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Tag: travel

  • 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.

  • Strasbourg Travel Diary Part III: Romanticizing Life in France’s Fairytale City

    Strasbourg Travel Diary Part III: Romanticizing Life in France’s Fairytale City

    Idyllic city

    Welcome back! If you aren’t privy to what this story is about, check out both Part 1 and 2.

    Anyway, new day… new opportunities. I got up and took a looong hot shower. Since, I didn’t add breakfast to my reservation, I needed to go into the city to find something to eat. I got dressed and here we go.

    Strasbourg city

    I hopped on the tram and arrived in the city centre about ten to fifteen minutes later. The inner city was idyllic — and unfortunately, the weather was considerably less so.

    I walked around anyway. It was nice. People moving through the streets, tourists photographing every sight they could find. Me included, naturally. As I said in Part 2 — if you didn’t post it, it never happened.

    I passed the Strasbourg Cathedral — built in sandstone, it reminded me immediately of Heidelberg’s Castle. Newer probably, but the resemblance was striking. Something about seeing familiar architectural echoes in an unfamiliar city felt like the city was speaking my language.

    I wandered through the streets, took it all in. Found a sweet little café with a view onto the street, sat down, ordered a croissant and a latte macchiato, and just listened to the hustle and bustle of a Saturday morning in Strasbourg. Paid. Walked around some more. Had some ice cream.

    Living a little.

    A lil relaxation

    With my last evening approaching rapidly I headed back to the hotel. I went to the gym and had grand plans for a massage — until I discovered, courtesy of the fine print I had not read, that massages needed to be booked in advance and there was no masseuse on staff that evening anyway.

    Wonderful.

    I went back to the swimming pool instead. Spent the rest of the evening exactly as I had the night before — chilling in my hotel room, watching shows, being entirely unbothered.

    Check-out?

    My mind started racing. My heart skipped approximately five different beats. The receptionist looked at me, confused.

    And here is where I need to be honest about something.

    For me — as a Black woman — there is a particular kind of awareness that arrives in moments like this. When my card gets declined. When I’m fumbling in my bag for money I know is there. A heightened self-consciousness that goes beyond embarrassment.

    I become aware of being Black in the room. I start wondering what people are thinking — about me, and by extension about other Black people. Whether we are being judged. Whether a single declined card becomes a statement about all of us.

    With slightly shaking hands I reached out to retrieve my card. *”No problem,”* I said — because what else do you say — and handed over my regular EC card instead.

    I knew I had enough money on there to cover another two days. I knew it. And yet I was still afraid when I slid the card in.

    It was accepted. Of course it was.

    But I always wonder, in moments like those, how much space that particular kind of fear takes up. And how long we’ll have to keep carrying it.

    I said farewell to the receptionist. Said farewell to the hotel. And went about my merry way — relaxed despite the hiccups, and ready for the next chapter. Because from Strasbourg I was heading directly into my Master’s student journey.

    Thanks for bearing with me through this one.

    Strasbourg was a genuinely lovely getaway and I would recommend it to anyone living close to the French border — card machine anxiety and all.

    Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven’t already.

    See you in the next one.

    To think or not to think
    Ice cream and rain

  • Lake Thun – The Most Underrated Lake in Europe

    Lake Thun – The Most Underrated Lake in Europe

    Premise

    Switzerland is known for its serene landscapes, variety of mountain lakes and steep prices. Let’s get on this journey, together.

    So when I was invited by my older sister to visit Switzerland in late Summer of 2021, I was excited. Back then my older sister was living in a small village, close to the city of Spiez, which in turn is located in the canton of Bern.

    The Journey

    I embarked on my journey to Switzerland started early at about 8 o’clock and the plan was to embark on this 5-hour journey. But guess what, there is no such thing as punctual, with the German Railway. I got to the train station on time, however my train from Heidelberg to Mannheim, very much did not. When it finally arrived, we were about 10 minutes behind schedule. Exactly, 10 minutes that were planned in for me switching trains. I made it just in time to the platform to see my high-speed train wave me goodbye. Thank God, I was a bit fitter back then because I actually bothered to run. By the way, don’t you hate missing trains and seeing leave the train station? Awful.

    After that I had to look for alternative connections. Best one. Going from there with a regional train to Strasbourg and from Strasbourg to Basel and then change train to Spiez. Perfect. That journey, obviously, was much longer than the original one I booked.

    So, I used the little donkey train to France and in Strasbourg was directed to the platform. And then I waited, and waited and waited and waited for half an hour. Nice, right?

    The train arrived – and the fighting began – I had to fight to find a seat. I won the Olympian seat games and finally made my way to Switzerland. It only took about 6 hours. And I still wasn’t at my destination.

    Basel

    Basel main station is… BEAUTIFUL. Gone was the urine-filled air that is so common for Germany. Gone was the dirty station. What was there cleanliness I never saw in at any German station. Anyway, I made my way to a shop and bought a sandwich and a drink. Guess what I had never seen as well? These prices, I paid 10€ for. a. damn. sandwich. Done, dusted. Hah.

    What also was lovely was that I missed my train because it took me so damn long to get back. Missed the train. What’s great about Switzerland though, they are so organized (at least when it comes to trains). Found a train and made my way to Spiez to Basel. And after about an hour, as we made our way from there passing by Lake Thun. And it was majestic.

    We didn’t stop there and I arrived in Spiez not long after. One thing that was safe to say was… I’d definitely go there. See the featured image as a sneak peek.

    If you enjoyed being lost with me in trains, sandwiches, and lakes, I write about these little adventures often — quiet discoveries, self-dates, and the magic of ordinary moments. You can stay along for the next one.

  • Barcelona – Sitges

    Barcelona – Sitges

    When I first planned my trip, I had my eyes set on Girona. But with limited funds, I had to look for alternatives—and I’m glad I did. One of the most beautiful discoveries was Sitges, a small coastal town about 40 km from Barcelona, known for its welcoming village vibe and serene seaside views.

    I didn’t have a set plan or a checklist of things to see. There are museums and a beautiful 18th-century sanctuary—at least it looked beautiful from the photos. Honestly, I went because I stumbled across the name somewhere. I didn’t even know it was such a popular destination, especially for those staying in Barcelona.

    I bought a one-way ticket from Cerdanyola del Vallès to Sitges. The whole trip cost me just 8 euros—something that feels almost utopian in today’s world of post-pandemic inflation and geopolitical turmoil. But at that moment, I felt nothing but pure joy, the kind of happiness that makes you feel lightheaded and carefree.

    The train was slightly delayed, but as someone used to Germany’s famously late trains, it didn’t bother me. When it arrived, I hopped on. The carriage was mostly empty, giving me space to relax, unwind, and take in the journey. And what a journey it was—rolling past cliffs, lush nature, and the endless deep blue sea. Just the train ride alone was worth it.

    Once I arrived in Sitges, I just walked. I wandered through the little alleyways, illuminated by soft spring sunlight. It was quiet—calmer than Barcelona’s constant buzz—and I enjoyed the peaceful solitude without feeling lonely.

    After a bit of exploring, I stopped at a restaurant and ordered cannelloni. I didn’t love it, but it filled me up. Sometimes, that’s enough.

    I ended my visit by walking down to the beach. The early spring sun was gentle but warm. Families strolled with their children, kids laughed and shouted, couples held hands. I stood there, listening to the ocean’s familiar rhythm, feeling the cool spritz of sea spray on my skin. In that moment, I felt content.

    I walked from one end of the beach to the other, soaking in every bit of it. My first little adventure was simple, spontaneous—and absolutely worth it.

    Beach in Sitges

    Ocean in Sitges
    View from the Stones at Sitges
    Sunshine in Sitges
  • Barcelona – The Mecca for Solo Travelers

    Barcelona – The Mecca for Solo Travelers

    While Greece has my heart when it comes to courage and boldness, Barcelona has my heart when it comes to solo travel.

    It was the first real adventure I embarked on after I started studying. Just the search for a decent Airbnb turned out to be an uphill battle. After canceling two reservations, I finally booked a room in a shared apartment. My host was a Nigerian woman, and her space seemed good enough for everything I planned to do.

    Since I didn’t have much money, I booked a roundtrip ticket with Flixbus. From Heidelberg to Barcelona—just two days on the road. I was happy, excited, a bit insecure—but determined to go.

    I looked up all the major sights: Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia… I was excited, but also anxious. After all, I was about to spend two full days on a bus just to get to Spain and back. I did my research and found that the T-10 ticket would be the best option for my seven-day stay—ten rides for around 10€, each valid for 75 minutes. That would cover about five days of travel to and from the city.

    So, I packed my bags and, on April 2nd, 2019, boarded my Flixbus headed to Barcelona. We rode through Switzerland and France, passing cities like Perpignan, Montpellier, and Geneva (side note: Geneva is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland—pity I couldn’t stay!).

    On the morning of April 3rd, I arrived at Barcelona’s bus station. Tired but excited. My first little adventure, all by myself. A mix of pure thrill and a bit of dread—worried about getting lost… or kidnapped (though, honestly, who would want to kidnap me? 😅).

    My accommodations were in Cerdanyola del Vallès, about 17 km outside of Barcelona. After getting lost multiple times, I finally made it. My host, Linda—a kind Nigerian woman—welcomed me and gave me a quick tour of her two-bedroom apartment before heading off to work.

    And then there I was: in a quiet apartment, in sweaty clothes, absolutely exhausted. I couldn’t help it—I jumped straight into bed. I know, I should have taken a shower first… but I barely made it in! So I slept. And slept. And slept.

    Eventually, I woke up—hungry and eager to see the city. I checked Google Maps and found a supermarket about 10 minutes away. Of course, with my questionable sense of direction, it took me longer than that. I walked back and forth (and back again), but finally found it. I pretended my few Spanish phrases made me a native and somehow managed to buy what I needed and make it back.

    (Oh, and yes—I did shower before I went to the supermarket. 😉)

    Since I had already bought my tickets, I decided it was time to finally see Barcelona. I hopped on the next train and headed to the iconic Sagrada Familia—the Roman Catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí and one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

    I just walked around, soaking it all in. My heart full, my head buzzing.

    That was Day One in Barcelona.

    Here’s a picture to make it even more memorable.

    La Sagrada Familia
    La Sagrada Famila – other side 🙂

  • Chania – Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island: Blue Water, Blue Skies and Blue Bridges

    Today was supposed to be my day.

    My colleague had raved about the Balos Lagoon and the island of Gramvousa — a must-see off the coast of the Gramvousa Peninsula. Gramvousa is home to a stunning 16th-century Venetian fortress, while Balos Lagoon is what I imagine heaven looks like: vivid blue water, endless skies, and the kind of heat that makes you feel deliciously alive.

    Naturally, I was sold. I booked the trip online via Blue Daily Cruises. But—here’s a tip—double-check everything. I paid with my credit card (yep, that’s the only option I had), but never received the ticket PDF. Thankfully, it wasn’t a huge hassle. Those €30-something were absolutely worth it. But more on that in a bit.

    To get to the ferry at Kissamos Port, I also booked a bus ticket from Chania via KTEL. Again… money withdrawn, but no ticket emailed to me. Strike two. I got up early, full of excitement, and started walking to the bus station—only to be sent on a wild goose chase by Google Maps. By the time I got there, the bus was pulling out, practically waving me goodbye.

    I stood in line, sweaty and defeated, and bought a new ticket at the counter. Then I bought another one online just to be sure. Eventually, I was on the next bus, huffing and puffing but at least moving forward.

    Onward to Gramvousa

    After an hour’s ride, we arrived at Kissamos Port. From there, it was a quick walk to the ferry. I grabbed a seat in the middle—couldn’t really take great photos, but that didn’t matter.

    About 30 minutes later, we docked at Gramvousa Island. The view? Breathtaking. But here’s the thing: for the first time in my life, I wished I was stranded there alone. A whole ferry-load of people swarmed the place, and it was a little overwhelming for my introverted self.

    Some of them hiked up to the Venetian fortress. I wandered off in the other direction, chasing a little peace and quiet.

    Gramvousa – alone time
    Gramvousa with people

    As you can see it there were many people.

    Eventually, I joined the crowd in the water. But like the beach in Chania, this one was stoney. And I mean, stoney AF. I fell on my knee twice. Fully embarrassed. Laughed it off. What else could I do?

    The Magic of Balos Lagoon

    After two hours on Gramvousa, we set sail to Balos Lagoon. And wow. The water was bluer than Aaron Pierre’s eyes — and if you know, you know. It was pure, visual serenity.

    I walked, I sat, I floated. Around me: people laughing, splashing, living. And there I was, alone in my beautiful solitude, loving every minute of it.

    Balos Lagoon

    Excuse this pic, but the quality is bad because I snapped the pic in my water resistant phone case.

    On the way back, I grabbed a spot in the sun and just soaked it all in. The sea, the heat, the wind — sometimes a little too much, but in Crete, even too much is just right.

    Ending the Day Right

    Back in Chania, I wrapped up the day with dinner at a restaurant near the harbor — my favorite spot. There’s nothing like good food after a day like this: messy, chaotic, beautiful.

    I this is the penultimate day that I can tell you about. Then we will move on to my trio to the Elafonissi Beach before ending the Chania series.

  • Chania – A Birthday Glow & A Sunset Flow

    Day 3 in Chania was as beautiful as my birthday on the 16th.

    First thing I did when I woke up? Straight to the beach. No breakfast, no second thoughts. Crete is full of beautiful places, and today’s choice was Kladissos Beach — about 30 minutes on foot from the Venetian Harbor.

    Recommendation number one: don’t walk in the hot sun. Apparently, 10 a.m. in August in Crete is hot enough to turn my usually sun-loving self into a sweating, disheveled mess. Not cute. Not even a little. But I powered through, because vibes.

    Honestly, the walk was worth it. The beach was basically empty. Just one other person there. I spread out on my towel, let my body bake a bit, then eventually went into the water.

    And here comes recommendation number two: if you go to a stony beach, make sure your feet aren’t sensitive little drama queens. Mine are. I stumbled and fell multiple times trying to get out of the water. Graceful? No. Entertaining? Probably. Also, heads up — once other people started showing up, there were a few surprise boobs and butts around. So yeah. Be mentally prepared.

    Anyway. Cinematic moment time — look at this view:

    Kladissos Beach

    Who wouldn’t enjoy the pointy stones here?

    I slept again, because? What the hell else would I do?

    After a few hours, I made my way back to Chania, wandered around looking for a supermarket, got some bread and salami, made myself a sad little sandwich, and watched Modern Family.

    Then I passed out. Because… what else is there to do, really?

    Woke up later with a bit more energy — today was boat ride day! A sunset one. Fancy. I got ready fast, threw on a dress, and headed to the Harbor. Put the address into Google Maps, and of course, it sent me to the completely wrong side. Love that for me. By the time I figured it out and speed-walked all the way back, I barely made it.

    Side note: stop using Google Maps for walking in Chania. I swear I get more lost with it than without it.

    The boat ride itself was honestly beautiful. Warm air, soft wind, sunset glow, and even a little bit of history. The captain told us about how sailors used to quarantine on a nearby island before they were allowed into the Venetian Harbor. Kinda eerie, kinda cool.

    Took too many photos. Felt like a movie.

    Sunset on the boat ride
    Boat ride
    Chania’s Venetian Harbor at night

    When we got back, I went to get dinner and finally — Moussaka. The most Greek meal ever. And it was a full-blown experience. Layers of flavor, spices, vegetables, comfort, happiness — all baked together. I actually might’ve ascended for a second.

    What luck!

    The drink made for sinners – on a diet- Strawberry Daiquiri

    Then came the final mission of the night: Strawberry Daiquiri. I searched. I found. It was half the price of yesterday’s and tasted like redemption.

    That’s it. Short and sweet. Very well-fed.
    See you soon.

  • 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!

  • Chania – My first solo flight

    You probably don’t know me, which is why you wouldn’t know how I feel about flying. Let me tell you—flying scares the bejesus out of me. I hate it. I hate the lack of control, the noise, the shaking… everything.

    But, during my “year of new adventures,” I decided it was time to grow a pair. So, I booked a flight to Greece. Not just anywhere in Greece—Chania.

    Chania is located on the Greek island of Crete and has always been a tourist favorite. And it’s not just because of the locals’ friendliness (though that’s a bonus). Its location in the south of Crete makes it perfect for sun-lovers, beach fans, and even hikers. With a picture-perfect backdrop of both mountains and beaches, Crete has everything—cities, nature, history, vibes. That’s why it’s one of Greece’s most visited spots every year.

    So, there I was, in the middle of a lecture, browsing hotel options (because of course). That’s when I stumbled across Shalom Luxury Rooms Kondilaki—a cozy little hotel right in the center of Chania. For port-lovers, the Old Venetian Harbor is just five minutes away on foot. The rooms are clean, have a cute little fridge in the corner, and everything in town is within easy reach.

    Room: booked. But swim there? Nope. So a few weeks later, again in the middle of another lecture (clearly my productivity was at its peak), I looked up flights. The cheapest one was over 600€—because, surprise, I had waited until summer. Gulp. Paid with PayPal 30-day like most of my shopping adventures at the time. YOLO, right?

    Fast forward—I made it. I thanked God I didn’t die in that death machine they call a plane. I couldn’t believe it—I had actually done it. I was proud. Terrified still, but proud.

    Now back to Chania.

    A cab driver—kindly arranged by the hotel—picked me up. She was sweet and tried to make small talk, but the only things on my mind were food and a nap. We got close to the hotel, but the last stretch I had to walk. No biggie—it was only about five minutes.

    Unfortunately, my room wasn’t ready yet. So, in a fog of travel anxiety and hunger, I plopped myself down at the first restaurant I saw. In hindsight, that place looked like it hadn’t been cleaned since 1987, and I probably risked some kind of fryer-related illness… but at that moment, I did not care.

    After eating, I wandered to the old port like a zombie from The Walking Dead and sat there until I finally got the call—my room was ready.

    I rushed over, threw off my clothes, and dove into bed. Of course, just then the lovely cleaning lady knocked on my door while I was half-covered. I scrambled to throw something on… only to find out she came bearing wine. A truly nice gesture.

    At last—Chania. What a view, right?

    After a much-needed nap and a few episodes of Modern Family on Netflix, it was finally time for dinner. I headed into the music and hustle of the Old Town and chose the first inviting spot I saw. No idea what it was called, but the food? Incredible.

    I love seafood, so that’s what I got—plus a huge salad. Honestly, if I had jumped into the ocean afterward, I could’ve acted as one of the ship anchors with how full I felt.

    But man, dinner with a view? That’s something else. It felt magical. Angelic, even.

    I just sat there doing my little happy dance, feeling full—but somehow light. Like my soul had loosened up a bit. There was this overwhelming sense of pride that made me feel like I could flood the whole island with it.

    Dinner with a view is just something magical, angelic almost.

    I just enjoyed the food, did my little happy dance and felt light (well, full physically) but my soul was light. There was this overwhelming sense of pride that made me feel like I could flood the whole island with it.

    I will continue writing about my time in Greece in part 2.

  • 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!