Germany

RÜGEN - (North East German Island in the Baltic Sea)

Rügen is known for its chalk cliffs, white beaches, amber, and Nazi resort - Prora (a massive cement bloc built by Hitler for 20,000 holidaymakers to have an all inclusive beach vacation, but it was never used).

However, my lasting impression of Rügen was found by a tilt of the head back. It was as if Rügen was color enhanced by the Gods above. The sky was an immaculate blue; the cumulus clouds were an amorphous protection; and the sun left you hovering for more.

This trip opened my eyes to how much I appreciate the masses of condensed droplets above. Lounging with three other girls on the white sands, we could not help but look up and decipher images in the clouds. Ironically we saw some rather comical formations, perhaps they were promoted by all the nude Germans.

We were in a natural, harmonious state. Though it was only a three hour train ride from Berlin and we were in Rügen for only a day and a half, I felt as if I reached a relaxed tranquility. Maybe it was my clouds that layed a blanket on me, sinking me deep into the sands of calmness. If there are any other cloud lovers out there, you will get a kick out of the "Cloud Appreciation Society."

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MUNICH - (Southern Germany)

After living and working in Munich for 6 months in 2004, it was a treat to go back and soak up the beauty of Bavaria. This weekend visit to the land of lederhosen, Oktoberfest, beer gardens, and giant pretzles, took my breathe away.

I think it was biking along the river Isar, with my favorite Munich pal, Marion, that I realized this is really one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. Open up any fairytale book, and wallah, there is Munich. It is an enchanted city, that feels more like a safe village, and every corner turned offers a better view and creates a bigger smile.

We took off on our bikes from Solln and cycled along the River Isar. Right off the bat, we hit a huge sunflower field, and my jaw dropped. I wanted to spend the rest of the day running through the stocks and watching the flowers turn their heads to the almighty sun. However, with a turn of my handle bars my eyes caught a huge strawberry patch, where local residents tossed in their 5 euros and picked buckets on end of the royal red treat.

As we continued on our hour long journey to downtown Munich, I could not stop marveling over the sights. People were sprawled out on the banks of the Isar, basking in the sun, grilling Bratwurst, and cooling off in the slow moving river.

We had to keep alert on our bikes, since people were in movement to quench their parched throats at the beer gardens. I thanked King Ludwig I and all the breweries from the 19th Century who were really thinking outside the cooling box. In order to keep the beer chilled during the summer months, they dug the beer cellars in the banks of the river Isar. Simple tables and benches were set up so that people could easily reach out their mug to get a refill of their finest lager. And so the beer gardens were formed.

Once we reached our destination, I cruised by foot through the tiny cobblestone streets to Marienplatz and the English Garden, but I could not wait to let my hair down and bike back along the Isar.