Our European Hitchhike – A Cross-Border Comedy of Errors

Welcome to the chronicles of our transcontinental misadventures we had to conquer to be together. 

Picture this: two people in love, separated by the countless kilometers between the German-French border with the Rhine in between them – united by their undying affection and never even irritated by the distance.

As we embark on this journey together, prepare to dive into stories of travels that would let the most experienced traveler shake and clutch their carry-on in disbelief. From missed flights to improvised sleepovers at relatives houses, sleeping on an uncomfortable airport bench – we’ve seen it all.

But wait, there’s more! Join us as we conquer our fears, one mode of transportation at a time. Whether it’s my fear of heights or enduring the questionable comforts of an overnight bus ride – we’ve learned that love truly knows no bounds – or, apparently, standards of legroom.

So, buckle up – or not, depending on mode of transportation – and prepare to laugh, cringe, and maybe even shed a tear or two as we recount our cross-border escapades. Because when it comes to matters of the heart – and international travel – anything can happen. And trust me, it usually does.

The Airport Dilemmas

Our first encounter, a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation, was topped off by an impromptu day spent at the airport for me after my morning flight from Paris to Germany was cancelled. 

As I waved farewell to my love and prepared to board my flight back to Germany, little did I know that destiny had other plans in store.

There I was, stranded in the ever repeating scenario of the airport terminal, my dreams of a comfortable, quick return home dashed by the cruel hand of fate. Eleven long hours stretched before me like an eternity, each minute ticking by with agonizing slowness. The irony of my situation got maximized by the 15€ food voucher the airline lady had given me as a compensation, a pitiful attempt of lifting my spirits.

Every cloud has its silver lining – so this turned from a very long day of impatience and exploring the Parisian airport into a hilariously bizarre anecdote to tell for us. 

Fast forward to the day when my beloved partner embarked on his maiden voyage to visit me in Germany and fate had a cruel sense of déjà vu in store for us both, as his flight back suffered the same fate as mine – cancelled, delayed and compensated with a 15€ airport voucher.

As we bid Tschüss to romance in an airport in favour of a more convenient travel option – or, in our case, just not going back – we embrace the shared laughter and remembrance of moments searching for alternative connections in situations like these for each other.

The Overnight Bus Odyssey

I remember the thrill of adrenaline as I entered the bus for my first overnight journey to France that kept me awake and let all my hypothetical tiredness vanish, even though it was already late at night – with the clock striking the time of leaving the bus station, I found myself comfortably set up in my chosen seat, no one next to me preventing me from the peaceful night I was hoping to experience.

As the bus hummed to life and set off on its nocturnal odyssey, I congratulated myself on this choice, fueled by the rush of excitement for what was to come. Yet, despite my best efforts to stay awake to cherish the experience, the gentle  sway provided by the bus was too irresistible and lulled me into a surprisingly peaceful slumber. 

Imagine my surprise waking up to sun rays of a very busy Paris tickling my nose around 7 in the morning, its warm embrace filtering through the bus windows and signaling our arrival in France. 

Confident by this seemingly effortless experience, I dared to repeat the experience recently and was once again lectured on the unpredictability of travel.

From loud, sleep interrupting passengers to a late arrival that tested my limits of patience, this journey seemed to be far from my prior overnight bus experience. By the time I reached my destination, exhaustion weighed heavily upon me and I was lucky to have my partner prepare everything for me to just relax for a bit after my arrival in our French home.

Lesson learned: even the most confident of travelers can be humbled. 

The Train Tales

The allure of train travel – our preferred mode of transportation, despite its occasional hiccups and hurdles. Through strikes, cancelled trains, and unforeseen delays, we remained steady in our commitment to the rails, unbothered by the challenges that came our way.

Time and time again, we found ourselves faced with the time consuming task of rebooking tickets, navigating through cryptic schedules, and deciphering the language of railway announcements.

Indeed, one might say we have become veritable experts in the art of train travel – so much so that we could practically be hired on the spot at Deutsche Bahn and SNCF. With a wealth of experience, we have mastered the studies of the railway system, from the adventures of ticketing to the nuances of platform etiquette. And so, despite the occasional detour or delay, we continue to embrace train travel with open arms, knowing that each journey brings with it the promise of adventure and discovery. 

As luck is having it, I am currently writing away on this on a train journey back from France, as if the universe knew how to set the atmosphere just right for this article.

The Road Across Borders

As we found ourselves getting fed up with public transportation, my partner decided to take matters in his own hands. Being the stereotypical French rebel he is, he got behind the wheel and drove all the way from France to Germany.

Me, being the anxious German, sat at home and waited for his safe arrival, constantly checking my phone to check the time and notifications signaling he was well. Yet, despite my concerns, I found comfort in the fact that the person by my side is a safe and skilled driver, on top of that one who prioritises safety above everything else. 

The thought of him navigating the highways in the darkness, and the potential risks associated with fatigue, weighed heavily on my mind. I anxiously awaited updates, hoping for his safe arrival.

What I was also awaiting was my critical French ones review of driving in Germany for the first time – let’s just say: he wasn’t exactly thrilled with the Autobahn, German drivers and crooked marks or lines on the streets. But he’s not a man of empty words, so off he went on his drive, determined to brave the highways and byways of Deutschland.

But you know what? Despite my fears, my partner proved himself to be a real hero. He made it to Germany safe and sound, with not a scratch on him or the car. And let me tell you, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when he finally pulled into the driveway.

So here’s to my beloved Frenchman – the one that dared to take on the fight with German traffic, after all there’s no one I trust more when it comes to getting from point A to point B.

The Joy of a Journey’s End

As I sit here, writing to you from the confines of my seat on the final journey back to Germany, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The countless trips back and forth between Germany and France are coming to an end, with my upcoming move to France just days away. 

It’s been quite the ride, quite literally. We’ve traversed highways and railways, endured airport delays and bus rides from hell, all in the name of love. But you know what? Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing.

In fact, I’m grateful for every single experience we’ve shared on this journey. The determination we showed each other by taking the long way for one another, time and time again, speaks volumes about the strength of our bond.

With each trip, our connection deepened, our understanding of each other grew, and our love blossomed. And let’s not forget the countless funny stories we’ve collected along the way – tales of missed flights, luggage restrictions, and unexpected adventures that we’ll be laughing about for years to come.

So here’s to the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in France. I couldn’t be more excited to start this next phase of our lives together, knowing that we’ve weathered the storm and emerged stronger and more united than ever before.