From Weddings to Vacations: Aakriti’s Germany Trip Review with Thrillophilia
Four years ago my best friend fell in love with a Firangi! While my initial encouragement was for the spice it was adding to her life, a new guy in a foreign land, you know? Ultimate movie! Little did I know five years later she would marry him! That too not in India or the UK but in one of the most beautiful castles of Heidelberg, Germany!
When I first got the news I was all excited about the wedding but then I thought why not make it into the trip? I checked a few packages online but did not find anything appealing so I called a friend who works at Thrillophilia, a travel company. To my surprise, he offered to create my entire trip from scratch. And that's how I changed my 4-day wedding trip to a 10-day trip across Germany.
Postcards from Frankfurt:
The Enchanting Heidelberg Castle
“Is this real life?” I just blurted out loud, standing in the grand courtyard of Heidelberg Castle.
The wedding felt straight out of a fairytale… Everyone was draped in Indian and Christian attires… It was the most dreamy four-day affair I had ever been too!
Between the colours, the dancing, and my best friend looking happier than ever, I thought, Wow, life can really be a movie sometimes.
Once the goodbyes were said, I took a scenic train ride to Frankfurt, staring out at rolling hills and charming little towns. I checked into my hotel and debated between crashing or taking a short stroll. “You’ll regret not going,” I muttered to myself, pulling on my coat and heading toward the nearby Frankfurt Cathedral.
Something was grounding about the stillness of the cathedral, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of the wedding days. A small boy waved at me from the pews as his dad smiled, and for some reason, that simple moment stuck with me.
A detour
The next day was all about exploring Frankfurt properly. I hopped on a city tour bus and found myself mesmerized by Römer Square’s medieval charm. I even treated myself to some warm Apfelwein (apple wine) at a cosy café. A man at the counter overheard my accent and asked, “India?” with a curious smile. When I nodded, he replied in broken Hindi, “Aapka swagat hai Germany mein!” and we both laughed.
Postcards from Munich:
A cable car to the highest peak in Germany!
Munich was vibrant, lively, and just what I needed. My first adventure here was the Eibsee Cable Car ride to Zugspitze. As the car climbed higher, my ears popped, and so did my excitement.
Reaching the summit was surreal. Standing there, I realized I could see five nations- Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. It was like nature had decided to flex all its beauty in one frame. I stood there, arms outstretched, feeling like I was on top of the world- quite literally. “Who needs borders when the mountains don’t care?” I thought, laughing to myself.
A group of kids was playing in the snow nearby, their laughter echoing in the crisp air. I couldn’t resist joining them for a moment. Sliding down the snowbank like a child, I felt carefree in a way I hadn’t in years.
A brewery and food tour
The next day, I joined a brewery and food tour, indulging in Bavarian pretzels, sausages, and some of the best beers I’ve ever tasted. At one cosy stop, I struck up a conversation with an elderly couple who lit up when I mentioned I was from India. “We visited Kerala years ago,” the woman said with a fond smile, sharing tales of their houseboat adventures. In return, I recounted my Bavarian escapades so far.
As we clinked glasses over golden lagers, it felt less like a casual encounter and more like catching up with old friends. Their warmth and enthusiasm wrapped around me like a familiar blanket, making Munich feel unexpectedly like home.
Postcards from Berlin:
Hopping on and off Berlin’s History
Berlin felt like stepping into a history book with its edges splashed in vibrant colours. I started my day on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which was the perfect way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks at my own pace. The Brandenburg Gate, with its majestic arches, stood as a proud reminder of unity, while the Berlin Wall Memorial tugged at my emotions. At the Wall, I found myself running my fingers over the graffiti, trying to imagine the countless stories of separation and resilience it held.
As the bus wound through Berlin’s streets, the guide’s commentary added depth to the scenery. Did you know the Victory Column was relocated by the Nazis? Hearing such facts while cruising through a city that wore its past and present-like badges of honour was fascinating.
A night to remember!
Between stops the day before, I met Kurt, Otto, and Mila- a trio of locals. They weren’t ready to let me retreat into my hotel just yet. “Your trip to Berlin isn’t complete without experiencing its nightlife,” Kurt said with a mischievous grin. I hesitated- me, out clubbing in Berlin? But with the next day free and only a late evening flight, I decided to take a chance. “Alright,” I said, laughing. “Let’s see what Berlin’s got!”
Our first stop was a quirky pub tucked away in a graffiti-covered alley. We shared a round of Berliner Weisse beers as Otto and Kurt debunked every German stereotype I’d ever heard. They were warm, welcoming, and determined to make me feel at home.
From there, we hopped to a techno club- a quintessential Berlin experience. The bass was loud enough to rattle your bones, and the crowd was a kaleidoscope of energy. I danced like no one was watching, letting the music take over. Somewhere between songs, Kurt shouted over the beat, “This is Berlin! No rules, just vibes!”
We ended the night- or rather, the morning- at a diner serving hot coffee and greasy breakfasts. As the sun began to rise, painting the city in soft hues, Kurt raised his coffee mug. “Welcome to Berlin, the honorary way,” he said as we parted our ways.
Back at the hotel, I collapsed into bed, slept like a baby, and woke up just in time for lunch.
After a quick trip to the market for some souvenirs, I boarded my flight, carrying with me memories for a lifetime!
Read more: Thrillophilia Germany Reviews