The first time I met Willy he was out in his backyard sunbathing in a speedo. He asked if we were going to be the new neighbors. I instantly liked him.  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

His wife calls him "Willy Wald" Wald in German means forest. Willi has climbed some of the tallest mountains in the world and at age 67, still goes out wandering at least two times a week for 20km or more. His walking tip is to buy good socks. That is more important than good shoes he says. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In his man hut with photos of Nepal and Mt. Everest on one wall and Dubai on the other. Renata joins us and tells me stories of a lavish dinner in one of the tall Dubai hotels with gold covered food. Willy remembers exactly how much it cost but they both can't remember what they ate!  

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Willy and his wife Renata have traveled the world together. They have been to so many countries that when they tried to list them all to me they admitted they probably couldn't remember them all.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Willy started listing off the countries he's climbed mountains in. Nepal, Argentina, Switzerland, Austria, and Renada adds in Dubai, Russia, America, then Willy continues, Canada, Norway, Finland. Then Renata starts on the islands, the baltics, Canary's. Willy interrupts to tell me a gruesome story about the lions in South Africa. I said maybe it would be easier to list the countries you haven't gone to instead. Willy says New Zealand. They had bought tickets but were unable to travel do to an illness. ​

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I don't know what their next adventure will be but I'm sure they will bring me back a postcard. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA