I like visiting small cities that are not "worthy" of tourist pilgrimage. The ones that live their quiet lives, at least on the grand scale, unnoticed by the world, by social media plague. Their landmarks don't chase you in your instagram feed and they still have room for surprise. And yes, maybe you won't encounter anything extraordinary on their premises but the element of expectations plays a huge role. When your expectations are high, chances of disappointed are high respectively. But when you got none - you have nothing to lose! Instead, the phenomenon of the "unknown, unseen, unheard of" creates this magic, adventurous mood.

My foot would probably never cross Ulm and I doubt I would even get to know it existed, weren't it for my sister who lives there. My sister lives and works in Ulm, Germany. So I became a by-chance-tourist in this city.



I've learnt these cool facts about Ulm:

1. It is the birthplace of Albert Einstein! Figured that looking for souvenirs - Einstein's head was everywhere! ☺ I got myself a cup saying:

"Woher kommt es, das mich niemand versteht und jeder mag?" (How come nobody understands me, but everybody likes?) 

2. There is Airbus Defence and Space site in Ulm, a big one, with approx 3,000 employees.

3. Sparrow is the symbol of Ulm and there is a legend that sparrow carrying a straw once enlightened the people of Ulm how to solve a construction problem.
Statues and images of sparrows are all over the city. They are embellished with different paints and patterns and look really cool! If I lived there, I would create a fun game where participants solve puzzles, search for clues in order to locate all sparrows in the city center.



I will remember Ulm not only because of Albert or dozens of artsy sparrows. 

I will remember picturesque Fishermen's Quarter and adorable restaurant where I ate one of the best trouts I've ever had.
I will remember weeping willows spreading their branches all over the city.
I will remember beautiful violet sunset and our stroll by the riverside.
I will remember riding the big wheel at the city fair, fireworks and cotton candy.

You don't need to have lots of money and to travel to fancy destinations to be a traveller. You can find beauty and adventure in the places near you, in the places far from hyped touristy destinations. The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So true.

Week One

Statistics:

The story:

What I’ve learned:

Coming up: 

Travel Diary WEEK ONE (Germany, Luxemburg, Netehrlands, France)

The timing for this post could not be any better. Frankfurt finishes my last year 10-days Europe adventure and coincidentally (ta-da!) is the beginning of this year 6-weeks Europe road trip, which starts…tomorrow! Yes, I could not be more happy and excited than I am right now. I am going through my last year pictures and memories of Frankfurt and smiling at the thought that tomorrow I will wake up IN Frankfurt and will do it all over again. I am one lucky girl!


To be totally honest about it, Frankfurt is not “my” kind of city. It is a bit too dark, reserved and conservative for my liking. I prefer warm, cozy and charming little towns lost in the abundance of greenery, hills and valleys. I would not call Frankfurt beautiful either. It is versatile, for sure. Charismatic, without doubt. But not beautiful. Not picture perfect, or flawless. And with this teaspoon of salt I am off to lots and lots of tablespoons of sugar.

I began exploring the city with the Zeil – Frankfurt’s main pedestrian promenade and one of the most famous shopping streets in Germany. I did not go there to shop, rather to get the feel of the city, to people watch and to wander aimlessly and happily. I did all that and more. The Zeil offered entertainment and countless street performers at every square – musicians, dancers, singers, you name it. It was crowded with people, however, did not feel suffocating; on the contrary, I felt comfortable and welcomed.