Finding oneself takes time and patience. Ten years ago, I had that opportunity to truly be alone. One Monday morning in July 2008, I was asked if I would be interested in working on a project in Germany. I said yes. That Sunday, I was on a plane to Stuttgart. Leading up to that time my current boyfriend and I were on the fritz. Honeymoon phase had ended long before and we were dealing with each other’s life choices and living ethics. When I was asked, it truly was a no-brainer as space is what we needed. Plus having someone home with my two kitties was nice. We spoke very little during that time apart, at one point I was hurt and wanted to make up but that did not happen. I moved on. Nothing like moving on from someone you loved while out of the country! During my three months in Germany, I had to return back for one week to pack up our apartment and move. First time I traveled aboard with only a single carry on item. My time in Germany was an eye opener of who I am outside my normal day to day routines. Working with new people from other offices within my company. Adjusting to the language, exploring any chance I got. It was fantastic.
My travels within Europe
During the course of 4 weekends in a row, I took a trip each weekend. The first one was driving to Austria to see the beautiful scenic alps and the old city of Innsbruck where I happen to know a fellow photographer who I met and his family.
Click here to see the full-size image and the rest of Innsbruck photos.
The second trip was taking the ICE (very fast train!) to Munich where I had a plan to meet up with a long time friend who completely flaked on me, I went anyways! I was not going to let the said friend get me down and miss the chance to see Munich. I made good use of my time there to see what I could and take photos of everything. I did stop by the Olympic Park (where the 1972 Olympics were held). The pool was in a full use! The streets were filled with bicycles. As it was the main transportation for the city’s residents. Plenty of parks to find, great food everywhere you turn and the people were friendly. I did land myself a pretty cool set of boots there. Which I still have today!
Click here to see the full-size image and the rest of my Munich photos.
The third trip was me tagging along to Berlin with a couple of co-workers. A quick flight up to Berlin from Stuttgart. My German co-worker and his wife gave us a very good tour of Berlin. I was in awe of that city and for what it has gone through. It reminded me of NYC is so many ways. Neighbors catering to all cultures. The food was amazing! The food in Germany is very good an good for you as they do ban so many harmful chemicals and ingredients that are still allowed in here in the States. The three months I was in Germany, I lost 10 pounds. The local food and the extra walking did a big part of that.
Click here to see the full-size image and the rest of Berlin photos.
The fourth and last trip was to Paris. I met up with my dear friend Laura (co-author to this blog), we had known each other for years and years. Finally, we had the chance to meet! I flew in on a Friday evening, following morning Laura arrived which I greeted her at the airport. During August of 2008, it was a heatwave all over Europe. After spending time in Versailles which was hands-down so worth sweating in the heat. It truly was amazing to see it all first hand, we went straight back to the hotel to wash up and cool down. Followed by a lovely dinner out! The next day was the other sites on our list, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame.
Click here to see the full-size image and the rest of Paris. (Note, Paris albums has multiple trips added)
My three months in Europe were a great learning experience on how I can manage traveling alone and being alone. These are the life lessons I am very grateful for as I can pass them down to my daughter. Having a very active career and life before she was born to me is so much more rich to give her.
My adventure continues in Asia in the next post.
