Wanderings, Notes and SoulMoments from November’s travels

Renate Stoiber
Dec 4
4 min read

November took me from quiet days in Augsburg, Germany, to time at sea and long, curious walks through Genoa, before returning to Augsburg again. It became a lovely collection of moments that reminded me why I enjoy traveling this way: a mix of curiosity, ease, and simply following what feels right.

Augsburg — A Familiar Place Seen Slowly

The month began quietly in my hometown of Augsburg. I spent a week celebrating a special friend’s birthday and wandering the city in unexpectedly gorgeous fall weather. Even after growing up there, I’m still surprised by how much beauty I never noticed before, mostly because I never slowed down long enough to look.

This time I did. And the area around Rotes Tor and into the Altstadt felt completely new and created some true #SoulMoments.

Cruise Days — Marseille, Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples & Rome

From Augsburg, the month opened up into a stretch of travel by sea.

Marseille brought the stunning Marcoville exhibit at the Cathédrale de la Major, followed by a small “Eat, Pray, Love” moment at a tiny bakery, and breathtaking views. Sitting in the sunshine at a random bakery instead of rushing through a group tour is exactly why I travel this way making space for #SoulMoments.

Barcelona dazzled with Gaudí and sunshine—enough to land on my “come back and stay longer” list. Wandering (and, no surprise, getting a little lost 😄) through the spacious Parc Güell with its stunning views offered more #SoulMoments.

Cagliari reminded me that slowing down is its own reward. Instead of pushing through the rain, I shared an extended breakfast with a new friend and waited it out. The stories we traded became the real #SoulMoments of the day.

Naples offered a reflection on perspective: how shifting where you stand changes what you see. The ship Smeralda and the bell tower didn’t move, but my viewpoint did, and the photos show it. A great reminder for life, too.

Smeralda waaaaay on the right. Can you spot her?

Of course, when in Naples, I had to sit down and enjoy a pizza and a glass of Chianti.

Rome, the final cruise stop before returning to Genoa, was a full immersion into history: Palatine Hill, the Forum, and the Colosseum. Awe all day long!

Plus a very quick, and very touristy, stop at Fontana di Trevi and the Spanish Steps. But hey, when in Rome 😉

Genoa — Wandering, Working, and Settling In

After the cruise, Genoa became home for the week. I settled into a rhythm of a single morning coaching session, wandering new neighborhoods, and slowly getting a feel for the city.

I found tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants where the owners knew everyone, fed the trash collector before he headed out again, and handed a little girl paper to draw so her mother could eat in peace. These small kindnesses felt like their own #SoulMoments.

I explored the aquarium at my own pace, waited for the right photo moments, and tremendously enjoyed a surprise sunset steps from the place where I was staying. Needless to say that I came back the next days for sunset #SoulMoments.

And somewhere between wandering alleys and discovering the massive palaces on Via Garibaldi, I realized I might finally be able to navigate without Maps ... at least for a little while. 😉

Pisa & Lucca — A Day Trip to Remember

A day trip brought me to Pisa and Lucca, and with it, a quiet wave of gratitude: leaving corporate when I did was such a blessing. Sitting on the train along the stunning coast, it wasn’t lost on me what a gift it is to enjoy a train ride without the urge to prepare for a meeting. A perfect #SoulMoment.

Pisa was wonderful and every bit as striking as people say.

But Lucca… I fell completely in love with Lucca. It’s now firmly on my list of places to come back to and stay longer.

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

My Thanksgiving in Genoa looked different this year, but it was no less full of gratitude.

Instead of cooking a big meal, I took a long walk along the beach, watching families, grandparents, and happy dogs enjoy the day. With the snow-covered Alps framing a sunny shoreline, it felt almost unreal.

Lunch was a fresh shrimp salad on the sparkling Boccadasse beach, followed by a little improvised stone art (if you can call it that 😉).

Gentle #SoulMoments to close my time in Genoa.

Coming Back to Augsburg

From Italy, I made my way back to Augsburg, train strike and all, and somehow the trip still went so smoothly that I arrived in time for my friends’ weekly cooking night. It’s one of my favorite rituals because I get to see so many of my friends in one place.

The next morning brought a cozy breakfast and a relaxed afternoon with another dear friend.

And on the first Advent, I celebrated with my son, complete with a last-minute Advent wreath rescue from one of my wonderful friends.

We wrapped up the evening with Glühwein and Engelssingen at the Augsburg Christmas market.