Who would have thought that a simple invitation could lead to such a wild adventure in the heart of Kassel, Hesse—a city renowned for its creativity, history, and links to the Brothers Grimm. I embarked on this joyful journey, and the cold North German wind didn’t dampen my enthusiasm!
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November 12, 2025Stories from Kassel, Germany
HERE I COME!
As I boarded the FlixBus, I expected adventure but instead faced “The Great Chocolate taste Debate” and a fellow who claimed his naps could predict the weather. By the end, I realised my true journey was surviving the comically chaotic world of FlixBus travel.
At Kassel train station, my friend Armin, an anaesthetist and emergency doctor with a wicked sense of humour, shared his frustration about my bus choice because of some past “incidents.” But hey, where else can you find such unpredictable fun?
The real adventure actually began earlier that year in Greece when my friends Hella and Armin invited me to join them for a week of emergency rescue training. I wanted to learn more about this impactful profession, so I committed my coming.
Hella, a fascinating radiologist and emergency doctor, shares her talents as a storyteller and nurtures her German Shepherd, Ziva. Together with Armin, they make quite the trio.
With my camera in hand and curiosity leading me, I mingled with participants and “family members.” Imagine a room full of doctors brainstorming, sharing pearls of wisdom rather than punchlines—with their brilliance and knowledge.
The seminar resembled a miniature United Nations of medicine, with enthusiastic doctors sharing stories from their specialities. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and humour served as the secret ingredient in their camaraderie. I captured not only images but also the spirit of their triumphs and laughter.
Outdoor emergency scenarios tested our knowledge and quick thinking. The team behind the scenes imagined worst-case scenarios, ensuring everyone learned from mistakes rather than losing hope. We trained diligently, and I documented the seminar’s stories and moments, brimming with practical exercises and unexpected twists.
Although I sometimes find complex German discussions challenging, my Austrian friend Ana made sure I didn’t get lost in translation. Here’s to friendship and laughter! Now, as a mum, I am glad I anticipated, because I can use my simple knowledge with my toddlers.
Evenings became delightful as we savoured Hella’s home-cooked meals, with Ziva greeting us with her “cheerful smile.” After dinner, we engaged in friendly competitions—my crossbow challenge ignited my competitive spirit, and I hit the bullseye on my first attempt, leaving everyone in awe, even me.
Navigating potential accident scenarios was difficult. It demanded a thorough understanding of the subject and the ability to apply knowledge quickly and effectively. The participants performed extremely well, showing that clear logic is vital for swift emergency responses.
Behind the scenes, the main team was busy imagining worst-case scenarios, closely observing reactions and presenting all possible versions of events. They ensured that no one lost hope over minor mistakes—especially in emergencies, where even small errors can be critical. Instead, they encouraged everyone to deepen their knowledge and skills.
Participants completed an intensive eight-day training course organised by the Hessen Medical Association at the Elisabeth Hospital in Kassel, preparing them to confidently undertake roles in rescue and emergency medicine. I felt genuinely impressed by the dedication everyone contributed to this vital work.
My experience confirmed that my friends embody more than just their roles as doctors; they genuinely embrace the spirit of emergency rescuers, facing unseen challenges with compassion and professionalism. This journey demonstrated their unwavering commitment to helping others, whether in Greece or the most remote wilderness somewhere in Russia.