Germany, Portugal, and Chicago!

Hallo, friends!

Ohhh, I have so much to tell you! I just had the most wunderbar (that means "wonderful" in German!) adventure in Germany and beyond, and I can't wait to share every fuzzy-pawed moment with you!

I just finished some time in Germany (and other places!) traveling with a WONDERFUL family who gave me a temporary home on my travels. While I was in Germany, I noticed a couple of things that were very different from home. First of all, on Sundays... lots of stuff is closed! There's very little traffic, and it's all so quiet! At first I was confused, but then I realized it was kind of lovely. Sundays are for staying home, cuddling up with family, and just being together. I think that might be one of my favorite German traditions now.

This is the family I got to stay with! We were visiting Portugal in this picture.

When I first arrived in Germany, the weather was chilly, but the sun was shining just enough for my host family to say, "Let’s go camping!" So off we went, cozy sleeping bags and toasty campfire smells. It was my very first time camping in Europe, and I had the best time hanging out with the family!

Gorgeous sunset view while camping!

Another surprise? People don’t really chat with strangers in public places like they do back in Wisconsin. I’m used to folks saying "hi" or asking how your day is going while you're waiting in line or sitting on a bench. In Germany, everyone is polite, but they usually keep to themselves. At first I missed the chitchat, but then I learned it’s just a different way of being friendly—more quiet, more private. I still smiled at everyone anyway, just in case they needed a bit of extra bear cheer!

There was even a beach! I got some sand stuck in my fur...

Back at home, I really became part of the family. We baked DELICIOUS muffins—the delicious smell nearly knocked me over—and we had a movie night with popcorn and snuggles. I sat in the middle of the couch, of course, because that’s the honorary spot for visiting bears!

Getting ready to chow down on a delicious muffin.

Cozy for the movie night!

But wait, it gets even better! We all went on a big trip together to PORTUGAL! We flew on a real airplane (I had a window seat!) and soared above the clouds. From our home in Germany to the colorful, hilly city of Porto, it was like a dream! The streets were cobbled and steep (my little legs got quite the workout!), and the food? Oh my! So many new smells and flavors!

Getting ready for our flight. I'm nervous.. but excited!

Cleared for takeoff!

We have arrived! The letters were even bigger than I was...

The buildings sure do look different from back home...

Taking a quick rest after a long day of walking and exploring!

This grand fountain stands tall in the heart of Ribeira Square, one of Porto's oldest and most vibrant areas. Built in the late 18th century, it's adorned with the Portuguese coat of arms and features a modern statue of St. John the Baptist nestled in a niche.

As I stood before it, I imagined the countless stories this fountain could tell—of merchants, sailors, and families who've gathered here over the centuries. The gentle sound of water flowing added a soothing melody to the lively square, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the surrounding cafes and the picturesque view of the Douro River.

Visiting the Fonte da Praça da Ribeira!

Then we zoomed away on a train to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal! Lisbon had bright sunshine, cheerful buildings, and the most exciting playgrounds where I practiced my balancing (carefully—stuffing is not ideal for cartwheels!).

On the train to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal!

Snuggles on the train!

Just look at this view! I remember standing right there, with my little bear paws holding onto a railing, peeking down that steep hill. This is one of Lisbon's many famously hilly streets, and in the distance—can you spot it? That’s the 25 de Abril Bridge! It looks a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, doesn’t it? I did a double take!

I felt like a tiny adventurer at the top of the world. The cobblestone road led our eyes all the way down to the Tagus River, and there were rows and rows of colorful buildings with cute balconies and swoopy wrought-iron railings. I waved to a kitty lounging in a window (she didn’t wave back, but I think she liked me).

It was one of those magical Lisbon moments—where history, scenery, and the smell of fresh pastry (mmmm, pastéis de nata!) all swirl together like a hug from the city.

I may not have legs for all those hills, but my heart was full of joy from the view. If you ever visit Lisbon, bring your best walking shoes—or, in my case, a comfy pouch to ride in!

Just look at how steep these streets are! The buildings are GORGEOUS!

I needed a rest after all of those hills!

That grand, majestic arch behind me is the Arco da Rua Augusta, right in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal! It stands at the entrance to Praça do Comércio, a big, beautiful square that opens up to the Tagus River. This spot was once the site of the royal palace before it was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755. The arch was built to celebrate Lisbon’s reconstruction—how inspiring is that?

I remember the stone feeling cool under my paws as I gazed up at all the statues on top. There’s even one of Glory herself crowning Genius and Valor… and I thought, “Hey! They forgot to carve a tiny bear up there too!”

Visiting the Arco da Rua Augusta

After Portugal, I had a special solo trip with my host, Alex. We flew all the way to Chicago! It was strange being back so close to home, but I've never actually been to Chicago before, so it was really cool! My eyes grew wide at the skyline view from our hotel window! I could even see Lake Michigan sparkling in the distance. It felt like a fuzzy full-circle moment, being so close to Wisconsin again!

The Chicago skyline in the distance on a rainy day.

What a beautiful sight! The Chicago skyline is striking and unique.

Now I’m off on another adventure—this time to Scotland! I’ve packed my scarf and I’m ready for castles, kilts, and (maybe) a peek at Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. Thank you to my wonderful hosts in Germany for the muffins, memories, and magic. Bis bald! (That means "see you soon!")

With love and a little bear wave,

Journey Bear 🐻✨