Germany’s Christmas Holiday Glow Illuminates a Year of Change and Enlightenment

TEXT_Irene Hung / PHOTO_Irene Hung

Römerberg Christmas Market, Frankfurt Germany

The festive lights of Germany twinkled like confetti against the December sky, yet my heart still held the warmth of London’s summer sun. The first semester at Newcastle University Business School had just ended, and with it, a whirlwind year of 2023. It was a year of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and watching my horizons expand like the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.

• From Fast-paced Career to Academic Adventure:

My journey began in the bustling heart of Taipei, where I thrived as the deputy section manager of the merchandise department at ATT4FUN mall group in Taipei Taiwan. It was a crucible of learning, where I juggled projects, honed my leadership skills, and witnessed the intricate dance of operations & merchandising in action.

But the call for deeper learning and broader horizons beckoned. I yearned to break free from the familiar and dive into the dynamic world of international business. And so, I embarked on a new chapter at Newcastle University Business School in the UK.

• Eyes Above the World:

Each day at Newcastle University whispers with the promise of intellectual challenges, industry whispers, and the warm embrace of this journey of discovery, where learning doesn’t end at the classroom door, and adventures bloom around every corner!

Every corner holds a chance to broaden my horizons, to learn about different cultures, and to see the world through new eyes. I devour up-to-date global trends and news. Cultural diversity becomes a kaleidoscope of perspectives, enriching my understanding and fuelling my creativity.

• Embracing the AI Wave:

The world is changing at breakneck speed, and the tide of artificial intelligence is rising. I embrace the challenges AI presents, seeing it not as a threat, but as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and make breakthroughs. Continuous learning and combining the warmth of human connection with the efficiency of technology have become my New Year resolutions.

The following is my sharing of attractions during my 10-day trip to Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich Germany:

Iron Footbridge

Römerberg Christmas Market

Christmas-specialised mug with mulled wine

Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum

Gaststätte Atschel

Gaststätte Atschel: a local german restaurant which serves the best food I’ve had during German trip

Heidelberg Palace

The Heidelberg castle ruins are important Renaissance structures north of the Alps

Heidelberg’s Hauptstrasse Main Street

Käthe Wohlfahrt, the most fascinating Christmas shop in Heidelberg

Cafe Extrablatt

Schmelzpunkt, an ice cream shop which is famous for its chocolate

Cologne Observation Deck

Cologne Cathedral

Christmas Day in Cologne

Munich Old Town

Alte Pinakothek art gallery

BMW Welt & Museum

Hofbräuhaus München

A well-known Bavarian restaurant with 3-floor beer hall, and live shows

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

A Year of Transformation

As I reflect on this year, I see a year of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and discovering the boundless potential that lies within me. It’s a year of learning, growing, and evolving, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.

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