Neele and I became fast and good friends back in high school in Bethesda, MD while she was on exchange from Germany, and I always knew when it was time I would visit! Luckily, the universe fell into alignment, and before we knew it from Berlin, Neele and her amazing family picked us up and drove us to Neele's chic flat in Hamburg! I can't tell you how great it felt to be reunited with one of my oldest friends, and to be in one of the most exciting cities in the world! Hamburg was so beautiful, the gardens, cities, and even just having a moment to sip on Rosé and make dinner together, happy was my only emotion. Pat and I got to explore Hamburg before we took the train to Lübeck and Potsdorf, Neele's hometown, and see the lush and beautiful north German countryside. We also took a trip up to the Baltic Sea! Neele and her family were so generous to us for letting us stay in their home, and sharing their stories about Germany, their family, and the history. AND THE FOOD. We ate fish, and had traditional berries and cream desert, so delicious! At the end of our visit, Neele and I had a tearful goodbye before she sent us on our bus back to Berlin for our second taste of what Berlin had to offer. It won't be long before we return!