I used to say I had no regrets about time spent living in Germany, even though the language and COVID-19 were challenging. Now though, I am beginning to wonder.

I was meeting a friend for coffee in Freiburg, so I grabbed an earlier train. I figured I would wander around the downtown core for a couple of hours before he finished work.

I’ve been to Freiburg before of course. It is the nearest big city to Sulzburg. I probably visited every six weeks or so to shop for specific things not available in our area. It is where I would change trains to go outside the region.

Almost always though, as I remember it, a trip to Freiburg had a purpose. Being who I am, I would get to the city, do what was necessary, and head home. Taking in the nightlife wasn’t an option – the last bus to Sulzburg was just after 7 p.m.

There were the odd days when my wife and I would just wander around, but they were far too few. Busy schedules and we didn’t take enough time for relaxation.

On this Wednesday afternoon, my first post-pandemic visit, I just wandered for a couple of hours in the downtown shopping district. I had forgotten about the interesting little shops, restaurants and cafes sometimes tucked into back alleys. I wanted to visit them all.

As I wandered I reflected on the opportunity lost in not coming into the city regularly, to discover the culture, to go to some museums. Yes, COVID impacted the choices, but I didn’t make it the priority I now realize I should have.

On this most recent trip, two hours was all I had. As he drank his coffee, my friend noted that our schedule was full.

I was enjoying my time so much I didn’t take many pictures. I want to go back though. Maybe next year; and explore some more.

What about you? Do you have any place you wish you had spent more time getting to know?