A Bitter Taste of Independence
Updated: 6 days ago
We do so many things in the company of others, and yet so much entirely on our own. Still, there are certain moments that stick in your mind, even if they didn't seem like a big deal compared to everything else at the time.
When I was 18, I packed two suitcases, bought a plane ticket, and left my home country all by myself. I knew a lot about my destination, but the culture shock hit me anyway. It started the very moment I had to figure out how to get from the airport to the city I was moving to. Since it was a distance of about 100 kilometers, I wanted to use public transport. I simply projected how things worked in my home country onto Germany—which was a mistake. Standing in front of the Flixbus, I had no idea that you could only buy tickets online in advance. The bus driver’s response to my dilemma was short and dry:
"Either you buy a ticket online right now and I'll take you with me, or you buy yourself a bicycle. You'll get there with that, too."
But that’s not actually what I want to talk about today. I have traveled so much since then and visited so many cities, but there is one specific trip I will never forget. My very first solo trip. It wasn't anything grand—just a quick two-day getaway to Hamburg.
I simply needed a break from daily life, so I booked this short trip. At the time, I had a partner who unfortunately couldn't join me. So, I explored the city completely on my own and had a wonderful time. Looking back, I want to emphasize one thing: you should always have the courage to not let anyone hold you back. I believe it is incredibly important to give your partner the freedom to pursue their own wishes and dreams. Later in life, I found myself in a similar situation with a different partner. I had booked a trip before our relationship even started, and because he couldn't come along, I constantly had to hear lines like: "If my friends find out that my partner is traveling without me..."
Well, sometimes you just need time for yourself. And sometimes, you only truly learn to appreciate a person when you are apart for a while. Either way, I strongly believe this shouldn't be an obstacle in a relationship. Instead, it’s something you can work with and build upon together.
To be completely honest, I can barely remember what I actually did in Hamburg during those two days. I just know it was incredibly cool.
I have returned many times since then, and it has easily become one of my favorite cities. Hamburg was largely destroyed during World War II, but they rebuilt it beautifully. It has a truly sophisticated atmosphere with water everywhere. It's a place where you can enjoy architecture, culture, nature, shopping, and nightlife all at once.
The weather, of course, is a whole different story. The city is located in the north of Germany, where it rains a lot—both in summer and winter. But for that, I always use a famous saying from Northern Europe: There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing. If you prepare properly, you will definitely have an amazing time. You can explore the endless variety of shops, relax in a park, swim in a lake right on the edge of the city, or grab a drink at a local bar. You can catch a concert at the famous Elbphilharmonie or watch a musical on the opposite side of the river, among so many other things.
And for those who want to see something completely different: Hamburg is home to one of the largest sex shops in Europe. There’s no need to be shy about walking in. They are completely used to tourists just strolling through or lingering a bit longer without buying anything. But who knows, maybe you’ll find something you like. (Wink).
Whenever someone asks me for a travel recommendation in Germany, Hamburg is always my absolute first choice.
Have you ever taken a trip completely by yourself? And if so, did you conquer the world right away, or did you start small just like I did?
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