car

Marcel and Anna walk around the Alster, sample perfumes, and watch cars being towed; later, Marcel falls asleep while trying to read beside his cat.

A cute little day. We spent quite a while in the perfume section of a large shopping center, trying dozens of fragrances. It was fun, and it sent Anna spiraling down a deep rabbit hole of fragrance research. I love those moments when you suddenly unlock a new interest and get to learn an entirely new set of things. I also learned that I’m apparently a big fan of pine in my fragrances. Who would have guessed I’d enjoy smelling like a tree!

After a car trip from the North Sea to Hamburg, Marcel collapses on the sofa with his sleeping cats.

I sometimes forget to make enough time for myself, which leaves my social battery completely drained and brings on headaches.

Anna, Marcel, and Anna's mother travel by car to a rental house, then relax together while watching soccer.

Anna's mother had always dreamed of doing a Wattwanderung, a walk through the Wadden Sea at low tide to one of the nearby islands. So we packed our things, rented a car and a house, and made our way to Germany's north coast, where I'm originally from.

Marcel and Anna travel by train to London, where they explore the city and share pizza and pints.

We arrived in London, and I couldn’t have had a better initial impression. I loved it from the very first second.