Sachsenhäuser Berg, in the mid-90s, buzzed with life atop the grounds of Henninger Bräu. The air was electric with the pulse of a massive party, and the stage was ablaze with D-Flame, passionately rapping about another day. The crowd undulated as one entity, their hands rising in synchronized waves to the rhythm, swaying to the left, right, and converging back to the center. Amid this sea of motion, Nyssa stood, hands raised, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips. D-Flame’s remarks flowed toward the exuberant throng, showering compliments on their moves and expressing his fascination with their collective energy. Henninger Bräu, once a renowned brewery, had recently shuttered its doors, the site now claimed by an investor. That vibrant night was the last memory Nyssa carried from Germany before her overseas journey.
Nearly three decades on, Nyssa reclined on a sun lounger at the rooftop pool of the Finesse Club, the same spot where the unforgettable party had ignited. She gazed back across time, reminiscing about the spirited years that had elapsed. This had become her customary Sunday ritual, joining friends at the pool. Among them were James, whose anecdotes about insurance cases were both outrageous and fascinating; and his boyfriend. Sam, a friend who managed to make appearances whenever her children’s schedules permitted, added to the camaraderie. Nyssa and Sam had both returned to Frankfurt, their city of origin, the same year, only to be welcomed by the onset of a pandemic.
On this occasion, Kim, one of Nyssa’s close friends, soaked in the Jacuzzi alongside Zillion, whose presence exuded an air of effortless coolness. Dark sunglasses rested atop his head, accentuating his sharp features and stylish attire. With a confident demeanor and laid-back charm, he effortlessly captivated attention, adding to the magnetic allure of the rooftop scene.
Sam now resided in an upscale building on a small island along the Main River’s southwest, while Nyssa occupied a cozy apartment in a suburban complex managed by an associate of her father. Though not entirely pleased with the arrangement, Nyssa had managed to iron out some issues. Despite those challenges, after Nyssa’s redecoration the apartment boasted an air of exclusivity.
Nyssa surveyed the transformations the city had undergone, both Frankfurt and its neighbor, Offenbach. Frankfurt, long known for its financial prowess, had seen considerable changes, while Offenbach, once aspiring to cultivate a creative atmosphere, had faced some setbacks.
“Remember when the new Esprit shop opened at the corner?” Nyssa reminisced. “They had a great opening at the time. I remember their PR activities with their cosmetic line ‘Earth.’ Do you, Kim?”
“Yeah, this is now an outlet store,” Kim replied with a hint of nostalgia. “And where Astrid had her Atelier and boutique, you will find a 1 Euro shop and Tariq’s Imbiss.”
Nyssa chuckled and added, “Yeah, and the hairdresser Emotion where I used to go is now a barber shop.”
Zillion chimed in, “The only place that remained is the Wilhelms Plaza with the weekly market and the cafés and bars, like the brasserie, Meets, and Tafelspitz. That atmosphere is still there.”
Nyssa pondered how far removed the landscape had become from her youth. She recalled the city’s dynamic at odds with her memories, both cities gradually losing their initial charm. Her contemplations carried her away to distant times, where a blend of rich history and evolving present cast a captivating spell.
And as it was, these two cities had an ongoing feud, with residents complaining about the once creatively vibrant city now reduced to a social pool. Meanwhile, the city that had once stood as a symbol of financial strength and birthed Germany’s world-famous writer Goethe had transformed into a multifaceted urban landscape, criticized by many as lacking a soul.
During Goethe’s time, Offenbach had already gained recognition as one of the most liberal cities and had been referred to as Frankfurt’s garden due to its lush gardens and opulent residences. Goethe himself once remarked, ‘Stepping in front of the house in the morning here in Offenbach, you are breathing the most liberal air, and the city falls in line with Frankfurt in terms of its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.’
Times had indeed changed. The once rich and beautiful cities, brimming with status, had now acquired reputations as social flashpoints. Offenbach was no exception, standing alongside Frankfurt as a city with videos occasionally circulating on social media, accompanied by comments like ‘Is this Calcutta?’ But in the present moment, high above Sachsenhäuser Berg, with feet dipped in the pool’s refreshing waters, the group of friends could breathe freely. They looked out over the city’s current burdens and allowed themselves to revel in the pleasures of the night.
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Natalie Hush 