Oktoberfest
Travel Ashley Simmers Travel Ashley Simmers

Oktoberfest

My 16-day journey through Germany was a whirlwind of spontaneity, laughter, and unexpected adventures that perfectly captured the country’s charm. From the lively streets of Hamburg and its serendipitous encounters to the windswept shores of northern Germany, every stop brought new stories. Munich delivered Bavarian magic, from Oktoberfest’s to sunlit views atop Zugspitze, while the Black Forest offered misty trails and waterfalls. Köln and Düsseldorf blended history with hilarity—charging stops, rainstorms, and all—while Frankfurt provided quirky city moments and cozy nights in. The final stretch in Hannover was a blend of calm mornings, laughter-filled evenings, and deepening friendships, ending with bittersweet goodbyes and quiet reflection. What began as a loosely planned trip evolved into a collection of unforgettable memories, proving that the best parts of travel are often the ones you never expect.

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Frankfurt - Day 12
Ashley Simmers Ashley Simmers

Frankfurt - Day 12

Our final days together in Germany were a perfect mix of peaceful walks, laughter, and a little chaos. We started with a quiet hike around Jacobi Pond, complete with quirky sights like a “frog crossing” sign, a tree that sprayed water (appropriately called Pinkelbaum), and some mysterious chicken-head graffiti. For Caitlin’s last day, we tried our hand at axe throwing—her being the pro and me just hoping not to embarrass myself—though I did manage a bullseye once! We wrapped things up with Kuchen from a local bakery, a photo of the tiniest roller-skate car, and a farewell dinner at Atschel, where we ended up sharing a table (and plenty of laughs) with a group of Swedes. Between jokes, LinkedIn swaps, and my questionable sense of humor, it was the perfect, hilarious ending to Caitlin’s German adventure.

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