The city of Bochum sits between Essen and Dortmund in the northwestern part of Germany. It offers shopping, a variety of food and a long street of bars, clubs and pubs. Our favorite spot? Just at the end of the strip is Konrad Adenauer Platz or KAP for short. With open air seating for the public surrounded by options of drinks and treats, it makes for the perfect meeting point.
Our choice is one of Carina’s friends who opened an adorable camper providing healthy(ish) options that are all made right in front of you. A sweet waffle or savory crepe, what’s your delight?
Allie and I split a warm crepe with pumpkin, carrots, cashews and some sort of vegan apple-cream sauce.
(Please take notice to her small red sign on the right… LOVE it!)
With good food and a sunny day, we chose for a walk to a local hotspot known as West Park.
I found this location unique considering the grand size of the open green areas that sat directly in front of an old industrial plant. The mysterious looking building is now used as a concert venue. I’d love to come back and see a performance there!
Blankets, check. Loving friends, check. Snacks, drinks and a peaceful convo in the park, check!
There’s no way I was going to let this backdrop slide without a handstand shot. What a perfect addition from the girls!
The evening brought more people to the table and left us with a bundle of new friends.
Then one last walk on our favorite strip. Obviously we like to recreate photos and this one was brilliant and completely unexpected! The top photo from 4 years ago includes my dear friend Tiffany (filled in by Hayden) and another gentleman to make the duplicate. Adults being kids… why not?!
What a joyful send off! Now where you ask? The southeastern city of Munchen! Otherwise known as Munich, this is the home that hosts the popular event of Oktoberfest. Not an imitation party, or your local towns version… but the actual 205 year old festival! This will be my 4th attendance but for the other Americans, it’s their first!
Getting to take them is like what I imagine bringing your kids to Disneyland for the first time would be like. You’re more excited to watch them experience it more than you are even going!
The 4 of us will take the night bus and meet the others that will follow by car in the morning. Good night!
Backpacker fun (or not so fun) fact:
We saved $300 as a group by sufferring through the bus ride verses a sleeper car on a train. Worth it? Depends which one of us you ask.
Her Happy Trails 