Germany holds a special place in my heart as it was my first international experience in 2012. I loved every bit of it, and it quickly became one of my top favorite countries. The shift from the developing world to the developed world was awe-inspiring, and it only deepened my love for Europe, a passion that was already there.
My trip was part of a two-week workshop organized by a German organization in Pakistan, where I learned about social media and political communication in the IT age. The workshop brought together 15 people from different countries, making it a truly intercultural experience. I thrive on connecting with people, and this opportunity was perfect for that.
We explored various places during the workshop. Gummersbach, a small German town, was our base for the training. Dusseldorf, where I landed and briefly lost my luggage at the airport (though it was found a couple of hours later), was my first city. Hamburg, known for its stunning architecture, canals, and bridges, was next. And then there was Cologne, home to Europe’s oldest church. The old city area of Cologne had a beautiful, nostalgic vibe that I can still vividly remember.
On the return trip, my bag was packed with delicious German chocolates, which I still consider the best I’ve ever had from my travels abroad. The sweetness of those chocolates remains a delightful reminder of a fantastic trip and a memorable introduction to the world beyond my own.