As part of my Month in Europe, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with my brother, GG and his beautiful girlfriend, Carolyne, in Düsseldorf, Germany. For four days, I was a local, grabbing coffee and a pastry in the morning, taking leisurely walks with my camera in the afternoon and shopping in the early evening. 

The Weather: 

The weather was temperamental, while I was there. One day it would be really sunny and the next a total rainstorm, but people seemed to be unbothered--so I think that is normal for the city. 

My Brief Encounters…

I had always heard about German people being very abrupt and direct; and a barista at the airport decided to adopt that generalization.

Well, I found that the most Germans are straight shooters. My first encounter was with a woman at a cafe in the Weeze Airport. When she started to serve me she assumed that I spoke the language and asked for my order. After ordering in English and politely explaining that I did not know much of the language she had an attitude; " Why don't you learn German then". I swear my eyes almost got stuck on the top of my head. I totally understand the sentiments. However, for someone who knew the basic travel level, I was still a bit nervous to speak it.

[Pause] I am a huge proponent of speaking the native language in countries that I visit.I try my hardest to show respect in that way, but she didn't have to be rude about it. She was probably having a rough day.

Needless to say, biting my tongue, I politely replied; "Danke Schoen" and went on my merry way. I didn’t have an issue for the rest of my trip. Everyone else I came across seemed very helpful and kind.

Düsseldorf

Fashion

 In the mid- 20th century, the city became a fashion center. Major designers are represented on Königsallee, Düsseldorf's luxury boulevard. One thing I would say from first glance, German's pay attention to detail; whether that be the prints in their clothing or accessories.  The Fashion is very minimal/comfortable chic with the skinny jeans, oversize long sweaters or jackets with matching accessories; hat, purses, scarf or shoes.  This isn't as distinguishable form other fashion markets, but I found their street fashion to be a breath of fresh air when shopping. I was able to find some original styles. 

Art & Architecture

Düsseldorf's own creative scene is in the district around Lorettostrasse and in the renovated port area, which has been a showplace for modern architecture since 2001. The Rheinhafen center of Arts and the Media designed by  Frank O. Gehry in 1989,  consists of three contrasting building complexes and appears like a gigantic sculptures. The Ghery Buildings are one of the city's best-known landmarks,  consisting  of three contrasting building complexes and appears like a gigantic sculpture The moden architecture of these buildings is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. 

Food

Sugarbird Cupcakes

Sugarbird Cupcakes was a sanctuary during the 15 minute rainstorm that plagued the city center. However, during this 15 minutes of shelter, I found tranquility in my Vanilla and Blueberry macaroons and a cup of caramel cappuchino

Currywurst

Germans must love their sausages, clearly pictured above.  

Carolyne and GG were so nice to cook for me the days I visited so I did not have a lot of experience eating at authentic German restaurants, but I did get snacks here and there, like this Currywurst. 

 I did, however, come across this really cute cupcake shop that served macaroons. I remember thinking that since France was not on my list this year, I should at least get a macaroon as close to Paris as I could get. 

I am counting the days that I get to go back. Till, then Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland. 

 Additional Photos of my trip are below : 

Safe travels!