Lily Amis's Blog

Dear friends,

Today I want to tell you about a very special little boy - Oliver Staub-Garcia, just two years old - and the incredible journey he and his family are now on.

What Happened

Oliver, a lively little whirlwind, was on a family trip to Mexico - the kind of getaway any of us might take. But then came the unthinkable: a traumatic car accident. Since that day, Oliver has been paralyzed from the waist down. (GoFundMe link)He’s already endured two major surgeries - from spine to skull - suffered a stroke, and survived two cardiac arrests. (GoFundMe link)
The medical costs have skyrocketed: 2 million USD — with no insurance coverage. A heartbreaking reality for this young family. (GoFundMe link) And yet, Oliver hasn’t given up. There are glimmers of hope - small movements, tiny victories - the first sparks of a new life being rebuilt. (GoFundMe link)

Why We Should Help

This little boy doesn’t just need our thoughts - he needs active support. He needs round-the-clock care, therapists, and specialized equipment. His parents are facing a mountain of emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Every donation counts - not just toward bills, but toward hope itself. It’s about giving Oliver the chance to grow, move, and live a full, meaningful life.

How You Can HelpShare: Spread Oliver’s story. The more people know, the more help can come.
Donate: Even a small amount makes a real difference. Together, we can make something extraordinary happen.→ GoFundMe – Help on Our Journey to Oliver’s Healing
Encourage: A kind word, a comment, a card - small gestures mean the world to a family balancing pain and hope at once. 
Final Thought: Sometimes life hits us with unimaginable force. For Oliver and his family, that’s the reality right now. But we - you, me, all of us - can be a light in that darkness. We can show that no one should have to face something like this alone.

Liebes Netzwerk,
ich möchte euch heute von einem besonderen Jungen erzählen: Oliver Staub‑Garcia – frisch zwei Jahre alt – und von der unglaublichen Reise, auf die er und seine Familie geschickt wurden.

Was ist passiert

Oliver, ein kleiner Wirbelwind, reiste mit seiner Familie nach Mexiko – ein Urlaub, den jeder von uns kennt. Doch dann kam der schwerste Moment: ein traumatischer Autounfall. Seitdem ist Oliver querschnittgelähmt. gofundme.comEr musste in den USA zwei große Operationen überstehen (wir sprechen von der Wirbelsäule bis zum Schädel), erlitt einen Schlaganfall und zwei Herzstillstände. gofundme.com
Die medizinischen Kosten explodierten: 2 Millionen US-Dollar, eine Rechnung ohne Versicherung – die Realität für diese Familie. gofundme.comDoch: Oliver gibt nicht auf. Es gibt Hoffnungsschimmer – ein bisschen Bewegung hier und dort, ein neues Leben, das noch aufgebaut werden muss. gofundme.com

Warum wir helfen sollten

Dieser kleine Junge braucht nicht nur unsere Gedanken - er braucht aktive Unterstützung. Er braucht 24/7 Pflege, Therapeut*innen, medizinische Geräte. gofundme.com Seine Familie steht vor einer enormen Herausforderung - emotional, finanziell, physisch. Jede Spende hilft, nicht nur dem Konto-Endstand, sondern dem Menschen dahinter: Oliver darf eine Chance auf Leben, Bewegung, Lebensqualität haben.

Was du tun kannstTeilen: Verbreite Olivers Geschichte in deinem Umfeld. Wenn mehr Menschen wissen, desto mehr Helfer können kommen.
Spenden: Auch ein kleiner Betrag bewegt etwas – zusammen können wir Großes bewirken. Der Link: GoFundMe – Help on Our Journey to Oliver’s healing
Ermutigen: Ein Wort, eine Karte, ein Kommentar: Kleine Gesten bedeuten Welt für eine Familie, die in Schmerz und Hoffnung zugleich lebt.Schlussgedanke

Manchmal trifft uns das Leben mit unvorstellbarer Wucht. Für Oliver und seine Familie ist das gerade Realität. Aber wir – du, ich, wir gemeinsam – können ein Licht sein. Ein Zeichen, dass niemand allein durch solche Dunkelheit gehen muss.

The older I get, the prouder I become of my culture and traditions. It’s ironic how so many in the so-called “Western world” - especially in America and parts of Europe - look down on Asian cultures with thousands of years of history, while they themselves often lack true traditions of humanity, hospitality, generosity, and kindness.

The other day, my mum and I were watching The Graham Norton Show , where American actress Jennifer Lawrence was promoting her latest movie. I turned to my mum and said, “Wow, she’s gorgeous - what a beautiful and talented woman.”That was my impression until she began to share a story about her hospitality.

Honestly, I still can’t understand why anyone would behave like that - let alone tell the whole world about it on international television. To treat someone in such a way, and then proudly share it as if it’s funny, is beyond me.

It took only a few seconds for her beauty to turn into ugliness in my eyes. Why?Because where I come from - in my country, my culture, my faith, and my mentality - a guest is sacred. You treat your guest like a king or queen, no matter what you have or don’t have.

One would think that one of the best-paid actresses in Hollywood could easily make a phone call and order food for a guest. Instead, she told the world she served her guest - actor Robert Pattinson - leftovers from the trash.I repeat: from the trash.

Who on earth thinks that’s okay?And worse - who thinks it’s okay to use that story as a form of “entertainment” to promote a movie?

I always say: Treat people the way you want to be treated. How can anyone now trust this woman who clearly doesn’t care about another human being’s dignity?

At first, I thought I’d let this go - that my anger would fade - but it didn’t. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I needed to write this post and make a clear statement.

People idolize celebrities. They look up to Hollywood. They think fame equals value.But this story proves once again that neither money, nor fame, nor beauty can buy inner decency.

You either have a kind, respectful, generous heart - or you don’t.

No one with a true sense of humanity would ever treat another person that way. In my country, we would never humiliate a guest - whether friend or stranger - the way she did.

So yes, in our home, we’ve made a decision: we won’t be watching any more movies starring someone who treats others with such arrogance. I can only hope she’s a better mother to her child than she is a friend to her colleagues. 
And thank God - many of the comments under that YouTube video show I’m not alone in feeling this way. Disgusting - simply disgusting. If she didn’t have a better story to promote her film, she should have stayed home… or, better yet, just zip it. 🎤 
Cocktails of Society by Lily Amis

💛 Who Is Your Golden Heart?

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, Vito and Ellie’s performance on Strictly Come Dancing to the song “Golden” inspired me deeply. It led me to write and release a song in English - and for the very first time - in Italian, for everyone out there who needs a Vito in their life.

Their performance touched me not only because of their dancing, but because of the genuine connection between them. Vito, with his golden heart, was literally uplifting and guiding his student Ellie - not just on stage, but also behind the scenes. Their posts on Instagram and TikTok show how much love, time, energy, and thought Vito puts into making his student shine like gold.

My mum and I have been watching Strictly Come Dancing (and the German version Let’s Dance) for years. What fascinates us most isn’t just the music and the choreography - it’s the transformation. It’s watching these celebrities bloom week after week, thanks to the passion and patience of their brilliant teachers.

Professional male dancers like Aljaž Škorjanec, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Gorka Márquez, Neil Jones, and of course the Italian sunshine with the golden heart, Vito Coppola, make us believe in the goodness of people again.

Seeing the breathtaking female professionals - Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Jowita Przystał, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Katya Jones - show such kindness and patience doesn’t surprise me at all. Why? Because that’s who we are. Women are the reason this world is still turning while a bunch of toddlers are busy destroying it day by day.

But as someone who never had a supportive, kind male figure in her life, I get emotional whenever I see these professional male dancers. I realize that I’ve always longed for someone like Vito - a father, a brother, a partner, or even just a best friend who brings joy, laughter, positivity, and hope. Someone who uplifts, encourages, and believes in me.

And so, it’s no surprise that the song “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart)” was born.

But here’s the thing - Vito’s golden heart isn’t just something we see on TV. In real life, he supports Dynamo Camp in Italy, a therapeutic recreation charity for children with serious illnesses.

And Ellie Goldstein, with her beautiful light and authenticity, is not only a model but also an ambassador for Mencap, using her platform to break stereotypes and spread inclusion and self-love.

Together, they remind us what true humanity looks like: compassion, connection, and courage.

So, my dear readers - Who is your Golden Heart?Don’t take that person for granted. Let them know how precious their support and love truly are. 💫

🎵 Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) - Out Now

Cuore d’Oro is more than just a song. It’s a message of gratitude to those who lift us up, believe in us, and make life shine brighter. It’s for every teacher, friend, parent, partner, and soul who carries light within them - the ones who remind us that goodness still exists in this chaotic world.

Listen to Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) and think of your Vito - that special person who has touched your life with kindness. 💛

And because Cuore d’Oro and Birdy & Fishy were inspired by real acts of inclusion and empathy, I decided to extend my circle of giving by supporting two more organizations that represent those same values:

🌿 Dynamo Camp (Italy)
A non-profit organization offering therapeutic recreation programs for children with serious or chronic illnesses, giving them the chance to have fun, build confidence, and simply be kids again-all free of charge.(You can donate directly to Dynamo Camp here: www.dynamocamp.org)

💜 Mencap (UK)
A leading UK charity that works to create an inclusive world for people with learning disabilities, promoting understanding, respect, and equal opportunities for all. (You can donate directly to Mencap here: Donate to Mencap)

🎵 Proceeds from my songs “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart)” and “Birdy & Fishy (Friends Can Fly and Swim) - The Bonus Track” will go toward supporting these causes.

These songs are my way of saying thank you to every golden heart out there-to those who lift, heal, and believe in others.

👉 WHO is your GOLDEN HEART? Share or gift the song with your own golden heart.✨

Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) by Lily Amis

Come ho già menzionato nel mio post precedente, la performance di Vito Coppola ed Ellie Goldstein a Strictly Come Dancing sulla canzone “Golden” mi ha profondamente ispirata.

Mi ha spinta a scrivere e pubblicare una canzone in inglese - e per la primissima volta - anche in italiano, per tutte le persone che là fuori hanno bisogno di un Vito nella loro vita.

La loro esibizione mi ha toccata non solo per la danza in sé, ma per la connessione autentica tra loro.Vito, con il suo cuore d’oro, sollevava e guidava la sua allieva Ellie - non solo sul palcoscenico, ma anche dietro le quinte.I loro post su Instagram e TikTok mostrano quanta dedizione, amore, energia e attenzione Vito mette ogni settimana per far brillare la sua studentessa come l’oro.

Io e mia mamma guardiamo Strictly Come Dancing (e la versione tedesca Let’s Dance) da anni.Ciò che ci affascina di più non è solo la musica o la coreografia - ma la trasformazione.È vedere queste celebrità sbocciare settimana dopo settimana, grazie alla passione e alla pazienza dei loro straordinari insegnanti.

I ballerini professionisti come Aljaž Škorjanec, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Gorka Márquez, Neil Jones, e naturalmente il sole italiano dal cuore d’oro, Vito Coppola, ci fanno credere di nuovo nella bontà delle persone.

Vedere queste meravigliose ballerine professioniste - Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Jowita Przystał, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Katya Jones - mostrare così tanta gentilezza e pazienza con i loro studenti, non mi sorprende affatto.Perché? Perché è nella nostra natura.Le donne sono la ragione per cui il mondo continua a girare, mentre un gruppo di “bambinoni” lo rovina giorno dopo giorno distruggendo la nostra umanità e la nostra pace.

Ma, come persona che non ha mai avuto una figura maschile gentile e di supporto nella propria vita, mi emoziono ogni volta che vedo questi ballerini professionisti.Mi rendo conto che ho sempre desiderato avere un padre, un fratello, un cugino, uno zio, un partner o semplicemente un migliore amico come Vito.Qualcuno che porti gioia, risate, positività e speranza, incoraggiando, sollevando e credendo in me.

E così, non sorprende che sia nata la canzone “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart)”.

Non dare mai per scontata una persona con un cuore d’oro nella tua vita.Assicurati di fargli sapere quanto è prezioso il suo amore e il suo sostegno. 💛

Ma ecco la cosa più bella: il cuore d’oro di Vito non brilla solo in TV. Nella vita reale, sostiene Dynamo Camp in Italia - un’associazione che offre programmi di terapia ricreativa per bambini con malattie gravi.

E Ellie Goldstein, con la sua luce e autenticità, non è solo una modella ma anche ambasciatrice di Mencap, un’associazione che promuove l’inclusione e la rappresentazione delle persone con disabilità intellettive.

Insieme ci ricordano che la vera umanità è fatta di compassione, connessione e coraggio.

💫 Chi è il tuo Cuore d’Oro?Non dare mai per scontato chi ti sostiene e ti ama.Fagli sapere quanto è prezioso il suo cuore. 💛

🎵 Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) - Disponibile Ora

Cuore d’Oro è molto più di una canzone.È un messaggio di gratitudine per tutte le persone che ci sollevano, credono in noi e rendono la vita più luminosa.È dedicata a ogni insegnante, amico, genitore, partner o anima che porta luce nel mondo - a chi ci ricorda che la bontà esiste ancora in mezzo al caos.

Ascolta Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) e pensa al tuo Vito - quella persona speciale che ha toccato la tua vita con gentilezza. 💛

👉 Disponibile su tutte le piattaforme musicali.Condividila con il tuo cuore d’oro.

www.LilyAmis.com ✨

Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) by Lily Amis

🌟 Golden Hearts on the Dance Floor - My Tribute to Vito Coppola

Sometimes inspiration doesn’t come quietly. Sometimes it bursts into your heart in the form of music, light, and human connection. That’s exactly what happened the first time I watched Vito Coppola and Ellie Goldstein dance together on Strictly Come Dancing.

Their Couple’s Choice routine to “Golden” by HUNTR/X wasn’t just another performance - it was a moment of pure emotion.

The joy, trust, and respect between them radiated through every step.And somewhere in that golden light, a spark was born in me - the very first idea for my new song, “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart).”

💃 A Performance That Inspired a Song

As I watched Vito and Ellie glide across the floor, I couldn’t stop smiling… and crying. There was something magical about the way Vito choreographed the routine - his focus wasn’t on outshining his partner, but on illuminating her.

Fans online felt it too:

“Vito always makes his partners be the star.” 💛
“Ellie’s inspirational & Vito’s a Labrador puppy in human form!”
“Their joy was contagious - I was crying before they even started dancing.”

Those words summed up exactly what I felt.
This was more than a dance.
It was an act of empathy, confidence, and kindness in motion.

✨ How “Cuore d’Oro” Came to Life

That night, the phrase “cuore d’oro” (Italian for “golden heart”) kept echoing in my mind. I knew I had to capture what I’d just witnessed - not with my eyes, but with my soul.

Vito’s spirit, humility, and warmth reminded me that real greatness comes from lifting others up, not from seeking the spotlight. Ellie’s energy - brave, authentic, and full of life - mirrored that same message.

So, Cuore d’Oro became my way of saying thank you to both of them — and to everyone in this world who leads with kindness.

💫 A Song Dedicated to Vito Coppola

When I finished the song, I knew exactly who it belonged to.  Cuore d’Oro is dedicated to Vito Coppola - a dancer and teacher whose heart beats with love, loyalty, and joy.

The Italian version carries a personal secret: a soft-spoken line at the very end -

“Vito… ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.”(Vito, everyone should have a friend with a golden heart like yours.) 💛

That single sentence holds all the gratitude I felt watching that performance.

🎵 The Golden Trilogy

This moment of inspiration has since grown into four versions of one message:

🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – Italian pop elegance

🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – Italian emotional ballad

🇬🇧 Golden Heart – English pop Dance Version

🇬🇧 Golden Heart – English pop Dance (Alternative)

🇬🇧 Birdy & Fishy - Bonus Track

Each version beats with the same truth:

Kindness never fades. Real hearts never stop shining. ✨

🌈 Final Thoughts

Vito and Ellie’s performance wasn’t just a dance - it was a reminder that the world still holds beauty, compassion, and people who lead with love. 

Thank you, Vito - for the inspiration, the kindness, and the reminder that hearts like yours are the true rhythm of life.

💛 A Personal Message to Vito Coppola

Dear Vito,

I don’t know you personally, but your golden heart makes me believe in humanity - in kindness, loyalty, unconditional support, and the beauty of a truly good soul.

Your parents must be so proud of you. God bless you for your loving personality, for your laughter, your positive energy, and the way you make people feel seen, valued, and loved. We all need a friend like you in our lives.

Your hugs, your kisses, your joy, your love - they’re golden.

Thank you for being the light this world so desperately needs. 💛✨

With heartfelt admiration,
Lily Amis

Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) by Lily Amis

🇮🇹 Cuori d’Oro sulla Pista da Ballo - Il Mio Tributo a Vito Coppola

A volte l’ispirazione non arriva in silenzio.A volte esplode nel cuore sotto forma di musica, luce e connessione umana.È esattamente ciò che mi è successo la prima volta che ho visto Vito Coppola ed Ellie Goldstein danzare insieme a Strictly Come Dancing.

La loro Couple’s Choice sulla canzone “Golden” di HUNTR/X non è stata solo un’altra esibizione - è stato un momento di pura emozione.

La gioia, la fiducia e il rispetto tra loro brillavano in ogni passo.E in quella luce dorata è nata una scintilla dentro di me - la primissima idea per la mia nuova canzone, “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart).”

💃 Una Performance che ha Ispirato una Canzone

Mentre guardavo Vito ed Ellie scivolare sulla pista, non riuscivo a smettere di sorridere… e di piangere.C’era qualcosa di magico nel modo in cui Vito ha coreografato quella routine - il suo obiettivo non era mettersi in mostra, ma illuminare la sua partner.

Anche i fan online lo hanno percepito:

“Vito fa sempre in modo che le sue partner siano le vere stelle.” 💛“Ellie è ispiratrice e Vito è un cucciolo di Labrador in forma umana!”“La loro gioia era contagiosa - stavo già piangendo prima ancora che iniziassero a ballare.”

Quelle parole riassumevano perfettamente ciò che ho provato.Questa non era solo una danza.Era un atto di empatia, fiducia e gentilezza in movimento.

✨ Come è Nata “Cuore d’Oro”

Quella notte la frase “cuore d’oro” continuava a risuonarmi nella mente.Sapevo che dovevo catturare ciò che avevo appena vissuto - non con gli occhi, ma con l’anima.

Lo spirito, l’umiltà e la gioia di Vito mi hanno ricordato che la vera grandezza nasce dal sollevare gli altri, non dal cercare i riflettori.L’energia di Ellie - coraggiosa, autentica e piena di vita - rispecchiava lo stesso messaggio.

Così, Cuore d’Oro è diventata il mio modo per dire grazie a entrambi - e a tutte le persone in questo mondo che guidano con la gentilezza.

💫 Una Canzone Dedicata a Vito Coppola

Quando ho terminato la canzone, sapevo esattamente a chi apparteneva.Cuore d’Oro è dedicata a Vito Coppola - un ballerino e insegnante il cui cuore batte d’amore, lealtà e gioia.

La versione italiana nasconde un piccolo segreto personale: una frase sussurrata alla fine -

“Vito… ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.” 💛(Vito, ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.)

Quella frase racchiude tutta la gratitudine che ho provato guardando quell’esibizione.

🎵 La Trilogia Dorata

Questo momento di ispirazione si è trasformato in quattro versioni di un unico messaggio:

🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – eleganza pop italiana🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – ballata pop italiana piena di emozione🇬🇧 Golden Heart – versione pop dance inglese🇬🇧 Golden Heart – versione dance alternativa🇬🇧 Birdy & Fishy – Bonus Track

Ogni versione batte con la stessa verità:

La gentilezza non svanisce mai. I veri cuori non smettono mai di brillare. ✨

🌈 Pensieri Finali

La performance di Vito ed Ellie non è stata solo una danza - è stato un promemoria che il mondo conserva ancora bellezza, compassione e persone che vivono guidate dall’amore.

Grazie, Vito - per l’ispirazione, la gentilezza e per avermi ricordato che cuori come il tuo sono il vero ritmo della vita. 💛

💛 Un Messaggio Personale a Vito Coppola

Caro Vito,

Non ti conosco personalmente, ma il tuo cuore d’oro mi fa credere nell’umanità - nella gentilezza, nella lealtà, nel sostegno incondizionato e nella bellezza di un’anima buona.

I tuoi genitori devono essere immensamente orgogliosi di te.Dio ti benedica per la tua personalità amorevole, per la tua risata, la tua energia e per il modo in cui fai sentire le persone viste, apprezzate e amate.

Abbiamo tutti bisogno di un amico come te nella nostra vita.I tuoi abbracci, i tuoi sorrisi, la tua gioia e il tuo amore - sono davvero dorati.

Grazie per essere la luce di cui questo mondo ha così tanto bisogno. 💛✨

Con sincera ammirazione, Lily Amis Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) by Lily Amis

I'm so excited to share my very first DUET TRACK WITH YOU!

Not every Christmas is spent holding hands under the same twinkling tree. Sometimes love is a world away - divided by oceans, borders, or simply the chaos of life. And yet, even across the miles, two hearts can still burn bright - like candlelights on ice.

That’s the story behind my new romantic duet “Candlelights on Ice”, featured on my album XMAS LIGHTS .
It’s a song for everyone who’s missing someone special this Christmas - a love that’s real, even when it can’t be near.

💞 Two voices. Two hearts. One melody.There are two versions of this song - because sometimes one perspective isn’t enough to capture the beauty of longing. Each version brings its own emotional color, like reflections in a frozen lake - fragile, pure, and full of feeling.

Whether your loved one is far away, gone too soon, or just living in another time zone - this song is for you.It’s for all who light a candle and whisper, “Merry Christmas, my love - wherever you are.”

🎧 Listen here: Candlelights on Ice on Bandcamp
🎥 Watch the short video on YouTube - a little film of love, distance, and hope shining through winter’s chill.

So tonight, wherever you are, pour a cup of something warm, press play, and let this duet remind you that love - true love - doesn’t melt, even on ice.

With warmth, light, and endless melodies,Lily Amis 💖 (because every heart deserves a Christmas song - even the lonely ones)

The Story Behind My Lyric Choices in “Railway”

Sometimes, the most powerful art isn’t born from perfection - it’s born from intention. When I wrote “Railway,” I wanted to create a song that captured the impact of heartbreak without falling into clichés or violent imagery. That’s why in the lyric, instead of saying “gunshot into my soul,” I wrote:

“Shotgun into my soul.”

For me, “shotgun” isn’t a literal weapon here. It’s a metaphor for the sudden blast of emotion - the shockwave that hits your heart when love or trust shatters. It’s the force of heartbreak, not the violence of a gun. In a world where gun imagery is everywhere, I wanted to turn that idea on its head and create something poetic, something that suggests impact without glorifying harm.

Another lyric that people have noticed is:

“Lies and blames…”

Some have asked, why not “lies and blame”? For me, “blames” (even if it’s not conventional grammar) feels truer to the experience. When we’re hurt, we don’t feel just one blame - we feel accusations stacking up from all sides. That’s what I wanted to capture: not perfect grammar, but perfect emotion.

My lyrics are always a balance of music, language, and feeling. Sometimes that means breaking the “rules” to tell a story more honestly. “Shotgun into my soul” and “lies and blames” aren’t accidents. They’re deliberate choices to create a different kind of impact.

Music isn’t about perfection - it’s about connection. And if Railway hits you like a shotgun into the soul, then I know I’ve done my job.

As if our journey to Germany wasn’t already emotionally challenging enough,fate decided to spice things up with a few unpleasant surprises on theway there and back.

To make sure no other national or international traveler suffers the sameway, I feel morally obligated to share this post as a public serviceannouncement to anyone boarding der Deutschen Bahn in 2025. You’vebeen warned!

Let’s start with the facts:Germany, this world-renowned pioneer of engineering, efficiency, andpunctuality - the land of precision and perfection - is, quite frankly, goingdown the toilet. And I mean that literally.

Congratulations to der Deutschen Bahn for turning “first class” intoa “first mess.”

Our trip began promisingly: from Zurich Main Station to Frankfurt,everything went smoothly. Clean, calm, civilized. The moment we switched to theRegionalzug to Siegen, however, reality hit us harder than a delayed ICEannouncement.

Even though we had first class tickets, the “first class” sectionwas basically a tiny, airless cabin with four sad little rows. The smellalone deserved its own ticket category - “Eau de Deutsche Bahn.”

But let’s get to the real problem:🚫 No working toilets.None.Every single one was “Out of order.”

At first, we thought it was bad luck. Then we realized - this was policy.Let’s be honest: it seems Deutsche Bahn has found a new savingsstrategy. Why clean and maintain toilets when you can just lock them and slapan “Außer Betrieb” sign on the door? Brilliant. Environmentallyfriendly, too - fewer flushes, more suffering.

We were shocked - especially watching mothers with crying babies trapped ona long, stinky train with no toilet and no plan B. The irony was unbearable.This is the same country that invented the word “Ordnung.”

After this unforgettable journey, we made an easy decision: never again.No matter how beautiful German cities are, no scenery can make up for beingheld hostage on a two-hour train with no functioning toilet.

The price of the ticket said “first class.”The experience screamed “third world.”

It’s corruption disguised as mismanagement - and a shameful, unkindtreatment of all generations at once.

So here’s my heartfelt travel tip for 2025:🚽 If you must take der Deutschen Bahn, pack wisely. Bring snacks, no drinks, patience, and, most importantly, a baby potty. 
Not just for your baby. For yourself! And even diapers and pads. Not just for your baby. For yourself!
Because on today’s German rails, you never know when “out of order” might applyto your bladder, too.
The Myth of German Pünktlichkeit

Oh, and by the way - forget everything you’ve ever heard about German Pünktlichkeit (punctuality). That myth belongs in a museum, right next to fairy tales and functioning train toilets.

On our way back to Zurich, we missed our train - not because we were late, but because der Deutsche Bahn decided to make mysterious, spontaneous STOPS whenever and wherever it pleased. No explanation. No apology. Just pure, chaotic improvisation.

With an hour’s delay, we missed our connection and ended up stranded in freezing-cold Frankfurt Bahnhof, surrounded by what felt like hundreds of security guards - ironic, considering there’s no real sense of security in Germany anymore.

At this point, you can set your watch not by Deutsche Bahn, but against it.
Because missing your Anschlusszug (connecting train) isn’t a risk anymore - it’s a guarantee! 100%!

Bravo, Deutsche Bahn! The only thing that still runs on time is the frustration and your unkind and unfriendly staff.