Ah the perks of the job, other than having the ability to work from our innovation center in Palma for 4 weeks per year, alongside our company trip trivago also offers the option to exercise a home office privilege. While I do not use it so often, it is certainly nice to escape winter for a couple of extra days while traveling across the pond to see family for a weekend in the Sunshine State of Florida.
While I have been chasing winter - Japan, Chamonix, Garmisch, Sauerland, Val Thorens, Aspen - I have survived my second (mild) German winter; cold, rainy, dark & dreary, it it quite contrary to how I was brought up. After living my entire life in denim cut offs and flip flops, I clearly took swaying palm trees and the warmth from the sunshine for granted.
While I am still a strong believer Florida is too hot and humid for me, April in the sunshine state is an absolute dream. Low humidity, the perfect temperature (80F / 27C and sunny) and white sand beaches for miles, I now understand why people from all around the world flock down for winter.
getting there, directly.
Boat, car, train & plane - I am not picky how I get home. In 2014 Lufthansa announced direct service from Frankfurt to Tampa which was one of the most exciting days in aviation history if you were to ask me. Not having to connect in Newark, yes yes yes! Another Lufthansa lunch date was in order, and this time it looked a little bit like this:
düsseldorf - frankfurt
duration: 1.5 hours
frankfurt airport - airplane
duration: 10 min.
FRANKFURT - TAMPA
duration: 10.5 hours
Tampa international airport - home
DURATION: 30 min.
the daily routine
Mornings were spent cooking delicious breakfasts with dad while catching up on emails and projects with the team (time difference problems)
Afternoons were spent lunch breaking aka perfecting my tan at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Pass-a-grille
Evenings were spent at home back in the ‘office’ working on the day to day updates while watching some of my favorite and long lost American television shows.
I was quite surprised to see how much Tampa and St. Pete has developed over the past five years ever since leaving for University in Savannah, Georgia. Trending restaurants with fusion menus, new boutiques and shopping for miles it felt so good to be home. Although, it would not be a trip home without making a reservation at what just might be my favorite restaurant in the U.S., Bern's Steakhouse.
Moral of the story? Work life balance is key. I now feel rejuvenated and ready to head back to the office (but not before heading to The Ski Week Aspen)
