My Euro Travels

The steady flowing river had been our constant companion from the moment we walked into the town. Now it had disappeared. Instead, all around us were trees and green shrubbery. Although the cold mountainous air was chilling me to the bone, one breath of it was enough to help me feel one with nature. A little further into the trees, we came upon a partial natural enclosure, hedged in by overgrown grass, and green shrubbery. The lookout point within that niche gave a picturesque look of the town of Monschau below us. Two benches behind us were engraved with the word 'Kurpark'. The nook was easy to miss. Its entrance veered slightly off the marked-out path up the hills and was partially covered by the surrounding bushes. It had been a short drive from Brussels to Monschau, Germany. Still, I found it hard to believe that a matter of weeks ago, I was a Kenyan girl living in Nairobi, dreaming of travels to places I had never been. And yet, there I was, exploring the hillsides of Monschau with my Kenyan friend and hostess in a party of five. The charming German town is nestled in a valley, which was probably what made it such a popular tourist destination. However, it seemed not many people ventured into the hills, where we had gone.
Even from down below, where Monschau was settled, it was easy to see the beauty all around. The River Rur wound happily through the town, adding to the serene feel that welcomes you right from the town entrance. There were the charmingly designed buildings that rose up from the stone walls of the riverbank. And higher up on the other side of the mountain, there was a historic stone castle.
Further along the trail we went; a crooked wooden rail guard on one side, the forest wall of trees and shrubs on the other. The trail floor had long changed from stone to earth. Before long, we came upon the River Rur again. We had found the beginnings of her source.
Monschau is a treasure destination for many reasons. I believe the town is scenic in every season –even though I only visited it in the summer. If your Euro trip includes seeing France and Belgium, Monschau becomes a good place to stop by. It is approximately 3 hours from Brussels, which is another 4 hours by bus to Paris. Instead of going to the usual tourist spots in Monschau, be audacious and follow the river source up into the hills like we did. Pack a picnic and have it in Kurpark. That is definitely what I would do if I get the chance to be tucked away in Monschau again.