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.
The content here is well-researched and very informative, making it a valuable read. This site continues to be a great source of useful and engaging articles.
This blog does a great job of highlighting the rich Black history in St. Augustine. It’s informative and well-structured, making it easy to follow the timeline of events. The details about Fort Mose and the Civil Rights Movement are especially powerful. A must-read for anyone interested in history and culture!
These holiday light displays look absolutely magical! I’m especially drawn to the ‘Las Noches de Las Luminarias’ in Phoenix with all those glowing cacti and lanterns – what a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the season. I also love the idea of the Enchanted Forest in Pine Mountain with its millions of lights. It’s amazing how many incredible places there are to enjoy the festive spirit! I’ll definitely be adding a few of these to my holiday bucket list. Happy holidays to all!
I did a fall road trip through New England, and having a Zetexa eSIM was a lifesaver—no dropped signals, even in remote areas! It made navigating scenic routes so much easier. What’s your favorite fall foliage spot?
Hi, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this post. It was practical.
Keep on posting!
Very nice post. I definitely love this website.
Keep it up!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog.
I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉
Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
For most recent information you have to pay a quick visit world wide web and on web I found this web site as a best website for latest updates. https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/nv-hiking-trails/
thank you for sharing with us
Fantastic blog!
We offer pick up at Washougal port and drop off at Portland Airport, with a private tour of the city to fill your time until your flight! See our website for more information.
https://www.peaktoursandtransit.com/americancruiselines
Yourr style is really unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.
Starting the New Year with such vibrant celebrations sounds like a fantastic idea! This guide offers great inspiration for planning a memorable First Night. For anyone looking to experience similar festivities abroad or even within India, the Best Travel Agency in India can make your travel dreams come true. Cheers to a year full of exciting journeys!
Nice i really enjoyed reading your blogs. Keep on posting. Thanks
Would you like this New Year to be the year you let go of your hurtful past? Make the resolution to make the change to become your Best Self.
I am impressed with this website , really I am a fan.
This excellent website truly has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Travel Tuesday is such a great opportunity for families to lock in incredible vacation deals! The Caribbean all-inclusive offers and luxury cruises caught my eye this year. For anyone planning trips in 2025, now’s the time to grab those discounts. I’ve found that setting up airfare alerts and exploring flexible travel tools can help extend the savings even further. What’s your favorite way to find hidden travel deals?
Bokeo is truly a captivating delight located in Thailand!
The blend of unspoiled nature, rich culture, and serene landscapes provide an unforgettable trip.
From hidden waterfalls to genuine experiences, every
minute in Bokeo will feel like a voyage of discovery.
You must visit Bokeo if you are looking for authentic Thai appeal and
undiscovered adventure!
ADMIN NOTE: The province of Bokeo is actually in Northern Laos.
Informative article, exactly what I was looking for.
Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your
site. Im really impressed by your site.
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely
digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
How do family-friendly hotels like the Regency Bar & Grill balance a casual atmosphere with upscale dining experiences? Can such venues successfully cater to both adult tastes and children’s preferences without compromising on quality?”,
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i?¦m glad to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much unquestionably will make certain to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again!
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more soon!
I’ve been really impressed
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Is it possible for a hotel to truly cater to both adults and children without compromising on the dining experience? How can establishments like the Regency Bar & Grill balance sophisticated culinary offerings with kid-friendly options, and do you think this duality enhances or detracts from the overall atmosphere?
What unique dining experiences can families expect at hotels in the Upper East Side, and how do these experiences cater to both adults and children? Are there any hidden gems or unconventional menu items that truly set these family-friendly hotels apart from the typical offerings?”,
“refusal
TY for posting, it was unbelieveably informative and helped me a ton
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your
content. Please let me know. Thank you
Very interesting information! Perfect just what I was looking for!
“The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.” by Sbastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort.
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Las Vegas has so much to offer beyond the usual attractions! If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the local art scene or taking a day trip to the nearby Red Rock Canyon for some beautiful hiking. It’s a great way to balance the excitement of the Strip with some natural beauty!
I appreciate the practical advice you’ve given here.
Thank for your sharing. That’s good to take children to this places.
i like this article , it was useful
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!