As you read in “How Did I Get Here?” I went to Thailand in 2015 to teach English to Thai students. I remember having that feeling that I just needed to take the leap and get out of my mundane routine. I figured since I was going halfway around the world I might as well leave a month early and visit a few European countries along the way. So I made plans, reserved flights, got documents together, resigned from my job, and put my house up for rent. I was ready…or so I thought. But when my mom, sister, and niece took me to the Washington, D.C. airport, I was so scared, had a few moments of hesitation, and had a fleeting thought of not even going at all.

My sister was seven months pregnant, my grandparents were elderly, and my mom didn’t want me to go. I didn’t want to miss my grandpa’s 90th birthday which was coming up, and I didn’t want to miss the birth of my nephew. But I also knew no matter when I went (because I was determined to go), I would miss something. So, in the end, I cried, hugged them super tightly, took the leap and got on the plane.

I was on my way. I was nervous, but I was also confident because I knew I wasn’t totally on my own. I was meeting up with new friends, old friends, and friends I hadn’t seen in over 10 years. I love that friendships span the distance of years and oceans and pick up right where they left off.

I flew from D.C. to Zurich, Switzerland with a brief stop in Iceland. I landed in Zurich and somehow found my way from the airport to the hotel where I was meeting my friend Samm. My friends, Samm and Nate, were a couple I knew from Richmond, VA. They had been living in Switzerland for a couple of years. Nate worked in Lausanne, and Samm worked in Zurich. Because I was meeting up with them in a few weeks, she did me a huge favor and took my big suitcase with her to Lausanne so I was left with just my backpack for the next three weeks. We had a nice dinner, some wine and went to bed early. The next day she took me to the train station and helped me catch the correct train to Munich.

I loved the train ride and felt so strong. I was actually doing it! I had taken the leap and was in Europe all by myself! It was beautiful, exciting, and overwhelming. I was meeting up with Katherine in Munich for Oktoberfest.  Katherine was the one from Richmond who introduced me to Greenheart Travel and inspired me to take the leap to teach in Thailand. 

Although many people think Oktoberfest is in October, it actually starts in mid-September and ends the beginning of October. Neither one of us had been so we were super excited to go. Oktoberfest was completely different than I imagined it. I don’t know what I thought it would be, but it was like a big carnival with tons of beer tents and rides. We walked around, tasted different beer and food, and sampled some great desserts!

The next day, we did a walking tour through Munich. The churches were breath-taking and the cathedrals were amazing. We explored the English gardens, went up in the tower to see the city from above, saw some breathtaking views, watched river surfing, and explored Residenz Palace. Check out more pictures of our German adventure here.

We found the walking tour through an app called Triposo. If you are traveling to another country I highly suggest this app. It has wonderful travel tips, suggestions for sites to see as well as offline maps that help you to navigate the city without cell service. Also, if you are interested, The Blond Abroad has a great post about Oktoberfest as well as other travel destinations! 

We had a great time! Germany was a fabulous country. The bus system was easy to use and people were there to celebrate and have fun. At the end of the third day, Katherine and I went our separate ways. She found her way to the train station, and I found my way to the airport. Next stop, Helsinki, Finland. Only four days in, and I was so thankful I had taken the leap of faith.