Oh Berlin. My experience of Berlin was...well, to be honest I'm not sure how to describe it. I think that's because there is just SO MUCH going on in that city. It's gritty, cool and exploding with artistic expression. While I am an artist, I'm still not sure it was the type of expression I fully connected with, but so very interesting, nonetheless. We came up to Berlin after our experience in Munich and went to visit with our friends, Joe and Joelle, who we know from their days living in Vancouver. Joelle is an illustrator, so I was fortunate enough to be able to see the city from an artist's perspective. They were the perfect hosts and we were so thankful to have them show us around and give input into the history and culture of the city. 

The thing I'll remember most? Street art/graffiti EVERYWHERE. Oh and currywurst, lots and lots of currywurst. 

From the top: // 1. typical shop in East Berlin- super design-y and covered in graffiti // 2. germany vibes // 3, 4 +5.. SO much to look at. M looks like a tourist with his Uniqlo bags // 4. prost! Toasting to Berlin at one of many of M's stops to third wave coffee shops...this one's at The Barn // 5. soccer supporters marching the streets and chanting // 6 + 7. classic tourist destination- the Brandenburg Gate. I can't take a normal picture // 8. devouring currywurst // 9. just another bit of berlin // 10. you can't tell, but Berlin was FRIGID and we were shivering in this photo // 11. Neueheimat- one of the coolest food fests/markets/cultural hubs I've ever been to! // 12. getting our Berliner Schnauze on //13-15. more of neueheimat. I think this was my favourite place in the city! // 16. need to send a letter? Pick a box. // 17. east side gallery (berlin wall) // 18. Oberbaum bridge, a symbol of the city's unity. 

I thought that I would be able to be able to create one post dedicated to our travels in Europe, but as I looked through my pictures yet again, I realized that there would be no possible way without completely overwhelming you with images! Best to break up our journey in sections. Well, it's already been a week back in Vancouver, and I'm already feeling homesick for our magical travels, especially Paris. As I look back on Munich and think about all of the wonderful things we were able to experience, I'm realizing that I left a small part of my heart in this city as well. I will never be able to explain the feelings that I held while wandering through the streets of this city, but I hope these images capture little pieces of those feelings. We were only there for 2 and a half days so we packed in as much as we could. 

The main purpose of stopping in Munich was not just to see the beauty that the city beholds, but to make the trek through Bavaria to a small town called Oberammergau (look to the pictures with snow!). I have heard this town name spoken since childhood but never really knew the significance of it until traveling through the snow covered hills to the wonder that lies there. My great-grandmother, who we called "Oma", used to talk about this place with such fondness. She was never one to open up much about her life during the time she lived there, post WWII, but she did describe this town as "feeling like heaven". As I discovered more information about the hardships and persecution she endured before arriving there, I began to understand why this place was so very special. It was more than just a pretty resort town, it was a refuge and place of freedom. And I couldn't help but feel a little emotional upon arriving at the Oberammergau station. It felt surreal...I was following her path to safety and rest. It felt sacred. Oma passed away when I was 13 but memories of her do pop into my mind every once in a while. And despite the fact that the town has been taken over by tourism and souvenir shops, I was able to find some connection with my Oma once again. 

Pictures from the top:// 1. charming view from our hotel window // 2. coffee shop details // 3. awkward coffee holding hand // 4. historic streets at 7am // 5+6. the wandering husband // 7. does it mean that I'm getting old when I become fascinated by park birds? // 8. Englischer Garten // 9. a German Romantic // 10.  beautiful views at the park // 11. again with the birds... I guess I must be old at heart // 12-14. views from The Residenz museum- like Versailles but without the tourists! I'm so glad we went. // 15-17. views from Oberammergau and Bavaria. // 18+19. I think these speak for themselves...just plain beautiful. // 20+21. Views over the city from atop a church tower. 

Hello dear followers! Just a note, if you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I've returned from our magical trip! Posts and updates to come soon, but just wanted to let you know that I'm alive (in case you were worried, of course). Also, a little bit of Tuesday eye candy for you. This is a shot from Englischer Garten in Munich, one of the most beautiful parks I've seen. I could have spent hours here. More on that in my IG post...