From Summer to Autumn, to blissful but cold winter, we were blessed to be able to see much of this world. Stepping into December, We realized that this one-year-long trip deserves a pause, so that we can see our path forward with startling clarity, remaining steadfast and united minds. The past four-months’ stay in Germany has brought us joy, excitement and gratefulness. We feel connected with the culture, the way of living and new friends in Germany, which will certainly attract us to return at some point in the future.
The 9 Euro monthly ticket has become a legend, living in our memory of Germany. Even though many people complain that it caused overcrowdedness and unpunctuality, we really loved it a lot.
Grabbing a pretzel and catching a train was our morning routine on weekends. Every trip began with early waking up and fast food. On the bright side, it shows that kids can adapt to any situation when we are traveling. At least regarding food, they can compromise.
Heidelberg
Last time in Heidelberg, we spent a whole day exploring the ruined castle. But Heidelberg is a magnificent city that deserves more time to indulge in. So here we are again! Snaking through the old town where countless narrow streets and alleyways burst with things to see, you will not miss unspoiled medieval architecture, splendid old churches, boutique shops, and galleries. Our focus this time is to visit the old bridge and the Philosophers’ Way on the opposite side of the river from the castle. The bridge spans over the Neckar river, joining the two sides of historic Heidelberg. The bridge itself has been immortalized in numerous peoms and sculptures. Once across the bridge, We enter a hidden winding trail flourished by many fruit yards. After some uphill climbing over stone stairs, paved pathway shows up and hiking became much easier.
One of the highlights of this hike is the view of the Old Town. It’s just so stunning to see how mighty the city is and how few changes have taken place compared to an old city painting hundreds of years ago. Heidelberg castle still perfectly sits in the hill, and the bridge just stands resiliently for hundred years like a royal guard of the city.
It’s easy to see why this path was and will continue be an inspiration to thinkers, hikers and wanderers for years and years to come.
Koblenz
As we tried to catch a river cruise in the after, which was unfortunately canceled due to low water level, our trip to Koblenz was shortened. The only sightseeing spot we visited, Stolzenfels Castle, is highly recommended in any itinerary. High above the Rhine River in Koblenz, the castle stands as the crown jewel of Rhine Romanticism both in history and esthetics. The exquisite garden is considered to be one of the finest designs of that period. The way hiking up to the castle is also quite easy and interesting for young visitors to enjoy.
Bonne and Cologne
The two cities are half an hour train ride apart, while each is outstanding in its own way.
Bonne is small and lovely with the fame of being one of the greatest composer, Bethoven’s hometown. The trip to visit Beethoven House is easy and straight forward. After hopping off the train and walking through the popular Bonne Rathaus plaza, the house just sits on a busy street. Today, Bonngasse 20 has been turned into a museum about the famous composer’s life. The house is old with plenty information presented. And if you are not interested in visiting Beethoven’s house, you’ll still enjoy the food market in front of the Bonne Rathaus (city hall). You could spend a whole day wandering the street, listening to music from ceremonies for newly-wed couples coming out of the city hall.
Cologne might be one of the most famous cities in Germany because of the famous church, Cologne Cathedral. The Cathedral is a globally-recognized landmark as well as one of the most visited sites and pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The cathedral dominates the cologne skyline, which after the world wars has very few tall buildings as competitors. Inside of the cathedral is magnificent. The tall dome, meticulous sculpture and rose windows are all unbelievably beautiful. It is hard to imagine how those painted statues, stained glass window right in front of our eyes were taken off and hidden safely just before the bombs smashing down to the cathedral.
Across from the cathefral, the grand Hohenzollern bridge stretches over the River Rhine, with thousands of love locks anchoring it. People come from around the world to fasten their love locks onto the bridge, if there is any more space . Then the keys are thrown into the river to demonstrate lovers’ eternal commitment to each other. It’s quite fun to check out the locks, some of which have been there for more than 30 years.
The next day in Cologne, we visited the chocolate museum. The past and present stories of cocoa and later chocolate are displayed in details over there. In the glass-walled production facility and chocolate workshop, visitors can experience how chocolate products are crafted in both manual and automated processes. Of course, you are able to taste the most fresh chocolate coming right out of the machine as well as from a chocolate fountain.
Cologne’s old town has a distinctive historical charm. Visitors are drawn by its rustic narrow alleyways lined with traditional houses. The local beer Kolsch served by breweries, pubs and restaurants will invite you to linger.
Berlin
Many people hold complicated feelings about this city that has a turbulent history but also modern and diverse culture. To us, Berlin is a reunited and and revitalized city.
We love the Berlin Zoo with so many happy and active animals. Besides astonishing diversity of species and the convenient central location, the Berlin Zoo offers a fun and sustainable playground to children and their parents. You can see mighty home belonging to leaf ants through a hundred-meters-long and transparent tube. The big Chinese-style gate already indicates how attractive Yuan-yuan and Baobao pandas are.
The next day in Berlin was mostly a historic tour. We visited One of the best-known landmarks of Germany, Brandenburg Gate. It was built on the site of a former city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg. Nowadays the existence of the gate not only serves as a symbol of history, but also a symbol for European unity and peace.
The gate is a monumental entry to a boulevard of linden trees, which leads directly to The Victory Column that commemorate the Prussian victory. We followed the beautiful foliage and went all the way to the top of the column. Climbing up burned some energy and offered a great view as a treat.
How can a tour of Berlin be complete without a visit to the Berlin Wall? A brief walk along that ruined alley presented history right in front of our eyes. Around Checkpoint Charlie, which was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, there’s a famous store that sells rocks from Berlin Wall. Those rocks may be the coolest souvenir we’ve got so far.
We spent the last day primarily in the Pergamon Museum. As part of the museum complex on Museum island, the exhibition in the Pergamon Museum features full-scale reconstructions of Greek and Roman monuments as well as Babylonian & Persian antiquities.
Over the last two decades, people witnessed the rebirth of a great European capital. Today, as we enjoy the thrill of strolling around the Berlin Wall and through the well-patched Brandenburg Gate, it’s clear that history is not only in some books, but also a part of exciting stories today.
Life in Germany
When we spent the last week cleaning our rental house and exploring more of Mainz, and as big sis finally can speak German to help out Dad and Mom, we just realized how much we will miss this place. We won’t find more authentic pretzels, so many kinds of beers and wines or chicken legs than those from the Wednesday farmer’s market. For children, nothing can compete with the zip-line in the nearby playground or the friendship and happiest experience they had in the short but fulfilling time. The life in Germany is super simple. Sometimes it feels we lived in a haunted town when most stores including grocery shops are closed every Sunday. However, this simple life nourish us with extraordinary experiences, which may very well make Germany a home we’ll remember the most.
When we were not traveling, time was also spent with certain rhythm. Kids made some progress on their study, developed interests and did house chores. We very much appreciate all the support from our friends and Jane’s piano teacher in Colorado. The snail mails, Harry Potter roleplaying over FaceTime and online piano lessons all kept Jane moving forward with her passion, no matter where we are!
The sisters were quite into the adventure of grocery shopping by themselves. They always remembered to bring their own allowance to buy a snack or two.
Jane also attended a sewing class with her friends. We learned how to do wool felt and made our little witch Hazel doll.
The last day in school, Jane brought the cards she made for her friends and teachers, who also surprised Jane with their signed card. Hugs, tears and smiles, so many emotions had made it one of the “divine” days for the little girl. Such a magical experience made our hearts full and inspired us to continue our adventure with all our might.
