Germany – Storybook Charm & Forever Friendship
Heidelberg, Germany
The Story
Germany felt like stepping into the pages of a fairytale. Everywhere I turned, there were castles perched above rivers, medieval villages with cobblestone streets, and charming town squares centered around old churches. Heidelberg, in particular, stole my heart—the panoramic views, the layers of history, the architecture that looked like it had leapt straight out of a storybook.
I loved the dream of it: imagining what it would be like to live in a castle, to wander centuries-old towns, to soak up the richness of a culture so much older than my own. As a child, I loved watching the animated Disney Cinderella movie—imagining myself to be her as I did my expected chores. I pictured myself becoming a princess in a castle. Growing up with these types of fairytales was magical. Germany gave me magic and beauty on a scale that felt endless.
But what made Germany truly unforgettable wasn’t just the scenery—it was who I shared it with. My dear friend Stacy hosted me for my entire European leg of the trip. She welcomed me into her home, introduced me to new places, and gave me the gift of both adventure and belonging.
The Reflection
As enchanting as it was, real life has a way of grounding you. Beyond the fairytale charm, there were also the practical quirks: no closets in the houses, limited storage, and kitchens that made me scratch my head. I love to cook, so I basically live in my kitchen. These kitchens made me feel like Harry Potter living in a closet under the stairs. It made me laugh a little—this land of efficiency and precision still left me wondering how people managed the basics of daily living!
And yet, maybe that contrast is the point. Germany was both magical and practical, dreamlike and ordinary. That paradox gave me a deeper appreciation for what makes a place livable—not just beautiful.
Stacy added another layer to those reflections. We first met years ago in Bogotá, Colombia, when our husbands were both stationed there with the Air Force. She helped me through some difficult times, especially as I was navigating the transition to an empty nest in a foreign country where I was barely functional in the language. She’s one of those rare friends you meet later in life but feel like you’ve known forever—the kind of friend who makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. Traveling with her in Germany felt effortless, and it deepened a friendship I know will last forever.
The Lesson
Germany taught me that every fairytale has a reality behind it, and the best adventures are about who you share them with. Castles and cathedrals inspire awe, but it’s the friendships and connections that give those places their deepest meaning.
Beyond Travel
It’s easy to romanticize other places, seasons of life, or even versions of ourselves. But every “storybook” moment comes with its own realities. Instead of being disappointed by them, we can learn to embrace both—the beauty and the imperfection. And alongside that truth, we can remember that the people who walk with us through those moments make them unforgettable.
One Year Later
Looking back now, Germany is etched in my memory for its storybook charm, its quaint villages, and yes—even its odd kitchens. But what shines brightest is Stacy. Her generosity, her friendship, and the countless conversations we shared are what made this leg of the journey what it was. A year later, I see that friendships like hers are a kind of castle themselves—solid, enduring, and timeless… with a bit of enchantment.
A Question for You
Who in your life makes even the most ordinary places feel extraordinary? How can you nurture that friendship today?
Next Stop
From storybook charm and forever friendships in Germany to the surprises of a tiny but mighty nation—next up, Luxembourg.
