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  • Eibsee: Why This Bavarian Lake is Called the German Caribbean (Repost and Solo Travel Diary Part I)

    Eibsee: Why This Bavarian Lake is Called the German Caribbean (Repost and Solo Travel Diary Part I)

    Background

    I have talked about the German Caribbean before. It was long before I had decided what this blog was going to be about. Back then I was still trying to find my voice — trying to figure it out. Eventually, I decided that this blog would be about authenticity: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly. About my personal journey to joy.

    So I find it most fitting to repost this story. Not like the typical 1–10 list primarily consisting of recommendations about food or sleeping accommodations. More about the why, the how, and the feeling. I find that most fulfilling.

    So, here is the repost.

    In 2021, I was kind of tired of waiting. I was constantly waiting around for something to happen — waiting for people to join me in travels, for nights out in the city. Just waiting for life.

    So, after my dear friend told me about Eibsee, I was speechless. The pictures were amazing, and since my sister had already visited and loved it, I decided to go as well.

    The Journey

    I had booked the Garni Hotel zum Franziskaner. If you want to know more. It is a cozy B&B in Grainau, which is pretty close to the lake.

    To get to Grainau from where I lived, I took a high-speed train from Heidelberg main station directly toward Munich, getting off a couple of stations before the main station. Like always, I missed my intended connecting train, so I stayed on the platform waiting for the next one — at least 30–45 minutes. As mentioned, it was unfortunately quite cold. I was trying to keep myself warm, and while I was in the middle of losing weight at that point, I still gave myself the comfort of Burger King. I walked over to the nearest one and got a meal — don’t remember what exactly, just that it was worth it.

    Fortunately, the train eventually arrived. We rode past the Starnberger See. Bavaria has a lot of beautiful lakes, by the way — definitely worth checking out.

    I was in awe: the mountains, the lake, the idyllic ambiance. I was floating on a cloud, full of excitement for what was to come.

    We finally made it! I reached Garmisch-Partenkirchen — a quaint little city that actually felt more like a village. I walked over to the cab stand and talked to the first driver. He asked me in his very Bavarian dialect where I wanted to go. I seemed to have lost all ability to speak German, because I kept nodding along even though he was asking whether my hotel was in Garmisch — apparently the name the locals use for the city.

    I corrected him eventually, and he said in a no-nonsense way that I should have spoken up immediately.

    Well, too bad, so sad. We still made it. He gave me his card, and then I checked in.

    First things first… radiator up, Burger King devoured. Happy to be there! More to come in Part II.

  • Chania – Part 2 Freedom

    So, here we go!
    Second day in Chania. I woke up in my king-sized bed. I loved it. It was almost 8 a.m. on a Monday. The 16th, to be exact — my birthday. With immense pride, I made my way to the bathroom.

    Sidenote: Did I tell you that you’re not allowed to flush toilet paper in Greece?
    Sorry, for the sidenote.

    Anyway — on my first day in paradise, I decided to explore Chania a bit. But of course, it wouldn’t be a great holiday without a beach. So I Googled the closest beach to me and found…

    Paradise…

    I enjoyed it so much, even though I’d gotten up at 7 a.m., got ready, and walked there in 10 to 15 minutes. On the walk to the beach, I just took in the infrastructure, the houses, and the apartment buildings. So different, yet so beautiful. I loved every step, every flower — hell, even every dog dookie I found on the path to the beach.

    I arrived around 8 a.m. and simply… chilled. After all the exams, the stress — and best of all, on my birthday — I just enjoyed my own company. No men, no friends, no family. Just me. Just what I needed.

    I took in the sun and even went into the water. To make sure no one would steal my phone, money, or hotel key, I had bought a little phone case I could take into the ocean.

    I stayed until around 10, when the families, couples, and other tourists started making their way to the beach. I quickly packed my bag and made my way back to the hotel.

    Goodbye, Nea Chora Beach.

    Fast forward

    Fast forward.
    Hello, breakfast. After that amazing time at the ocean, I finally had to eat. I went to the hotel’s recommendation — Phyllo, located just a couple of minutes away. It was EPIC. I chose coffee, even though I don’t usually drink it, but since I got up early on not only my birthday and the first day of vacation — I deserved it.

    What I also deserved? That lovely pita bread sandwich I had. The flavors were breathtaking.
    Just look at this:

    I devoured it quickly and, honestly, left the restaurant as fast as I could. It was a small establishment with way too many customers. I was full, so what now?

    Back to the hotel, of course. Because what else is there to do on holiday but sleep?

    An hour later, I was awoken by the cleaning lady. She wanted to clean, so I had to leave again. Where to go now — half asleep at that?

    I decided to walk to the harbor and join the rest of the tourists. I took as many pictures as I could, stood on the observation platform, walked a lot, and just soaked in the Vitamin D. I swear I could feel the sun building up in my skin. And I mean, who wouldn’t love all this beauty?

    An hour later, I was awoken by the cleaning lady. She wanted to clean, so I had to leave again. Where to go now — half asleep at that?

    I decided to walk to the harbor and join the rest of the tourists. I took as many pictures as I could, stood on the observation platform, walked a lot, and just soaked in the Vitamin D. I swear I could feel the sun building up in my skin. And I mean, who wouldn’t love all this beauty?

    After about an hour, I made my way back to the hotel. The cleaning lady had left, I laid down, turned on another episode of Modern Family, and slept a little more.

    A couple of hours later, I woke up to music and chatter from the streets. I got up, put on some makeup, and picked my most beautiful dress. I wanted to celebrate myself.

    I walked onto the busy streets and found a restaurant that I quite liked.

    My birthday dinner… Tzatziki

    Greek Tzatziki

    And the main dish was the meat-filled pita dish called Spanakopita. It was delicious fresh, seasoned and very enjoyable. YUMMY. I ate like a Queen and felt like it as well.

    And for the main dish, a meat-filled pita — Spanakopita. It was delicious, fresh, seasoned, and very enjoyable. YUMMY. I ate like a queen and felt like one too.

    Afterwards, I left the restaurant on a mission: to find my favorite drink — a Strawberry Daiquiri. My favorite bar back home didn’t have a mixer anymore, so they stopped making it. Sad. So I walked around the harbor and was talked up by a host — as is common in many Southern European countries. After he said they did have Strawberry Daiquiris, I sat down and waited for my favorite drink.

    I got it. I enjoyed it. And then… almost cried.
    The drink was 12€.
    I will never sit down in a restaurant again and order something without asking how much it costs or at least checking the menu.

    A very expensive birthday for a semi-broke student.

    A very expensive birthday for a semi-broke student.

    Here it is, the drink that broke my bank account.
    Red as the devil.

    And that was it — my birthday, and my freedom day in Chania.

    More to come!

  • The Eibsee – Germany’s “Caribbean” Lake

    The Eibsee – Germany’s “Caribbean” Lake

    Nestled in Bavaria, near the charming town of Grainau (just 10 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen), Eibsee is a well-known gem among Germans. Surrounded by the stunning Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, this lake offers breathtaking scenery and a serene escape into nature.

    How to Get There

    Funny you should ask! Here’s how you can reach this picturesque destination:

    By Train

    • Take a train to Munich Central Station.
    • From there, hop on a regional train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
    • Once you arrive, you have a few options:
      • Take the rack railway (located at the western exit of the station) for a scenic 30-minute ride straight to Eibsee.
      • Alternatively, take a bus or taxi to Grainau if you’re staying there.

    By Car

    • Drive directly to the Eibsee parking lot or the Zugspitze cable car station parking area.

    By Taxi

    If you have booked accommodation in Grainau, taking a taxi directly there is a convenient option. The drive will only take you about 15-20 minutes.

    What to Do at Eibsee

    Once you arrive, take a breathtaking stroll along the lake’s scenic shore. The crystal-clear turquoise water, paired with the dramatic mountain backdrop, makes it a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

    And to make this extra memorable:

    Where to Eat & Stay

    Where to Eat:
    After a refreshing walk around the lake, treat yourself to some delicious lasagna at Trattoria L’Italiano, a cozy little Italian restaurant in Grainau.

    Where to Stay:
    For a comfortable and charming stay, we recommend Hotel zum Franziskaner Garni, a lovely family-run hotel offering beautiful mountain views (depending on the room you get, of course!).

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for a magical getaway to one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes, Eibsee is the place to be. Whether you hike, relax, or simply take in the breathtaking views—this is a must-visit destination for any traveler!

    A little peak what view you’ll get!