470 kilometers, 30 days and 15 kilos on my back
At the beginning of 2022, the corona pandemic moves Bea Meder to an exciting step: she decides to hike from Barcelona to Valencia in 30 days and thus overcome about 470 kilometers on foot - although she spent most of the two years before at her desk. A few months after her hike, we visit the 35-year-old at home in Wuppertal and listen to her experiences that could fill a whole book and give you goosebumps again and again.
At the beginning of 2022, the corona pandemic moves Bea Meder to an exciting step: she decides to hike from Barcelona to Valencia in 30 days and thus overcome about 470 kilometers on foot - although she spent most of the two years before at her desk. A few months after her hike, we visit the 35-year-old at home in Wuppertal and listen to her experiences that could fill a whole book and give you goosebumps again and again.
Bea Meder never really felt comfortable in the small town in which she grew up. At the age of 15, she packed her bags, left her parents' house, and set out to discover the world. As a teenager, she travelled all over Germany during one summer. It sounded romantic and peaceful to her to be at home everywhere without a permanent address. After this summer, Bea and her parents decided that she should move into her own apartment in Wuppertal when she was 16 years old.
Even though she didn’t handle the situation very responsibly at first, which affected her education, the teenager learned that she could achieve something through effort. In retrospect, she tells us that from this point on, she began putting more and more pressure on herself: After being class-best, she had to focus on her further studies as well. Working as a communication designer, she later became self-employed for five years and eventually worked as a graphic designer in an art gallery. "I always wanted to be the best at everything. That was terribly exhausting at some point! In the end, I had the feeling that I was only keeping my head above water."
Bea Meder never really felt comfortable in the small town in which she grew up. At the age of 15, she packed her bags, left her parents' house, and set out to discover the world. As a teenager, she travelled all over Germany during one summer. It sounded romantic and peaceful to her to be at home everywhere without a permanent address. After this summer, Bea and her parents decided that she should move into her own apartment in Wuppertal when she was 16 years old.
Even though she didn’t handle the situation very responsibly at first, which affected her education, the teenager learned that she could achieve something through effort. In retrospect, she tells us that from this point on, she began putting more and more pressure on herself: After being class-best, she had to focus on her further studies as well. Working as a communication designer, she later became self-employed for five years and eventually worked as a graphic designer in an art gallery. "I always wanted to be the best at everything. That was terribly exhausting at some point! In the end, I had the feeling that I was only keeping my head above water."
"I always wanted to be the best at everything. That was terribly exhausting at some point! In the end, I had the feeling that I was only floating above water."
Finally followed the wanderlust after all
In 2020, the Corona pandemic struck, and Bea felt less alive, almost dull, in her home office. She lacked distraction and focused more and more on herself. Between studies, relationships, and jobs, the 35-year-old felt the wanderlust she had as a teenager, but couldn't quite fulfill it. The end of 2021 was the time of change for Bea, so she quit her job as a graphic designer. An unusual plan was hatched when a friend who had just moved to Valencia and a book on walking inspired Bea to go hiking and discover the area. In order to reach Valencia, she chose a route that began in Barcelona and traversed 470 kilometers. With 15 kilograms of luggage on her back and a lot of preparation, she set off for Spain.
11 more kilometers alone through the darkness
As Bea repeatedly emphasized during our visit, the hike should not be a journey of self-discovery, but rather a reminder to trust yourself. This was also evident in difficult situations, with storm warnings, lack of cell phone reception, injuries, powerlessness, closed shelters and in abandoned, dark forests.
Consciously deciding against the pressure to perform
Bea was surprised by the many random encounters, the incredible proximity, the many help offers, the joy of a hot shower and invitations to dinner and the "most delicious breakfast in the world" - and all this despite only communicating with an online translator. Her boyfriend supported her from a distance - demonstrating that relationships can grow in such circumstances. When asked what she took away from her hiking trip, she gave the following answer: she wanted to meet people without prejudice and on an equal footing, as she had experienced in an emergency.
While Bea still struggles with self-doubt and feels pressure to perform, when she slept in hotels during her hike, or changed plans, she learned that listening to oneself was the best decision. Instead of 40 hour weeks in front of the computer, Bea decided on a flexible occupation in which she can express herself more creatively. And when Bea is not working, she takes care of her pet dog, Joda. She collects records, attends concerts, travels with her camera, or since recently on her skateboard, paints with acrylics, and writes poetic and narrative texts. She also kept a diary of her hike.
While Bea still struggles with self-doubt and feels pressure to perform, when she slept in hotels during her hike, or changed plans, she learned that listening to oneself was the best decision. Instead of 40 hour weeks in front of the computer, Bea decided on a flexible occupation in which she can express herself more creatively. And when Bea is not working, she takes care of her pet dog, Joda. She collects records, attends concerts, travels with her camera, or since recently on her skateboard, paints with acrylics, and writes poetic and narrative texts. She also kept a diary of her hike.
During our visit, you can tell that Bea is still emotional at the thought of her adventure. "I am very grateful for the experience! I no longer want to wait for the next pandemic, but decide for myself what comes next. And there will definitely be another hike!"
Bea’s favorite pieces
At Me & Tezer, we feature women with exciting stories of women with exciting life stories of unique experiences, ideas, creative hobbies, families, and careers. Back home in Wuppertal, Bea Meder tells us about her month-long trek from Barcelona to Valencia. We feel directly connected to the communication designer, her creative spirit, and her flair for aesthetics, and are allowed to photograph our jewelry on her. Although Bea is not a classic jewelry wearer, it is mainly the statement jewelry pieces that she chooses and that suits her.
Story: Karin Pohl
Developing and growing - even at 62 years of age
Between family constellations, tinnitus, and painting, Karin Pohl continues to discover new paths even at the age of 62. With her energy, she drives the people around her to do something new - in the conversation with Tezer, she manages to do this in just a few minutes.
