Stuttgart, Germany: A Photobook

Arrival (6th June 2018): Stuttgart, Germany

My heart was bursting when Anjä and I met for the first time since we parted ways in January 2016, after a rather memorable 2.5 weeks backpacking around Thailand. Time was short but even then, we celebrated every waking moment with life’s simplicities, and embraced mother nature as we walked alongside her. 

It was an hour long car ride into Schwabisch Hall, a fairly tiny town by Anjä's standards, and by mine, about half the size of Singapore. Traffic was stable, and we arrived home close enough to grab a beer and watch the sun set ever so lightly among the hills, while the lake danced in its orange-pink hue. Locals got into their swim suits and swam with a slight carefree inhibition. I watched, my feet in the cold water and cheeks red with the realisation that there were toads around us, croaking loud and proud when they've gotten a hold of another to mate with. And when we were sick of hearing them mate (they were getting more aggressive as it got dark), we walked back to land where we munched on fresh strawberries and downed the rest of our drink, in the company of two of Anjä's closest friends. 

I was lucky to be in Schwäbisch Hall when the weather was warm in a non-intrusive way. We went for a morning run and it felt wonderful to feel the soft soil, smell the fresh leaves, grass and flowers that permeated the cold crisp fresh air. We had Aika, Marcel’s (Anjä’s boyfriend) Rottweiler on that particular run and I fell in love with her almost immediately. A strong, brisk four legged creature that didn’t care for anything but play. She had the kindest eyes and a personality that warmed your heart. 

After having a satisfying meal at Gasthaus Einkorn, where we had Schnitzel Spätzle (meat with noodles and sauce) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with whipped cream and sauce), Anja and I were joined by her sister Linda. The three of us sat down and enjoyed the view of Schwäbisch Hall, and rolled from one belly laugh to another, bouncing back and forth on all that we missed out from two years of not being in each other's company. 

We found ourselves on the Marienbrücke Bridge, overlooking Schloss Neuschwanstein. The castle was halfway through construction when King Ludwig II was found dead by Starnberger See (Lake Starnberg) in 1888.

Lake Weißensee was located in Allgäu, and it was where locals would dip themselves in its cool waters to bask in its picturesque view. We didn't have much time, and so decided to walk along the mini trials along the lake. I left that place having enjoyed its clear blue waters, and loved how the trees bended to greet you as you move past it. 

We began a 4 hour ascend to the top of Mount Aggenstein, where I climbed on all fours like a city girl, and Anja made her way up on her two feet like any crazed adrenaline junkie would. It was daunting, considering I've not reached into mother nature in a long time. Nevertheless, the view was spectacular from above and the cool fresh air calmed our beating hearts. 

My trip to Germany was short but rather fulfilling. I'd never been to that corner of the world before and it was interesting to walk in the footsteps of locals. I felt at home. Nothing had changed about Anja, and I love her dearly. My sister in Christ was, and is a great example and I've admired her for her tenacity and her ability to take risks, all while making the best out of it. I miss a kindness such as hers, and I doubt it will be long before we bask in the comfort of our friendship.