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.
Stuttgart - Day 7 & Sasbachwalden Day 8
What started as another day of chasing chargers for our stubborn electric car—lovingly nicknamed Pearl—turned into a mix of chaos and laughter. Between running on empty, pouring rain, and five charging stops, we somehow squeezed in a spontaneous meet-up with my friend Daniel for Kaffee und Kuchen, a broken liquor bottle incident, and a much-needed Döner dinner with him and his wife. The next morning in Sasbachwalden brought a peaceful reset: breakfast with stunning hillside views, a foggy and mysterious Black Forest hike, and a few quirky photo stops—including a creepy playground and a pay-to-pee restroom. We ended the long day in Köln, recharged (literally and figuratively) with sushi and sore feet.
The Alps - Day 5
What began as a cold, rainy drive to Zugspitze turned into pure magic when the gondola rose above the clouds, revealing a sea of white and sunshine. After missing out on Neuschwanstein Castle, we visited Linderhof Palace instead—complete with “Tour Guide Caitlin” keeping things entertaining. The day ended perfectly with hearty Bavarian food, great beer, and warm Apfelstrudel at Scheidegger.
In Transit - Day 4
What was supposed to be a smooth travel day from Hamburg to Munich turned into a comedy of travel mishaps and unexpected adventures. From a canceled train mid-journey and swollen feet to the chaos of trying to charge an electric rental car in Germany, it felt like everything that could go wrong did. But the day ended on a high note—arriving in Munich just in time for a cozy Bavarian dinner at Marienplatz and a moonlit stroll past the glowing Rathaus, where “Tour Guide Caitlin” made her debut and laughter replaced the day’s frustrations.