Growing In Germany

Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.

A few days after graduating from the 8th grade, I was on a plane watching Pretty Woman and reading Kafir Boy In America headed to Germany. My sister’s husband was in the military at the time and stationed there.

I remember going to a flea market there and all you could smell was the weiner schnitzel  and pastries. You walked out of one smell into the next. They never blended. It was like you smell dinner then you could smell dessert. It was amazing if you’re a foodie.

Germany is where I first had Hawaiian pizza. Who knew I’d like it at that time but I knew better. Pineapples DO NOT BELONG ON PIZZA!!!

I made same friends and we went on bike rides. The first bike ride we rode through a park and as we were riding through the park I saw nudity. I remember passing a sign warning, well actually letting the people know the further in you’d experience and little nudity. Our rides led us through town and what seem to be just acres of beautiful land on the side of the road where we rode our bikes.

Wait did I mention I was like 5’8″ when I got there?

I spent the entire summer in Germany, smelling amazing foods and riding a bike with new friends through a spectacular background. Then it was finally time to head home back to New York.

The flight from Frankfurt to Heathrow was ok. There was a delay when we got to Heathrow which eventually turned into a overnight stay. The airline paid for us to stay at St. James Court which was outside of Buckingham Palace or very near to.

When we arrived to the hotel we had to pretty much check ourselves in. I go to check in and the person asks do I mind sharing a room with a complete stranger? 🫨 I tell the person no and that my dad was at the bar and told me to come get yhe room. Mind you I’m 13. I get into the room and I manage to call my mom who calls my sister and we’re on a 3way call. And Im repeating the story once again.

The next morning, I meet a lovely older couple who pretty much watch over me until we get to the airport and our flight. I wanna say I met them the night before because over breakfast I tell them what happened.

We get back to the airport and board the flight and head to LGA or Kennedy Airport. When I get home my mom is very shocked. When I left we were eye to eye but now she’s looking up at me. Remember, I said I was 5’8″ when I left and a couple of days later my doctor confirmed that I was now 6’1.5″.