Munich, Until We Meet Again

It feels like just yesterday that I was carrying two large suitcases and looking up at the Olympia Tower. I was full of excitement and joy, anticipating the start of my exchange semester. I had so many plans and ambitions, yet many of them remain undone. However, the lesson I learned from my time in Munich is that when I decide to do something, I need to act on it immediately. As I bid farewell to Munich, I want to set aside any regrets and focus on the wonderful experiences and achievements I had here.

Meeting friends from all over the world was one of the most enriching parts of my stay. These past five months have been more transformative for me than any other period in my life. I’ve learned how diverse people’s lives can be, and I’ve realized how narrow my own perspective was. I now understand that the world I know is not the entirety of what exists. I used to struggle to fit into the standards set by my society, but now I know that there is no such thing as a standard way of life.

One of my most memorable trips was to a small town in the Allgäu region. I prefer local travel over visiting tourist attractions, so we simply chose a random place on Google Maps and went there spontaneously. The town was incredibly small, with only one supermarket and no streetlights at night. The church bell rang throughout the town, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere. The experience of spending two days in that quaint town was very heartwarming and unforgettable.

Although I am leaving Munich, the memories of my exchange semester will stay with me forever. I will always cherish the friendships I made and the lessons I learned. This chapter of my life has been a blast, and it has opened my eyes to the vast and varied world beyond my previous understanding. Farewell, Munich – you will always hold a special place in my heart.