​The point is that you should always contain yourself. Things are messy in Germany and in 2016, the Oktoberfest was fenced in for the first time. Double check the Oktoberfest website to see if you can still bring in a backpack as day packs have been prohibited at various events due to terrorism. 

​In today's age, things happen so quickly so its important to have your wits about you. In 2016, a young man took advantage of a young female Asian tourist, but luckily cops noticed this in the park and aided the situation. The landscape of German culture has changed drastically since 2015 and there's no room to be naive in such situations that do not feel right. ​

What's your favorite part of Oktoberfest?

From an outsider’s perspective, Burning Man seems like a weird even where only smelly hippies go to frolic in the desert. Although eclectic, Burning Man is an enclave of artist’s, creative and spiritually-based people to connect with like-minded people.
 
I had a fair share of hesitation and anxiety prior to experiencing my first burn. I don’t like camping. I don’t like being dirty. And I certainly do not thrive in extreme heat.

While looking back at my first burn, none of those things mattered when it came to the experience of Burning Man. Now, I must say, not everyone experiences an epic burn. I believe one's stage of life dictates the break-through, growth or challenge of Burning Man.
 
Each person is individually attracted to BM for different reasons. I’ve wanted to go for 11 years. In fact, I even talk about my desire to go to Burning Man while traveling in Goa, India in search of the notable trance parties. After a decade, I finally made it to Burning Man. And I believe that Burning Man came into my life when the time was right.
 
I am at a relatively good spot in my life, but like any human I have problems. And being a starving artist is one of them. Although I had my own personal “shit” I needed to internalize, Burning Man exceeded my expectations. In simple terms, BM brought me back to life.
 
Burning Man taught me:
 
I Maybe a Starving Artist but I have a Powerful Message & Gift to Share
Oh Seattle. Where do I even begin? For a city that has a yoga studio on every other corner, many places are not receptive to welcoming outsiders. The yoga community can be as petty and exclusive as a highschool cheerleader team. And some of the bookstores are no better. 
 
I moved back to Seattle full of confidence after the Germans toughened me up the previous 15 months. I have been denied, ignored and rejected by nearly every studio, blog, bookstore and newspaper I reached out in regards to offering a book reading or a personal growth workshop that incorporates concepts from my books. Seriously, it’s just a travel memoir about change and spirituality – what’s so wrong with that? Some of it could’ve been universal with the energy not being the right time, but I am no newbie to the health and personal growth world. 
 
My artistry is writing and understanding the art of human movement (and the mind). I couldn’t even get a book reading or book a yoga class at my local library, but yet MOBY who also wrote a memoir got front page press at Seattle Library. Another independent shop said, “Thanks but no thanks. We don’t think your story will bring in the people or enough money to make the event worth it.” I guess I could only thank them for being honest since the Pac NW is ultra-sensitive and passive. 
 
Of course, I don’t blame the system on what brings in money. I totally get it. An independent writer can’t compete in a popularity contest with a big wig like MOBY. BUT…I do believe my story could have more of an impact on the everyday Joe Schmo as I watch countless amounts of stressed corporate junkies live their life in “fight or flight,” but in reality they want more out of life. I see the women who are broken from shitty (or failing) relationships and gravitate towards drugs, sex and alcohol to uplift their spirits. 
 
The best denial came from an organization that said, “this content belongs only at East West bookshop.” I replied stating a travel memoir is about growth and change and the reply included, “it’s out of the box (aka controversial).” BUT…the next month they booked a lady to read from her book about abortions. Seriously!? There is nothing more controversial than abortion, politics and religion. It blistered my mind as hypocrisy rules many notions in life. 
 
Burning Man, an enclave of artists (and I’m slightly tearing as I write this), re-boosted my confidence just like the Germans did last year. Many people praised me for the efforts of “telling it all” and I felt accepted as if I have some fucking value in this money-driven world. I gave away a book after each yoga class I taught at the Lotus Dome at 5:00E.
 
It was the nicest feeling in the world that anyone gave two-shits for actually wanting to read the book. And at times, I lost my emotions, which I did while drinking naked espresso with three girls (Irish, English and Slovakian). I felt free. I felt alive. I felt uplifted amongst a community of independent artists.

To say the least, to get praised for something that you pour heart and soul into felt good after 8 months of non-stop rejection. But, I am thankful for those rejections because it builds thick skin, which is essential as an artist. 

Re-evaluate & Re-prioritize Success 
Pretty much, Seattle has committed spiritual suicide. The city is becoming the next SFO and people are losing their minds about money. Burning Man not only boosted my confidence as an artist, but it helped me reevaluate the meaning of success. 
 
On Saturday, my last day and night in the playa, I remember riding my bike through the desert. After conquering a dust storm, chills overcame my body and something clicked in my brain. Society (especially America) is so god damn obsessed with money, which my relationship w/ money changed after living in Germany. The average North German makes 1800-euros per month and pays 40% tax. Life was simple. Life was pure. Life was magical. 
 
While dancing to the last beats of techno, I cried on the dancefloor because I conquered one of my dreams – writing a book. Sure, my sales are nothing to brag about, but I reevaluated that the lives I’ve (hopefully) touched are worth more than some stupid paycheck. I spent three years of non-paid time writing, editing and thinking. That dedication taught me to be proud of what I achieved since most people wouldn’t commit to that (or at least hire a ghostwriter). 

I also contemplated my success for living my dreams. I'm unconventional. I don't want a house, fancy car or some VP office job. Anything constricting feels like a noose around my neck. Instead of celebrating work accomplishments, I recognized how far I've evolved in life and gave credit to all of my travels, which is my vanity.

It was a pure shedding of the ego that reconfirmed sometimes I really don't give a shit what other people think. 

Disconnection From Technology & the Release the Negativity
One of the most blissful aspects of Burning Man was being out of cell reception. I lost reception about 45 minutes outside of Reno. And thank God! 
 
Escaping the email, the Facebook rants, the petty politics and terrorism in Europe, I disconnected from the device that drags me down every…flipping…day. The pressure of today is just as intense as it was in the past. In the past people worked like dogs to tend crops and survive. Today, we are minions of money-makers.
 
Sure some potential blog partners want to know “How many Instagram and Pinterest followers do you have now?” Oh, I don’t have enough? So, that makes me not valuable, right? WRONG! That’s not what the playa taught me. 
 
Instead of worrying about all this horseshit, I lived in the moment and breathed in the dusty air. The cathartic experience of burning art allowed me to "burn" off anything that brought me down. Oh my God, if I could go back to a life without a smart phone, I’d be there.
 
I felt as if I had more time on my hands and the freedom to choose anything – an art workshop, a rave or ride around the playa. The playa is a magical and powerful being.

Fulfillment of the Spirit to Be Free
In Latin and Greek, spirit translates to breath. It was ironic that in the playa I felt like I could actually breathe. In Seattle, I’ve suffered off and on respiratory problems, which I will blame because of all the construction dust in the air. Seattle once healed me when I moved here seven years ago, and now I feel like a sick dog. 
 
Once the body can breathe, #OMG amazing things happen. To me, Burning Man is a modern day spirit circle. Now, there are copious amounts of drugs on the playa. And well, spiritually sophisticated cultures like Native Americans and Egyptians had their fair share of getting high. Although it’s not my thing, most everyone is at their best, enhancing the experience with a bit of mind-altering drugs. 
 
Between dancing, energy healing sessions and the gifting and sharing concept, you can’t help but change at Burning Man. 
 
One of the most amazing things I personally experienced was that I lost all physical pain. For days, every ounce of negativity escaped my body. I no longer had shoulder or low back pain. And I certainly did not have PMS, which in the real world debilitates me for the first 24 hours. 
 
I had a complete union of the mind, body and spirit that ascended me up the spiritual ladder. I felt as free and light as angel. Things such as pain, negativity or cruelty did not exist in my reality. 
 
I remember dancing on Friday, and I kept saying, “I feel like I am on Mars.” Between the lights, music and the stars, everything outside of Burning Man seemed like a blackhole that I did not want to re-enter.  
 
My mind empowered, I believed nothing but beauty, life and love existed. When I believed this, my body experienced the best 72 hours of its life.

I believe pain goes beyond physical misalignments. It’s the pain and agony of the soul, desperately trying to break free of whatever is holding it back. 
 
Is there such a thing as pain free living? I believe there is. I believe the playa wanted me to experience this to ascend me to the next level of confidence to start teaching others what I’ve learned after 12 years of spiritual journeying.

Confirmation of Spiritual Beliefs
A big lesson for me in 2016 is to experience the rough and tough parts of life. If I had it my way, I would’ve opted into accessing the “easy” parts of life, but that is not what the universe had in store for me. 
 
I am spiritual. Spiritual people normally believe that everything happens for a reason. I do whole-heartedly believe this, especially because I know I came to Burning Man at the right time. 
 
But, not all Burning Man-ers may feel the same. Another concept is random chaos in that things happen spontaneously and not as planned. That is the more logical and scientific way of seeing the world (and what makes the world go ‘round). And there are plenty of logical techie people at BM. 
 
The playa reconfirmed my spiritual beliefs. The only person I keep in touch with from childhood came to Burning Man. No matter how hard we looked for eachother, we kept missing eachother, sometimes by minutes. Once she left, I arrived. Once I left, she arrived. Although a big bummer, I believe that we needed to experience Burning Man on our own terms. We both needed to internalize our own information and work through our inner-world battles. 
 
It taught me that there is something higher guiding us. Spirit guides. Angels. Ascended Masters – whatever it is, something is giving us obstacles or shifting us around like the gamekeeper from the Hunger Games. 
 
I also believe in spirit guides. I believe that nature is a reflection of our inner world. I’ve had multiple encounters with animal spirit guides throughout my life.
 
And the same happened on the playa – a place where life cannot EXIST because of the alkaline environment.
 
On the last day, I rode my bike through the playa, carefree and “sailing” across the desert, going wherever the wind guided me. Suddenly, my chain popped off my bike but luckily I got it on back. 
 
I headed face-first into a dust storm and pedaled to whom the fuck knows where. Somewhere near the temple. Once the storm past, I pedaled forward, thinking about my life as an artist. I looked over my left shoulder and saw a blue dragonfly following me. I turned my head forward and our path split and we departed our ways. I pedaled to the right and the dragonfly flew to the left. 
 
Once I got back into cell reception, I looked up the meaning of dragonfly to find it’s most powerful message as, “symbolizing the transformation and life’s ever constant process of change needed in order for one to reach his or her full potential.” 
 
I believe I was sent to Burning Man to ascend myself to the next level. The shift from pupil to teacher to Master, I thank Burning Man for all of its powers that it sent to me. 
 
This blog post is long enough so stay tuned as I talk about the The Power of Nature at Burning Man & its Perspectives in the next post. 
 
Did you go to Burning Man? Did it change your life? I'd love to hear your story!

 
The summer solstice brings the best out in man. It’s the time when the light hits its peak and everything and everyone comes alive, energetic to live a life with purpose.
 
Summer in Germany is short, but that doesn’t mean it’s not special.  To me, biking around Hannover was a quasi-spiritual experience. On the sunny days, I pedaled the flat pathways and watched Hannover bloom into one of the most magical cities I’ve ever spent time in. Nature is just footsteps away from every Hannoverian home.
 
But to me, these spiritual messages came from the roses. Germany, like most of Europe, is fond of flowers and roses bloom, blossom and bud across the city. And there was no shortage of roses in my neighborhood, Altstadt.
 
Patches of red roses ascended along the historic brick buildings, just like a grapevine. I began to have this “thing” with Hannover. I did not know how to explain it. And this “thing” certainly ignited as the sun entered the summer solstice.
 
Roses have been symbolic to mankind since the ancient times. The rose blooms with intricate layers that symbolize how spiritual wisdom unfolds in people’s lives. Mystics believe that roses have powerful energy fields that awaken a connection with God, angels or the universe.
 
In ancient times, the rose symbolized eternal love, love stories and how Gods interacted with each other and human beings. From a Christian viewpoint, roses are the reminder of the Garden of Eden, a paradise in a world that reflected God’s design before sin corrupted it.
 
After hours of staring at roses, biking through alleys lined with roses and taking time to stop and smell the roses, I realized this “thing” with Hannover.

It was a love affair, an innocent and unadulterated love affair with the purity and beauty of Hannover. No matter if I was in Berlin, Bremen or Hannover, every red rose, which symbolized love, reminded me of how special Hannover and its history is.
 
The roses taught me to be appreciative and thankful for everything in my life, especially the chance the experience life in Hannover.
 
Every bike ride felt as if I were as free as a bird and as powerful as an angel. A guider of my own life, I felt free and spiritually fulfilled as I meandered past Waterlooplatz in search of the next adventure. 

Where would my pedals take me today? I did not know. I let my heart guide me to the next place. But why is it that I became quasi-obsessed with Hannover?
 
To me, biking is meditation in motion. It’s the time where I plugin my ear buds and connect to my inner world. I do most of my thinking while on two wheels.
 
After countless miles of biking, I finally figured it out. Hannover was this gem, or a paradise that had yet to be an adulterer to the sweet fruits of modern day bullshit.
 
Sure, Hannover had corporate backereis and apothecaries, but life stood still to the good old days that embraced modern values.
 
Women rode bikes alone at 3:00am. Children played outdoors and weren’t shoved in front an Ipad. People sat in peace while sipping on a latte or enjoying a bowl of ice cream that was the size of my head. Women could do dancing without getting harassed by men. People stripped off their clothes and jumped into a lake, or wore thongs at a pool and didn't get snickered at (or kicked out for indecency). Men and women enjoyed alcohol in the park while maintaining personal control. People actually had conversations at a restaurant and were not glued to their iPhone. Life was beautiful. Life was open and free. 
 
Life in Hannover was the quintessential German experience and the way western life should be. I fell deeply in love because I lost all those experiences in America and saw other parts of the world change.
 
I saw how bureaucrats (on both sides) filtered the American mind with violence and consumerism while shoving pills down everyone’s throat. They produced violent, malicious and robotic drones all for the sake of keeping everyone poor, mind-numbed and dependent.
 
The second time I moved back to Australia, I saw how it became more Americanized and since the Gold Coast became a primo party destination there were more crimes with many against women. The New Worlds are a global mix where history has been wiped away and rebuilt with modern high-rise buildings and glittering storefronts.

Somehow, Hannover was stuck in this time machine, locked in a bubble of the good old days. Still clinging on to whatever purity it had, I loved every ounce of it.
 
I did not know where I was going with my thoughts but each ride I found a secret place to park my bike and just be free with the roses. 
 
Red, white, pink, yellow – each and every rose had a message. It told me to appreciate and discover Hannover’s history, especially with its British roots. Somehow it was ironic I ended up in Hannover. I feel that part of my quest in this life is to connect the dots. The same King of Hannover, King George III, also waged war on the American Colonies. Life as an American would’ve looked completely different if the Brits had won.
 
But, every message has its pluses and minuses. The rose, along with the German personality, retaught me toughness something I lost after leaving Cleveland. Toughness is not about being an asshole, but rather conquering/rising above our weaknesses/problems. 

Toward the end of summer, I became sad. I was partly sad because I knew this experience was soon to end. I also became sad, as I knew internally the world was shifting in an unpredictable way. I felt as if I were exploring the last bit of healthy humanity that existed on this planet. It's the quality of life that every back-breaking, emotionally-exhausted American dreams of (or once remembers) - a safe and beautiful place where you can leave your front door unlocked. 

I often study the stars. The stars told me to appreciate what I have because one day it could be gone. I couldn’t help but be thankful for this "diamond in the rough." Sadly, like everything,  even the most precious gems will one day change.   
 
During one sweaty bike ride, my legs became “jello” while conquering the “mountain” in Hannover. I locked my bike and walked through a quiet area around the Lindenberg.
 
The roses were drenched in the morning’s dew. I gazed at a dewdrop that sparkled underneath the partly cloudy sky. I went to touch the petal and the droplet fell into the earth.
 
Like the summer sun, I understood the lesson in that moment. The cycle of life and nature is in the hands of the universe. Something as pure as a dewdrop may fall into the earth, but it may not necessarily die. It will be recycled and rebirthed into something magical.
 
At that point, I did not understand the message, but regardless, the roses showed me the reality and honest truth of nature and life. The drip of the dewdrop symbolized the beauty of Germany and its culture. These people lived through decades of a dark and bleak past, which arose to something better and more beautiful than their history (and the still life that no longer exists in the States.)

Nothing can change the past, but we can control our future. Polar opposites always exist. Good and bad, hot and cold, yin and yang, Germany found its way out of the dark and into the light.   
 
Although I felt incomplete, like I did with Australia (which is why I went back a second time) I somehow knew I would return to Hannover. Where, when and why was beyond my understanding. But, life like nature can be unpredictable (and cruel) just like it is wonderful and beautiful.

In that moment, I could only enjoy the beautiful surroundings and roses and thank Hannover for everything the city and its people gave me.
 
I knew I had to return to America and with hope and the will to strengthen my inner-seed, I hoped that one day I would return to Hannover.  

Get a Lemon Every Now and Then....

Besides softball, tennis was the one sport I loved to watch and play. I took tennis seriously and spent many summer days playing, training and prepping for my high school (and hopeful) college career.
 
One of my dreams as a child was to visit all the Grand Slam events and stadiums. In 2005, I visited Rod Laver arena in Melbourne, Australia. At this time, I studied sport management in the US and the simplicity of Australian tennis and rugby facilities proved that the US treated sports like an amusement park.
 
One facility down, three more to go. While living in Germany, we planned a trip to London, not realizing that it was Wimbledon Finals weekend. Besides hotels costing around 300 pounds per night, we were destined to visit the arena. 

I naively figured that the grand television and grassy knoll that you see on TV is outside of the arena. We trecked to the stadium, pouring sweat in one of the hottest weekends of the year.

Where’s the television? I wanted to do a quick photo snap and be on our merry way until we saw signs pointing to the General Admission line.
 
What is general admission? We didn’t really know, but we were told that we could walk around the stadium. Oh hell, for 15 pounds I might as well get as close to my dream as possible for at least one picture. I may not be able to sip tea and eat crumpets on center court, but I could at least experience Wimbledon.
 
After passing through security check, we were granted access into the stadium. 

And holy shit, you can watch tennis matches? In America, you have to pay for everything and I assumed the general admission provided access to only the grounds.

Oh but we were so wrong. General admission allows you watch many lower level matches all for the price of 15 pounds! You can’t even buy a hot dog and a beer for that price in America. 

Perusing through the “streets” dotted with purple flower hanging baskets, we quietly sat, “oohh and awed” and clapped at the Men’s Junior Final Matches.  Live tennis is exciting especially when the crowd naturally reacts with the same noise for every (missed) shot, Ace or lobby. 

After the match, we meandered through court to find the grassy knoll with the Big screen TV. That’s where it is, inside! How clever. The television broadcasted the men’s final match played on center court. There is so much purple and green inside the stadium that the contrast feels soothes any unexpected sunburn.
 
The only downfall to the experience was that it was bloody hot as hell. A five-pound ice cream cone can only cool you off for so long, so it’s best to wear a sundress during hot days as your skin melts into the seats. 

So, if you visit London during Wimbledon season, take advantage of the General Admission ticket. It’s well worth the experience.
 
And you can view some of the bigger matches and courts especially before the play time. And the security is nice enough to take a picture with you. Apparently, my American accent of saying, “Can you take a picture of us?” meant for my husband to take a picture of the security guy and me. 

Ahhh so one dream down......so many more to go!

Have you been to Wimbledon? Who did you see play? What was your favorite part? 

Find a Lemon Every Now & Then....

Oh the twenties. It seemed just like yesterday. Looking back, I believe the twenties are like the adult-toddler years where we learn to stand on our two feet physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.

It’s the time to learn, make mistakes and discover whom you really are. Besides busting my booty in the career field, I had an enriching and fulfilling decade. I lived abroad four times. I dove deep into spirituality and lived out some of my wildest dreams.
 
Whether peaceful or adventurous, every journey affected my personal growth. With no regrets, these are the 20 most epic adventures I experienced in my twenties.
 
I studied Yoga in India – There’s not much one can say besides studying yoga from the source was one of the most prolific experiences for a 22 year old. Although young, I became wise to understand certain things about life. Now in my 30’s, I REALLY understand my yoga training. Experience and knowledge is key in this unpredictable world.
 
I backpacked as a solo female – From Australia to India to Thailand, I did most of my traveling alone. Yes, I am very extroverted, but also introverted. For me, traveling was a part of my personal growth, and I needed to do many of these things alone. 

I scuba dove the Great Barrier Reef & Fiji – I thought the GBR was beautiful. Well, nothing compares to Fiji. There is an entire world of peace, love and harmony under the surface. People either love or are frightened by the ocean. I became fascinated and cried in my goggles at how precious under the sea life is. 
 
I studied abroad well actually surfed in Australia – Studying abroad was one of the most freeing life experiences. I spent much time learning how to surf and well, surfing taught me a lot. I realized that no matter how many times the wave knocks you off your board, you gotta get back up and try again. How symbolic to life? You can read more here! 

I studied Buddhist Meditation in Thailand and had to live a silent life –  Cat’s out of the bag, people love to chat. The Buddhist Meditation disciplined everyone at the retreat. We were not allowed to talk during meditation or at dinner. We had to place our fork on the table each time we chewed. Talk about getting in touch with your senses, this place taught me everything about sight, sound, scent and taste.
 
I hiked the Ben Lomond Trail in New Zealand – Alone with my thoughts; I plunged up the steep trail to master one of my dreams. Looking over Queenstown, I felt as if I conquered the world. The intense trail pushed me at the time when my minded needed to believe in myself. Standing solo with a few sheep, I never felt so alive and comforted in my life. 

I studied a foreign language – In college, I studied Spanish. In Germany, I studied German. Although I am not fluent in either language, I can read and understand more than I can speak. Learning a language changes your brain. I swear your level of thinking is on a higher platform.
 
I lived in a yoga ashram in Australia – Yet another one of my quirky spiritual experiences; I engulfed myself in spirituality and purity while living in an ashram. At 23, it was weird to see the outside world as an illusion. All the drama and bullshit that goes with being young just didn’t matter anymore. While living at the ashram, a friend from highschool and college died in a car accident. I became more appreciative for life and respected whatever guided us, as they decide when we come and go. 

I danced my ass in Australia, India, Thailand, Germany, Ibiza – Damnit I love electronic-based music. I don’t know why, but I do. I love all types of music, but this stuff triggers my soul. I feel nothing but freedom and happiness the entire time I dance. Dancing is not a new concept, so I find it to be my modern day “spirit” circle.

I detoxed in Thailand with coffee colonics and shots of wheat grass – The second time I lived in Australia I learned many lessons. Crazy boss, losing love, my emotions were a wreck. I traveled to Thailand and stayed at The Sanctuary, a small detox retreat on Koh Phangan. I signed up for a three-day detox where I first discovered the connection between the mind and the gut. I laid naked on a small wooden plank with a bucket of coffee and a tube hanging over my head. Let me say the detox was effective and my mindset ascended from that point. 
 
I went to the Full Moon Party in Thailand while detoxing – The full moon in Koh Phangan is an epic party for twenty-year olds. I ended my detox the same night as the full moon. Sipping on water and eating pineapple, experiencing the party post shitting your brains out gives you a different perspective about life and drugs. Mostly Europeans, many tourists were drunk and/or high. I found the experience to be spiritual to know that my mind and the universe are connected always (without the enhancement of drugs). 

I drank Kava Kava with the locals in Fiji – One night in Fiji, I sat in a circle with locals and other tourists and sipped the mud-like water out of a coconut shell. I don’t remember the dream, but I certainly traveled somewhere far away from my body. Since it was 2005, the authentic ceremony exceeded the watered-down versions of what you see in the west. 

​I worked and WWOOFed in Australia and realized the grass isn’t always greener –  Since 2005, I had this obsession with Australia. I had to return – no matter what! I did return and I worked at a tennis academy. The micromanaging boss was miserable and I needed to get so I WWOOFed and lived in a yoga ashram in Brisbane. I realized that traveling doesn’t always solve problems and the world is filled with the same “stuff” and people.
 
I quit a really well progressed career to move to Hannover, Germany and ate a lot of cake – I have to give credit to my husband for getting us to Germany, BUT I encouraged and supported it. Right when my career hit a peak, I quit and left. Do I regret it? Not really since I gained a different perspective about life that left me more balanced and gushing with happiness about my new-found work-life balance. Plus, Hannover was this last remaining gem of a city in the world. It’s a place where kids run and play in the fields, women walk alone at night and a city that respected arts and culture. 

I partied in Australia without pleasure – The twenties are an interesting age where ego, hormones and drama rule life. For some reason, some higher part of myself discovered epic party moments without drugs or random sex with strangers. I, like many young women, struggled with love and self-confidence, which many females “find” through sex. Not gonna lie, Australian men are very tempting, but I found myself through dancing and having fun. I boosted my self-esteem without some dependency on a man.
 
I bungee jumped the Nevis in New Zealand -  Young and wild at twenty, if I died, I wanted to exit the world doing something epic. Why not bungee jump? Plunging toward death was insanely….peaceful. What? That’s right, I found peace amidst the most chaotic eight seconds of my life. The natural high was way better than what you get in Amsterdam.
 
I did the whole coffee shop thing in Amsterdam – Growing up in the Midwest, we all took DARE classes. I am not a fan of drugs because most of its usage comes from a negative place. But, when in Amsterdam, everyone goes to the coffee shops. Innocently, exploring a brownie is really not that big of a deal. When people feel the need to get high all the time (especially to function) that is the point when it loses its “specialty.” Since pot is legal in Seattle, there is a new level of drug use, which many of the privileged corporate-waged liberals are high – all the time. Amsterdam shows that when drugs are contained and come from a regulated place (and most places do not accept intolerant behavior), pot can be a positive thing. 

I slept on this floor in this village in Thailand - and because of it, I will always appreciate a bed and pillow. 

I swam with sea turtles in Mexico – I first fell in love with sea turtles while studying abroad in Australia. Like a spirit guide, I glided through the water with these beautiful and nearly ancient creatures. Some turtles had “goiters,” which were caused from the oil and sunblock on human hands. Something as ignorant as humans touching a turtle reminds you how arrogant we are to those who believe that humans are not destroying the planet.
 
I hiked the Napali Coast in Hawaii – The Napali Coast is a challenge that is rewarded with the best of nature. Hiking the Napali Coast featured opulent views of the ocean, cliffs, waterfalls, rainbows and everything related to the tropical life. This hike inspired me to become a dreamer and a believer that heaven on earth does exist. 

I bathed naked in a Roman Spa in Europe – I remember studying abroad in Australia and smirked when I saw my first set of nude boobs on the beach. Many full moons later in Europe, I stripped off my clothes and enjoyed the Roman and nude-old spas. Although it took a lot of courage to do this, it’s really not that big of a deal. I mean at one point in humanity we roamed the planet either nude or dressed in a loincloth. 

​I explored the PNW Mountains – The Pac NW is one of the most beautiful areas of the USA. I bathed in fields of wild flowers and trekked some of the hardest trails; the mountains are majestic being that puts life into perspective.
 
I stood 10 feet away from a Black Bear catching salmon on Vancouver Island – Do I need to explain more? My body shook with fear and adrenaline as I got eye to eye with a black bear while standing in scat. 

What crazy, adventurous or epic stuff did you do in your twenties? 
I'd love to hear your stories and adventures!

Let's Connect and Be Friends!

Have you heard about this place called Den Haag in the Netherlands? If you haven't, no need to fret. I discovered "The Hague" a year ago with a chance to live there for a month. I never heard of The Hague with the exceptions of it being Holland's parliament and embassy city. 

When I lived in Australia, government-based cities like Canberra were bleak and not-so-exciting for a young urban gal's wild heart. I figured Den Haag would be the same. Although it has an abundance of embassy offices, The Hague is place where serenity meets excitement. Now, it's not Amsterdam, but its a classier version of what Amsterdam once was many moons ago. 

If you've followed any of my posts, you know that I love the ocean (and the sun). Combined with a bit of entertainment, The Hague's (nearly) countless beach clubs ignite a fiery yet chilled atmosphere, sort of like when yin meets yang. Compared to Germany, The Hague may seem sleepy but the city  itself is more beautiful than most German city centers. And we all know that everything is beautiful next to a beach. 

I spent many afternoons freelance writing, vegan dining and sipping lattes in the sun and grooving to house music at the beloved Peukie's Beach Club.

Peukie's is the place to unplug, let go and let it roll with the sunshine and damn good house music. 

I admire the Dutch's (and German-speaking language cultures) simple design styles that flourish with flowers, beauty and vibrancy. So, when beauty meets the buddha, expect nothing but rainbows as Peukie's is chic and for the young at heart. 

Young, old, single, married; people of all ages kicked back to relax at one of the many sand-side couches or beach cabanas. It's a place where Buddha casts off his meditative energies to ground your toes in the sand while your brainwaves flow the sound of house music bumping at 125 bpm. 

But remember, Buddha has big ears for a reason. Buddha hears all. Even thoughts. He has this majestic telepathic capability and can hear everything including the bratwurst-looking beefcakes who got in a fight because his woman chose someone else. Beach clubs attract it all, including stockpiles of Eurotrash. Sadly, you can't avoid it, but if it happens just keep sipping your latte and focus on your karma.  

In a state of pure bliss, I broadcasted my telepathic gratitude list to the universe. On a sunny Friday in May, I thanked the Buddha for this opportunity to live in Europe and to enjoy the admirable European work-life balance lifestyle. While opening my mental scripture of Blissology 101, I read through the text of my own life.

I'm living in Europe, enjoying lattes, music and the sun, sand and sea. How could I not be thankful for this life I chose? This is the life that I dreamed of. A life with absolute freedom and no restraints. I surfed through the memories of my twenties, and although I don't regret anything from the past I am glad that I lived abroad but also worked hard. The hard work set up my 30's to stop giving a shit and live a life outside of my ego. I don't give a shit if i go out dancing by myself. I don't care what people think of me and I certainly don't give a hoot about drama.  

I didn't want to swim too deep into my mind since the light and airy aspects of the atmosphere taught me to live in the moment, just like Buddha. He reminded me to enjoy the beauty of everything around - the sights, the sounds and of course the majestic sea. 

I recommend Fridays at Peukie's since they have a DJ spinning live house music from afternoon to evenings. The weekend also features a live DJ and special dance events. When on the boardwalk, follow the glittering red lights and vibrations from the bass for a fun time, which well, is synonymous throughout the ND. 

From day to night, most beach clubs open for breakfast and stay open until midnight or 1am. Whether you need to refuel your energy needs from too much swimming, cool off from the heat or possibly cure a hangover, Peukie's offers an array of food to meet modern diet demands.  

That's the beauty of European dining. You can go to a bar and order a latte or an apple juice  compared to the United States where the only alcohol-free beverage at a bar is soda or water. 

Peukie's is not a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, but is plant friendly in many ways. From appetizers to entrees, plant-based meals are available, but with a price. The beach clubs are not cheap. In fact, dining out in The Hague is expensive, and anything near the ocean is pricier. 

First, the lattes ooze with froth and steam with the scent of freshly grounded espresso beans. Served with a Lotus cookie, the Buddha's energy elevates or levitates you to Cloud Nine. Well, it could actually be the espresso beans gyrating your cells since European coffee is not for the weak or those with a bad gut flora. 

If you are on a budget, order a smoothie or the bruschetta. The most prominent vegan item is the ultra-hearty veg burger made with the "meat" from The Hague's vegan butcher, De Vegetarische Slager that will fuel your dancing shoes for the remainder of the evening. It is worth the 18-euros, if you want to ride the magic carpet of culinary bliss - veganism. 

The only negative aspect about The Hague's beach clubs are that most clubs charge their (non) customers to use the bathroom. This ranges between 50 cents to one euro, so keep your purse strings tight as we all know lattes, wine, beer and smoothies flow through the body just like water. 

And the water is as mystical as the Buddha himself.  It's not the Mediterranean but every seashell has a story. It teaches you that its not the destination but the journey in life. High and low tides will continue to lift and sink your soul, but your outlook in life is what keeps you moving forward without looking back and regretting the past.

And to this wisdom, I say "Namaste" to The Hague - a place that has more Buddhas than Thailand (not sure on the accuracy of that but when you visit, you'll see). 

Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a world-traveler and author of Finding Om, an Indian journey about backpacking and studying yoga in India. With a career in fitness, she fuses the best of travel, outdoors and wellness to help change lives everyday. 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Den Haag's Peukie Beach Club: Where Buddha Meets the Beach (and Veganism)

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For those that know me, I enjoy the spiritual part of life. As good German friend once told me, “I don’t think it’s okay for many people to just accept human existence. Many people search for something higher than themselves and a reason for why we are here.”
 
I have my own spiritual non-religious beliefs, but ever since I was a child I knew I needed to visit Acropolis. Something deep inside my soul became determined that I would visit this ancient city. 
 
Nearing the end of my German journey, I became sad that I was so close to Athens, but between exhaustion from traveling and blowing my pocketbook, I was just as far from Athens as I would be in Seattle. Oddly enough, a company I work for in the states contacted me to present a workshop in Athens. Although work was the priority, I had a later evening flight that allowed me to squeeze in an afternoon visit to Acropolis.

Hot, tired and sweaty, I was ready to conquer my dream. Walking up the quiet street, dotted with souvenir shops and taxi stands, I dusted the dirt off my arms and stood at the pathway up to Acropolis. The Acropolis Hill, also referred to as “The Sacred Rock,” is one the world’s most spectacular architectural wonders, and my soul recognized something. 
 
A wave of chills overcame my body and with several tears streaming down my cheek, I said, “I’m home.” I did not know why I became emotional in that moment, but I knew my soul recognized this place. Shit, there had to be something. I mean I was obsessed over Spain and Greece while in college and I even named my blog The Lemon Tree, which the Mediterranean is the mecca of citrus trees. If it weren’t for the Greeks, I never would have studied Recreation, Leisure and Tourism, since leisure birthed from the Greek culture.

I think too a part of my inner world grieved. I grieved for my fear to return to the US, a place that I sometimes have a hard time recognizing because the culture has gotten so extreme. Balance does not exist. The other part of me grieved for humanity.  
 
I watched girls wearing t-shirts that say, “Barbie bitch” and take selfies with fish-lips and peace-sign hands; I could not help but become emotional about the future of where we are going as a “consumerist” species. This place, Acropolis, is the birthplace of some of the most brilliant minds known to man. Living in peace, without pollution, these creative minds had nothing to do but BIRTH the human mind and to observe the stars. 

They saw the movement of the sky and they understood nature, man and the unity between the two beings. 
 
All these creative and sophisticated beings – Aristotle, Socrates, Plato – and not forgetting about poets like Sappho, historians like Herodotus, scientists like Hippocrates and Pythagoras and leaders like Solon. 
 
Fuck! This is it the place where western society based most of its thoughts, philosophies and theories. 
 
Part of me could not believe a place like this still stood, but many buildings have been restored throughout the years due to past destruction. The eternal battle between the west and the east caused much destruction throughout the Centuries.

The most prolific building, the Parthenon, is one of the main reasons why people visit Acropolis.  The Parthenon built in honor of Athena is the symbol of Athens, to thank the goddess for their success. The building replaced a temple that was destroyed by the Persians around 447 BC. The same building later became a  place of worship for the Christians and eventually tuned into a mosque in 1456. Between further destruction, the remnants of this sacred building still stand today.

The Temple of Athena Nike impressed my eyes with its powerful beauty. Perched on a hill, and guarded by towering pillars, I could not help but wonder what people did “back in the day.” 
 
I contemplated the “deeper things” about human existence. In my twenties, I figured out all of my personal shit and now balanced and liberated at 30, I can now “worry” about my role in this world and the future of humans.

I walked the campus thinking, seeing and breathing, until I met the single-standing olive tree. The true symbol of the Greeks, this deeply rooted tree has more wisdom than my 30 years of existence. It told me to keep thinking and breathing and so did the cat down the road.

Still and calm, a slog of DSLR-camera tourists nudged me out of the way to get their “stock photo” of the cat. I started to believe that selfie-sticks are the vein of consumerism's humanity. I continued my journey.

Nearby the towering Greek flag, I gazed into the distance staring at white and red rooftops while sliding out of the way for people’s selfie-sticks. I imagined that back in 400 BC, nothing but vast tree-covered lands once existed this space. 
 
Some people travel just to travel and to accumulate passport stamps as a means of external bragging. And maybe I do the same, but many of my journeys are guided from within.  If there’s an internal urge or attraction to see a place, there must be a reason why.

For me, travel is a time to be alone and think in solitude. Many of my solo journeys are just parts of me trying to pick up the pieces of my soul that I somehow left behind on this planet. And well, I found that piece of me lying in Acropolis. It told me to not be afraid, stop worrying and it’s okay to be different and that wisdom still has a place to be in this world. 

At the time, I was 10 days away from launching my first travel memoir, Finding Om, a journey of backpacking and studying yoga in India. My journey of introspection and analysis between our east and west worlds inspired me to help people help themselves through ancient wisdom. And although semi-broke from backpacking, I knew abundance would find its way once again to my bank account.

Although nature has taught me a lot, so did Acropolis. And for that I am forever thankful for this experience and the time I spent with the Greek fitness professionals. Their culture is alive and amazing and although they struggle financially, their heart is in the right place, in their head – something much of the world is missing today.

Powerful places like Acropolis should never be taken for granted. The problems that our ancestors overcame and the appreciation people had for the past must never be forgotten. Although life is very difficult still today, it is no where near as challenging as it was even thirty years ago where parts of the world still suffered from inhumane acts. 

Touring Acropolis is more than just a tourist destination. It's the gateway into your soul and to understand the origins of mankind's most innovative thinkers. ​

Wisdom begins in wonder. – Socrates
 
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature. – Socrates
 
Wisdom outweighs any wealth. – Sophocles
 
Nature does nothing uselessly. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
 
Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor. - Euripides

What have you learned on your journeys abroad? I'd love to hear more about your thoughts, contemplative moments or journeys into the world unknown (and your soul). 

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I first visited the Riviera Maya in 2003. At 18, I saved enough money from working at a garden nursery and spent a week in Cancun. For many years, Cancun was my only memory of the RM. 
 
Just before my 30th birthday, I took an agonizing 12-hour flight from Germany to Cancun. Before meeting my dad, I spent a couple nights in Playa del Carmen, which is a step up from Cancun. 
 
Crowded streets chocked full of Australian and European backpackers that hung out at street side taco stands, sipping on the good life, a Corona. Where am I? Thailand?

Normally, Mexico is the big and exotic destination for Americans, but I had no idea that young backpackers also flocked to the RM. Young at heart, I felt alive, not worrying about turning the big 3-0 and remembered my backpacking adventures around Asia. Oh the life to be young and free….
 
I instantly fell in love with Playa del Carmen (though my love affair deepened once I got to Tulum) as the air had this sultry sensation between man, earth and guacamole. 
 
Jet lag, I arose close to five in the morning where I made way to the beach. Not surprised, I as well as many other techno-loving partiers enjoyed the sunrise while dancing and still drinking beer. If there is such a thing as heaven and earth, I think I found it. My eyes gazed at one of the most dramatic skies I've ever seen. I peeled my eyes to the sky waiting for some Mayan God to burst from the dark and stormy rain clouds.

My soul felt at home and my pocketbook yearned for further exploration. 
 
Blistering my feet in flip-flops, I paced up, down and around every street in Playa del Carmen. Broke and unemployed, I needed to control my inner “consumerisitic” warrior from shining. From handmade necklaces that draped over one’s backside to la-la-luxurious $250 swimsuit wraps, I found an entirely new wardrobe and apartment décor collection. Sadly, I had to walk away from any "bad" decisions.

Hand painted pots called my name and misogynistic cat-callers whistled to every “chica bonita” who walked past. 
 
Playa del Carmen is a place for partygoers and the young at heart. Here, visitors can rent affordable guestrooms or apartments that are neatly decorated with tropical flowers and Mexican-style tile.

I visited during the annual bpm festival where world-famous DJ’s from around the world play in beach clubs and bars from sunrise to sunrise. It’s a nonstop party palace, which also attracts the euro-trash beefcakes who strut their shit shirtless with beer in their left hand and fist-pump to the beat of the music with the right. 
 
But, let’s not forget about the “Americanas”…
 
To me, Playa is a fusion between the trash of Cancun and the class of Tulum. I took a beach walk one afternoon since I wanted to photograph the beach. Near the ferry dock is the popular Senor Frogs establishment. At about 1pm, drunken beer-belly American men grounded the shit out of women to 1992 “big butts” hip-hop music just like a local trying to mortar some cumin. In fact, they had about a 10-person dry-humping train that choo-choo’d for more shots of tequila.

Onto more prominent things, if you head to the gated Playacar community you will secretly find some old ruins. Well, I don’t know how good their security is because all you have to do is walk through someone’s backyard from the beach to get into the community. 
 
But, the Mayans must’ve noticed the magnetic energy that surrounds this area. With broken ruins and bursting palm tree-like leaves, a little peaceful sanctuary exists away from Playa’s main drag. 
 
Such roots. Such history. Life is amazing. At one point of human existence, intelligent tribes came here to discover the “x, y and z’s” about life. Now several blocks away, over-intoxicated drunkards pissed on the palm trees near these very ruins.

What the fuck is going on with the world? I didn’t have the answer and I knew consumerism played a roll into the dramas of life. Until I knew the answer, I cleansed my soul in this powerful ocean and looked forward to heading south. 
 
For some reason, a small part of me felt at home. Playa is the perfect mix of peace and quiet and party-time bars that remind me of my study abroad trip to the Gold Coast, Australia. It's amazing how memories are stirred from a place's sight, sounds and scenery. Although playa can be expensive, at least the guacamole is tasty and affordable. 

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How many of us live each day and worry about something or negatively put ourselves down? Though not many people will openly admit this, a lot of people suffer in at least in one area of life. I think most of our problems can root back to loneliness, low self-esteem or a lack of love for oneself.  Whatever the issue, I understand because I’ve been there.
 
Life continues to evolve, which means we also constantly change. One year we may think differently than we did two years previous. Change is a part of life. I feel that writing a memoir had a profound effect on my life. When re-hashing life situations it is easy to become nostalgic and then let the imagination wander with all these “coulda woulda and shoulda” scenarios. But for areas of life that I felt ashamed or sorrow, I believe writing a memoir was one of the best things I did for my life and wellbeing.
 
Regardless if the book is successful, I am beyond thrilled at where I am at in my life because of writing this book - Finding Om. This doesn’t mean that I wake up everyday with a smile and see rainbows and unicorns floating over my head, but it means that I’ve worked through some shit (again) and finally let go of some deeper things that I processed but never really forgave myself for my behavior.  
 
Without further ado, here are some ways that writing a memoir liberated my soul.
 
I Found Freedom – Anyone who knows me, understands my soul’s yearning for a freelance lifestyle. Although I still work a part-time fitness management desk and training job, I work for an amazing boss who leaves me be. Part of this could be my life path, but I think part of it is the reality I’ve created for myself. I may not be financially rich, but my life is rich and abundant with experience, which gives me the ultimate freedom my soul has desired.
 
I’ve Become Detached – This goes hand in hand with freedom, but the best thing about writing and reliving my yoga training (all while living off of two suitcases of clothes in Germany) is that I’ve become detached from consumerism. I watch people and listen to women sometimes talk before a yoga class. People flushed with six-figure incomes (money that I can only dream about) are living paycheck to paycheck. Women chit-chatting about needing a certain pair of flats to match their new dress are consumed with their appearance. And those jet-setter, sometimes pompous douche-bags, needs to keep up with the Jones’s.
 
Now, I know certain industries like being a lawyer status plays a huge role in success, but I am SO FREE from worrying about what other people think of or see me as and I do not give two-shits if my flats are several years old or that I haven’t had my haircut since September 2014. I don’t believe in looking like a slob, but my point is that the less I worry about what other people think, or this need to fit in, makes me free from having to fit into any trend. I CREATE my life – and fashion and consumerism doesn’t guide or create me. 
 
I can live on a minimalist life that is filled with experience not dusty shit sitting in a box in the basement.
 
I Forgave Myself – For a long time I’ve always felt bad about how my college relationship ended. During my time of writing this memoir, especially during the end, I had dreams that included my ex. In many of those emotional dreams, I continued to express my forgiveness to him. Between writing and dreaming, I re-realized my mistake, which leads me to the next point, but I became somewhat thankful for that mistake. Why? Because after that experience I never made it again.
 
I’ve Made Mistake, But Other People Have Done Worse – I really believe our early 20’s is a time of self-discovery. I was so ashamed over something’s I’ve done that it took me a while to forgive myself. When writing this memoir, I realized I made mistakes, but other people have made much worse choices throughout their life.
 
While young, I wanted to explore drugs, but some higher part of me didn’t do it since I wanted to find purity and love outside of being intoxicated. So I gave myself credit for the things that I chose NOT to do too. So I slept with someone else while living with my ex-boyfriend. At 22, if that’s the worst thing I’ve done in my life, I really think I’m okay. I would have been embarrassed to publically mention that a year or two ago, but now I am okay with it because I AM HUMAN.
 
I believe writing creates awareness and allows us to triumph above our mistakes.
 
I’ve Accepted Life’s Guidance – The coolest part of writing a memoir many years after the experience happened allowed me to connect the dots. For a while after India, I wondered, “Whatever happened to that man from Mumbai?” What I never TRULY realized until writing is that sometimes the best things happen to you based on life taking its course (and universal guidance). If I never met my husband, I never would’ve had the life experiences between 2008 through today. I may never have moved to Germany and if I stayed in India my life would’ve been drastically different. 
 
This allowed me to accept the life challenges presented after India because without them I would not be where I am today.  
 
Good, bad, happy and sad – it all plays a part in the growth of our souls.
 
I’ve Accepted My Life Choices – I realized that I really do love traveling. It’s a part of me that I hope never dies. Between writing and living in Germany, I’ve come to realize that I am dedicating a HUGE portion of my life to personal pursuits and self-discovery, which includes traveling. The more I travel the more I “find” things about myself and understanding of how the world works.
 
I always remind myself of what my guru says, “You are never alone” which we humans can be physically alone, but spiritually we are not.
 
I’ve Accepted Living an Unconventional Life – Unconventional maybe an understatement. I think it’s my soul’s work on this planet to have many experiences, which differs from the “normal” life. I never had the true urge to birth children and often questioned if I was sent here to guide and teach others.
 
Many years ago (2010 to be exact), I personal trained a lady who was a mother of four kids.
 
One day during our session, she said, “I just don’t get those women who don’t want to have children. There’s something wrong with them?”
 
My ego immediately wanted to react and say, “Well what the fuck do you think is wrong with me? I have a Master’s Degree and a shit ton of life experience, what makes me so “wrong” as a woman?” Now the mindset about life differed in 2010, especially in a small conservative town, but I accepted the differences of my life choices and path.
 
Maybe one day I’ll reach my mid-30’s and make a conscious decision to have a child, but I realized once again while writing that some of us are placed on this planet to be teachers, guiders, creators and mothers. I do believe my mom was sent here to birth kids. I believe for myself that I am sent here for a different reason and there is NOTHING WRONG with not wanting to live a “NORMAL” life, especially when you can benefit society with your gifts.
 
While rehashing my travels through my book, I said the same things at 20 as I do now at 31, but with more wisdom. Life is about choices and we can all choose the life we want to live. I sometimes feel my best while I am on the road.
 
Letting Go – The biggest thing I can express from writing a memoir is the letting go process. I kept a journal while I lived in Australia and re-reading that 11 years later made me elated to see how much I’ve overcome. Writing is a powerful tool - and so is yoga. I relived my yoga training, which reminded of certain lessons that re-conquered any deep-rooted fears that I had. 
 
We humans are complex as emotions keep our minds spinning up, down and around all the time. The biggest lesson is to let go of what no longer serves you. Whether its dropping consumerism or forgiving my heart about my ex-boyfriend, letting go is necessary to ascend to the next step of life.
 
Because of this experience, I feel free and comfortable within my inner and outer world. Never in my life have I ever had such confidence in myself and trust with the universe.  
Have you found writing or another tool to be powerful to liberate your soul? If so, please, I’d love to hear how you found freedom or liberation! 

Elizabeth Rae Kovar is the author of Finding Om: An Indian Journey of Rickshaws, Chai, Chapattis and Gurus. Finding Om is a travel memoir about backpacking and studying yoga in India, Ebook and print copies are available on Lulu.com, Amazon (Kindle), B&N (Nook Book) and KOBO. 

Any books sold now through July 4, 2016, partial proceeds will be donated to Yoga Behind Bars.

Upon my first footsteps through the quaint and quiet streets of Goslar, I could not believe my eyes. How does a place like this still exist in Germany after World War II? Goslar, a small town located next to the Harz Mountains, is one place that everyone should visit while in Niedersachsen. 
 
Known as the “Queen of the Harz”, the only thing missing are the jesters, peasants and children wearing rags that meander the streets. Goslar is an untouched and majestic medieval town that sparkles with history. The only way to describe Goslar is that it really is a fairy-tale town pulled directly from a Grimm Brother’s book. Just by the looks of the buildings you can feel the existence of Hansel and Gretel come alive.

City center is not far from the Hauptbanhof (central train station) and it’ll take several minutes of meandering past the modern plagues of Kartstadt and H&M before getting to the good stuff.  First, I recommend getting lost in the side streets on and around Bäckerstraße to explore its thousand-year-old history and _____ faux houses, the traditional half-timbered homes. Here, you’ll explore buildings constructed in the 15th and 16th Century with wonders such as, “How many people have lived in this very apartment?” 

Along with colorful facades and blooming plant life, you’ll also explore “modern” Germany where the Apothekes (pharmacy) open 8-1 on Saturdays and 10-1 / 2-6pm during the week, a life that maybe once existed in 1930 America. So, if you think your heart may go "kaputz," stay away from the wurst and bring extra meds. 

The heart of Goslar is its central Market Square. Bustling with leisurely walkers, locals and visitors experience the slow life by having a cup of coffee at one of the many street side cafes or watching the town clock strike the new hour. The carillon bells and figures chime four times per day where mining figures tell the story of the Rammelsburg mining and its renowned discovery of ore by Knight Ramm. 
 
The two most impressive buildings are the Gothic Kaiserworth and town hall. The Baroque figures still stand on Kaiserworth boasting the best of Gothic-architecture. History dates back to 1494 where clothed-merchants build their immediate guild hall. 
 
Another prominent landmark is the Market Fountain. Topped with a golden Eagle, this fountain marks the center of Goslar and its market square. The lower basin was constructed in the 12th Century flaunting the Romanesque times. One hundred years later, locals added the upper bowl while the eagle perched its throne in the 13th Century. However, the eagle’s crown dates to the 18th Century. Although pieced together through time, it’s the perfect place to toss a Euro and make a wish. I’m still waiting for mine to come true, but you know, patience. 

After exploring the Nordturm de Marktkirche (central square’s church), walk left on the Hoher Weg for a cup of tea or a slice of traditional kuchen (cake). Keep your eyes peeled for the witch guarding the cafe doors. Alongside the road you’ll notice various tourist shops filled with “hexens” (witches) and Christmas decorations sold year round. Let me tell you, if you love German Christmas the items in Goslar are much more affordable here than in other parts of Germany. 
 
Witches play a large roll in Germany’s medieval history. Wurzburg is known for the largest witch trial in the Deutschland, but Goslar does not shy away from its dark past and The Harz Witch Trials. Known as the modern day aromatherapist, witches brewed up plenty of medicinal cures for people in need. They understood nature, the same as the modern day tea mixer.
 
If you get a chance to stop at the Elke Walter tea shop located near Market Square, I highly recommend spending the two-euro on a bag of loose-leaf “hexenpunsch” or witch’s punch. 

Anyways, on Hoher Weg is the 1254 Great Holy Cross. Here, orphans, pilgrims and ill people received food and shelter. What looks once like a church is now an art gallery for local artists. Nestled in tiny rooms, duck under the four-foot doorway to explore a variety of jewelry, handmade clothes, scarves, pottery, glassware, paper products and purses. 
 
Nearby is the Tin Figure Museum, which is a must-see in Goslar. Set in a 16th Century building, local artists keep history alive by creating, constructing tin figures. The two floor museum shows approximately ten thousand handmade and painted tin figures to show the best of Goslar’s thousand-year-old history. There is really no other word other than “cute” to describe the pride and care that goes into bringing tradition alive. 

There is so much to do, see and explore in Goslar that one to two days here is best. Although ordinary, exploring life outside the gated old town is still majestic in its own way. On Septemeber 20, 1934 Hitler made a grand appearance in Goslar. Luckily, Goslar remained pure and untouched, unlike most of Germany.   
 
Can you imagine what Germany would have looked like if World War II never happened? I can only imagine that it looked a lot like Goslar…

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Goslar, Germany: A Place Where Medieval Life is Still Alive
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It’s no secret that moving abroad changes people. Mostly for the better, your views and perceptions about the world and yourself change. Now, I must admit living in Germany was never my dream. I always wanted to live in Australia and conquered that dream at 20 and 23 respectively. But Germany? 

Why the hell would I want to live in this dark and cold place that completely fucked millions of lives and thousands of historical sites back in the 1940’s? It wasn’t my dream. Spain or Greece was my dream, but not Germany. It was my husband’s life-long and dying dream to live in Germany and learn the language.

There’s a backstory to why I never had the desire to move to Germany.  My great grandmother lived in a small Ukrainian village and my Great Grandfather was from Krakow, Poland. I talked to my great grandmother who we called Baba about her horrific journeys of being taken from her village by the SS and sent on trains to work/displacement camps to Budapest, Vienna and later in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Hearing these stories made it seem that Germany and Germans are dark, cold and cruel. My great grandmother passed a couple years ago at 92, and I always wondered what she would have thought about me moving to Germany - a place where she survived a "nightmare."

Before moving, I had these visions of sitting in a detainment cell with my two cats getting quarantined because my American veterinarian filled out the USDA paperwork with black ink instead of blue and the fear that the Germans would euthanize my cats. My poor relaxed veterinarian had to deal with my stringent reminders of “you MUST do this.”

Well, anyways, looking back I had an amazing and positive experience. And I could not have imagined living anywhere else in Europe other than Hannover, Germany. Here are the eight things I really learned about Germans.

Living a Modest Life
As an American, I feel two things that rule most of our existence is money and success. With a rising cost of living, money, and wanting more of it, caused me so much stress throughout my life. What I learned in Hannover and Northern Germany is that I can survive off the basics and do not need as much stuff in my life. I moved to Germany with two suit-cases, only to find myself wearing 1/3 of the clothes that I actually brought. It reminded me of how much shit we accumulate and never use. If I had to live in northern Germany, I realized that I can live a great life if I could earn around 2,000 Euros per month.  Although the cost of living is less than the United States, I realized that my happiness combined with a modest life (balanced with work and pleasure) sounds much more enriching than a life slogging it for the big bucks.

I Got Tough
I really hope this stays with me, but the German’s method of efficiency and brutal honesty toughened me up. Most people can view the Germans as rude and some as complete jerks. I didn’t become an asshole, but I became a realist. At times in America, I felt like an old weathered chair - beaten down from the daily grind and "giving" myself unconditionally.
I now have no problems saying “no” to the things that no longer serve me. Before I would worry about my reputation or what people would think if I didn’t accept certain opportunities. I now really value that my time is money. And I too need to eat and pay my bills, especially when it comes to people over-stepping boundaries and wanting free services all the time. 
But the German attitude helped me in my coaching business because it allows me to be kind but blunt, which before I needed a bit more “umph” in that department. It was there all along, hiding in the back of my throat, but the Germans brought that out in me.

Independence
I’ve been an independent person my entire life. In fact, at times I’ve been so independent or have done too many things solo that it borders “lonerism.” What traveling taught me is that I want complete control and independence of my life. Some of that includes this desire to be a full-time freelancer so I can dictate my vacation schedule, but I cannot help this inner drive that wants to be free of constraints (and 10 days of vacation per year).  

Life is Short
For all you #YOLO fans, I know you’ll agree with me. The one thing that traveling opens my eyes to is the fact that life is short. You never know if there will be a tomorrow or whether or not an obstacle will block your road to success. I don’t necessarily agree with some YOLO people I know who party non-stop, because you know, you only live once. I’ve found too much of anything is never a good thing.  What I’ve discovered is a balance of pleasure, doing what you love and finding hobbies that make you happy. 

I remember to this day my memory of landing in Australia on my 20th birthday. The memory is so fresh, it’s like the air I am breathing in right now. In that moment, I knew I wanted to write and live a life full of happy memories. Somewhere in my mid-20’s I forgot that and had hunger for success, reputation and money. But, thanks to seeing how Germans live, I flushed my ego down the toilet and am not attached to what people think of me or how I live my life. Sure, I still worry about money (you need it to survive) but it’s not consuming my happiness.   

I Got Balanced
Like living a modest life, Germans really understand work-life balance. Although globalization and world-wide jobs are changing this, most Germans know how to enjoy life outside of work. People have a social life during the week and are not glued to their phone checking their work email. Some of my twenty-some year-old friends had no idea (nor understood the point) of Twitter. Work is work. You do it, you earn cash and then you go live your life. 

I loved how many Hannoverians would work a half day Friday and immediately bike to the Maschee Lakes for a barbecue, swim and laugh with friends. It's the most ultimate freeing experience. And it reminds me of how much wasted work time we have in America when many jobs give you 30 hours of work, but have to sit there for 40. 

But I transformed into a middle-of-the-road person in every aspect of life - diet, exercise, politics - somewhere the truth lies down the middle. 

Germans are Actually Kind People
Germans are like a coconut. Hard on the outside, but when you break through their thick skin, it’s all warm, gushy and sweet in the center. Somehow this made us question, “How the hell did Germans actually do WWII?” They are so kind and sweet that I could not understand this. 
Now I think anyone is susceptible to brainwashing, but when you see the obedience and “follow the rules” culture, it made realize how the hell something like this happened. 

Germans are excellent at making things better. Ever heard of “German Engineering?” Their peculiar and critical thinking minds excel at making some of the best products in the world. But when it comes to innovation and breaking the rules, Americans got that all the way. Some of the best things were created when breaking the rules and well, I relate to that as my inner rebel wants to flee mainstream ideas and products. 

So I found my initial perception interesting. Compared to Americans, Germans are not exactly the friendliest culture, but there are pockets down south where Germans smile on a daily basis. For some, the biggest worry of their day is what type of “kuchen” (cake) they’ll eat that afternoon. Isn’t that a fantastic worry?

​Eat Cake and Be Happy
Many moons ago in graduate school, I was so hardcore about everything that I ate. I would never eat processed foods nor eat anything laden with chemicals, sugar or salt. Even today, everything I buy is organic and mainly whole foods. What I never realized was the level of intensity and stress this caused me. Every minute of the day, I worried about every morsel of food that I put into my mouth. I spent more time reading labels than I did reading my school books. In some ways, my social life suffered because I chose not to eat many things off the menu. 

There is no doubt that America has food problems, but thankfully more sustainable and healthy foods are hitting the restaurant. What Germans taught me is this sense of pleasure that surrounds food and one’s social life. So yes, eating cake has sugar in it and may not be vegan (all classical European baking contains dairy and sugar but is healthier than American sweets because it does not have as much sugar) but the memories imprinted in my brain of sitting with my Canadian friend and eating cake out of the oldest (and best) bakery, The Kakao Stube,  in Hannover is priceless. 

Coming back to the states, I can’t express how much time people focus on their food, diabetes, creamer in their milk, body image and fear of getting fat. I never had a conversation with any European about weight or the need to not eat cake because they’re on a diet. They didn’t worry about it and used common sense that too much of anything is rarely a good thing. 

Being back in the states, sometimes I feel more like a bud than a blossom as my approach to health, diet and exercise are so balanced I don't know where I belong. I'm not as extreme as many fitness philosophies, but sometimes I'm too logical for the yoga crowd. So, where do I fit in?

In Hannover, I felt like a thriving rose that opened its pedals to the sunny side of life. I was in-tuned with the locals, and I felt accepted for just being me. 

What Exists in America Doesn't Exist Elsewhere
Although rainbows can be seen everywhere on this planet, I cannot believe how lucky the American life really is. My Hannover lessons of balance, being modest and scarcity made me realize that America is like it's own planet. 

I love peasant food and cooking simple foods that come from the earth. In Hannover, grunkohl or what we call kale in America is only sold at markets and stores during the winter harvest months. In America, you can find all types of kale year round at every single grocery store, especially since its a trendy "superfood." 

Before leaving America, I was still writing my memoir, Finding Om. I took workshops, classes and seminars about how to become an author. They kept saying, "Ebooks are the new thing. Print books are going obsolete and will leave the market in the next decade." I believed all this bullshit until I lived in Hannover. 

Another funny story is that our American friend stayed with us for a couple of days in Hannover. Once we met, she talked about how she couldn't believe how many iPhone 4 & 5's she saw even though the iPhone 6 has been on the market for several months. 

I find this funny because Germans (and Europeans) are practical and realistic people. 

Book stores thrive, people still use flip phones and locals eat cake, bread and ice cream and are some of the happiest and most emotionally balanced people on the planet. 

The first time I moved to Australia, I had this burning desire to move back before I even left the country. I couldn't explain why, but i felt as if I picked up a piece of my soul and it was my duty to return. I too feel the same way about Hannover. Somehow and somewhere I will make it back. Until then, I can only dream about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, which i call - Hannover. 

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