Hallo zusammen,
I’m coming back to you fresh from the Alps and let me tell you, in all my years, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a country quite as breathtaking and as expensive as Switzerland. For some context, I spent a few days in Lucerne and had an incredible time. The people were kind, the streets were clean, and there was just this calm, peaceful vibe all around. While I was there, I actually got to watch a charity bike race for breast cancer awareness. The energy was infectious, and it was great to see so many people coming together for a cause.
But hands down, my favorite part was the Alps. I took one of those panoramic cable cars all the way up into the mountains, and from the top, it honestly felt like I could see the entire country. Snow-capped peaks, tiny houses way down in the valley, clear blue skies, it looked like something out of a postcard. One interesting thing I didn’t fully expect: a huge number of people in northern Switzerland actually speak German! It’s wild how far the language spreads across Europe. No wonder German culture has such a wide reach.
Back in Friedberg, things are starting to feel a little more like fall. The air’s getting cooler, the skies are darker in the morning, and the plants are starting to change. On one of my early morning walks to class, I started noticing some berries growing along the side of the road. At first, I didn’t think much of it — I grew up with honeysuckles, but I always assumed most wild berries were poisonous. Turns out, not these. After seeing a bunch of people picking them with Tupperware containers, I got curious and did some research. Apparently, die Brombeeren or wild blackberries are super common around here in the summer and early fall. They start off red (and really bitter), but once they ripen into that deep black color, they’re sweet, juicy, and totally edible. So now, every time I pass a bush, I pick a few, brush them off, and enjoy a little roadside snack. Germany keeps surprising me in the best ways.
As for what’s next, I’ve got some exciting plans! My sister is flying in soon, and we’re heading off on a mini Euro trip together. First stop: Amsterdam, where I’m looking forward to exploring the canals and checking out the nightlife. After that, we’re off to Paris to see all the iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, the museums, and of course, eat way too many pastries. I’m beyond excited.
In the meantime, I’m still loving the local food here in Hessen, especially schnitzel with Grüne Soße and a cold glass of Apfelwein. If you ever get the chance to try it, I highly recommend it. The sauce might look a little strange at first, but trust me, it’s delicious.
That’s it for now. As always, stay curious, stay adventurous, and I’ll catch you in the next one.
