Summer chronicles

Josh und Renée in Deutschland (und Europa) für zwei Wochen 🌻 Read more

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Trip start
August 14, 2023
Summer chronicles Traveler
CHC-FRA
August 13, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
The day has arrived!!! Our first flight was from Christchurch to Sydney at around 6pm on Sunday. We didn’t have much time when we got to Sydney and we quickly boarded our second flight - hoping to stay awake for the first half of the flight and sleeping in the second half was the plan…except we weren’t able to sleep pretty much the entire 14 hours 😅 however we enjoyed watching movies (my favourite was the breakfast club) and we found all of our flight meals very yummy and filling. We tiredly turned up in the 34 degree heat in Dubai, by this point we were homesick and ready to sleep. Last flight went smoothly and all of our luggage arrived with us - yay! We felt very happy to be warmly welcomed by Oma Brigitte and Opa Werner 🇩🇪🌻Read more
Matze L.Welcome to Europe. The adventure begins...
8/17/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Exploring Frankfurt
August 15, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
After our 8 hours of sleep we had the best breakfast this morning 🫐🥚🍅 sehr lecker!
Oma Brigitte and Opa Werner took us into central Frankfurt where we did a lot of historical sightseeing - see captions on photos for all the different places we visited today ☺️☺️ I (Renée) was very overwhelmed by how big this city is and how busy it is too, nothing like little old Christchurch in New Zealand 🇳🇿 but one thing for sure is that it’s sehr schön und wunderbar im Sommer ☀️Read more
Matze L.It looks like Brigitte is added via paintshop, because of the different size..
8/17/23Reply
TravelerHahaha 😆 this is something I could do…but I didn’t 😁😁
8/18/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Hochstadt Altstadt
August 17, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Today we had a more relaxed day ☀️ We borrowed the bikes so we could check out Hochstadt Altstadt, the cobble roads are so beautiful but very bumpy to bike on 😆 We were invited to join Brigitte and Werner for dinner with the BSVF (Bischofsheimer Schmalfilm und Video Freunde)! The food was lecker, and it seems like the wasps thought so too, as they kept wanting to join in 🐝 On our way back we did some more sightseeing around Hanuau which I really enjoyed 🏰 I especially liked the fact that this is where the Grimm Brothers lived.Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Tour with Oma Helga
August 17, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Oma Helga took us on the best road trip today!! Our first stop was at the mysterious and charming Schloss Mespelbrunn. Here we were very impressed by the vast history and old legendary artefacts. I wish I was born into a family with a big castle 👀 next we went to Aschaffenburg where Schloss Johannisberg was waiting to greet us with its late Renaissance grandeur. Great views over the Main river and a very cute Altstadt too. To end the day we had dinner at an Italian restaurant called Landhaus Fernblick where we were spoiled with sublime Mediterranean tastes and a fresh sunset 🐝🌅 (and we saw a squirrel!!!!!)Read more
Travelerlooks like a fairytale 💗
8/18/23Reply
TravelerIt really is 🥹🌷
8/18/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Moving to Amstelhoek
August 18, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Awoken by 4 alarms at 3:30am we made our way to the train station 🚉 (a big thanks to Oma Brigitte and Opa Werner for dropping us off, we are so grateful for the warm welcome here in Europe and for providing us with everything we needed and more💛)

We arrived at Utrecht station at around 9am, we got some nice views on the train as well and it was interesting to see the contrast in landscape/culture as we crossed the border 🌅🌾

Ben and Christine (our landlords) have been so friendly and welcoming to us, we have really struck it lucky here. We’ve moved in all of our things and enjoyed wandering through our new local town here by the Amstel river…🛶🌤️Read more
TravelerWow, das sieht ja richtig nett aus. Ich bin gespannt, was ihr nächste Woch berichten werdet.
8/18/23ReplyTranslate
Matze L.It is so cool, that you two enjoying every single stop you make. Anyway, it looks very much like it. Have fun discovering your new home. 🤪
8/18/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Amsterdam!!!
August 19, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
We made it to Amsterdam! This morning we took a nice 20 minute walk to the bus station in Uilthoorn. We were able to figure out how to get on the bus (we thought we needed to get OV Chipkaarts which we now have, yay) but you can also use any eftpos card it’s just not as efficient and is more expensive 🤨

Amsterdam was amazing! We truely enjoyed walking around the narrow streets, dodging bikers from left to right and mostly feeling at ease with hearing all different languages being spoken 😆😅

After a long day of walking, we arrived back to join in on Ben and Christine’s evening BBQ 🍗🥩🥗🥒 we really enjoyed meeting their friends, neighbours and family and getting the best advice from Amsterdam locals 😁Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Rijksmuseum
August 20, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Another day of getting to see more of Amsterdam! Today we started the day with a morning run around the neighbourhood 🌻 then we headed into the central city to check out the Rijksmuseum. We spent 3 hours wandering the walls of the museum, intrigued by all of the art and history on display 🤩 it was honestly quite overwhelming with how much stuff there was (didn’t help that we forgot our drink bottles - so we started feeling tired quickly) so we grabbed lunch at the markets outside the museum. We then headed towards De Pijp where we got to listen to the end of an outdoor jazz duo. They were students studying at CVA (where Josh will study) so that was cool to listen to!! Afterwards we met up with Amelie who is a friend of joshes from Christchurch, and her kiwi friend from Auckland who is also studying music at CVA.
There was something so nice about being surrounded by kiwis here 🥝 all experiencing the same process of moving abroad.Read more
Matze L.Be careful not to overdose on culture.
8/21/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
another day
August 21, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Today we went into Amsterdam later in the morning so we arrived for lunch - we had to try some Dutch pancakes, which did not disappoint 😋😋 I had my biometrics appointment today for my visa, so now that’s ticked off the list and in about 2 weeks everything will be confirmed!! ✅
We spent the rest of the afternoon getting lost in the busy streets…🌷Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
food&shop
August 22, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Today was our final day of heading into central Amsterdam before we head back to Germany for the last of summer ☀️
We decided to do some shopping (mostly window shopping). We ended up with a book each, which we will probably read on the 8 hour bus ride to Kiel tomorrow night. We had pasta for lunch but the lack of meat in the Penne Bolognese was sadly underwhelming 🍝 but at least the lunch spot had a good view of the canals. We also decided to try the famous Dutch Stroopwafels which were a nice sweet treat 😋 We’ve managed to get our heads around the public transport here, finding the best connects and ways to get around the city - but man is it expensive 🥲🥲Read more
Matze L.For your Kieltrip: Don't forget your swimsuit for the jump in the Baltic Sea to enjoy the end of summer at the beach! 🏖️🧜🧜‍♀️
8/23/23Reply
Matze L.I'm missing the german "Untertitel" under your Fotos.. 🤪
8/23/23Reply
TravelerI ran out of German words…🥲 need to learn some new ones
8/23/23Reply
TravelerAnd Josh stopped helping me
8/23/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
1
On the road to Kiel
August 24, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
After a long journey on the overnight FlixBus we arrived to smiley faces and warm sun in Kiel (Deutschland). Sabine and Bjerke took us to the morning Markt where we got to experience delicious apricot pastries 🥐 and coffee. In the afternoon we had a lovely walk to the garden 🪴 where lots of fruit and vegetables thrive - and tonight we got to have homegrown tomatoes and potatoes from the garden!! Sabine, Matze, Josh and I took the bikes to the beach here. Our very first summer swim, and our first time swimming in the Baltic Sea. The water was calm and warm enough to be enjoyed. After all the fun we had on the beach we had to try the best Fishbrötchen and topped it off with Spaghettieis (my new favourite way to eat ice cream!) We feel so lucky to be here and to be surrounded by Joshes very welcoming family 🌟Read more
Traveler yummmmy
8/24/23Reply
TravelerEndlich Matjes????
8/25/23ReplyTranslate
Matze L.And there's still more of Josh's family to meet and visit. 🖖🤙👊🤝
8/25/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Another day, another country
August 26, 2023 in Denmark ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Today Bine (Joshes aunt) drove us to Denmark 🇩🇰 to pick up Tjade from his Efterskole. We spent some time roaming around Vejle, which we found a nice book shop for coffee and delicious Danish cinnamon rolls. We got a feel for the Danish vibe and architecture and then it was time to go pick up Tjade. At his efterskole we watched a really impressive performance by DGI (the Danish national gymnastics performance team). Very cool 😎Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Traveling to Oldenburg
August 27, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Yesterday we left Kiel by train 🚊 about 4 hours later we arrived in Oldenburg. We were greeted by Simon (Joshes older brother) at about 4:00pm. We took a stroll around the city before catching our bus out to Mollberg where Jörg and Wita live (friends of Sabine’s). This is where we will stay for the weekend. For dinner, I tried my first Döner 🥙 which was exciting!! We all enjoyed eating together on Wallstraße, where Simon and Sarah also took us to a nice bar for a drink or two 🍸 it was so nice to soak in the night life here in Oldenburg - we had lots of fun!Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Museums x3
August 27, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We started the morning off with a delicious Sunday breakfast here 🌟 Then we headed into town by bus. Todays plan included Simon being our excellent tour guide. We learnt lots about different parts of the city, different buildings, history, and even the best spots to eat or drink. We visited the Oldenburg Schloss followed by the Prinzenpalais and the Augusteum, but not without a small ice cream break in-between 😋😋 I really enjoyed each museum/gallery for different reasons and definitely have some new favourite artists! We finished our big day with a cold drink at the Gleis Park, which to Josh and I was the German version of Smash Palace in Christchurch, so we felt happy and right at home here 😁Read more
TravelerIt seems like that Simon was much more better prepared as a tourist guide than me 😉.
8/28/23Reply
TravelerHaha but I think we had the best Kiel had to offer, no compliments from us 😁
8/28/23Reply
Matze L.I think, you just have to come back again.. 🤪... but you took a bath in the Baltic Sea. 🧜‍♀️
8/28/23Reply
TravelerWe will definitely be back!!! 🤩 for more swims too
8/28/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
On the road again…
August 28, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
And just like that, the last leg of our 2 week trip up and down Germany is here. We set out to the bus stop at 8:30am, only for our bus to be late so we missed the 9:30am train connection. This gave us some time to do a final walk through Oldenburg, which was nice 😁😁 3 trains and 1 bus later, we arrived in Köln (Cologne) at 4:00pm. Oma Astrid (Joshes grandma on his Dads side) greeted us warmly to her city apartment, which we were pleasantly surprised to see her guests Richard and Elke (We met their granddaughter in NZ, who is currently an international student at Cashmere high school) ☺️ We had a great feast for dinner 🍲 lots of very lecker food which had us going back for seconds and even thirds…😋😋😋Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Seeing Köln
August 29, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Today we set off nice and early to the bus and then the U-Bahn 🚇 because we are going to visit Opa Karl-Heinz. It was nice to meet him 😊 We then headed back into town for a quick Bretzel stop before Josh and I continued on to see the great Kölner Dom. The impressive 157m cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, the second tallest church in Europe!! I was pretty speechless as we looked around, so much gothic detail, holding so many years of history. It’s presence is beyond anything I have seen before. We climbed up one of the towers to get a panoramic view of the city from above - very cool! I still can’t believe how old this city is, not to mention that this cathedral was being built well before New Zealand was even found….😱🫣Read more
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Phantasialand!!!
August 30, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
Surprise! Last night Josh surprised me by the idea of going to Phantasialand, which he preplanned himself. I was feeling a bit nervous about the idea, but excited of course since the last time I went to a theme park I was 10 years old. Thankfully we got the sunshine for a lot longer then the weather forecast predicted ☀️ we were even luckily enough to do the Taron rollercoaster before the rain started. The Taron was very thrilling, but we had so much fun! We also enjoyed eating lots of expensive treats 😋 In the evening we were invited to join Oma Astrid, Elke and Richard to dinner at their local restaurant for some lecker essen!! A great way to end a great day, feeling very lucky 🍀Read more
Matze L.For more and intense informations about Europe (but without thrilling impressions!) follow the link: https://www.zdf.de/dokumentation/terra-x/story-…
8/30/23Reply
TravelerLecker seems to be your new favourite word...🍞🥖🍨
8/30/23Reply
TravelerHaha! and it’s one of the few in my German vocabulary…😅
8/31/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
23,000 steps
August 31, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Today we did a lot of walking! We walked from Oma Astrid’s along the Rhine River, stopping for an Eiskaffee at the Lindt Chocolate Museum. Then we walked through the Altstadt which was very cool. I saw lots of interesting Blackletter/Gothic script on the buildings which was inspiring. We went to the best spot for Mettbrötchen, which I thought was very tasty!! After more walking we explored a few old churches and did some sightseeing before deciding to get some spaghetti eis 🍧 Josh and I did a bit of shopping and ended up getting a puffer jacket each which will be great for the upcoming winter months in Amsterdam…☁️Read more
TravelerSpaghetti Eis....hm... and which was the "leckerste" 😉?
8/31/23Reply
TravelerHmm depends who’s asking…🫣😋
8/31/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Back to Amsterdam
September 1, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
And as the summer season ends, our trip in Germany does too! ☹️ Todays the first day of autumn as we make our way back to our new home in Amsterdam. We enjoyed a delicious slice of Baumkuchen and did some final shopping in the city. Thankfully we had only a small delay with our train but we were still able to make it to our bus on time! We arrived back at 10:00pm here to rainy weather 🌧️

We couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who let us stay with them during our time in Germany and for providing us with the best food, fun and activities. I have learnt so much about the culture, country and most importantly, met all the lovely people in Joshes family. So a BIG thank you to all of you for welcoming us here ❤️❤️Read more
Matze L.The calendrical beginning of autumn is at the equinox on 22.9.... So you still have some days of summer 😜🌤️
9/2/23Reply
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Summer chronicles Traveler
Kings weekend 🍊🧡
April 23 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
This weekend we had Kings day on Saturday and this year the weather was absolutely perfect for it. Full sun and warm temperatures made the great day 🧡🪗

Josh did some busking with a band from uni at one of the many kings day markets, the energy was up and people really enjoyed it!Read more
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Trip end
September 4, 2023