Lydia Schröder's roots lie in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, South Africa. A seasoned architect by profession, she found her heart captivated by the enchanting landscapes of Namibia. For eighteen adventurous years, she called Namibia home, where her architectural endeavours took shape amidst the breathtaking beauty of the country.
Accompanied by her husband, Dr. Anthon Schröder, Lydia embarked on numerous expeditions across Namibia, traversing its vast terrains for both work and leisure. In 2016, as their youngest child ventured out into the world, Lydia and Anthon decided to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. They bid farewell to the comfort of established practices, stashed their belongings in storage, and set off on a soul-stirring odyssey.
For the ensuing years, Lydia and Anthon became wanderers, spending at least three months annually exploring the length and breadth of Namibia. During their travels, Anthon dedicated his medical expertise to rural areas, while Lydia found herself immersed in capturing the essence of their journey through words and images. From the scenic landscapes of South Africa to the distant lands of Germany, New Zealand, Shanghai, and Singapore, they indulged in the world's diverse offerings. In these moments of travel respite, they sought solace in their wooden cabin by the sea in Hermanus, South Africa – a cherished haven where Lydia penned 'A Yellow Butterfly on an Elephant's Foot'.
In 2019, destiny led them to Landsberg am Lech, a fairy tale town in Bavaria, Germany, where they fell in love with a fifteenth-century loft apartment overlooking a bustling market square. In this charming setting, they decided to anchor themselves for a while, embracing a new chapter of their journey.
While Lydia no longer practices as an architect, she has found profound fulfilment in creative pursuits. Her days are now dedicated to crafting art through the written word, capturing intricate details with her camera lens, and bringing vibrant quilts to life with her sewing machine.
'A Yellow Butterfly on an Elephant's Foot' stands as a testament to Lydia and Anthon's extraordinary life experiences and Lydia’s ability to capture the essence of their journeys in evocative prose and captivating imagery. As you immerse yourself in this memoir, you'll be transported to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Namibia and beyond, while witnessing the metamorphosis of a spirited architect into an impassioned storyteller and artist.
Website: lydiaschroderauthor.com
