“From tiny experiences we build cathedrals.” -Orhan Pamuk I apologize for how long it’s been since I’ve updated this blog, however a lot of “tiny” and pretty BIG experiences have happened to me in the last few months–especially since...
Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), Cologne, Germany – January 2023
“From tiny experiences we build cathedrals.” -Orhan Pamuk
I apologize for how long it’s been since I’ve updated this blog, however a lot of “tiny” and pretty BIG experiences have happened to me in the last few months–especially since the beginning of the new year. A last-minute trip to celebrate New Year’s Eve with old friends in Cologne, Germany kicked off almost two months of a rollercoaster ride of truly wild and unexpected events.
Where to start? Well, firstly, I really love this quote from Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk. It’s from an interview he did for The Paris Review: “Orhan Pamuk, The Art of Fiction No. 187.” My main interpretation of the quote is that it’s important to recognize and honor that all experiences in life – even tiny and seemingly insignificant ones – do have meaning and matter. I also feel it’s a message of encouragement and perseverance: keep getting up in the morning, keep moving forward, keep moving, keep trying, keep building. Great, beautiful things can be created and accomplished from tiny actions and moments.
This really speaks to me, especially right now, because I feel like I’m stuck in rut, desperately trying to claw my way out of a deep trench of frustration, anxiety, hopelessness, and confusion. And lately, these frustrations seem much worse than usual. I feel very overwhelmed.
But, there are so many “cathedrals” I want to build during the remainder of my life.
My trip to Germany was supposed to be an exciting, adventurous, and joyous return to Europe after a 10-year absence (many years ago I lived in Ireland, France, and spent a lot of time in Berlin, Germany). I couldn’t wait to reunite with old friends and to have my feet back on European soil–two things which always brought me much happiness.
The New Year’s Eve party we had in Köln (Cologne) was FUN! I reconnected with cool people from the Netherlands who made the trip for the party, met new Dutch and German friends, and had a blast hanging out with my friends whom I hadn’t seen since New York City in 2015. A few minutes before the clock struck midnight, we all ran outside to the front of the house, grabbing glasses and bottles of champagne, party hats and fireworks. Even several of the little children who managed to stay awake were outside with us, excitedly waving sparklers in their small hands.
Suddenly, someone began shouting a countdown to midnight: 5-4-3-2-1….FROHES NEUES JAHR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hugs and kisses ensued while fireworks exploded all around us (neighbors were also outside doing the same thing). What a lovely, magical way to ring in 2023. I thought, Wow, this is going to be a great year! But little did I know that my trip was going to take some erratic turns and that I would experience way more than I ever wanted to of the German healthcare system.
Hint: I wound up in a hospital in Berlin for weeks.
There’s too much to write in this blog post about one of the most terrifying and painful health experiences I’ve ever had. I will post more about it, soon, and some other health “adventures” I had while in Germany. Until then, please enjoy a couple more photos of Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) and Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). Kölner Dom is one of the loveliest cathedrals I’ve seen and it has a fascinating history, especially during WWII. Aachen Cathedral is also stunningly beautiful and is full of its own captivating history–notably being one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and built for the Emperor Charlemagne (Charles the Great).
Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral), Aachen, Germany – January 2023
I lit a candle and said a prayer for my Auntie Jean in Aachen Cathedral on the evening I visited the beautiful medieval city. Auntie Jean, my dear aunt and a second mother to me, passed away from ovarian cancer October 10, 2022. I missed her and thought of her often during my time in Germany. I especially missed hearing from her while I was there. I know she would have been sending me texts and emails asking how I was and how my trip was going, like she always did when I traveled anywhere. We texted daily just in general. Being so far from home and not able to talk to her was incredibly sad and difficult. I hope she heard my prayers.
Kölner Dom, Köln, Germany – January 2023