Serenaded By The Sewer

Rain. Lots and lots of rain. The wind and water change directions synonymously as they coat every inch of Main Street Hannover. Yet, just around the corner, the faint sound of music prevails.

 I had visited Hannover before when the clouds were clear, and the weather was much kinder. I almost decided not to adventure today. I know that traveling in the rain isn't always splendid. But I see myself as a person who enjoys the rain and its bracing and grounding qualities. So, onwards with my plan to trounce the weather and explore the streets of Hannover. I met my friend (and fellow CBYXer) Sara before exiting the central train station. Upon walking out the train station doors, I felt the cold wind cup my face, and watched as it turned Sara and I’s cheeks strawberry; yet that is not what surprised me. The main street was barren compared to the bustling Hannover I had seen previously. The atmosphere was different, sure, because of the weather, but also on a greater level. An additional energy filled the streets. A much calmer energy that drew us in and made us curious. We puroused the shops of Main Street, strolling down the center. Eventually, taking small paths that led to allies that led to entirely different parts of the city. That's when we heard it. The music.

My head bobbled between directions as I tried to locate the source. Where was this music coming from on a day like today? Sara and I agreed that this music was live, and it was being performed somewhere just out of our purview, but where? Again, we made another circle, though I noticed the farther I moved from my original location, the more muted the music became due to raindrops falling. But eventually, after circumnavigating back to our original spot, Sara had spotted it, and soon, my eyes drifted to it as well. Beneath our feet, a round sewer drain painted with a purple and orange heart pierced through the center with an arrow. Music spewed from the holes in the drain as I lent my ear. We were crouched over the cover, listening. 

Our minds raced with wild ideas of what could make this music: a secret speakeasy, an underground band, maybe some very talented rats. Though, with all our searching for clues, we still could not locate the answer. But knowing that we had the chance to hear the music satisfied us enough, and eventually, we retreated back to the train station where we would part ways and travel home.

We never found the answer to the music; all I know is that the source was beneath my feet. Though, the experience changed the way I approach new places I choose to explore. Sometimes, you have to wander paths less traveled to truly find gems when visiting new places.

P.S. I wrote this blog to share the lesson I learned, yes. But part of me just wanted to tell you about the very cool sewer music in Hannover. 

Anyway, Talk to you later.

-Hugh