THE SPOT

Tag: Solo

  • 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.

  • Si tu ere’ Latino saca tu bandera – Inside a Latin Festival in Germany

    Si tu ere’ Latino saca tu bandera – Inside a Latin Festival in Germany

    Whenever I think back to this day, I hear the song La Gozadera from Gente de Zona. One line in the song is exactly like the title. So, have a listen and enjoy!

    The Premise

    Besides my West African, Togolese culture, I’ve always been drawn to Latin American culture.

    It’s the music — African percussion meeting tropical rhythms, wrapped in Spanish. Honestly, it probably makes sense. African culture influenced so much of Latin culture, and somehow it feels closest to home outside of Germany and Togo. If that makes sense at all.

    That’s partly why I studied Spanish. But… did I really study it if I was locked in my tiny student dorm room? Because Covid shut down any chance of going to Spain — no immersion, no real-life practice, no finally figuring out when to use subjuntivo, imperfecto or indefinido. Lol.

    Anyway.

    I saw an ad for a Latin American festival during the week. I was alone — as usual during lockdown — and once restrictions eased, I made it a habit to go out by myself.

    Around that time, I also became my own strange version of a health nut. I’d watch My 600 lb Life while trying to “be good,” even though I’ve always been someone who soothes themselves by eating. Not eating — gorging, just to feel full, because emotionally? Empty. Ironic, right?

    Still, for that one day, I decided I wouldn’t miss out on dancing and food.

    The Event

    I made my way from Heidelberg to Mannheim — Alter Messplatz, to be exact. From the tram stop, it was about a ten-minute walk to the festival grounds. It was a beautiful, hot summer day, and I was dressed for the occasion.

    After 10–15 minutes, I finally arrived. I was searched to make sure I wasn’t sneaking in any food or drinks, and then — there I was.

    First stop: the empanada stand.

    Empanadas are a South American delicacy — basically a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or sometimes even fruit. Every country has its own version. That day, the options were cheese, beef, and pollo.

    I didn’t hesitate. Beef empanada.

    I found a place to sit and absolutely went to town on it. After that, I treated myself to an overpriced cocktail — maybe a Caipi, maybe a Mojito. Don’t ask me which one. I just remember it was good.

    Next stop: a Peruvian stand. That’s where I saw salchipapa and immediately felt hypnotized.

    Salchipapa is a beloved street food across South America and the Caribbean. The name says it all: salchicha (sausage) and papa (potatoes — specifically fries). Traditionally topped with ketchup; mustard and mayo – Salsa Rosada but that day? Ketchup and mayo. Germans would call it Pommes Schranke.

    IT WAS EPIC.

    Amazing.

    10/10.

    No notes.

    Last but not least: plátanos maduros con queso — sweet plantains with cheese.

    If you know anything about African cuisine, you know we love plantains. So of course, I didn’t think twice. I’d never had them prepared like this before, and wow — absolutely beautiful.

    Fully fed and slightly undone, I spent the rest of the time enjoying the music, watching people dance, kids running around, everyone just… alive.

    It was a good day. A day away from my bachelor’s thesis. One of those small, perfect experiences.

    Before leaving, I stopped by the empanada stand one last time, attempted to speak Spanish (heavy emphasis on attempted), and bought one for the way home — with a little salsa.

    And there we go.

    If you are interested in more of my culinary excursions, check out this story on the The Spot .

    Platanos maduros con queso
    Salschipapa