THE SPOT

Author: THESPOTEDITOR

  • Heidelberg’s Finest: The Best Solo Date Spot in Heidelberg’s Bahnstadt

    Heidelberg’s Finest: The Best Solo Date Spot in Heidelberg’s Bahnstadt

    Looking for where to eat in Heidelberg? This personal review of NEO Heidelberg in Bahnstadt covers food, ambiance, location, and the perfect solo self date experience. –>If you ever asked me where it was worth getting even just a small meal in Heidelberg, my answer would always be NEO Heidelberg. Located in Heidelberg’s newest and most modern quarter — the Bahnstadt — Neo charms you with a modern but comfortable ambiance, food from all over the world and, best of all, steaks displayed right at the entrance.

    THE SPOT – NEO Heidelberg, Bahnstadt

    NEO is located right next to Halle 02, one of Heidelberg’s most popular party spots. If you don’t pay attention, you might actually miss the wonderful restaurant, tucked away close to Heidelberg’s main station.

    So of course, I made my way there — because if there’s one thing your girl loves, it’s a good cocktail and great food.

    Late as I always was, I ran to catch the bus. In heels, I might add. Yes, I will absolutely pat myself on the shoulder for that. Out of breath, but I caught it. Nice.

    From where I lived back then, I had to switch to tram 22 to get as close as possible to the restaurant. Another 5–10 minutes and I arrived at NEO. Or so I thought.

    It was evening, I had my glasses on, but as always my sense of orientation was nowhere to be found. After walking past the main entrance three times, I finally made it inside. The steaks greeted me on my right (like Captain America — IYKYK), and to my left a modern, beautifully decorated restaurant with big lights and lots of tables.

    I was welcomed by one of the servers, told her I had a reservation, and was shown to my table.

    THE FOOD – What I Ate at NEO Heidelberg

    I opened the menu and immediately fell into a world of culinary diversity — sushi, steak, pasta, you name it. And then I saw it: parmesan fries with truffles. Game over.

    I ordered those, plus a blueberry cocktail. Don’t ask me what was in it — it didn’t taste amazing, but we move.

    For my main dish, I chose the chicken with vegetables.

    And the food? Divine. The chicken was tender, the fries perfectly crunchy, and the vegetables hit that sweet spot between chewy and not overcooked. Overall: 10/10.

    Best self-date ever.

    Neo — and that self-date — will forever have a place in my heart. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Heidelberg that’s perfect for a solo date, great food, and a modern atmosphere, NEO in Bahnstadt is it

  • 3 Things I think Togo does better than Germany – A Black European’s Honest Take

    3 Things I think Togo does better than Germany – A Black European’s Honest Take

    Germany has many advantages: the mountainous landscapes, places like Eibsee, Tegernsee, and Königssee, cities such as Munich and Berlin—and the fact that Heidelberg even exists. Of course, every country has its strengths and its flaws. Here are a few observations I made.

    1. Community:As someone who has studied languages—and therefore cultures—one thing that truly caught my attention was the sense of community. In Togo, people are genuinely there for each other. I had heard about these characteristics before, and my siblings and I were taught about them, but witnessing them firsthand is something entirely different.Children constantly shared food with one another. They played together as a group. Whenever my cousin asked someone for directions or help finding something, people responded kindly and patiently. My cousins’ wives helped each other as well—one would watch all the children while the other took care of errands, and then they’d switch.When we went to buy mangoes (10 for €4.50—I’m still speechless at how cheap that is), the vendor even gave us samples. I’ve hardly ever experienced that in Germany, not even at regular markets.
    2. Customer service:This point is, of course, subjective, so take it with a grain of salt. At street markets—where most people buy their food—haggling is common, yet I rarely encountered a rude vendor. People were consistently friendly and respectful.In supermarkets, prices could be higher, but the employees truly went out of their way to help. When my cousin needed diapers for his absolutely adorable daughter, three different employees assisted us, all genuinely trying to help us find the right product.
    3. The weather: This one is mostly for fun, because it’s not Germany’s fault—but I love warm weather, and having summer last longer than three months is definitely a plus for me.

  • How West Africa Helped Me Redefine Myself: Meet Togo, My Motherland II

    How West Africa Helped Me Redefine Myself: Meet Togo, My Motherland II

    I didn’t grow up wealthy. My parents struggled, both in Togo and Germany, but no matter what happened, they always made sure we were fed, kept alive, and stayed healthy.

    A couple of years ago, when my aunt was diagnosed with cancer, my mom naturally poured every little cent she had into helping her. After my sister and mother had visited Togo in 2017, my sister had grown even closer to our aunt, so she sent a lot of money to help cover the hospital bills.

    I’m sharing this because, for most people in Togo — my family included — going to a restaurant just for fun is almost unthinkable. What many of us in the West have long used to deepen friendships or connect with potential partners is simply not part of everyday life there.

    That’s why it felt so important to invite my family to a beach bar. We went to Marcelo Beach — all 14 of us. Since we were running behind, my cousin, our main driver, my partner, and I went ahead, and his family joined later. My cousin was flabbergasted when he saw the prices: 3000 CFA for a 0.5L Coke — about 4.50€. I’ve paid more money for less quality.

    The food was fresh, the landscape breathtaking. I sat there laughing with the kids, who were happily devouring pizza, fries, and lamb. We laughed, we smiled, and the kids roamed freely along the beach. The littlest one even gave herself a sand bath, giggling the whole time.

    In that moment, I realized something: sharing a meal, enjoying the sun, and simply being together — these small, ordinary acts were priceless. It wasn’t about luxury or money; it was about connection, joy, and the little adventures that bring us closer to each other.

    It was amazing. Just look at this view.

  • How West Africa Helped Me Redefine Myself: Meet Togo, My Motherland I

    How West Africa Helped Me Redefine Myself: Meet Togo, My Motherland I

    Now you see me, now you don’t

    I kinda, sorta disappeared. Where was I? Living life. Actually, more like existing. I didn’t do anything exciting. Kept working, kept applying for other jobs, and kept getting rejection. So, you know… typical going-through-the-motions stuff.

    But I’m back—by popular demand (not). I took another trip, one that had been long overdue, one I could previously only dream about.

    I finally discovered my roots. I went to Togo. And this time, I interrupted my regularly scheduled solo trip to embark on this journey with my partner.

    Finding Togo

    Not sure where Togo is? Let me help you.

    Togo is a West African country bordering Burkina Faso, Benin, and one of the more popular West African countries, Ghana. The country itself is really small, with its coastline and width only stretching 52 km. But it has a lot to offer—from beautiful golden beaches in the south, to the mesmerizing waterfalls in Kpalimé, to elephants that can be found in the north.

    Togo is technically a jack of all trades when it comes to landscapes, having everything that any backpacker or regular tourist desires.

    Created by ChatGPT

    A Home I Never Experienced

    But for me, Togo was more than that. It was home I had never experienced. A home that I never breathed in or truly looked at. I had family there—siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles. But all I knew about Togo was wrapped up in the tales of my father and mother.

    Stories of how my mom, basically aged 12, slept at burial sites. How my father had worked at Foyer des Marines. How my cousins became mothers or fathers.

    My personal story started in 1998, when my mom gave birth to me shortly after joining my father in Germany in December 1997. I could only ever imagine what the mysterious country my family called home could offer. I was always interested because my mom ran a very Togolese household.

    We ate Tapioca Zugbon (porridge made from ground manioc), Akoumé (a cornmeal dish), or the very popular Fufu (made from manioc, plantain, or yam). I remember the trips my parents made each month, buying half of Strasbourg, so we could continue living very Togolese lives.

    The Journey Begins

    After a lot of back and forth… a lot of tears… and lots of money, I awoke at 3 a.m. CET to be transported to Frankfurt Airport. Next stop: Lomé, Togo. Well, technically Brussels first, but eventually Togo.

    We touched down in Togo at 6 p.m. The immigration process was smooth, and after a small wait, I had my baggage. After a short stroll, I embraced my cousins.

    For the first time, I couldn’t believe it. I was finally standing where the story of my family began. Keep tuned for more about my journey and the stories I discovered along the way!

    Happy Holidays and a happy new year!

    Picture of Togo’s parliament located in Lome (capital)
  • Zurich: The Trip that gave me Covid Part III

    Zurich: The Trip that gave me Covid Part III

    Hi there, long time no see. Life has been a bit awkward, so let’s jump right in.

    I spent the rest of the day with pizza, wine, and my own company, enjoying the likes of Seeley Booth and Dr. Temperance Brennan. I was unshowered, a little unhappy, and perfectly content to do absolutely nothing.

    Then the chaos began.

    I heard commotion outside my hotel room — people laughing, doors slamming — and then it happened: music blaring through the lobby speakers. I prayed silently that it wouldn’t last all night. My prayers went unanswered.

    The party raged on: 10 pm, 11 pm, midnight, 1 am. I had even put a stool in front of my door to keep strangers from mistaking my room for the restroom. And sure enough… someone did. I nearly lost it. I do not handle sleeplessness well.

    Frustrated, I tried contacting hotel staff. I wrote to Booking.com and the hotel itself. I was furious — I felt my inner Black Karen taking over. At some point, I even broke a wine glass accidentally. Of course, I mentioned it to the hotel, asking them to subtract it from my reimbursement. They said no.

    Finally, the party ended around 1 am. I managed four hours of sleep before heading to the Flixbus station. Exhausted but oddly relieved, I slept most of the ride home.

    And then, the plot twist: Tuesday morning hit me with a heavy chest and exhaustion.

    I had Covid.

    • The END.
    • Next up is going to be my trip to Lake Thun in Switzerland

  • Zurich Part II: The Trip that gave me Covid

    Zurich Part II: The Trip that gave me Covid

    I woke the next morning unshowered, unrested, and unpleasantly surprised. The first sound I heard wasn’t birdsong or silence, but the hairdresser’s radio next door—blaring at maximum volume. My skin felt sticky and tired, and without my ritual shower, I was already off to a rough start.

    I did what I could: washed my face, brushed my teeth, tried the shower (still broken), and got dressed. Adventure called. With Maps guiding me—badly, as it turned out—I zigzagged across streets and sidewalks until I gave up and followed the street signs instead.

    My first stop: Frauenmünster (Women’s Minster).

    Women’s Minster in Zurich

    From there, I crossed over to Zurich’s other famous church, the Grossmünster (Great Minster). I didn’t go inside, because my eyes (and feet) were already set on Lake Zurich.

    Great Minster

    And here’s where honesty kicks in: Lake Zurich was… underwhelming. Maybe it was me, maybe it was the season (fall edging toward winter), or maybe Zurich just wasn’t vibing with me that day. So many people rave about the city, but sometimes what sparkles for others feels flat to you.

    Still, I walked along the lake, soaking in the grayness, when—serendipity!—I ran into the same American friends I’d met at the kebab place the night before. A nice reminder that travel is as much about people as places.

    Lake Zurich

    Eventually, I lined up for a boat ride. Mistake number one: not checking the schedule. I stood in the cold for 20 minutes before learning (thanks to a kind stranger) that I could just buy the ticket onboard. Mistake number two: assuming I’d find a seat inside. The boat was packed, so I braved the outside deck in Zurich’s biting 3–8°C weather. For someone who thrives in summer, I was miserable. By the halfway point, my fingers had turned white-yellow from the cold. The view? Pretty enough, but I was more relieved than anything when the ride ended.

    Back at the hotel, I gave myself the gift of comfort: a supermarket pizza, some fruit, a little wine, and later a tarte flambée. I tucked it all into the mini-fridge, curled up, and spent the evening with TV instead of tourist attractions.

    Sometimes travel is adventure. Sometimes it’s surrender. This day was a little of both.

    View from the boat – Lake Zurich

    This is it for now. Part 3 coming soon.

  • Zurich Part 1— The Trip that gave me Covid

    Lake Zurich

    Zurich. The renowned Swiss city. Harbor of banks, restaurants, and many very expensive clothing brands. Yeah, expensive even in the Swiss sense.

    Switzerland is a pristine country, known for its beautiful mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, and an overall unbelievably magnificent landscape.

    So many people had been recommending the city to me, saying Zurich was the city to visit in Switzerland. I had wanted to do this trip for such a long time, but life kept getting in the way.

    I finally made it happen in November of last year. I booked the Flixbus, booked the hotel room. I was happy. Emphasis on was.

    I boarded the Flixbus and off we went. I snuggled in, sitting next to a nice Asian lady who, unfortunately for me, hogged the USB ports for charging. To my right, a guy was regularly coughing—the kind of cough where you think he might not make it through the ride.

    I chilled regardless and put on one of my favorite shows, Reasonable Doubt. The second season had just come out, and I loved the first one. Michael Ealy and Emayatzy Corinealdi are both draws and very physically beautiful people. Plus, they can actually act.

    Season two—no Michael Ealy. But they got the one and only Morris Chestnut. What a man, what an actor. Even more motivation to watch, because I wanted to see what kind of character he would play and how they would introduce him.

    What was supposed to be a five-hour trip ended up being an eight-hour ordeal. And the guy was still coughing like he had the Plague.

    After eight hours, we finally arrived in Zurich. But it wasn’t what I expected. I kinda didn’t like it. I made my way from the bus station to the nearest tram stop, bought a ticket, and headed toward the tram station closest to my hotel. I checked in. The hotel was Visionapartments Brandschekenstrasse Zurich.

    Never again. My room was on the ground floor, right next to a hairdresser, which I didn’t know at the time but soon found out. The room looked fine, but then panic set in—I couldn’t find my wallet. WHERE WAS MY WALLET? I was so sure I had taken it with me, but suddenly horror scenarios flashed before my eyes. Had I left it in the tram? The Flixbus? How would I cross the border back to Germany?

    I left the room, looked outside, even checked in front of the hotel. Got back to my room and—you know it—it was there the whole time. Under my bag.

    Take two. I made my way to a kebap place, picked out what to eat, and noticed some American tourists struggling with the menu. Since they didn’t know German, I interpreted the menu for them and said a quick goodbye once they ordered. I love these quick interactions and always wonder how people’s lives go on afterward.

    Back at the hotel, kebap in hand, all I wanted was a warm shower to revitalize. I went into the bathroom, turned the handle… and nothing. No water, nothing.

    I was so sad. For me, that’s the only thing that brings me down after a long day. Great—no shower. I didn’t even know what to do, so I put something comfy on and went to bed.

    I turned on the TV and snuggled into my covers…

    Lovely trip so far, right? Please leave a comment—has this ever happened to you?

  • When Birthdays Don’t Feel Magical Anymore

    When Birthdays Don’t Feel Magical Anymore

    Sunset – Chania Old Harbor

    27 years ago, I “blessed” this world with my presence. 27 — not yet old, no longer really young. And I felt it.

    Birthdays stopped being magical for me a long time ago. I was thrust into the reality of life when I was 6 and my father got sick. Gone were the faint memories of presents and cake. In their place, the door opened for mental health issues, financial woes, and many suffocating crying sessions, both at my parents’ house as well as in my very own first apartments.

    This year, unfortunately, was no different. It started on August 15th. I felt overwhelmed, tired, exhausted — and very much done. I started reflecting: what have I accomplished so far? Based on all the experiences, the hurdles I jumped, the tears I wiped away, and the birthdays celebrated… was I there?

    It didn’t feel like it. It didn’t feel like I would ever reach there.

    I had read Meg Jay’s book once, The Defining Decade1. I knew that even clinicians don’t believe your twenties are the time of your life. But still, I felt… like I lacked.

    Lacked knowledge.
    Lacked guidance.
    Lacked grace.
    Lacked happiness.

    I don’t like myself — my weight, my thought process, my mental health issues, my job, and, lastly, the point I am at in my life currently. I wished I did.

    I look at Instagram, Reddit, LinkedIn, and other social platforms, and every post, every picture, every caption seems to solidify these thoughts.

    All of this culminated in tears — on my birthday.
    A day I should be thankful for.
    Not only for being given life, but for all the blessings I already have: family, friends, a roof over my head, food, life itself.

    But is that all I am meant to do on earth?

    Is this it?
    And if it is… shouldn’t I be as content as possible?

    I don’t know. The day I was supposed to be happy about was the day I felt like I had wasted it all. And as the sun set for another day, it felt like all my hope set with it.

    This was a great overview of the book, I hope you enjoy.
    Sunset in Heidelberg

  • Self Date: A Lovely Day at Heidelberg’s 15 High Restaurant & Bar

    After a particularly hard year — with difficult times at work and a mind that felt like a tangled mess (still does, but that’s a story for another time) — I needed something special.

    There was a new, glamorous rooftop bar near Heidelberg’s main train station. I checked the website for an open spot, and surprisingly, I found one. April 30th, 2024: my date with myself.

    I was ready. Back then, I was unhappy with everything — my weight gain, feeling stuck professionally, and my general mental health struggles. Honestly, I still carry all of that today… but YOLO, right? At least I wanted one special day, in the sea of mundane, everyday tasks that weighed me down.

    So, on a Tuesday evening, the day before a public holiday in Germany, I showered, put on my cheapest earrings (yes, cheap), and dressed in business casual. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I looked nice. Then I made my way to the hotel.

    In my typical naïve fashion, I couldn’t immediately find the entrance. 😀 Lol, classic me. Eventually, I made it, spoke to the staff about my reservation, and was led to my seat — unfortunately not by the windows, but still a nice spot.

    I ordered something fruity — maybe a Lillet Wild Berry or a Limoncello — and for dinner, I went with the chef’s selection. Oh boy… I savored every bite.

    15 High’s chef’s selection

    I can’t remember exactly what kind of fish I had, but it looked like salmon and halibut, with a few prawns on the side. My sides were potatoes and a mix of vegetables, plus a little serving of butter — complete with the restaurant’s logo stamped right into it.

    15 High butter with Logo

    The food was bomb! I’m usually someone who loves very spicy dishes, but this one wasn’t spicy at all — and still, it somehow made my forehead sweat and my heart happy.

    After dinner, I wandered out to the balcony. Honestly though, Heidelberg’s Bahnstadt and the area around the main station weren’t exactly breathtaking… not enough to capture in a photo, at least.

    And that was it: a lovely, much-needed evening during a tumultuous period in my life.

  • Barcelona to Badalona: A Perfect Penultimate Day on My Solo Trip


    My penultimate day in Barcelona: paella, a funny language mishap, and the stunning beaches of Badalona. Perfect for solo travelers!

    My Second-to-Last Day in Barcelona

    After spending six incredible days in Barcelona, my first solo trip was nearing its end. I hadn’t conquered my fear of flying, but that didn’t matter—I had done what I wanted: explored, experienced, and truly enjoyed myself.

    The Paella Experience in Barcelona

    I wanted my second-to-last day to be special, so I searched for a restaurant that served the most iconic Spanish dish ever: paella. I found a cozy spot and even managed to order in Spanish—small victories count when traveling solo!

    When my plate arrived, I was greeted by a stunning lobster sitting on golden rice. It looked perfect… until I tasted it. The rice was way too hard for my liking—not exactly what I had imagined. After paying €20 for a dish where the main ingredient wasn’t to my taste, I felt a little disappointed. Still, trying it was worth the experience because that’s what travel is all about.

    A Funny Supermarket Moment

    After lunch, I wandered into a supermarket to find my favorite cookies: Digestive (brand) with oats and chocolate. I couldn’t spot them, so I decided to ask an employee in English, but then I thought, “Why not try Spanish?”

    That’s when I said, “bisquetas.” Not even a real word! The correct word is “galletas.” The employee laughed, and I turned bright red, but she showed me the cookies anyway. I walked out with my favorite snack and a funny story to tell.

    Badalona: A Coastal Gem

    Later, I headed to Badalona, and wow—what a sight. The ocean stretched endlessly, the sand was soft, and the atmosphere was pure bliss. I stood there, soaking it all in, feeling grateful for the moment. Sometimes, it’s the simplest experiences that leave the strongest memories.

    Have you ever tried authentic Spanish paella? Or strolled along the beaches of Badalona? Share your thoughts in the comments!

    Ocean at Badalona
    Beautiful Beach – Badalona
    Badalona – Peace on Earth