Germany – June 20 to June 22, 2025

 After arriving in Siegen, Germany from Switzerland yesterday on June 19, I took a quick nap, and soon enough, some of my cousins showed up, along with my brother, who lives in Dortmund. What followed was a much-needed family night filled with laughter, endless jokes, and unforgettable moments. One of my cousins could easily be the master of comedy and very unique, funny way of storytelling, nonstop laughter throughout the night. Nights like this are rare, and absolutely priceless. We were still talking at 4 a.m, wide awake despite the time.

On June 20, I said goodbye to my family in Siegen and headed to Dortmund with my brother, where more of my family lives. The drive, which used to take just 55 minutes, now takes about an hour and a half due to an ongoing bridge construction that’s been dragging on for years. What used to be a smooth, enjoyable trip has now become a bit of a slow crawl through mostly rural backroads.

After arriving in Dortmund and spending some time catching up with family, including a walk through the garden, where they’ve been growing all sorts of vegetables, we spontaneously decided to head to Bremen. It's about a 2.5-hour drive. Once there, we had lunch with some distant relatives before heading out to explore the charming downtown area and enjoy a riverside walk.

Bremen’s Old Town is the historical and cultural heart of the city in northwest Germany. With its roots going back to the 9th century, the area blends preserved medieval architecture with modern urban life. One of the main highlights was the stunning Bremen Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 11th century. We also saw several costumed performers guiding Old Town history tours and stumbled upon a live public concert where people were enjoying music and drinking beers; yes, public drinking is totally legal in Germany. By the time we wrapped up our walk, it was nearly 10 p.m bedtime was definitely calling.

Distance from Bremen Germany

 June 21 – Langeoog Island, Germany
The next day, we debated whether to visit Hamburg (a 1.5-hour drive) or go somewhere else. As usual, I opened my map app, where I’ve saved over 1,500 places around the world over the past seven years.

While looking, I noticed a few islands I had saved after watching a German film a few years ago called The Black Island. I loved the beautiful landscape in the movie; isolated, raw, and rich with the warmth of nature. Well, I have always preferred nature over visiting a city, and therefore, we decided to visit Langeoog Island.

“Langeoog” means “long island” in German, and it’s one of the seven populated East Frisian Islands in the North Sea, situated between Baltrum and Spiekeroog Islands. The drive took about an hour and a half. We arrived in the coastal town of Bensersiel around 10 a.m., where we boarded a ferry to the island. Round-trip tickets were €33 and included the short train ride on the island. The ferry ride took about 40 minutes.

The landscape, just like in the film, was peaceful and distinctive. While I’ve never been to the Mesopotamian Marshes in Iraq, from what I’ve seen in photos, Langeoog's scenery reminded me of those wetlands: shallow, quiet waters, fresh air, and the relaxing sea breeze. The island is part of the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast mudflats and coastal biodiversity. We had hoped to see seals, as the area is known for them, but unfortunately, we didn’t spot any, a perfect excuse to come back.

Once we arrived, we hopped on a small train that took about 15 minutes to reach the beachside of the island. The beauty of this place was immediate and striking. Most visitors used bicycles to explore, which are easily available for rent. This might’ve been my first time in a car-free place, and I loved it. There were many hiking trails, but due to limited time, we chose to stroll along the beach and enjoy the breeze of the North Sea. oh, not to mention my first time seeing a blue jellyfish (Zoo or aquarium does not count).

The beach was lively, families and kids playing, others sunbathing, and a group playing volleyball so enthusiastically that their cheers echoed all over. Time flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to head back. On our way to the train, we took plenty of photos, especially with the lighthouse in the background. I also learned that many German schoolchildren visit Langeoog for field trips, my sister did, back when she was in primary school. The ferry ride back was as peaceful and warm.

By the time we got to the car, it was nearly 6 p.m., and we were starving. We waited to eat until we reached Bremen, where we found a Middle Eastern restaurant. The food took a while to arrive, but it was absolutely worth the wait, delicious.

The drive back to Dortmund stretched after such a long, full day. We got home right at midnight. My brother had already booked my train ticket to Frankfurt Airport. Yes, my return flight to the U.S. was the next day, June 22, and I’d have to leave by 5 a.m. to catch the train.

June 22, 2025 – Returning to the U.S.
Maybe I slept for 30 minutes; maybe less. But at least I got a bit of rest. Sometimes, it’s just impossible to shut down the brain.

At 5 a.m., my brother drove me to the train station, and I arrived at Frankfurt Airport around 8 a.m. The train ride was smooth, with several stops but no transfers. I managed to nap a bit and felt recharged by the time I reached the airport.

My flight was scheduled for 11 a.m., but it took me two hours to reach the gate. I passed through border control twice, got lost once, and even had to take a bus. Airports are definitely not my favorite places.

By noon the same day on Sunday, June 22, I was in Denver, Colorado. My flight to Lincoln, Nebraska, was delayed two hours, and I already had a four-hour layover. But finally, finally, I made it home to Lincoln by 9 p.m.  As usual, Sad to leave, but good to be back.

Switzerland June 15th - June 19th, 2025

It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to take a trip with my family. My family lives in Germany, and for the past five years, I’ve been visiting them almost once a year. However, we usually stay in Germany and rarely travel to other countries, except for a quick same-day trip to the Netherlands last year.

This year felt like the right time to do something different. After some discussion, we agreed to plan a trip to Switzerland, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. We finally settled on an itinerary and started preparing for the journey.

My flight was on June 13^th, 2025, at 11 a.m. from Lincoln, Nebraska, with a layover in Chicago (as usual) for a few hours. I arrived in Frankfurt the next day, June 14th, around 10 a.m. My brother picked me up at the airport, even though I would’ve preferred taking the train, but he insisted on doing so. (A family thing.)

Part of my family lives in Siegen, Germany, and the rest live in Dortmund. I also have uncles, aunts, and cousins spread throughout the North Rhine region; I will never get lost there.

Driving to Switzerland – June 15^th, 2025

I woke up around 8 a.m. and went for a quick 4-mile run around the block. The breeze in Germany seems to stay the same year-round—cool and refreshing, even in the summer. It was cloudy with a light drizzle, typical German weather.

By 11 a.m., we were ready to hit the road. My brother did the driving, which gave me time to catch up with family and even work on my blog about my last trip. We stopped twice for breaks. A fun fact (or maybe not-so-fun): In Germany, using a restroom on the road costs one euro. I spent 3 euros that day, one for each bathroom break!

We arrived at the Airbnb around 6 p.m., located in the small mountain village of Innertkirchen. The village had only about 30 houses, nestled in the mountains. The road to get there was quite narrow, just a single lane for both directions, with several switchbacks. The host recommended honking every few minutes so oncoming cars would know you’re approaching. Fortunately, that stretch was only about 6 miles long, and there were occasional pull-off areas in case of oncoming traffic.

According to our itinerary, we had planned to visit Mount Pilatus the next day. However, the weather forecast called for clouds and possible rain, so we adjusted our plans and decided to explore some of the beautiful nearby areas instead.

June 16, 2025 - Innertkirchen & Bernese area
Woke up in the village of Innertkirchen, nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The view was absolutely stunning, and the silence was broken only by the peaceful sounds of nature. A run in this crisp mountain air felt like a necessity, so I laced up and ran two miles up the mountain and two miles back down. These mountains are excellent for building endurance for high-altitude and uphill running.

After a hearty breakfast with family, we packed up and left our Airbnb to begin exploring the area.

Our first stop was Lake Brienz, a gem in the charming town of Brienz. On the way there, we passed a massive waterfall and decided to turn around and check it out. It was the Oltschibachfall waterfall near Meiringen, formed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains. The breeze and view were breathtaking.

Next, we headed to the Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht), a natural wonder near Meiringen. The gorge is incredibly narrow (at some points, only about one meter wide), so people often had to wait for others to pass. Formed about 10,000 years ago by the runoff from melting glaciers, the hike through the gorge took us around three hours (about 4 miles round trip). Tickets were only 12 CHF; definitely worth it.

By the end of it, we were starving. We found a place to eat, refueled, and soaked in the beauty surrounding us, which is everywhere in this region.

We returned to the Airbnb around 6 PM. I took a much-needed nap, and when I woke up, my brother had started a barbecue. The table was full of food and drinks, and the view around us felt like something out of a dream. Before bed, we discussed our plan for tomorrow, Mount Pilatus, one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.

June 17, 2025
Day 3 in Switzerland. Woke up early again for another 4-mile run; 2 miles downhill and then 2 miles uphill back to the Airbnb. The route was steep and challenging, but I didn’t stop or walk. It felt amazing to push through. Ran past cow farms with cowbells ringing and noticed the widespread use of electric fencing. Also spotted a trained farm dog managing a herd; impressive!

By 10 AM, we hit the road toward Mount Pilatus, about an hour away. Even short drives in Switzerland feel longer due to narrow roads and all the tunnels.

We arrived in Alpnach around noon. It’s one of three routes to reach Mount Pilatus. We took the cogwheel train both ways; tickets were priced at 80 CHF per person (400 total), but that’s Switzerland for you. Other options include gondolas and cable cars.

We waited about 30 minutes in line; it’s peak tourist season, and the train was packed. Switzerland’s mountain transport system is incredibly advanced. Even remote peaks are accessible thanks to cable cars, gondolas, and cogwheel trains, all built to support tourism.

The top of Mount Pilatus was surreal, like a small town in the sky. There were gift shops, a visitor center, restaurants, coffee shops, even hotels and wedding venues. I did some hikes with the family, then ventured solo to reach Tomlishorn, a popular viewpoint. After taking tons of photos and soaking it all in, we caught the second-to-last train down the mountain.

We stopped at a nearby restaurant afterward, but it was disappointing; they added way too much sauce to our food without asking. I left them a bad review. Tomorrow, I get to pick the restaurant (not my brother 😅). Returned to the Airbnb around 7 PM; tired but thankful for another unforgettable day.

June 18th, 2025
In August 2022, my dad visited Switzerland with one of his best friends. He sent me a photo of himself sitting on a bench, facing a beautiful lake. After he passed away on December 22, 2022, I often thought he may have been thinking of me when he took that photo.

Last night, the idea of visiting that same spot and taking a photo there came to mind. I contacted his friend, who thankfully was able to send me the exact location. It turned out to be just 35 minutes away from our Airbnb. I went there with my family and took a photo in the exact spot my dad had three years ago. If this means anything, it means that life always continues. This was our first stop of the day.

Next, we visited the village of Iseltwald on the southern shore of Lake Brienz. We found a small local spot that offered kayaking and paddle boats. After some discussion, I chose a kayak while my family took a paddle boat. The weather was amazing—blue skies, clear water, and a refreshing breeze. We spent about two hours on the lake before heading back around 4 PM.

Later, we drove to the city of Interlaken, a beautiful and lively place full of tourists. I couldn’t help but wonder how much money Switzerland makes from tourism alone. By that time, we were ready for lunch. This time, we all agreed on a Lebanese restaurant—and finally, the food was actually good. After lunch, we took a stroll through town before heading back to the airbnb. 

June 19th, 2025
Our final morning in the mountains. We checked out before 11 AM and began our drive to Siegen, Germany, where my family lives. The drive took about six hours, with three stops along the way. It was a hot day in Germany. 

Day 9 – May 31st, 2025: Big Bend National Park & Heading Home

It was my last morning in the mountains. The sunrise streamed directly through my car window. I opened the door and, for the first time, used time-lapse to capture the beauty of that moment. For so many reasons, I didn’t want the morning to end. It was absolutely silent—one of the most magical sunrises I’ve ever seen.

But like everything in life, we’re in constant motion. Everything changes, moment to moment. Nothing remains the same.

I reorganized myself, packed my backpack, and started driving toward the Emory Peak trailhead (10 miles), the highest point in the Chisos Mountains and all of Brewster County. It was almost 8 a.m. when I began the hike. Surprisingly, unlike any other park I’ve visited, there was a ranger station at the trailhead. Rangers were asking hikers if they had enough water and snacks, their estimated return time, and offering guidance on what to do if they encountered a bear or mountain lion.

The trail was relatively easy for most of the way up. I was amazed by the richness of nature in this park, especially the variety of birds—many I had never seen before, including countless bluebirds. I was also surprised to learn that Big Bend is home to both mountain lions and black bears.

I didn’t see many hikers until the last half mile, which was very steep—that’s probably why people slowed down. Oddly enough, I realized I’ve come to really enjoy the steep parts of hikes. In fact, I found it fun. The ascent to the peak was about five miles (Strava clocked my roundtrip at 10.27 miles).

At the summit, I met a few hikers, a group of three from Texas, one of whom works for Nelnet, a Lincoln, Nebraska-based engineering firm company. I also met Eddie and his brother. Eddie lives in a small border town, and his brother lives in Austin. They were both kind and polite. We exchanged cameras to take photos of each other and swapped social media contacts.

Coming down was fast—as usual, I’m nearly unstoppable on the descent. I finished the hike by 12:15, just a little over four hours. After visiting the gift shop and bathrooms, I saw Eddie and his brother again. We chatted briefly and took a group photo.

By then, I was ready for snacks and cold drinks, gearing up for the 16-hour drive home. With almost a full tank, I drove straight to where home is, Lincoln, NE and my first stop was Odessa, Texas. Put gas and order a pizza. While waiting, I chatted with the owner. He asked about my journey, and I vented about getting a second windshield chip today, thanks to loose gravel. He mentioned something about Bitcoin mining and how many Chinese and Russians are moving to the area because of it. Honestly, I had no idea what he was talking about.

A few hours later, curiosity got the best of me, so I looked up some podcasts on Bitcoin mining. Eventually, I learned a lot I didn’t know before. Driving along Hwy US-277 was eye-opening, with so many industrial zones and oil field constructions.

When I reached Oklahoma City, I argued with myself for a while about whether to stop, but I decided to keep going and finish the entire 16-hour drive. I listened to every podcast I’d downloaded and every song I could find. The drive was smooth until about an hour before reaching Lincoln, around 2 a.m.—I saw so many raccoons, deer, foxes, and rabbits that I was worried I might hit one.

Thankfully, I made it home safely, just before 4 a.m. I felt a mix of sadness that the journey was over, but also comfort in being back. Sad to leave but glad to be back.

For travel recommendations and advice, feel free to reach out 

nizarrasho01@gmail.com

+1 402.450.7495