After spending a day in Rothenburg, Laura (my roommate) and I moved on to our next German town during our six day German road trip. We would be visiting three cities on this trip, I chose Rothenburg, she chose Bamberg, and we collectively agreed on Berlin (where we spent the majority of our time.)
We arrived in Bamberg on a Sunday, which meant most of the shops were closed. The highlight of our day in Bamberg was attending morning mass at the Bamberg Cathedral. My roommate Laura is catholic, so she requested a stop here. I wasn’t planning on staying for the mass, but I did and it was a unique experience.
After mass we wandered around the city for a while. Sunday was a less than ideal day to visit because when the shops are closed the cities are quiet. Bamberg has a hop on hop off bus, but the language is only in German. I rode along on the loop thinking I would be able to see some other areas, but it wasn’t very enjoyable because I couldn’t understand anything being said.
Plus, the bus never actually stopped for people to hop off…?
The highlight of my visit was sitting on one of the bridges and staring into the sky. I’ve been feeling a bit more anxiety than usual lately, and this day I was having a hard time. Could be caffeine, could be my diet, could be my job, could be anything at this point.
Bamberg is cute, but I don’t feel the need to ever go back. Perhaps it was the mood I was in when we went, or the ghost town vibes, but this wasn’t a German city that spoke to my soul. Regardless I am glad we went.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have right now, to live for free and travel Europe, but this isn’t really how I envisioned myself experiencing this country. My job is stressful, the environment where I live is not ideal, and half the time I’m so exhausted from my weeks I barely have energy or a desire to plan another trip.
The old city hall in Bamberg made for a beautiful photograph to commemorate the visit.
Sometimes I worry that my lifestyle, while exciting, appears to be better than it is. I struggle often with my mental health, regardless of where in the world I am. I love traveling and I love the opportunities I have made possible for myself, but this life of adventure isn’t always fun.
I realize how privileged I am, but I want to emphasize that when someone is struggling with mental health, no amount of adventure can take that away.
Sometimes I really wish I were at my moms house, curled up in bed where I could hide for days until I felt better. Sometimes I feel so down I don’t even want to think about planning another trip. Sometimes I am so exhausted I daydream about leaving and finally putting my health before my adventures. Sometimes I just don’t want to adult.
Somedays I am up, somedays I am down just like anyone else, and traveling is exhilarating, but it’s also exhausting. Alas, the up days still outweigh the down days which keep me here. That and I signed a contract that I don’t intend to break. 😉 Overall I think I’m just having a funky couple months, but this too shall pass!
My point is, this day in Bamberg was a good example that my lifestyle isn’t always glamorous and exciting. I love the opportunity to travel and live in Europe, but as with all things on social media not everything is “perfect” and I still have my moments. 🙂 I don’t write this post seeking sympathy, I write this post to let others know they’re not alone. To tell the world and myself it’s ok to feel down.
Emotions come in waves and I fully intend to keep improving my emotional surfing skills. We only fail when we quit getting back up when we’re knocked down.
Blissfulbritt 
11 thoughts on “Bamberg, Germany”
rootchopper
This post reminds me of 2014-15 when I went down the rabbit hole of depression. I knew it was happening but I kept tumbling. The shortness of the winter days didn’t help. Until I decided to work my way out. It took months. Forced socializing. Journaling. Meditation. Then I met someone at a Christmas party. She’s a very, very special person who took the time to help me. Although we rarely see each other these days, I am still grateful for her help. I call her Klarence in my blog. Maybe you’ll meet a Klarence some day. Mine gives awesome hugs. Merry Christmas.
Brittany
I love when you refer to Klarence, you’ve mentioned her to me before. I have no doubt I will meet my own someday! Thanks for sharing, Merry Christmas!
thechrisdotcom
Hang in there. I know how you feel. And you’re right, you’re not alone. We all have our days, I sure as hell do. Good read as always and beautiful pictures. Remember to smile!
Brittany
Thanks friend! 🙂
PUSH ANIMAL
I was feeling the same way when I lived in Florida—when I traveled I immediately thought I would feel better in another place or country, but we are always with ourselves no matter where we go. We’re always in our own heads and we have to sit with our own feelings no matter where we are in the world. A friend told me that when I was really going through it, and it helped me focus on the work I needed to do with myself first. Hope you feel better. I’ve been there, in your shoes, a lot and I’m here for ya. ❤
Brittany
Thank you friend. I know deep in my heart the constant travel is a bandaid, and I’m finally feeling ready to rip it off when I’m done with this current “adventure.” Once the inner work is complete travel will be a whole new world!
purejackie
I definitely have had my share of down days this winter, even when surrounded by so much beauty. Hang in there, in a few years you’ll look back and be amazed by your strength to overcome stuff. Wishing you happier times ahead!
Brittany
Thank you! I know it will pass, it always does! ❤️
Allie Zottola
I know what you mean about feeling privileged despite working hard for what you have but also feeling meh about it all some days. It’s a weird feeling, you know? I’m always so glad you’re an open book in your posts. It helps me remember I’m not alone! Glad you had a cool experience going to Mass with your friend! I don’t know if I’ve ever been to a Catholic mass, so I’m sure it would be interesting!
Brittany
I know a lot of people go through slumps, so writing about it makes me feel like we’re all together!
I’ve now been to mass in four languages! Haha! I’m not even catholic!
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