Basically translates to bread on a stick, it simply consist of putting raw dough on a stick and cooking it to a crisp over a fire. So instead of enjoying the usual s'more goodness, I got to enjoy nice fresh bread over a fire. Definitely doing this in Canada whenever I return.

Neustadt when translated it means 'New City' however, it is not new at all. It is rather an older part of the city. Walking along the cobblestones alleyway you will find graffiti all along the walls of the buildings, broken doors and some street art such as the bath tub bench photographed below. Despite being an old part of the city, you find its full of youth where majority of Neustadt are students. Chances are you will find at least one or two vintage boutiques and record shops on the main strips along with numerous bars and cute cafés. By night you will find the streets light up and comes alive, bars welcoming people with open doors and trams full of young adults heading towards this direction.



Have a seat in the tub

Graffiti at its finest

graffiti along the streets

   

Kalter Hund cafe, Neustadt



While there, I got a chance to enjoy a latte macchiato at an adorable cafe called Kalter Hund. This cafe was particularly special not just due its home-like atmosphere it conveyed but its overall theme was dachshunds and what can more adorable than that?! Two little dachshunds running around while having coffee...

I'll definitely be back.

See you Neustadt on a brighter and more beautiful day!

Dresden bound

1. Act as a local and be street smart.

2. Make friends with the locals. They will know where all the hidden gems of the city are and who knows, some may turn out to be long term friends.

3. NETWORK, this is where Facebook serve its purpose. No longer will it be about reading those useless newfeeds that fill your mind with gossips. Chances are you can find a group with people in the same shoe as you and local willing to take time to show you around.

4. Go learn the language or at least some useful phrases if you are considering about sticking around for awhile.

Altstadt Dresden

Are you sure I am not on a set of game of thrones? As well, all this green space and the Elbe river reminds me of Ottawa and the Rideau canal. Not that I am complaining, it is absolutely beautiful and breath-taking. Pictures just do not do it's justice. Despite the gloominess of the city today, it does not take away from it's beauty. This is way better than Canadian's spring weather. I'd take this over snow any day!

There is no turning back now, I'm on the jet plane straight to the unknown - to new adventures, experiences, new cultures and new language. It has definitely been a bittersweet goodbye, especially to my mom. I love that woman to death but I need to do this for me now. & of course, I will miss everyone back home but I know regardless of where ever we are in the world.. Things will not change and when I do return, it will be as if I never left.

I am taking a leap of faith, prepared for the worst and hoping for the best.
Everything will be okay. 



Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany

Landed in Frankfurt, Germany.. One more flight to home away from home, Dresden. 

Running back and forth between MEC and Europe Bound

& Many, many backpacks later, finally decided to go with the 'The North Face, Terra 65'

When strapping on your backpack for your adventure, always work from 'bottom up' starting with the hip belt where it should be snugged right above your hip bone.

Padded Hip Beltthis is where most of the weight of your backpack will be falling on so it is extremely to have a comfortable, supporting hip belt in order to distribute the weight load on your back. Ultimately, reducing the strain and problems to your back. Your back will thank you later for this. For extra support, adjustable hip belt will provide that.

Padded Shoulder Strapssimilar to your waist, a lot of the weight will push downwards on your shoulders. Having a backpack with padded shoulder straps will relieve the pressure on your shoulders and lower back. The last thing you want is being in pain during your journey.. Not only that shoulder straps are important but the material its made up is as well, you want to look for one that is made up of a singular material rather than multiple to prevent it from tearing.

Contoured/Padded Backfinding a backpack that provides a more natural arch to your back will allow an even distribution of weight. Ultimately, ensuring NO back pain.

Trotting through your adventure with a backpack on can break a sweat, so having a backpack with minimal amount of space between your back and bag will keep your slightly cool.

I know, I talk a lot about comfort but it is important.

Lastly, Water resistant material

I am not saying you must have a bag that is 100% waterproof because that would be nearly impossible or very hard on your wallet & we all know, we want to save the money for the travel fund.

Instead, look for semi-waterproof so during a drizzle not everything gets wet. As for travellers going to areas where heavy downpours are common, consider a tarp to cover the bag in those conditions.



Pack the things you love but that is also, versatile!

Time flies whether you are having fun or not, can not believe its almost been a year. I am 24y old who graduated last spring with a BSc degree in biopharmaceuticals. Those five years of stress and tears have yet to show its worth... I still don't know what I am doing with my life but what I do know is:

I have always been the girl who follows the rule, obey her parents and always needed to know what was coming up next... however, what I have learned in the past 6months after moving back to parents is that:

this is the time in your life to do you

you need to be selfish to some extent

and stop focusing too much on the future!

Things never goes as plan, at least that is what I have realized.

For this reason, I decided to pack up my life here in Toronto and move 6582km away to a city in Germany called Dresden with no plans in mind except to immerse myself into the culture and language, and see as much of Europe as I can! I speak no word of German but I am excited to start this wayfaring adventure.