Germany - Austria

One of the best ways to create memories for life and travel is to visit friends living in other countries. Christina, who I became my best friend after spending a year in South Korea together, visited me in Finland last year. Now, naturally, it´s my turn to pay her a visit. Germany doesn´t sound like the most exciting and exotic destination, but the main reason for my choice of destination is Christina of course.

I arrived late Tuesday evening and I got the most loving hug from Christina. It´s rare that someone is meeting me at an airport and trust me, it´s the best feeling. We drove back to her hometown and had plenty of time to catch up, talk, and plan for the next upcoming days.

Christina lives in a little town called Palling. When I say a little town, I really mean it. People are growing their own vegetables, herbs and spices on their balconies. There was one little bakery, a few supermarkets and miles and miles of cornfields.

Wednesday morning we woke up and headed to the local bakery. We enjoyed some croissants and hot chocolate before continuing our journey to Salzburg, Austria. Our friend Natalie, flying in from London, also decided to take some days off and spend them with us in Germany. I love reunions! Whenever our trio has reunited 3 times since we left South Korea, and whenever we meet, it feels like we´ve never been apart. Anyways, the whole Wednesday was spent in Salzburg. The weather was perfect and what a beautiful city Salzburg is! We walked through the Mirabell Garden, stopped by Mozart’s birthplace and had the perfect panorama view from the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We had a lovely typical Austrian lunch at a market in the middle of the city. To finish the day off, we had the most delicious steaks at a cozy restaurant.

Thursday, probably the day we have been waiting for the most. Our morning started with a homemade breakfast (yes I got used to eat breakfast everyday) and continued with just hanging out and making ourselves ready for… wait for it… Oktoberfest! Lucky me, Christina had a dress for me, and it was perfect on me! She also braided my hair before we had to leave to the train station. In the train we had a few Radlers, since none of us really likes beer. When we arrived in Munich, you could see everybody men and women wearing the traditional clothes. The Oktoberfest area was huge and full of people, amusement rides, food stands, bars and tents. Most of the evening was spent in one of the big tents drinking beer, dancing on the tables and singing. It was a blast! After the party was over, we took a taxi to Christina’s friend’s apartment and spent the night there. Christina’s boyfriend Wolfie joined us at the apartment.

Feeling-fresh-Friday… After visiting a bakery in the morning, we drove approximately 2 hours to Schloss Neuscwanstein. This was something unknown to me, before I did some research about the south part of Germany. Immediately when I saw this wonderful magical castle, I told Christina that we have to go there. Luckily, none of us had ever been there, which made the trip there more exciting. When we arrived to the castle, all Disney princess songs started to play in my head and an instant smile appeared on my face. I have never seen something to magical, almost unreal. Who knew Germany, a country so close to Finland could be so beautiful and have these hidden treasures? The castle was amazing, but our stomachs were screaming for food, and we had the most delicious döner kebab before driving back home.

Saturday morning, Natalie left from Salzburg back to London, while me and Christina did some shopping before heading back home. At home we had a lovely lunch at her balcony and enjoyed the sun. My last day with Christina was just spent at home and her family, talking and just spending time together. In the evening, Christina and me made some hamburgers from scratch.

Early Sunday morning, Christina drove me to the airport and we said goodbye. It´s always hard saying goodbye, but I know we will meet again very soon, because we both will make an effort making it happen. I´m truly blessed to have a friend like Christina, who was the best host ever! Not to forget Natalie, who is a dear friend who I love a lot aswell.

All in all, this trip was such an eye-opening experience. I saws things I never thought I will see and attended the Oktoberfest in Munchen, which I thought I never would. Very satisfied with this trip and I wish I can make it to Germany and Oktoberfest again maybe next year or in the soon future!