Life Of A Vagabond

Theresa Kaindl on her seasonal Happy Place

Twelve flights, two continents, four languages: Berlin, Milan, Paris, New York, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and a roadtrip through Scotland – all in just a month.

Freelance photographer Theresa Kaindl (see her Instagram here) used to live in New York, serving clients ranging from Montblanc to Puma and Corona, and moved to Berlin in September. The Austrian-born photographer is a true vagabond and has collected many stories along the way in her young 23 years. She sits down with us to tell us about her personal happy place and traditions for the holidays.

Theresa, where is your personal happy place?

To be honest, nothing makes me happier than standing atop a mountain and soaking up the nature I’m surrounded by. I think it’s the Austrian in me. My road trip through Scotland was one of the greatest trips I’ve ever taken.

Do you have a special Christmas tradition?

I’m pretty old fashioned. I have to spend Christmas with my family – preferably in the mountains! A white Christmas is a must for me. We attend church together, like we did when I was a child. And we always eat this special noodle soup with sausage – a real Austrian specialty. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

For some, it’s a special hot beverage, for some a certain song. What puts you in the mood for Christmas?

This year, I think it will be the time I take for myself during the holidays. Especially now, considering I’m constantly on the go. I haven’t planned anything for Christmas and am looking forward to doing nothing! I’m going to my family in Austria and will just spend some quality time with them. That’s the greatest thing in the world for me.

Do you celebrate Christmas in the same place every year?

Yes. I spent Christmas without my family once while I was living in New York. It was definitely an unforgettable holiday, but my mum wasn’t very happy about it!

Is there someplace that you would like to celebrate Christmas if you could?

Snow is a must. I don’t think I would enjoy Christmas in a place like Miami, chilling on the beach. Maybe an isolated cabin on a snowcapped mountain in the middle of nature – that would be my happy place! It doesn’t really matter if the cabin is in Austria or Canada – as long as there's snow and I can spend time with the people who are most important to me.

What to pack