Germany

This post has to be modified (31.05.2018) due to issues with copyright after I quit my job. My former boss made clear, I am not allowed to use any of data in my portfolio. I will tell You more over here [1].

Starting a new job two years ago [2], preparing and submitting an application for building permit was one of my first tasks. It took a while to polish the details and sign contractors – after a year of preperations, we were good to go. Quite enthusiastic, I emerged myself in regular site visits – coordinating subcontractors, material logistic and ensuring general progress. And I think I grew few grey hairs this past year. Nevertheless, I am glad to say, I have just finished my first housing project!

The design is not ground breaking, the general layout was already drafted before I started. What is more, we were building based on existing zoning plan and there were lot of other restrictions, e.g. the facade colour determined by the department of preservation of historical monuments – despite the fact, it is a new building. Welcome to Germany.

It is quite fascinating to look back and see how I put few abstract plans into real shape and watched to grow a real house in front of me. I guess, I did learn something and I would have done so many thigns differently now. Nevertheless, it turned out quite OK and the first tenants were so happy! And that is only thing what counts in the end.

DRAWINGS, PLANS and GALLERY

had to be removed.

[1] read more here very soon

[2] read more here

In the second half of September (18th – 29th Sept. 2015 to be more precise), I have moved out of Cottbus for good. To make this last moving more special, I have suggested to make it on bicycle and my dad jumped on board immediatelly. Yes, it is not exactly a short trip, it has been around 920km. Yet, it was very rewarding and I would do it all over again. It is important for you to know, I have been enjoying cycling regularly and this was not my first longer trip. It all started when I was a child and dad would take us on such expeditions. Back then, I guess I was still in kindergarden and as I was the younger child, I have been privilaged to sit in child seat on the dad´s bicycle and my brother had to pedal upwards. But then, we would switch places for the downhill part! Later on, when I grew up a little, I was stripped down of this special treatment and had to ride my own bike. Nevertheless, I have been enjoying these trips ever since.

I have been fully aware of the challenge I wanted to undergo, so I have started with preperations two months in advance. I had to improve my fitness condition in order to be able to manage getting home in those two weeks. I would highly recommend it to anyone, who wants to do something similiar – unless you are a Pro :-). I also bought a new tent (Micra II by Salewa, for a personal review, please visit “My Gear”), as we planned on camping and I have packed my proper sleeping bag!

Day 0, Friday 18th September 2015

Cottbus, DE – Felixsee (35km)

To cope with complicated logistics of transporting bicycle by bus or tain, dad has decided to start the trip few days earlier and take a train from home to the west-northern part of Czech Republic, close to German borderline and bike to Cottbus. Then, we were supposed to meet for an official start of the trip around noon in front of university library in Cottbus.

..to be continued.

Day 1, Saturday 19th September 2015

Felixsee – Bautzen (91,7km)

Day 2, Sunday 20th September 2015

Bautzen, DE – Marenice, CZ (68,7km)

Day 3, Monday 21st September 2015

Marenice – Vysoka nad Jizerou (69,7km)

Day 4, Tuesday 22nd September 2015

Vysoka nad Jizerou – Adrspach (74,1km)

Day 5, Sunday 20th September 2015

Adrspach – Destne (72,4km)

Day 6, Sunday 20th September 2015