07.09.2022, 06:15. Sunrise over Berlin. While my cab is still speeding along the autobahn towards the airport, the plane carrying the first StackFuel travel group disappears into the clouds above me. Five eventful days lie ahead of us, even if we are still too tired to guess. It all started with a birthday and an unexpected invitation.
StackFuel turned five years old in May 2022. Some of us have been with the company's growth from the beginning, others have only been with it for a short time or are even starting their jobs in the near future. Nevertheless, all of us without exception were invited by our founders Leo Marose (CEO) and Stefan Berntheisel (CTO) on this very special team vacation.
Five days in Mallorca for five successful years of dedicated work that have been accompanied by strong growth and unbroken team spirit for StackFuel. That's what we'd learn during the five days in the picturesque north of Mallorca at the Playa de Muro not only celebrate, but also strengthen it even further.
Not a corporate trip like any other
"This is not an offsite or a team-building activity. This is a vacation." With these words, Leo Marose greeted the team on the first evening in the hotel bar, convincing even the last doubters among us to close their mobile e-mail inboxes. From this point on, an almost forgotten feeling set in that we were still familiar with from school trips: genuine togetherness.
We all organized our days together individually and yet never alone. While we had arranged some activities in advance, there was plenty of opportunity for spontaneity. Whether it was water polo, tennis matches, bicycle tours, early morning jogging laps or midnight swimming excursions. Even between planned outings, our Data Nerds were unstoppable.
The events organized by the team's own planning team, which the team was free to choose, were particularly special moments. On the second day we went together on the high seas. We started our boat trip from Port d'Alcúdia, swam on the open sea and sailed around Cap Formentor, the northernmost point of the Balearic Island.
Others explored Alcúdia's old town by bike and cooled off in the shade of the famous city wall. In the evening, it got exciting again when we were allowed to solve murder cases at the cheerful crime dinner under the motto "Nerdy Summer".
The third day, on the other hand, turned out to be adventurous. We were taken by jeep to a nearby rocky cove where we paddled in kayaks to a hidden rock cave to explore. After a cliff jump, we snorkeled for a hidden treasure chest past schools of fish and sea urchins. Those who didn't join the adventure tour enjoyed cooling off in the pool or went hiking in the adjacent mountains.
In the afternoon, two wine tastings were held, accompanied by regional specialties and the opportunity for a short horseback ride. In the evening, we put our heads together for StackFuel Quiz Night. Some people's heads were spinning, others flexed their muscles and proved their stamina in sporting tasks. Those who still had energy left explored Alcúdia's party scene and turned night into day.
With or without sleep, some started early the following day on a big tour. By bus we went into the mountains to the picturesque Valdemossa, where we enjoyed Café con leche, Horchata, a sweet and cinnamony drink made from almonds and the typical potato cake Coca de Patata. The excursion then took us up the dizzying switchbacks of the Mallorcan coast to Soller, where we took the historic streetcar to the town's picturesque harbor.
Meanwhile, the larger part of the data nerds enjoyed the day on a catamaran. There was plenty of opportunity during a stop in a secluded bay for trying out water sports, just sunbathing on deck or feasting on freshly grilled delicacies at the buffet.
Under the motto "Blue Night" we came together for our last evening together. We shared our best moments and highlights of the team vacation and let ourselves be carried away clapping to the duck dance of the mini disco.
Away from the beautiful vacation pictures
It's true what they say. A photo is often worth a thousand words. And yet there are things that photos can't capture. It is the many conversations, laughs and moments with colleagues that I and the entire team will remember.
After several lockdowns and the comforts of the home office, this was the first time we were together in such large numbers as a team. And not just for one evening, but for several days. At first, we were unsure whether so much closeness and time together might overwhelm us after a long weaning. But the opposite was the case.
What we are left with after our streetcar vacation is a sense of community. In other places I would apologize for the kitsch of my words. Here, however, it is appropriate precisely because it is sincere. For this reason, I decided against presenting you with a factual account of our time in Mallorca. I would not have been able to formally describe what in reality was primarily one thing: personal.
I am therefore especially grateful to have gotten to know my colleagues so privately. From the trainees to still unknown and new team members to the StackFuel founders. I have taken you all to my heart in the last days and I am so happy to be a part of our unique StackFuel family.
A special thanks
Not complaining is enough praise? No, we don't live by that motto. Therefore, I would like to conclude by thanking some people on behalf of the team.
First of all, we would like to thank our organizing team, who took care not only of the flight and hotel, but also activities on site and patiently responded to all questions and requests.
Thanks to all who captured the trip for us with photos and videos. Especially Dimitri Henning, who could not be separated from his camera.
Leo and Stefan, you deserve thanks not only for inviting us to five unforgettable days in Mallorca, but also for bringing us together as a StackFuel family and keeping the team spirit high.
Many thanks to all who were there. The biggest highlight was getting to know you all better and spending time with you. I am looking forward, as you probably are, to continue this in Berlin!
Last but not least, thanks to the friendly and service-oriented hotel team of the Grupotel Amapola. Your show interludes, your bar service, catering packages and the cheese fountain will remain positively in our memories for a long time.
The next trip
...who knows when we will take off together again. But one thing is clear: If you want to be part of it and you are not yet part of our team, then definitely check out our open positions an. Our StackFuel family is always growing and we'd love for you to become a part of it.
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