Nova Meierhenrich reveals here that she’s glad she’s not 30 anymore. She also explains why she likes to travel in her van so much.
Presenter and actress Nova Meierhenrich (49) likes to be “up to the elbows in the vegetable patch without make-up” in her allotment plot, has created a new wine and also enjoys nature and freedom when she is out and about in her van. In an interview with spot on news, the 49-year-old gives tips for camping beginners.
Some time ago you bought a van that you use to travel a lot. What does this freedom mean to you?
Nova Meierhenrich: I just love being in nature. The van gives me the chance to make the journey my goal. Stopping wherever I like – sometimes just for a coffee, sometimes for the whole night. It means being absolutely free and being able to adjust or overturn your plans at any time. I use it as an office on wheels as well as a retreat. I just love it. The van is already packed with everything I need – I just have to get in…it’s lovely! And I can so often combine my work with little in-between breathers.
On YouTube you revealed in “InnoVANLIFE with Nova” that you are a big sea fan. What does the water give you?
Meierhenrich: I’ve always been drawn to the sea. While others celebrate yoga and find peace in meditation, all I have to do is look out to sea and listen to the waves. It slows me down. And its force of nature and power fascinate me again and again. Being by or on the sea is my way of meditating.
Many people associate camping with forgoing luxury. What do you say to them?
Meierhenrich: On the one hand, of course, it means reducing packing. You only have the space you have. But you’ll quickly find that you don’t need much at all. And then you’ll realize that waking up to the sound of the sea or leaves, coffee in hand, opening the back doors and greeting the day while still in your feathers is an absolute luxury. That you have new experiences every day, get to know new places and people. That there is nothing nicer than watching the sunset with a glass of wine in the evening. Or to be really shaken up in your van in a storm, while the rain is pattering on your roof, but you are snuggling up in the warmth.
What does luxury mean to you?
Meierhenrich: Time! Above all, time that I can spend with my friends and family. After all, luxury is always what is rarest.
How often do you travel in the van and who do you prefer to take with you?
Meierhenrich: Since it’s always difficult for me to plan my free time, I’m often very spontaneous when it comes to that. The van is already packed, I just have to get in and drive off. I often try to combine work appointments with a short trip. Like at the weekend, when I have to go to Berlin for work and just visit friends on the way back – then I stand in the driveway with the van and don’t have to stress about a guest couch.
What tips can you give to newcomers to camping?
Meierhenrich: Not everything has to be perfect right away! It is important to have everything safety-related with you. There are also great checklists on the Internet that you can use for orientation. Everything else will sort itself out. At the beginning you take things with you that you don’t need at all. And needs pop up that can then be retrofitted. I would also recommend everyone to download a few of the numerous apps. They help to find parking spaces – in nature, on private property or even large squares. The ratings of other users can be very helpful in finding the right one for you. Because everyone wants and needs something different.
Do you have a personal favorite place that you visit again and again?
Meierhenrich: I love Scandinavia and travel a lot along the west coast of Denmark – also because it’s practically on my doorstep. In Blavand there is a great campsite – Hvidbjerg Strand – it has everything you could wish for. It is located directly on the sea and not only has the all-round carefree package for families, but also an incredibly beautiful wellness area. On my west coast tours I always stop there one night with Steen the owner and charge my van with electricity and my soul in the jacuzzi and sauna. And if you’re lucky, you can snag one of the pitches with your own whirlpool right next to the van, on your own plot. That’s really luxury! It’s all in the mix!
Next to your van you can enjoy nature in your allotment plot. How important is nature to you – also in contrast to the flashbulbs in which you are professionally?
Meierhenrich: I’ve always needed nature to ground me. And with the job that I’m great at, it’s even more important for me to have a balance. To get up to your elbows in the vegetable patch without make-up, to work on the weeds, to renovate the arbor or to exert yourself while chopping the garden clippings. I love creating something with my hands.
You work as a presenter and actress. What has been your career highlight so far and which role as an actress would you like to slip into?
Meierhenrich: After 27 years in front of the camera, it’s incredibly difficult to choose your favorite project… there were so many wonderful experiences and impressions. What I love most is always being able to get to know new places and people – an absolute privilege! But a highlight was definitely the “Depeche Mode Special”, which I was allowed to shoot for their 20th band anniversary. I’ve always been a huge fan, and then to have an hour’s interview time with each of the guys in London and New York was a dream come true.
As for roles, I just want to play. Roles that tell stories about great women in their prime. Stories about strong, self-confident women with all their facets. stories from life. Unfortunately there are far too few books with strong female roles in the 40s and 50s. What a pity! But there’s so much going on in our industry right now, maybe we’ll finally learn that these women have so many stories to tell and that the leading role doesn’t always have to be 25 for the film to be successful. Every age has its adventures! And I’m sure the viewers will like it!
What projects do you have in the near future?
Meierhenrich: Every month I moderate the “Für Sie College” for Klambt Verlag, an interactive live format that revolves around all aspects of women’s health, from menopause to alkaline nutrition. In addition, I’m doing a lot live as a presenter on stage again, which is wonderful after three years in which we weren’t allowed to. And I let everything else come to me, I don’t like talking about projects that aren’t quite finished yet.
You are also known for your social commitment. Part of the sales price of your newly created wine “Somersault” goes to the “HerzPiraten” association you founded. How did you come up with your own wine?
Meierhenrich: I am a great wine lover and have had the dream of my own wine for many years. I have been friends with the Nett winery in the Palatinate for many years. When all other jobs were eliminated in Corona, I said: Christian (Nice), now is the time! I have time, let’s do it! It was important to me that it really is a baby together, that I can help shape all the processes and that I am fully involved – right down to the “blending”, creating the wine and designing the label. And in Corona I had time to drive from Hamburg to the Palatinate every few weeks. Somersault white, a Chardonnay/Pinot Blanc, premiered last spring. And this spring, the Somersault Rosé saw the light of day. A great feeling!
What is special about these wines for you?
Meierhenrich: That I’m really a part of the whole. I chose the vineyards with Christian Nett, he took me through all the processes, I learned so much and I’m still doing it. We pondered colors, shapes and vines together and did everything together. I wouldn’t want my name on anything but nothing from me on it. And you won’t find my name anywhere either – that’s what my motto for life is on the bottle. “If life lets you tumble, make it a Somersault” – if life shakes you, try to use the energy to make something positive, forward-looking, a somersault out of it and not let yourself be blown away! And, 50 cents of each bottle goes as a donation to my association “HerzPiraten” for the benefit of children with heart disease – that was very important to me!
How specifically does the association help?
Meierhenrich: With the “HerzPirates” we support children’s heart projects throughout Germany. Some are brought to us, others we find. But it is always important that the focus is on the children. We try to support projects that are very close to the child. And once a year we organize our big “Heart Pirates Regatta” – with heart children for heart children is our motto.
Social commitment not only helps the recipient. The helpers themselves also benefit. What does your commitment give you in return?
Meierhenrich: Anyone who volunteers knows that you get so much more back than you actually put in. It’s just a great feeling to see that you can make a difference, often with the smallest of resources or just with the time you give. I can only advise everyone to look for a project where he/she can get involved. And the selection is so big!
You’re turning 50 this year. Does that mean anything to you?
Meierhenrich: Well… quite a large number. But somehow I’m pretty much at peace with myself right now – that helps. I like myself and my life. In no case would I want to swap again at 30! But when it comes to working in front of the camera, it’s not such a simple number for women – it’s completely irrelevant for male colleagues. If there were a little more relaxation, it would make things a little easier. But basically I think I’ll throw a big party first and the rest will fall into place.
Is there anything you regret? What are you particularly proud of?
Meierhenrich: Every mistake is part of the path I took and has led to where I am today. You belong. And I’m proud of having been able to stand on my own two feet my whole life, of having always gone my own way, even if it was often quite rocky. Getting up again and again when I was knocked out. I can look in the mirror and have nothing to be ashamed of. I think that’s quite a lot.
What are your goals and wishes for the future?
Meierhenrich: I hope to be able to work in this beautiful profession for a long time, I want to stay healthy – and hopefully all my loved ones with me – and be happy – whatever that will look like.