2023 Handstands in the Alps, Austria
Day 1-2: Travel to Zurich, Check in, Dinner, Sleep
Logan & I YOLO’ed and upgraded to Business class on Lufthansa. 100% worth it. Upon arriving in Frankfurt for our connection (which we were RUSHING to) we found out our flight (along with ~20 others) was cancelled due to weather. We had to act FAST - and luckily Logan was thinking on his feet. We weren’t fast enough to get on the next flight out, but were very lucky to get on standby for the 4pm flight. That did mean no more bike tour in Zurich, but we got fully refunded.
Pro Tip: If your trip is cancelled in the EU you can complete a short form to ask for reimbursement. (Which seems to be a very generous amount)
We got checked into our BnB with the most friendly host. It was small and adorable with sweet views.
After walking around a little bit in Zurich’s winding and cobblestoned downtown, we chose a French spot for dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast in Zurich, Train to Feldkirch
Not a lot open on Sundays (esp early) in Zurich, but we found a delicious spot called Babu’s Bakery and Coffeehouse. Next up, catch the train to Feldkirch, Austria!
Meeting Sonja at the train station! We took a 20ish minute drive from the train station to our retreat house, probably at around 3500 ft elevation with views for days. Logan and I also opted to head back to Sonja & Ivo’s apartment to meet the cats, see the training space we’re so familiar with online, and help get supplies for the retreat! The space is so cute, in a converted fabric factory, with amazing views. And the cats!!! Supa!
Next, we meet the rest of the retreat guests (some known, some new!), have dinner, and relax before training begins the next morning! No wine yet, but that will change ;)
Day 4: Retreat Day 1 Handstand Basics, Lunch, more Handstands, little stroll / cows, dinner
Training room views for days.
Day 5: Retreat Day 2 Handstand Basics/Shapes, lunch, trip to Feldkirch (castle, church, ice cream, grocery, wine)
Backbending with Juliette
Day 6: Retreat Day 3 - Hike + Jam
We woke up and headed our for our hike. The entire drive, it was raining. When we got our of the car, it was cold, wet and windy! We decided to head up anyway and wait it out in the restaurant - and low and behind, with the power of hot chocolate and french fries, the skies cleared and it turned into the most amazing day/hike. Dare I say, the hills WERE alive with the sound of music. And the cows!!!!
We hiked to the Switzerland/Austria border and took turns attempting to balance a handstand in the tremendous wind. A sour beer was drank in celebration of the summit.
Upon completion, we needed more survival snacks before heading home.
Day 7: Retreat Day 4 - Handstands, lunch, lake, Middle splits/flexibility
Trip to the lake, lots of handstands, and more french fries! These gals are UNSTOPPABLE!
Lots of singing & Sonja playing acoustic! Not Logan asking us to move to the next room so he could sleep. LMAO.
Day 8: Retreat Day 5 - One arm handstand, Bent arm strength (handstand to crow), Farewell party
My absolute favorite dinner of the retreat- individual, sharable homemade pizzas using the outdoor pizza oven!
Then party time! Wine, charades, learning about the vegetable called kohlrabi, and winning 2nd place in the bag game.
Day 9: Train to Munich, Germany | Beer + Food tour
When I say “train to Munich” what I really mean is 5 trains and 5 hours to Munich, lol. But we enjoyed the ride. We checked into our fancy Kings First Class hotel, and sought food - and you guessed it - more french fries!
Next chill, and get ready for our 6pm beer + dinner tour to learn all about Bavarian history and beer making.
Tour started with a beer
Visited beer hall (pretzels and 3 samples) and museum
Visited Hofbrau House - touristy but POPPIN’ off - just did a looksee
Dinner at Hackenhaus
Day 10: Day in Germany | Biking tour
Super yummy breakfast at Joon, obligatory handstands in front of the gothic central building, then bike tour with our super eclectic guide. We had a small group of 6, 3 of which lived in Austrailia, which was perfect. The weather was all over the place (hot, cold, drizzle, windy) but it worked out great! We covered a lot of ground and hit some cool points of interest. We even stopped at a beer garden for - you guessed it - beer and fries!
Lots of the architecture was influenced by Italian design.
Americahaus was a post WW2 initiative to help spread democratic ideology across Germany.
We biked by the 2nd largest beer garden in the world, located in the English gardens. And also found folks surfing in the river here!
We topped off the evening with a trip to the free NS-Dokumentationszentrum München museum.
Then Sherry had the brilliant idea to eat Thai for dinner - just across the street from our hotel. This hole in the wall did not disappoint!
Day 11: Travel to Austin
We got a good night sleep then woke early to make our way to the bus station to head to the airport. Everyone’s trips home went well! (It didn’t hurt that I upgraded to business class again cause I’m bouji and the flight was 10 hours).
Highlights:
All the handmade, vegetarian food made by a friend who happens to be Italian and a Chef
All the Sherry selfies
Meeting my internet friends
Visiting German speaking countries
Fresh air
Group photoshoot & toe touches!
Learning that potatoes are called “apples of the earth”
