Finding calm in the city - Bains des Pâquis

It is possible to find an oasis of calm and serenity in the middle of the city such as Geneva, at the open-air baths right on the right shore of the Lake Léman.  Bains de Paquis (bains-des-paquis.ch) is a real public institution with almost mythical reputation and a long tradition since its construction in 1872. Its a piece of heaven where you can unwind, lay down on the wooden deck and soak the sun, get rid of toxins in a sauna and hamam, get a massage and after all that take a refreshing dip in the sparkling lake waters. The baths are less chic and modern than this beautiful spa, but this is what makes them so special; simplicity, no-frills deco, fresh cut flowers, all essentials for soul and body comfort are provided. At the sunset there is a special vibe in the air of a social hub as the locals, a colorful, cheerful crowd of people of multitude nationalities come for a sun-downer. Paquis restaurant (buvettedesbains.ch) serves excellent freshly made lunches and dinners at very reasonable prices.

The baths are known for summer 6am music concerts at the time of sunrise, what a serene way to start a day, I hope to attend one yet this summer.

*Here is about another favorite relaxing spot in Geneva. 

Wilsons Promontory National Park

These were the last days in Australia before returning home to Switzerland and I could have not imagine a better place to end the 6 weeks journey.  As I look at this image of myself running on the beach feeling space and freedom for me this is what life is about; playing in outdoors, being our true selves, doing what we love, spending quality time with our loved ones and drinking good wine. The more life is simple the more it is fulfilling.

Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the most beloved national parks by Australians, and for me one of the most special place in the world. It is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia (Victoria), 150 km south of Melbourne. ‘The Prom’, as it’s affectionately known its wilderness and rainforest, stunning coastal scenery, some mountains and secluded, swimming and surfing white-sand beaches. We caught a fish, stayed at Squeaky Beach (stunning wild beach with orange rock formations), hiked Mount Oberon and watched sunsets. If you travel in Australia one day this is a place to come to!

Connected to nature

In the clutter and noise of the modern life nature is a place I always return to. It is the central place of my life. Being close connected to nature means a space where we can heal naturally and gain energy and power to love, live and thrive. It does something good for your brain and your heart to experience a view like this.

Connecting to the natural world, the world I come from, makes me feel healthy, balanced and at peace within myself. Nature makes me a better and more grounded person, just because I need less of everything else.

Though it might be easy for many people to forget while they're busy living a modern, urbanized life - we human beings are grown out of, and we're part of the natural world. The nature which is made up of energies and natural molecular constellations; interconnection of water, soil, air and all living beings.  We don’t own and control this natural world as many might think but we are a part of the natural cycle; and we always get a chance to go back to the natural world where we come from and it will always give us a chance to heal and lead a better, more meaningful life.

“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

― Albert Einstein