A Love Letter to Germany and Beyond: Shivani’s European Adventure with Friends
It all started on a lazy Sunday afternoon as I flipped through an old family photo album. Among the familiar faces and places, I found a faded postcard tucked between the pages. It showed a stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle situated on top of a Bavarian hill, with snow-dusted peaks in the distance. “Your great-aunt sent that,” my mom said, peeking over my shoulder. “She used to say Europe looked like a fairytale.”
I could not shake that image from my mind. The idea of exploring Europe, with all its castles, cobblestone streets, and hidden stories, planted itself firmly in my heart. When I casually mentioned it to my friends Riya and Aditi during our weekly meet-up, their reactions sealed the deal.
“Fairytales are great, Shivani, but what is stopping us from writing our own?” Riya said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Aditi was already typing on her phone. “Guys, if we are doing this, we need a plan - and I have got just the itinerary.”
That is how our adventure began.
A dream inspired by a postcard and fueled by our shared desire to chase moments that felt larger than life.
Our Adventure Started in Munich
The first day of our journey began in Munich, which felt alive with history and possibility. When we stepped out of the airport, the fresh autumn air greeted us like an old friend. “Let us drop our bags and explore,” Aditi suggested as her energy was contagious despite the jet lag.
“How is this real?” Riya whispered, eyes fixed on the animated figures.
We wandered into Viktualienmarkt, where the aroma of freshly baked pretzels and sausages mingled with the chatter of vendors. “We are starting with this,” I declared, holding up a giant pretzel. The three of us laughed, toasting with mugs of hot chocolate that warmed us against the fresh evening chill.
Back at our hotel that night, lying under thick duvets, Aditi broke the silence. “This was just the beginning,” she said.
And she was right - the best was yet to come.
Prague Truly Stole Our Hearts
Crossing the border into Prague felt like travelling to a different world altogether. The charm of the city unfolded slowly, like a secret it wanted to share only when you were ready to truly see it.
The Charles Bridge welcomed us with its ancient statues and the soft glow of street lamps reflecting on the Vltava River. “It feels like we are walking through a dream,” I said, enjoying the stillness despite the steady stream of people. Riya paused by one of the statues and touched its polished surface. “For luck,” she said, smiling.
The Old Town Square was our next stop, and the sight of the Astronomical Clock left us speechless. “It is not just a clock; it is a piece of art,” Aditi remarked. We stood there, mesmerised as the intricate mechanism came to life. It was a reminder of the creativity of those who came before us.
Lunch was a cosy affair in a tucked-away cafe that served delicious Czech dishes. Between bites of goulash and dumplings, we found ourselves sharing more than just food - stories, laughter, and dreams for the future. “This city has a way of making you feel alive,” I said.
We Travelled from Vienna to Budapest
Vienna greeted us with grandeur, from the elegant State Opera to the imposing Parliament building. Heroes’ Square also felt like a scene from history as its statues stood guard over the legacy of the city. “Imagine the stories these places could tell,” Aditi said as we strolled through the square.
But it was Budapest that stole the show. The city unfolded like a masterpiece, with the Chain Bridge connecting the historic Buda and Pest sides. Our evening cruise on the Danube was nothing short of magical. As the Parliament building lit up against the night sky, its reflection shimmered on the water. Looking at it, Aditi sighed, “This is the kind of moment you live for.”
The next morning, we explored the city on foot and observed the intricate details of Matthias Church and the sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion. “Do you think they knew they were building art, not just architecture?” Riya asked, running her fingers along the stone railings.
A Farewell in Salzburg with Music and Memories
Our final stop was Salzburg, and it felt like the perfect ending to our journey. The rolling hills lined with alpine cottages seemed to hum with the melodies of The Sound of Music. “How can a place feel like a song?” I wondered aloud.
The highlight was a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, where we could not resist recreating the iconic scenes from the movie. “You are Maria,” Aditi teased, snapping a picture of me twirling in the flower-lined paths. “And you are my Von Trapp family,” I shot back, laughing.
That evening, back in Munich, we gathered for a final Bavarian dinner. The healthy dishes and local beer felt like a warm embrace, a celebration of everything we had experienced together.
As we raised our glasses one last time, Riya spoke about what we were all feeling. “This was a reminder - to dream, to explore, and to cherish the people we share these moments with.”
Read more: Thrillophilia Germany Reviews