Finale

 

Germany,

A laughably chaotic and sugar-fueled European escapade

Let’s just say this trip had everything: accidental language mishaps, intense grandma side-eye, and an existential crisis brought on by sparkling water. I ventured from Mumbai to Germany, Belgium, and Paris—and brought back stories to last a lifetime (and a suitcase full of chocolate, experiences and regrets).

Frankfurt airport welcomed me with confusing signage and the irrational belief that jetlag had gifted me the ability to speak fluent German. Spoiler alert: it hadn’t. I tried my best but almost ended up camping next to gate D2. Someone should’ve handed me a phrasebook and a sandwich immediately but unfortunately none did!

Once in Germany, the trains were so punctual they made my alarm clock look unreliable. On-board, I accidentally sat in the wrong seat and got THE look from a grandma that was so piercing I considered apologizing for every bad decision I’ve ever made. I moved, learned to say “Entschuldigung” and never looked another senior citizen right in the eye again.

Ordering food was always a high-stakes drama. At a Parisian café, I tried asking for vegetarian options but ended up declaring “I eat goats.” The waiter blinked, I blinked—and somewhere, probably a goat felt deeply uncomfortable or happy perhaps.

In Belgium, we tasted 99% dark chocolate that was so bitter, I checked to see if the factory had accidentally handed us a chunk of existential dread. Meanwhile, our snacks from a petrol station were so sketchy we started reading ingredient labels like Sherlock Holmes on a sugar high.

Art appreciation in Paris was another masterclass in faking sophistication. At the Louvre, I took a deeply intellectual photo... while standing backwards in front of a modern art installation. I dramatically nodded at what turned out to be a fire escape and muttered “provocative.”

And let’s not forget our encounter with the "Just Married" car—parked in a scenic German town, photogenic and begging for a selfie. We may or may not have taken so many pictures that the owner removed the decorations. Sorry to that couple. Your honeymoon vibes clashed with our Instagram goals.

Final Thoughts 🌍

Germany is unreal. Clean cities, kind people, stunning architecture... and a nationwide sparkling water conspiracy. I still don’t understand how flat water became such a rarity. My taste buds are still recovering.

Would I go back?

Absolutely—this time armed with language skills and shoes that don’t expire at 8,000 steps.

Survival kit for next time:

• Better German phrases that don’t summon goats
• Bottled still water like it's liquid gold
• A map that doesn’t gaslight me
• My own personal spice rack
• Shoes with commitment and endurance for a long haul

Europe, you were beautifully chaotic. Thanks for the laughs, the flavours, the vagaries, and the frostbite. Until next time though!!