Summer calls for good company under the sun, this is the kind of summer I long for all year. I am fortunate enough to meet so many amazing people here in this beautiful city. Summer is so far off to a great start, beers at Alaunpark, endless dancing in the summer sun and into the night, and grill parties at the Elbe.

Packing up my life in Canada was probably one of the best decision I have ever made otherwise I would have not met all these amazing people and experienced the experiences I have so far. I have learned so much about myself in the short four months. There are so much more to learn and see in the world than to sit and think about what you could be doing. I truly encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and experience the unexpected, there isn't a better way of learning about your strengths and weaknesses than while traveling.

We live for the weekend. We live for the summer.

To many more summer fun in the sun. Travel on my friends.

Culture shock is a common psychological adaptation to new environments. For any travelers out there, you can expect feeling this at some point on your adventure.

Culture shock comes in four stages:

1. Honeymoon

The most magical phase, you are excited and intrigued by your new surroundings. Holding closely those comforted moments of home.

2. Crisis

At some point abroad, all the changes in language and values will have some form of an affect on you causing anxiety and the feeling that you are alone in this world. However, don't let this scare you from new experiences - this is normal. You are just reconnecting with yourself.

3. Recovery

The acceptance of the cultural differences, you begin to feel comfortable with your new situation. Often time, this comes hand in hand with the improvement of lingual skills.

4. Adjustment

Every journey has an end, and adjustment is probably second best to the honeymoon phase. You will begin to enjoy your new culture that you have completely immerse yourself in for x amount of months. Of course, there will be moments of anxiety BUT that is normal. You will begin to make choices based on your values and preferences.

So when you do reach this moment, pat yourself on the back or self hi-5.

  

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.