My First European Adventure (in my 50s!)
As the wheels touched down on the tarmac at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I felt a mix of excitement and exhaustion. It was my first time in Europe, and I was about to embark on a whirlwind adventure with some of my favorite people. Heather, my dear friend, and her husband Chris had been living in Germany for about a year and a half, and this trip was the perfect opportunity to reunite with Heather (Chris was in the U.S. for work). Alongside me were my daughter Cameron, her boyfriend Joe, and Heather’s daughter Camryn. Our motley crew was ready to explore, eat, and make memories.
🎶 Paris: Lights, Love, and Taylor Swift
Our journey began in the City of Lights—Paris! The Eiffel Tower sparkled like a thousand diamonds, and the Seine River whispered secrets of centuries past. But the highlight? Taylor Swift’s electrifying concert at Paris La Défense Arena. It was the first stop on her European tour after a break, and she didn’t disappoint. Decked out in new outfits, she debuted songs from her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Her presence on stage was magnetic, her vocals breathtaking. It was epic.
As she belted out hits like “Love Story,” “Down Bad”, Fortnight, and “Shake It Off,” the crowd swayed, sang, and danced. We were part of something bigger—thousands of crazy fans celebrating life, love, and the magic of music. The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, echoing the rhythm of our hearts. And for those magical hours, we were all connected by melodies and memories.
🏰 Strausberg: Cathedrals and Cobblestones
Next stop: Strausberg. Cobblestone streets led us to majestic cathedrals, their spires reaching for the heavens. We marveled at stained glass windows in an ancient chapel. Strausberg felt like a storybook come to life, and I vowed to return someday.
🍷 Colmar: Pascal’s Warm Welcome
Colmar stole our hearts with its half-timbered houses and flower-filled canals. And then we met Pascal—a charismatic restaurant owner who treated us like family and made us laugh. He warmed our souls, and we clinked glasses, toasting to newfound friendships.
🌲 Triberg: Waterfalls and Whimsy
The Black Forest beckoned, and Triberg awaited. We hiked through lush green trails, the scent of pine filling the air. And there it was—the Triberg Waterfall, a curtain of silver cascading down moss-covered rocks. Marianna, our server at a cozy café, took amazing care of us. She insisted the Black Forest cake tasted better here, and she wasn’t wrong.
🚂 Erzenhausen: Home Away from Home
Erzenhausen, a quaint German town where Heather and Chris live, welcomed us with open arms. We stayed in their charming house in the charming farming village, where we cooked dinner and shared more laughter and memories. It felt like home, even if only for a day!
🎒 Travel Essentials: My Must-Haves
- Lovevook Travel Backpack: Stylish, spacious, and surprisingly lightweight. It held my memories and a stash of chocolate croissants.
- Silicone Bottle Toppers: No more shampoo spills! These little wonders saved my toiletries and my clothes.
- Beats Headphones: Whether on trains or in bustling cafés, my beats transported me to my own soundtrack.
- Power Pack iPhone Battery: A lifesaver when Google Maps threatened to abandon us in labyrinthine streets.
- Adapters and Packing Cubes: Organized chaos—my secret to stress-free packing.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Hydration is key, especially when chasing waterfalls.
- Compression Socks: Because even adventures need happy feet.
📝 Grateful Hearts and New Beginnings
As we boarded the plane back to the U.S., I glanced at Cameron and Joe. Our hearts were full, our suitcases heavier with souvenirs and stories. Europe had woven its magic, and I knew this trip would forever be etched in our hearts. So here’s to love, laughter, and the joy of middle life—may our adventures continue, wherever the next flight takes us.
Note: All names and places are real, and the memories are even more vivid.