germany

Nestled in Nature

With a density of 181 / sq. km, Western Europe is quite densely populated (twice as high as California, and comparable to NY state). And yet, it is quite easy to find and meld into nature. Compact villages with a small footprint nestled in the countryside offered a more harmonious experience than the sprawling suburbs I was quite used to. And exploring the countryside on the narrow mountain roads made for a delightful few days.

Schwarzwald
Baden-Württemberg Germany

Of Distant Lands

The very first time I had seen photos of the Köln cathedral and the Hohenzollern bridge, I knew that I would want to see it in person. It took me a long time to get there, but the vision of the scene kept me focused.

This is true not only of photography, but other aspects of life as well. As long as the vision is concrete, and the path is clear, the objective can be achieved. The one thing to keep in mind is one has to enjoy the journey, or process, of getting there.

I truly enjoyed the contrast in culture and scenery I had experienced in my journey through Germany. For my young mind, it truly felt like I was in a land very distant from home.

Köln
North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany

Of Goals and Accomplishments

As a year rings to a close, I often takes the time to look at my accomplishments and goals that were achieved. This year though, has been a strange one. The goals I took this year have been put on standby, where they will remain waiting to be accomplished in the next.
As I pondered over what the significance of this delay is, I realized that, in the grand scheme of things, it is but a trifling compared to the changes and adaptations one has had to make to get through. It is more important to manage the present than to worry about the future.

Just as goals were put on hold, so were travel plans. The places, like the real-life Disney Castle pictured here that one seeks to visit. will remain, just as the goals that are waiting to be accomplished.

Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schwangau Germany

Responsibility in the Outdoors

We seek the great outdoors not to escape life, but for life not to escape us...

As the nations start opening up, there is a yearning in all of us to escape to the great outdoors, and gain a little bit of sanity that we may have lost over the last few weeks. But as you do spread out to wilderness areas all over, make sure you enjoy the outdoors responsibly. WTA, one of my favorite outdoor stewards, has compiled a helpful list here:

  1. While passing people on trail, give space to others, and give way to the opposite direction

  2. Pack in and pack out: trailheads are likely not serviced so avoid using the restrooms if you can. And if you really need to attend nature's calls, carry a small shovel and be prepared

  3. Leave no trace: take only memories and leave only footprints

  4. Avoid crowded trailheads: there is more of the outdoors to explore.

  5. And if you are sick, please stay away from where people might congregate

When I traveled around in Germany a few years earlier, I was struck by how quickly I could get from the busy urban areas to the beautiful outdoors. Having that balance of nature and nurture certainly improves mental well-being, and increases appreciation of what life is all about.

Germany

Life on a May Day

4 May Days ago, I found myself in Kreuzberg in Berlin, amidst masses of people protesting for workers rights. Despite the worker movement being strong in Germany in general and Berlin in particular, apart from a few hastily scribbled signs, this "protest" carried a celebratory atmosphere. Humanity greeted me whichever direction I turned and whichever street I took. People were certainly enjoying the "Punk Life"

I can only imagine how the situation right now is. Social distancing protests certainly doesn't carry the same carnival atmosphere as what I had witnessed in Berlin in 2016

Berlin
Germany

A lake, a cabin, a church, a mountain

A lake, a cabin, a church, a mountain.

That was all I remember seeing in the brochure about Königssee. But in a span of just a few hours there, I came to realize that this wonderful little corner of Germany had so much more to offer: alpine views rivaling the Swiss Alps, the convivial atmosphere of a traditional biergarten, the camraderie of German hikers, and hundreds of delightful surprises everywhere.

I did manage to tick off all the bucket-list items in the brochure, but Königssee left me wanting for more. So while doing my part to reduce the spread of Covid-19, I get to reminisce my past travels, and look forward to creating more travel bucket-lists when travel to these amazing destinations is once again possible.

Königssee
Bavaria, Germany

Mittelrheintal

When I learnt that I was going to be staying in the heart of the Rhine valley a few years ago, I imagined watching fairytale castles and medieval forts go by as I passed tiny villages and towns meticulously preserved for centuries. I envisaged sampling wines from the very vineyards lining the gentle slopes of the Rhine and Moselle.

It almost seemed too good to be true. But when I did visit this region, it was everything I described and much more. Staying in a tiny village with houses that dated to the 12th century lining cobblestone streets that exuded a German charm, I spent hours tramping up and down the nearby hills, and discovered many a hidden gem. I learnt how to distinguish between trocken, halbtrocken, and süss wien from the numerous visits to the many wine cellars, sample delicious sherry, and savor dozens of varieties of German bread.

Someday, I hope to retire in such a village, enjoying a simple life surrounded by the beautiful Rhine Valley

Mittelrhein
Germany

Old World Germany

Historic town centers, spellbinding castles, placid countryside and a rich cultural heritage were the upsides of visiting a country not particularly known as a tourist destination or as a foodie haven. One of the most underrated tourist destinations proved to be one of my most memorable trips.

Germany (Various)

Summerland

Europe is a remarkable continent, where a 100km is a long distance and a 100 years is a short time, where kingdoms and civilizations have crafted a diverse set of cultures and communities, where haute couture in tourist hotspots stand shoulder to shoulder with quaint bucolic villages and picturesque countrysides, and where sensible urban design and vast expansive greenery are juxtaposed on one seamless landmass. Every trip to this continent rich in history and culture makes me giddy with joy in seeking out the hidden gems away from the tourist traps.

And I can't wait to go back again this summer, to seek out more of what this continent has to offer. Just like this peaceful meadow I found while exploring the Black Forest region of southern Germany.

Schwarzwald

Germany