A day in Germany

Europe » Germany
October 7th 2008

Published: October 26th 2008

With a 12 hour layover, a backpack and a mandolin in Frankfurt Germany... I made the educated decision to escape the airport and my comfort zone to forge my way into the big city. I eventually figured out how to exchange euros for a train ticket and boarded the underground train. I held onto a scratch piece of paper with scribbled letters, emphasizing my German destination.

The train eased to a stop and I caught sight of a sign that matched my only clue. "HAUPTWACHE". I stepped off the train with an open mind and limitless expectations. As I wandered up the cement stairs, I was blinded by the city sunlight. I was surprised to discover I was not surrounded by sky scrapers and taxi cars, but massive architectural buildings, monuments, autumn leaves and small local shops accompanied by cheerful shop owners. I wandered aimlessly along the cobble stone streets, gaping at cathedral towers, chasing pigeons, and my favorite....people watching. If there were any English speakers, they were unknown to me. I loved the chance to simply observe humanistic behavior without the language comprehension. I tried my first taste of homemade Gelato and amused myself when it came time to pay with unfamiliar coins. I climbed a monument and rested on it's steps for a while, taking in everything around me. A group of 5 social Moroccan tourists approached me and asked to play my ukulele. I laughed and handed them the bright yellow instrument and was surprised when they began to serenade me. I laughed sooo hard! I followed high steeples until I found the cathedral entrances. I messed around and took some comical photos of myself kneeling on steps. I met an interesting character from India, who showed me around the park and it's gorgeous pond. I relaxed and explored to my hearts content until the sun began to set and I miraculously found my way back to the airport in time.

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