Travelogue to Germany | Damn Heidelberg!

Oh wow! Heidelberg is just amazing! I’ve been here for a few hours now and it’s already one of the most enchanting and picturesque cities I’ve ever been to. I managed to find my way to the Lotte hostel with too much trouble, and let me tell you, Heidelberg is truly one of a kind. The city is split right down the middle by a grand river, and it’s hard not to be struck by the beauty of the church bells ringing, the red roofs of the houses nestled together, and the stunning castle perched atop the highest point of the city.

Everything here is built for two people, absolutely everything! It’s no wonder Germans call it a lovers’ town. Everywhere I look there are young couples strolling hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, and embracing each other with such sincerity and care, regardless of the outside world.

The Neckar River is home to several bridges, but none quite as famous as the Karl Theodor Bridge that sits right in the middle. So many works of art have been inspired by this bridge, and in my opinion, it’s reminiscent of the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague. It’s impossible not to be drawn in by its beauty, and I’m sure anyone who sees it for the first time will stop to take it all in.

I really wanted to capture the landscape and the city, so I asked a Japanese boy to take a photo of me with my camera. I took a few shots, put my camera back in my special backpack, and got lost in the beauty of the city. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even realize I had left my backpack behind until 30 minutes later when I crossed the bridge and reached the bench.

I looked all around me, but there was no sign of my backpack or the Japanese boy. Panic set in as I realized that my passport was inside my backpack. I was filled with distress and started approaching anyone who crossed my path to ask if they had seen my backpack. I was so upset that tears were streaming down my face.

That’s when I noticed a hotel called Hollander in front of the bench. I went inside and asked if anyone had dropped off a backpack. They told me that a skinny, short-haired man had left a backpack on the bench, and it was still there without an owner.

I called the police and two officers arrived shortly after, a man and a woman. They asked me a series of questions about when, where, and how this had happened, and I explained everything to them.

He handed me a sheet of paper containing his contact number and email, informing me that I must wait. It turned out that in West Germany, tomorrow through Monday is an official holiday, with all government offices closed!

I found myself stuck in Heidelberg until the holidays passed. For me, those few days felt like years, and what was once the most beautiful city in the world had become the worst. I spent my days taking long walks and my nights indulging in German cigarettes and drinks. I even found myself sitting by Karl’s Bridge in the middle of the night, crying and pleading for my passport to be returned. I Felt like a helpless child.

Once the holidays were over, I headed to various offices and waited for several more days, yet I still received no word on my passport.