Meet Hella & Fritz
from THE EMBASSIES
Let's follow Hella around for a day to get a sense of what we, at THE EMBASSIES, mean when we say "The Good Life."
Let's follow Hella around for a day to get a sense of what we, at THE EMBASSIES, mean when we say "The Good Life."
A few years after passing her architectural firm on to the next generation, Hella felt it was time for a new adventure. One where she could explore all of the things she had put off while nurturing her career.
So, about 6 months ago, Hella moved into THE EMBASSIES.
Although having decided to rebalance priorities away from strictly work years ago, her circadian rhythm still has her tuned into early mornings, a quality that she finds very satisfying. She has always been one to plan a busy day. So allowing herself a moment of calm and clarity in the mornings, before her schedule turns hectic, has forever been a gift that she wouldn't dream of denying herself.
Hella wakes up to a chilly, blue spring sky and the quiet sounds of a new day in the city.
After a little stretching, she goes to her kitchen and prepares a quick bowl of fruit with a spoonful of yogurt on top. The point of these early mornings is to take time to care for herself and do the things that she loves. Hella likes to stay on top of current affairs, so a bowl of fruit with the daily newspaper has become a staple. When she first moved in, she would notify reception to deliver her favorite paper. Now she finds it ready at the door for her each morning. An excellent way to start each day!
On this particular morning, Hella has a peculiar feeling of liveliness in her, making it a bit difficult to sit calmly and read her newspaper. She feels a little jittery, but not in a bad way. She's felt like this before, but it's been a few years.
She'll be meeting her friend Fritz at 11.00 am. He's a long-time friend of Hella's from her years studying Architecture at The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. They used to be rather close but busy lives, and eventually, Fritz's move back to his hometown Hamburg made it difficult to stay in touch.
Hella had finally built up the courage to reach out to Fritz and let him know that she was now living in Hamburg.
He was excited to hear from her. As it turns out, Fritz was recently telling his son about the amazing work that Hella's firm had done under her leadership. Later today, Fritz and his son Otto will meet her for coffee, have a chat, and see her apartment at THE EMBASSIES.
This could explain the jitters.
Hella decides that a yoga class and a sauna might be calming. She quickly taps her phone and books a spot for the 8 o’clock class.
Feeling refreshed and hungry, she requests to have a french press coffee and breakfast sent to her room. By now, the restaurant knows her preferences, and they send up her usual fried eggs with a side of steamed spinach. While eating, she checks her phone to confirm that the hosts have registered a day pass for Fritz and Otto.
Waiting outside the main entrance, Hella enjoys the crisp spring air and a warm spot in the sun. From afar, she can already recognize Fritz. Time may have changed a few of his features, but his mannerisms and energy are just how she remembers.
She guides them inside the beautiful building, and Fritz introduces his son Otto. Following in his father's footsteps, Otto is also an architect and is eager to get Hellas's advice on the ins and outs of starting his own firm. "Let me give you a little tour of the building before we head up to in THE EMBASSIES’ wellness area for coffee," Hella prompts.
Having seated themselves in the fireside lounge, the two old friends quickly fall back into a familiar mix of caring banter and deep discussions. Otto fits right in, and he and Hella decide that they must meet again. He can learn so much from her experiences and knowledge, and she would love to share. She also finds it invigorating to hear what challenges and possibilities today's architects face.
Enjoying the cozy fireside, Fritz marvels at the breathtaking view overlooking the city. He and Otto are equally impressed by all of the different opportunities available to residents. Hella jokes, "Why don’t I show you my apartment now! You'll want to apply for a membership!"
Intrigued by this option, Otto leaves the two friends and goes to the reception for more information.
Fritz and Hella step into her apartment. He walks around exploring all of the different textures of her decor and marvels at how subtly the apartment's aesthetics correspond with the rest of the building.
At the same time, the unquestionable presence of Hella’s elegance and taste is felt everywhere. Fritz compliments her eye for detail, and Hella shares a story of her trip to Tibet, where she received that Singing Bowl, which now holds her citrus fruits.
They could talk forever, but Hella is meeting her book club at 2 o'clock.
They join Otto at the main entrance and say their goodbyes.
After the book club, Hella is back in her apartment, sitting by the window but still feeling very energized from her meeting with Fritz and Otto. She wants to find another activity to dive into.
Speaking to her phone, she asks, "What's happening today?"
Listening to the events of the day, Hella is delighted to hear that at 7:30 pm, renowned Architect Jan Gehl will be talking about building cities for people.
She giggles to herself, deciding to text Fritz. "Thanks for a lovely day. How about dinner and some architectural inspiration later?"
Rested and still feeling bubbly, Hella meets Fritz at the restaurant. The atmosphere here is always light and cheerful and tends to become more festive throughout the evening.
They enjoy their dinner and wine before hurrying to the conference room, both in high spirits.
Fritz and Hella feel inspired after Jan Gehl's talk, where they met several like-minded architects. Afterward, they all decide to enjoy a nightcap at a bar just down the street.
The vibrant sound of enthusiastic conversation, music, and clinking glasses fill their table.
As they all exchange contact information and prepare to part, Fritz leans in towards Hella with an admission. "I think I may have had one glass too many," he giggles. Hella reassures him that THE EMBASSIES is close by and he can stay there for the night. Arm in arm, they walk back in a joint effort of balance.
Back at THE EMBASSIES, the hosts have anticipated Hella's arrival.
On seeing Fritz with her, he is offered the option to stay in Hella's apartment for the night or to sleep in a short stay room. Hella and Fritz glance back and forth several times between each other and the host before the two blushing friends fumble their way through a reply.