Midnight Thoughts

It’s midnight, and despite the peaceful quiet of the house, I can’t sleep. My mind is swirling with thoughts, so I’ve decided to sit down and write my first story for this blog. My kids are fast asleep, and here I am, in Germany, visiting my partner's parents and family. Being here stirs up memories, taking me back to my first journey to Europe in 2017. That was the first time I set foot in this very house, a place that now feels like my second home. Back then, I was just a girl from Bali, Indonesia, excited yet anxious, stepping into a world so different from my tropical island. I arrived in Germany during the summer, but to me, it felt like winter. Coming from Bali’s constant warmth, I remember layering on clothes—three layers to be exact—and still wrapping myself in a blanket to ward off the chill. Our adventure began in Berlin, and after landing, we had to catch a bus to Magdeburg. We were early for the bus, so we decided to lock our bags away and explore the area around the terminal. That’s when I had my very first cup of coffee in Germany. It wasn’t in some grand café, but a small, cozy bakery. We bought croissants and coffee, sitting outside to enjoy the crisp breeze. I still remember the quiet charm of that moment—birds fluttering around, people passing by, and the hum of the city in the background. It was a working day, so the streets weren’t too busy, giving us a peaceful moment to soak in the atmosphere. That coffee experience is etched in my memory—not just for the taste, but for what it symbolized. It was the start of a new journey, a new chapter. After that peaceful break, we had time to stroll around a bit more before boarding the bus to Magdeburg. The bus ride was about two hours, and from Magdeburg, it took another 45 minutes by car to reach my partner’s family home. I’ll never forget the awe I felt during that first drive—the smooth roads, the trees, and the complete absence of traffic compared to what I was used to in Indonesia. Everything seemed so calm. When we finally arrived, my partner's father picked us up at the station. His warm welcome made me feel at home, even in this new and foreign place. Little did I know that this house, where I now sit writing this blog, would become the place I would always miss whenever we returned to Bali. One of my favorite things about being here, then and now, is enjoying meals outside in the garden during summer. Sunbathing during coffee time is something I never experienced back home, and it’s become one of the simple joys I cherish. Now, my in-laws are retired, and every coffee moment in the garden is family time, making it even more special than in 2017. Back then, it was often just me and my partner, or sometimes my father-in-law joined us. Now, it’s a bit more chaotic, but in the best way possible—two kids running around, laughter filling the air. The house is fuller, noisier, and yet, more blessed than ever. This place, this family, these moments—they’ve all become a part of me. And now, as I sit here reflecting on the past and enjoying the present, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey that brought me here.