Homecoming

 They say that often the word 'home' is not a place, but rather a feeling. We can all agree that we can never feel as secure and protected anywhere else, the way we do, within the walls of our own home. But, there are a few beautiful places in the world that make you feel complete, the way you feel around family and friends, make you feel like you belong. I had the privilege of visiting one of them.

Gengenbach is a town in the district of Ortenau, Baden, Württemberg, Black Forest, Germany. Constructed in the thirteenth century, it was an imperial free city ruled by the French. With an area of only 62 square kilometers and a population of around eleven thousand, it was referred to as the 'pearl among the black forest towns'. It was the first European town I lived in, and hence it will be in my heart forever. At first, all I could register of this fairytale town was the off-white walls and red roofs. But as I looked closer, I could see the half-timbered, two story town houses, and the way the town was beautifully structured in a circular arrangement with a town square at the center, called the 'Altstadt' or old town  radiating narrow alleys in all directions. There was  delicate fountain surrounded by benches, roadside cafes and ice-cream shops. All around me, there were mostly elderly people talking, cycling(yes, cycling) or simply enjoying the ambience. I don’t think I've ever seen such a burst of vibrant colors and energy all at one place in my life. The weekly market was there too, with fresh produce from the vineyards and orchard situated at the towns periphery. I could hear trebles of church bells and bicycle bells ringing together in perfect harmony. The aroma of fresh pizza from the oven with basil leaves made its way to me(finally) and I have to say this, it was the best pizza I ever had. 

We were staying in the hotel 'Sonne' owned by a local family. Although the town was magic in itself, it was the people here who made it memorable. They spoke in broken English, but their hospitality and love shone in their eyes. I had always thought that most of the families in Europe would be nuclear, but here, the grandparents lived permanently and children came to visit during the weekends. It reflected that they were still bound by culture and their roots.  In fact, it was not a town, but a family.

Later that night we had the opportunity of attending the local special 'Night Watchman Tour' in which we followed a young local through the streets as he told stories of the towns past. I was able to see Gengenbach in a completely new way, all under the shaking brightness of an oil lamp, under the starry sky. The tour was in German, so there was nothing we could do but walk along with the troupe, occasionally getting a translation from a couple that spoke a little bit of English. At the end of every paragraph, the watchman would say,

" Bleib sicher, Guten Nacht!" 

" stay safe and goodnight!"

To which we would reply with a " Danke Schön!" "thank you very much!"

 

I think, al that I felt at that moment was that I was in a completely alien place, surrounded by strangers speaking in a language that I couldn’t comprehend. But soon enough there was this warm fuzzy homey feeling making its way into my heart, and to this date, it's still there. After all, no matter where you are or who you’ve become, some places will always be there, to welcome you home.

                                                                                                              ~Nupur Bapaye

some pictures of this beautiful town, because words can't do it enough justice.