Take our sweet digs in München (Munich), for instance. Our wondrous abode did not, as you may think, arise from thin air…Au contraire, our accommodations and transportation were generously offered to us by a München local I had met in Singapore last Christmas while visiting a friend there (Singapore is A-M-AZING and I plan to visit again…again, and again…but that’s another story).

Once Sierra, Cody and I began our travel planning, I spread the word of our alleged itinerary to as many people as possible through email, Facebook, phone, etc. I knew Joscha hailed Germany and immediately contacted him. When our München native heard the Bugs were flying through, he graciously handed over his apartment keys and car, oh sorry Escalade, rather, while he took a vacation to Spain. Hence our free crib.

Love for Hofbraukeller
Joscha was able to spend the first night with us, introducing us to Hofbraukeller, prominent and picturesque beer garden, a local gem, just a summer’s stroll from his apartment. Picture rows upon rows of green-painted picnic tables beneath giant twinkle-lit trees, packed full of nearly 2,000 people, a snug summer breeze in the air.

Before we knew it, we were clinking liters (yes, whole liters, that’s just how they do) of genuine German beer, knoshing pretzels and raw radishes (hey, it’s the custom) with a jolly group of his buddies. Next in line for the night was a pass-by through the beer garden’s unique beach bar, Sausalitos. A beach at a beer garden?! This California girl must be dreaming. It so happened that the owner of this magical beach oasis was a member of Joscha and fellow German crew’s possy. And connecting the dots we go. Mehdi was now there to help us out if we needed any assistance in adjusting to German living, plus score us a free drink or two should we decide to pay a visit to saucy Sasalitos in the upcoming nights. De-lish.

Having already established connections in a foreign part of the world helps tremendously plus is a sure-way to keep it safe when you’re out at night.

Note to female travelers
Growing up girls, it’s no surprise you always have to have your wits about you when it comes to men and you’re out and about. Obviously, while traversing foreign countries, your decept-o-meter is running on high. Of course, as female American tourists, you will undoubtedly be picked up by locals. No matter how friendly these dashing accented men might seem, never be too quick to be chummy, give your numbers or personal information out, let them buy you drinks…basically live up to the naïve American girl stereotype. Not everyone just wants to help you out and show you a good time. That’s why, really, you need to pull from your network, I’m talking pull all the stops you got. Start scrolling through your phone contact list/Facebook and you’ll discover you know people who know people who know people who can hook you up wherever you go.

And hey, people enjoy showing you where they live; They enjoy sharing their culture and customs with you. It’s their time to share their pride and joy, their home, their language, their life with you. It’s a pretty sweet thing to be on the inside, not just an outsider looking in.