Stop #4: Stuttgart, Germany
A gorgeous view of this beautiful country!
I was really looking forward to getting to Germany, not only because I wanted to see my family, but also because Lorenzo and I were both craving for a larger living space, home cooked meals, and not having to take public transportation everywhere. Although taking public transportation has increased our “steps per day” to an average of about 20,000 steps, it can be costly and more time consuming (especially when you’re not sure where you’re going). Anyhow, being 3 weeks into our journey, it was time for some family time!
We were happily greeted by my cousin Marcus at the train station. The train ride from Paris to Stuttgart took us about 4 hours, but it was actually a lot more pleasant than taking a flight. My friend Joe once said “if I ever have a chance to take a train over a plane, I’ll take it”. I didn’t realize how right he was til now. During our 3-month trip, we have 22 flights booked and scheduled. I can admit that it’s becoming a bit of a hassle to constantly rush to the airport, check in 2 hours early, get through security, and be crammed on (often times) not so pleasant flights. So trains it is!
We Arrived!
Time for Lorenzo to meet the German family
We were able to stay at Marcus’ spacious apartment and make most of our own meals (or go to other family members’ homes for dinner). The comfortable living environment and excellent food already made us very happy, after bouncing around 4 countries within 3 weeks. To make things even better, we were able to explore the green outdoors everyday with all our awesome cousins – Moritz, Konrad and Marcus. The long hikes in the incredibly lush green forests of Germany made Lorenzo and me so happy… we didn’t realize how much we missed the outdoors til now. At home we live right next to Alum Rock Park, so this city living has been a bit of a struggle for us. We now know, without a doubt, that we will never move to a big city!
My Crazy Cousins
Life wouldn't be the same without them!
One of my favorite memories in Germany was visiting my father’s grave. Actually, it’s my grandparents’ grave but last year after my father passed away, I buried some of his ashes under a mini oak tree that my cousins and I planted in the same grave. Now he rests with his parents, in his home country. This is something that really means a lot to me… throughout my childhood, my father always asked my sister and I if we’d move to Germany with him. He longed so much to be back in his home country. But my sister and I couldn’t bare to be away from our mother, other sisters and friends in California. So we always said no. Out of love, our father stayed with us in California. But now, he can rest back in Germany. The graves are different in Germany – the bed of the grave is large enough to plant a garden on it. So on the first day we arrived in Germany, Lorenzo and I visited the grave, and on the 2nd day, we planted a fresh garden on it. Father’s Day is just around the corner (as well as my Dad’s 1-year death anniversary), so this is something I really wanted to do.
Happy Father's Day
I'm thinking of you every single day!
A few other favorite memories in Germany we had were 1) visiting Ulm, 2) visiting Uncle Petri and 3) having a big family dinner at the Roggenmuehler (fish farm). Ulm is one of the larger cities in Germany in which I really wanted Lorenzo to see. They have the “tallest church in Europe” that has 726 stairs to the top. And yes, of course we climbed to the top and enjoyed the breathtaking views! Germany is just absolutely gorgeous, especially in the Spring. Visiting Uncle Petri confirmed this claim as well, since he lives in the Schwebian Alps. As far as you can see, it’s green green green. Perfect for hiking, biking, running, picnicking, or just chillin’. My cousin Moritz once asked me if we would ever consider moving to Germany. And honestly, if I had to move to another country (or live ½ in the US and ½ outside of the US), Germany would probably be it. The food is great, the environment is great, and of course my family is the best!
I was so happy when many of us were able to go for dinner at the Roggenmuehler on the last evening we were in town. I got to spend quite some time with my Aunt Sigi and Uncle Ernst, whom I haven’t seen for a long time. Although Uncle Ernst is getting older, the smile on his face every time I see him is always the same – young and vibrant. The best part of this evening was our after-dinner silly invasion of the playground right outside of the restaurant. Cousins were boucin’ off tire swings, I was using the see-saw with Uncle Ernst (do these even exist in the US anymore??) and my Aunt was just standing by laughing at the whole scene. It was definitely an evening of laughter and great memories <3
Food is always better when its shared with loved ones!
One thing that this journey has taught me so far is that (to me) there is no better place to live than nearby your family. It doesn’t matter how many restaurants or shopping malls a place has, or how beautiful their beaches are… nothing else can bring you as much happiness as being near your family. Everywhere else is great to visit, but home is where your heart is. I love my Mom, step Dad and sisters too much to ever move away from California. But since Lorenzo’s family (now my family) lives in Hawaii, I don’t mind living there too! And Germany. Hopefully when I get home, I can find a way to live mostly in California, partly in Hawaii and often in Germany. I’ll figure something out… I always do 😊
Next stop is Cinque Terre – one of my bucket list items! Can’t wait!
PHOTOS FROM GERMANY
