It is hard to describe how spectacular the events of last night were for Ryan and I. When we first arrived in Frankfurt, we had no idea couch surfing would provide us with opportunities like there....ones we will never forget.

It all started when Kris causally mentioned that the video game company he works for was hosting a summer beach party for its employees and that we were invited as guests if we would like to attend. So, Ryan, Kris, Nat and I all head to the party together picking up another couch surfer, Anika, who would also be joining us for the night. We show up to the venue in tank tops and flip flops and are greeted by staff in white collared shirts and black dress pants. After giving our names and saying "We're on the list," we took two more steps and handed an ice cold drink for the walk down the steps. Although there is no beach in Frankfurt, this was as good as it gets. We were situated right on the Main river in a location that was filled with sand, umbrellas, and lounging chairs/couches. Not to mention the waitresses/waiters walking around with trays of Mojitos taking orders for beer, wine, and other mixed drinks.

After sitting around enjoying the endless flow of alcohol, the buffet came out. This was not an ordinary buffet, it featured sweet potato wedges with thyme and ginger, corn on the cob glazed with honey and rosemary, pasta salad with fresh raspberry in a white raspberry crème sauce, garden greens with sun dried tomatoes and steak cooked to order on the grill. I could go on and on but let's just say, it was awesome! After dinner came the desserts which were just as incredible as the main...YUM.

After dinner, the sun was setting and there were fire dancers for entertainment. The best part of the night however, was yet to come. After the sun had set, everyone settled in with drinks in hand and we had some of the best conversations with our new couch surfing friends. It is hard to describe the connection you feel when you explore various aspects of your life with someone 6000km from home. In a way, we are all the same and yet we each have amazing stories to share and ways to inspire each other. It really became a beautiful night and Ryan and I are so thankful to Kris and Nat for providing us with this incredible opportunity. How else do you hang out with an Aussi, meet an English man who has lived in London, Ontario, and someone from Transalvania??? They made us feel so at home and welcome which was the perfect way to begin our trip. After the party closed down, Ryan, Nat and I walked home along the main river to their apartment again, chatting the whole way home.

Now, it's time to leave Frankfurt but we do so having gained some wonderful friends that we will remember forever.