I wasn't aware how much my life would change when I boarded a plane to Darmstadt, Germany in 2011. I wasn't aware when I stepped out to see ‘airline’ replaced with ‘Fluggesellschaft.’ I wasn’t aware when my host family greeted me with hugs. In fact, it was after my trip, reflecting alone, that I reached this curious epiphany—14 days overdue. Regardless, the experience remains unforgettable.
Darmstadt is a quaint city close to Frankfurt. I spent my days in the central Luisenplatz, listening to church bells and marveling at how effortlessly the people joined history with the present. As friends emerged from Bären-Treff smacking on sweets, they tread upon the same spacethat had been attacked with the British bombs of 1944.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
While others sat chatting under Ludwig, a commemorative column in the heart of Darmstadt, others rode the steam trams across paths embedded with golden squares; as a sign of forgiveness, each square lay carved with the name of a Jewish resident taken by the Holocaust.
Perhaps my favorite experience in Darmstadt was dining at a Biergarten. The entire restaurant was a forested café; above ground was a grove of tables and European chestnut trees, while underground was a network of ancient breweries from which the restaurant was named. Fascinated, I sat with a plate overflowing with Schnitzel and absorbed the earthy shade.
However, I must admit that I feel selfish when recalling these experiences. To anyone else, the city’s attractions are merely places—to me, they’re much more; Darmstadt was brought alive by the friendships and memories I made. Those are things I cannot share.
Nevertheless, I can say that I learned far more than how to order Essen or how to say danke when I was in Germany. What I really learned was how to live life.
I realized that it is only when we are extracted from our normal lives and dumped into another that we really understand why life is so extraordinary. Indeed, we cannot freely travel to other countries whenever we want, but once in a while, it’s a healthy remedy. When we’re all alone in the big, big world, surrounded by a culture so different from our own, it awakens a raw, childlike wonder deep inside ourselves that we usually have no curiosity to unearth.
It’s that sensation of wonder that I’ve learned to crave.
Upon visiting Darmstadt, I knew nothing about the German language—however, I soon learned to appreciate the unintelligible beauty of the words instead of struggling to understand them. I learned to appreciate the existence of speech; it’s astounding how people of the same Earth could so easily manipulate their voices into a language I couldn’t begin to comprehend. With my mind free from these shackles, I found room to appreciate the essentials of life’s treasures, to enjoy them in a way that I couldn’t otherwise.
It was a humbling moment. I felt like I had finally opened my eyes.
I’ve realized that the magic in our lives isn’t untouchable—instead, we’re guilty of pushing it away. Only after Germany did I realize how much I was missing—I realized that if I just stop and observe, I could be rid of my proverbial blindness and see the world anew. I could make every second of my time on Earth count.
So, with that said, would I go back? Rewind time to re-experience everything I had done in those two weeks? Return to the country where I had surreptitiously left a piece of my heart?
You don’t even need to ask twice.
It’s about time we actually started living.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “An “Augenblick” in Darmstadt, Germany”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
you can subscribe to our twice monthly e-mail e-newsletter at this link for our Email List Serv.
https://myfamilytravels.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=1b0a1654029b6444bf6ff3530&id=869c979acc
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I will right away grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Cruise looks exciting, this experience will be nice.
The canoe ride looks very fun and exciting. I would like to experience this.
In brief, I can’t recommend this article enough. It’s a must-view for anyone interested in topic above. Good work to the writer, you have truly outsmart yourself! Keep the good blog coming.
Hey there! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs
up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Woh I love your posts, saved to fav! .
I believe you have noted some very interesting points, thanks for the post.
Only a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design. “Reading well is one of the great pleasures that solitude can afford you.” by Harold Bloom.
I got what you intend, regards for posting.Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “The test and use of a man’s education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.” by Carl Barzun.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
One more thing. In my opinion that there are a lot of travel insurance sites of reputable companies that allow you to enter your vacation details and get you the estimates. You can also purchase the international travel cover policy on-line by using your own credit card. All you should do is to enter all your travel specifics and you can start to see the plans side-by-side. Simply find the package that suits your capacity to pay and needs after which it use your bank credit card to buy them. Travel insurance on the web is a good way to start looking for a reliable company regarding international holiday insurance. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Some truly quality blog posts on this web site, bookmarked.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I definitely will bookmark your site. Best Regards!
Thanks for your travel insurance idea. I am also planning for a tour.
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
I have discovered some important matters through your blog post. One other thing I would like to state is that there are lots of games available and which are designed especially for toddler age kids. They consist of pattern recognition, colors, dogs, and styles. These commonly focus on familiarization rather than memorization. This helps to keep little ones occupied without sensing like they are studying. Thanks
It?s really a cool and useful piece of info. I?m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this web site wants far more consideration. I?ll most likely be again to read far more, thanks for that info.
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
Before my trip, I required all of these specifics, so I randomly looked for information about airline policies. Then I came across this helpful article containing all the necessary travel-related information. I appreciate you providing this insightful advice.
The decorations in NewYork city have always been in a full swing.
That’s an interesting experience, thanks for sharing your story
But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “Individuals may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.” by Benjamin Disraeli.
Havve yyou ever consideed writiing ann e-book oor guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blogg based upon on the same topichs youu discuzs and
would love to have you sshare some stories/information. I know my visitors would
appreciate your work.If you’re evn remotely interested, eel free to senhd me an e mail.
Hello there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have got here on this
post. I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Very good article! We are linking to this great article on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Excellent content writing, congratulations you are doing great!
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. Heading out to see the inflation in a few hours!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Definitely a totally motivating content!
Very good information, thank you for sharing it, it has helped me a lot to discover and learn a little more about this topic!
Hi, I’m glad you enjoyed your Orlando vacation! I have a few suggestions on how to make the most of your trip. First, I would recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom during the holidays. The decorations are really something special and you can’t beat the Christmas atmosphere. Second, I would recommend checking out some of the holiday shows and events that Orlando has to offer. There are some great shows for all ages, and you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Finally, I would recommend taking some time to enjoy the many great restaurants Orlando has to offer. There are some great places to eat, and you’re sure to find something to your taste. I hope you have a great time on your Orlando vacation!
It’s a nice spot to stay here. I found the environment to be relaxing. Such a location sounds like a great spot to spend my holiday. I’m considering some of the choices I found on https://santafe-vacationrentals.com/. They are great options in my opinion.
Wonderful blog! This is really informative and efficient information.
Hello.This article was really motivating, especially because I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Wednesday.
One more important area is that if you are a senior, travel insurance for pensioners is something you ought to really consider. The more mature you are, greater at risk you’re for allowing something awful happen to you while abroad. If you are never covered by some comprehensive insurance policies, you could have quite a few serious issues. Thanks for expressing your ideas on this weblog.
My partner and I absoluely love your blog annd finhd thee majority of your post’s too be precissly what I’m loooking for. Woujld you offfer guest writer too write conternt for you?
I wouldn’t minmd compossing a post oor elaborating on a number of thhe subjects youu write rellated to here.
Again, awesome site!
Really nice style and design and good content, nothing else we require :
D.
Excellent post. I certainly love this site. Keep writing!
Hi i aam kavin, itss mmy first occasion too commentinbg anyplace, when i read this piecee of writng i thougyt i coulld also creatfe comment due to this sensible piece of writing.