After many months of hearing about the promised land of Western Germany, I had to experience it and see it for myself. It was as if I entered a different country, rooftops changed in colour from bright orange to dark grey. People became more liberal and there were heaps of international people.

Maybe it was the weather, but Köln just looked a little dark and depressing. I really expected Köln to be a city as beautiful as Dresden but instead it was full of buildings of the 70s. Architectural wise, I was not impressed but fashion-wise, that is a whole different story. Everyone was so well dressed, definitely the European style I was anticipating for before my big move. Thumbs up for the party scene though! Köln people definitely knows how to party even if most of the time they are playing 'Schlager' music, which I do wish I understood more. For brief, it is basically top hits of German music. Everyone sings along and dance like crazy people... my cup of tea. After all, Köln is known for its fifth season, carnival season which commences Nov 11th @ 11am annually. Maybe I will join in the mayhem this year.

Oh, Düsseldorf. This city definitely has more of a charm to it. The most beautiful people I have ever seen are walking the streets of Düsseldorf along with its beautiful nature space right in the center of the city. It has a good mixture of the old and the new city. Exactly what I imagined the European lifestyle to be like. Thankfully, I am not living in this city though otherwise I will be one broke ass chick with all the shopping I will be doing. I should move here next!

Cutest little town otherwise known as Julia's hometown. Who is the one reason why I made my journey out to the west of Germany. In such a short time, she has been one of my best girlfriend here in Germany and now she is off to start her own adventure in Australia. I can not express how much I will miss you girl. Safe travels and I will see you in the future wherever we both are.

 

Moritzburg, a beautiful castle and one of the most romantic place I have been to yet in the area of Saxony. The bright yellow castle is surrounded by a cute little lake, where there is a beautiful bridge leading to the doors of the castle. We were lucky enough to catch the sunset off of the bridge. The overall setting of Moritzburg was breathtaking. Behind the castle was a massive garden, with cute little house-like sheds.

Meißen is cute small town northwest of Dresden in Eastern Germany, it is home to beautiful porcelains. Stretching across the Elbe river, covering both sides with beautiful houses consisting of bright orange rooftops, along with cobble stone alleyways that are easily to get lost in. Definitely a scenic little town and worth the visit. Before stepping feet into the altstadt of Meißen, you can see in the far distance the Albrechtsburg castle and the Gothic cathedral (Dom zu Meißen). Both located at the tip of the hill meaning you have to get lost through many cobblestone alleyways uphill to get there. Luckily, there are cute little cafés and shops along the way and the view of the town gets better and better the higher you trek up!

 

 

Unlike Canada, where there is a need of a holiday call 'family day'... Sundays here in Deutschland is family day, nothing is open for business besides selected cafés/bars/restaurants. A little hard to adjust cause for myself I was used to shops and streets being just as busy as any other days during the week. However, I think it is nice to dedicate one day out of a busy work week to spend time with the family. Most of us get too caught up with work that we forget the people around us and it is sad that is the social norm, 9-5 jobs. To see people enjoying nature rather than having city centers all packed, it's a change and good one. Well my point is, instead of doing unnecessary shopping which, I probably would have done in Neustadt if shops were open... I went on a hiking adventure.