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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Hannover - Day 16
Ashley Simmers Ashley Simmers

Hannover - Day 16

This post captures the bittersweet final days of my Germany trip. I enjoyed easy mornings with coffee at a cute café called Fluffy, indulging in a chocolate sleeping bear cake, and found a fun indoor escape from rainy Hannover with a few rounds of bowling—complete with Jonas granny bowling for me. We also had an amazing pizza and salad dinner at a spot he’d been raving about, followed by a slow, aimless wander through the city as his makeshift tour guide. Ultimately, the trip ended with a heavy heart as I boarded my train back to Hamburg, reflecting on all the incredible experiences and friendships formed, before facing the long flights home through Heathrow, exhausted but grateful for every moment.

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Hamburg - Day 1
Ashley Simmers Ashley Simmers

Hamburg - Day 1

This Germany trip began with a red-eye flight, a cozy airport speakeasy, and a chaotic Heathrow layover before finally landing in Hamburg. My hostel wasn’t ideal—a shared bathroom and a startled bunkmate’s scream—but it added to the adventure. With a loose plan and a train station nearby, I spent my days exploring at my own pace: enjoying coffee by the Landungsbrücken piers, visiting the International Maritime Museum, and photographing colorful street art. One evening, I met Oualid, an Algerian beekeeper en route to Copenhagen, and we shared drinks and stories—proof that the best travel moments are often the unplanned ones.

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