Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
I like to title this trip, The Trifecta. This trip was one of the first times I visited multiple countries on one vacation. I took this trip when I was a newly minted attending. Admittedly, I knew very little about any of these countries. If I were to play a game of blurt out the first phrase that comes to mind when I hear the name of each country, it would be: Germany- Hitler vs the Jews, Lichtenstein- Is that a country? and Switzerland: political neutrality. None of these phrases do the places any justice, they are grossly inept and inaccurate.
My first stop in Germany was Berlin, this first stop was significant because I had a chance to reconnect with my college track mate. I remember feeling unencumbered. I sat in her living room and we recounted the days gone by. We updated each other on how mutual friends were doing. I drank home made kombucha, rode a un-helmeted bike through the streets, worked out the park for old time sake, saw the sights and ate mango sorbet in the humid afternoon. On my next stop, Hamburg, I also had an excellent host. My former co-resident is German and she gave me a unique perspective of Germany. Germany struck me as extremely progressive. One of the first things that impressed me was that the German government seemed to make it extremely easy to make the right choice; from safe sex to recycling.
The next country I visited was Switzerland. I felt as though I had been transported through a portal and ended up in an utterly enchanting place. The people appeared extremely wealthy and well dressed. They spoke in hushed tones and I couldn’t help thinking that there was a poise and grace to the Swiss that was a touch aloof and aristocratic. I desperately wanted to be in on some deep monetary secret that I had contrived in my head. But instead I quietly fed the ducks on Lake Lucerne.
I grew up on Heidi, yes! Heidi the childhood story. So when I heard that the story was birthed in Heidi-town a short distance from Liechtenstein (which is technically a country), I knew I had to visit. It was a rather long bus ride out of Switzerland but etched in my mind are some of the most breathtaking mountains and views.
I was certainly tired after visiting Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in less than 8 days and the details of my trips can be explored here. But I wouldn’t have traded this trip for anything.
