The year 2023 was exceptionally hectic, leaving no room for a retreat. Nonetheless, a group of brave students refused to accept this fate and were eager to savor the joy of organizing a student retreat at the earliest opportunity. Consequently, we opted to face the infamous German winter and venture into the enchanting Black Forest in mid-January. Surprisingly, what initially seemed like a crazy idea gained traction, and a total of 19 students joined in for this daring winter adventure.
The Black Forest, with its dreamy ambiance and numerous attractions, was our chosen destination. However, due to time constraints, we decided to stage the retreat in the Baiersbronn area, conveniently situated between Tübingen and Strasbourg.
Our adventure commenced on a cloudy Friday morning in front of the Institute of Archaeological Sciences, where our small caravan, consisting of two minivans and a car, embarked on the journey. Our first scheduled activity was a brief hike along the Lothar trail, providing us with a taste of the forest. Despite expectations of snow and subzero temperatures, global warming played in our favor, bringing temperatures just above freezing that weekend. However, as we arrived at the Lothar trail, the area was shrouded in fog, and a light rain added to the cold weather. Undeterred, the valiant EVEREST students ventured into the forest, emerging triumphant as the first activity concluded successfully.
Following the short, wet walk, we headed to our accommodation, a spacious ski hut in Ruhestein. Although the rooms had an unconventional layout, the place exuded warmth and comfort. After settling in, we convened in the living room to plan our evening meal. Remarkably, within 20 minutes, we reached a unanimous decision on dinner items. After shopping, we organized and prepared a delightful Italian-style meal featuring bruschetta appetizers, pasta, and salad, accompanied by good music. Post-dinner, socializing ensued, and we decided to engage in a game of Cards Against Humanity for added fun and chaos.
The next day, following a hearty breakfast, we embarked on our second activity – a visit to Alternativer Wolf-a Bärenpark Schwarzwald. The sunny Saturday morning proved perfect for a guided tour through the park, where we saw three sleepy bears awakening from hibernation just to stretch, three magnificent lynx, and the park's she-wolf.
For lunch, we returned home to consume the previous day’s goods before heading to the Black Forest Exhibition Center adjacent to the house. The new and engaging exhibition captivated us, concluding with a suspended corridor offering a view of the canopy from above. We also discovered a room with chairs facing a vast glass window, providing a serene spot for relaxation. After a coffee break, we split into groups – some opting for the last organized activity, ice skating, while others chose to rest before dinner in Freudenstadt at a Mexican restaurant.
Despite a full day, tiredness didn't immediately lead us to sleep upon returning home. Instead, gathered in the living room by the crackling flame of the heater and eerie background music, we shared chilling stories. Eventually, we retired for the night, shivering partly from the cold and partly from the spooky tales but satisfied with the day's experiences.
On Sunday morning, after a substantial breakfast, we tidied up the house and packed up remaining items before returning to Tübingen. Another EVEREST retreat had concluded.