so they say.
My neck is healing well, it is annoying, but not painful.
Actually i am pretty good.
Every day i see the surfers chillin on the swell, i walk to work on the beautiful coastal walk.
and i get to make nice food for people while saving money.
I have been invited to go surfing once my neckbrace is off, lets say what the doctor says.
On wednesday i will see him, and hopefully take it off for good!
I am investing my time… i learn a lot about kitchens, and business, it is very interesting, but work is exhausting at the moment.
I think i miss that counterbalance.
I am living together with 3 chilean guys, but they havent been home because it was chilean national day, and they have been out partying all night 😀
I am looking forward to the next week.
So long
Ole
Dear readers,
a lot has happened since i wrote last.
The Forest was amazing! We went on a little hiking trip up to a mountain called “pigeon House Mountain” which Capt’n Cook himself named.
Sadly my camera died before i could take a single picture… 
But it was very relaxing. I did a three day fast and detox and felt so refreshed afterwards.
After coming back to Sydney, i finally couch-surfed again!
I wanted to show Rose how amazing the concept of CS. Our first host ditched us last-minute, but we ended up having the best host ever! Brett is amazing! He is a chef that lived in peru for a couple years and has traveled the world, i could immediately identify 😀
He invited me to come to an innovation and design exhibition, to which i sadly forgot my camera 😦
tsktsk
Then we went to a hip-hop club where rose DJed and i beat-boxed.
It was a lot of fun and it was my first time i have been immersed in Australian underground culture.
Apparently it is the only bar in Sydney that constantly plays old-school hip-hop.
Rose flew off to Europe 😦 but i will not let that take my fun away :DSo I went off to a friendly milliner (a hatmaker) to fix my to small hat. He told me that if i annoy him enough he will teach me how to do it.
So i did, hand he showed me. It seems the old traditional crafts are dying and nowadays people do it mostly for a hobby. But here in Australia people (meaning middle and upper-class women) actually wear little hats and fascinators, because horse and dog racing is still a big thing here down under. Old English traditions i suppose.
I went to a couple photo shoots and am trying to get another modeling gig to make some money.
I moved back to my favorite place, here in Coogee it’s just the best.
One of Roses friends showed me around in the music scene of Sydney. The event was called “Fringe festival”.
It was an event similar to the “Fete de la musique” in Berlin, where every bar has a musician in their window.
So many diverse bands played! I think it was the first time since…
yeah since when. I don’t remember when i saw a live concert last.
How long have i been gone?
Wow over 2 Years or 111 weeks, 780 days or 18,720 hours. ( ok just for completeness, i have been gone for about 67,392,000 seconds 😉 )
Loong time.
Well you guys might need to wait a couple more seconds before Ole is back.
But i will be back, maybe sooner than you think.
ok picture fix:
Thats it from your outpost here on the other side of our little blue dot in the universe.
I have become a TEDicct. Meaning i watch 2-3 ted videos a day 😀 It is amazing how much you can learn if somebody puts it in digestible form!
I can only recommend downloading the mobile app.
So long and thanks for all the Fish
Ole
hello dear readers,
I have made a very fun experience.
I was a commercial catwalk model for the fudge hair show.
I cannot really describe what happened.
So much glam! Makeup artists, Hairdresser and choreographers, all dressed in the latest designer clothes. It was very stereotypical to be honest.
I felt like a mix between Derek Zoolander and Katniss Everdeen. Tributes of Panem.
It was so surreal but the best paid job i have had so far…i was basically paid for waiting around all day 😀
The hairdresser who was a star among hairdresser apparently liked me so much they flew me to Melbourne, where i stayed at the Hilton…wow.
They put my hair up like Bjoerk or Gwen Steffani and clothed me in Pink…after the makeup i looked more like Olivia than like Ole 😀
It was definitely an experience worth making!
so long
Ole
p.s. I am off to the forest!
Dear readers,
i live right by the best beach of Sydney, it is incredible. Coogee for the win!
Even though the job market is slowing down i enjoy the immense beauty of my surroundings.
I am going to stay here until the 3rd of August and then a couple weeks later hopefully get a job as a chef on daydream island, hold your fingers crossed for me 🙂
I cannot believe, that ii have been gone for more than 2 years now!
It is crazy it passed like a storm.
So many experiences, so many emotions, so many impressions, so many people
And as i said before i do not regret anything.
It has been a great ride and i am sure that my journey will continue to enrich me and hopefully other people as well…whether i am traveling or not.
I am looking forward to coming back to my birthplace, my homebase. I am anxious that people “don’t get me”, but i guess i just need to train my communication skills for that 🙂
But while traveling i must say i think i found the home in me.
That’s what i think is the significance of being uprooted for such a long time. You loose the attachment to your conditioned values, and you learn to love the whole.
I am not saying you have to be uprooted to find that, it might just be easier to find.
You see that things are evenly beautiful, evenly problematic, it is the same joy or despair wherever you go. My father always used to say: “The sum of all problems is always equal”
You are not attached to your ways of thinking as the only ones, there are 7 billion people on this planet and everybody has their own little bubble. Who am i to claim the only truth.
I am extremely grateful, that i am able to travel for such a long time.
There is not may people who travel that long or CAN travel that long for that matter…i think it is extremely giving to travel and it would be a great world if everybody would travel at least once in their life.
Okay enough cheesy thoughts
This Sunday i went to a Nigerian church. Last Sunday i told you i went dancing and in the bus back i met Victor a Nigerian petroleum engineer who invited me to this very cultural experience. It was a lot of fun.
I was the only white person in the room and attracted the attention of all the 2-4 year old 😀
It is crazy how there is a special Australian-Nigerian partnership program…Nigeria has the 3rd biggest Crude Oil reserve in the world.
It would seem as if Australia is doing some public relations here…
I found a little hideout in a teatree forest.
While meditating there an opossum came close to me it looked and came closer. Up to 1 meter!!
It was gone when i came back with an apple and banana.
So long Ole
p.s. i wanted to write earlier, but my phone doesn’t like the wordpress app…it crashed 3 times!
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