Things to do in puerto rico at night: What to Do in San Juan at Night

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January 31, 2023
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Puerto Rico Things to do at Night

Puerto Rico has no shortage of night life! Whether you’re looking for activities in nature or you want an opportunity for dancing by moonlight, Puerto Rico has it! Puerto Rico has a very rich history, the people are proud of their culture, and they know how to have a good time. Don’t be shocked to see Puerto Rican flags flying everywhere! Obviously Puerto Rico is a big island so the night time activities are diverse and spread out location wise. If you have any questions, contact us and we can help you find the best activities for your vacation!

PUERTO RICO THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT: NIGHT CLUBS / BARS / Live MUSIC

Carlis Fine Bistro – Great live Jazz. Great food. Great drinks. Plazoleta Rafael Carrionat the Banco Popular Building,corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets, Old San Juan,Puerto Rico 00902.
Club Brava – Yelp – El San Juan Hotel & Casino, 6063 Isla Verde Avenue Carolina, Puerto Rico 00979 – Definitely a dance club type bar. Hip Hop music mostly. Locals and tourists. Probably Puerto Rico’s top dance club.
El Batey – 101 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901 – Great little bar. Big on atmosphere. Not pretentious. Hungry? Try Bodega Chic down the street.
La Concha Lobby Bar – Yelp – 1077 Ashford Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Drink menu. Modern decor. DJs, music.
La Factoria La Sanse – Calle San Sebastian #148 San Juan, Puerto Rico – Kind of like El Batey. Kind of hipster vibe. Simple bar.
La Piazza – FaceBook – 1210 Ashford Ave, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Dance club. DJs, dancers. Also has a restaurant.
La Respuesta – FaceBook – 1600 Ave. Fernandez Juncos, Santurce, Puerto Rico – Artsy bar. Check for upcoming events. Live music.
La Rumba – A party on a boat. A floating night club available for private parties. Old San Juan Bay
La Taberna – Yelp – 151 Calle San Sebastian, San Juan, Puerto Rico – Beer. The best beer bar in Puerto Rico. Great selection.
Oceano – TripAdvisor – 2 Vendig St. , San Juan, Puerto Rico – Great atmosphere/view. Drinks/food. Menu.
Old Harbor Brewery – FaceBook – 202 Tizol St., San Juan, Puerto Rico – Great craft beers and food.
Senor Frogs – 102 Calle Marina Front of Pier Isla Bonita shopping Mall, San Juan, Puerto Rico – It is what it is. Not local, but it’s fun.
Taiguey Beach Bar – 2478 Punta Las Marias San Juan, Puerto Rico – Mostly a local spot. Kind of club-ish.
Water Beach Club Hotel – 2 Tartak St, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico – Great location. Good for early dinner, drinks, and tapas.

PUERTO RICO THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT: NATURE

Fajardo Bio Bay – This is an obvious one. The bio bay in Fajardo is truly a natural phenomenon that HAS to be seen. Do it.
Vieques Star Gazing – Vieques also has a bio bay and during this tour the guides will cover some of the constellations above.
Gran Melia Star Tours – Gregory Garcia Morales guides you through the constellations every Saturday night at Gran Melia hotel.
Camping – Go camping on Seven Seas beach in Fajardo or Flamenco beach in Culebra.

13 Things to Do in Puerto Rico for Couples (By a Local)

Although it’s smaller than most famous couple destinations, with all the fun and romantic things to do in Puerto Rico for couples, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t visit before.

Puerto Rico is a short trip away from the United States, and a popular destination for honeymoons and romantic retreats. Couples will find all kinds of romantic things to do in Puerto Rico, including beaches, historical cities, and adventure parks.

I’m a local Puerto Rican that knows all the best spots for an ideal couples vacation. In this post, I’ll spill the beans on 13 activities for couples that you can’t miss.

Table of Contents

13 Fun & Romantic Things to Do in Puerto Rico for Couples
- Old San Juan
- Flamenco Beach
- El Yunque National Forest
- Tres Palmas Nature Reserve
- Mosquito Bay
- Gilligan’s Island
- Los Morrillos Lighthouse
- Toro Verde Adventure Park
- Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park
- La Placita de Santurce
- Museo de Arte de Ponce
- Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
- Finca Vista Bella
FAQs About Couples Travel to Puerto Rico
- Is Puerto Rico fun for couples?
- Where should I go on a date in Puerto Rico?
- Does Puerto Rico have all-inclusive?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

13 Fun & Romantic Things to Do in Puerto Rico for Couples

Old San Juan

Tour the cobblestone streets of a historical romantic city

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Nothing screams romanticism like a historical city frozen in time, and that’s exactly what Old San Juan is. Located in the capital city of Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is home to historical sites and colorful architecture from the 15th to the 19th century.

Couples can tour cobblestone streets and visit colorful homes with interior courtyards. El Morro, La Fortaleza, and Castillo San Cristóbal are some of the impressive structures worth a visit if you and your partner are history buffs.

And if you just want to relax, stroll down Paseo de la Princesa, where you’ll find restaurants, local artisans, and the Raices Fountain.

This is also one of the best spots to see the sunset painting orange colors across San Juan bay. To escape the heat, visit San Juan beaches like Playa Peña, La Playita de Condado, Escambrón Beach, and Ocean Park Beach.

Flamenco Beach

Escape to the pristine beaches of a remote island

📍 Google Maps | (787) 742-0700 | Entrance: $2 per person, $5 per car | 👉 Book a Tour on Viator

If you’ve ever dreamed about a romantic beach getaway with your partner, Flamenco Beach is exactly what you’ve dreamed of. Flamenco Beach is one of Culebra’s beaches, outside mainland Puerto Rico.

Since there aren’t any resorts on the small island, Flamenco is a tropical paradise that preserves its virgin beauty. The waves are calm, the water is crystal clear, and the white sand soft.

Getting from San Juan to Culebra is easy if you rent a car, and get to the Ceiba ferry or by taking an airplane through Vieques Air Link. Besides Flamenco, couples can explore other breathtaking beaches like Tamarindo Grande and Carlos Rosario beach.

You can even take a day trip to the uninhabited Culebrita island, where it’s possible to snorkel with sea turtles.

👉 Where to Stay: Instead of large resorts, you’ll find a variety of Culebra beach villas to choose from for your stay. Browse villas on Booking.com to find the perfect stay for you.

El Yunque National Forest

Find romantic waterfalls and hidden viewing towers in this tropical rainforest

If, instead of history, the outdoors are your thing, don’t miss a chance to stop at El Yunque National Rainforest. El Yunque is one of the popular attractions in Puerto Rico, because of everything it offers.

If you packed your hiking gear for your Puerto Rico trip, then you’ll find great hiking trails at El Yunque. Try hiking the Mount Britton Trail with your partner and you’ll reach a viewing tower with one of the most romantic views of Puerto Rico.

You can also bathe in the tide pools of the mesmerizing waterfalls of El Yunque. La Mina Trail and Juan Diego Trail will take you to some of the most popular waterfalls in the forest.

Your day trip to El Yunque National Forest should conclude with a visit to the nearby Luquillo beach and Luquillo Food Kiosks.

👉 Pro Tip: Always check the official forest service website before visiting. Some trails might be closed due to renovations or weather conditions. Remember to book your entrance ticket at recreation.gov.

Tres Palmas Nature Reserve

Surf, watch whales, and go snorkeling in this beach town

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Puerto Rico’s west coast offers some of the most romantic getaways for couples. The Tres Palmas Nature Reserve in Rincon is definitely one of the places you can’t miss.

This nature reserve is home to Playa Escalera, where you can take long sunset walks with your significant other and challenge yourself to climb the concrete stair inside the water.

Tres Palmas is also a great spot for snorkeling, depending on the season you visit Puerto Rico. During Spring and Summer, when the waves are calmer, it’s possible to see a variety of marine life including coral reefs, yellowtail fish, spiny lobsters, and hawksbill turtles.

If you’re visiting in the winter, don’t miss other unique things to do in Rincon like the chance to go whale watching at Punta Higuera Lighthouse or surfing at the world-renowned Domes Beach.

Mosquito Bay

Admire the brightest bio bay of the world

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Vieques island hosts one of the most unique experiences for couples visiting Puerto Rico: the Mosquito bioluminescent bay.

The glowing water promises to make any date magical and the darkness of the bay will make you feel like you’re both alone. If you’re not into water sports and kayaking, you can enjoy the view calmly with a boat tour.

If you’re staying in Vieques for a few days, you’ll also get to experience some of the best beaches in Vieques for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. One of the most romantic things to do in Vieques is to go horseback riding on Black Sand Beach.

Gilligan’s Island

Kayak to a mangrove island with shallow-turquoise waters

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 821-4941 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Closed on Mondays | Entrance: $9.59 per person, roundtrip | 👉 Book a Tour on Viator

Gilligan’s Island is one of the best Puerto Rico islands to visit. This cay is popular because of its clear shallow waters perfect for snorkeling or simply floating away. You can reach the island through a ferry or kayaking.

There are a few picnic areas where you can enjoy lunch with your partner and soak in the sun. On one side of the island, you’ll also find a small beach-like area with coral reefs.

📚 Related Reading: Best Things to Do in Guanica

Los Morrillos Lighthouse

Marvel at one of the best views in Puerto Rico

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 851-1025 ext. 4700 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | 👉 Book a Tour to Los Morrillos Lighthouse on Viator

If you want to create a memory that lasts for a lifetime, visit Los Morrillos Lighthouse on the western tip of Cabo Rojo.

The lighthouse itself is simple and might not impress many people. But, what will make you feel like you’re at the top of the world is the amazing views from the cliffs the lighthouse is located on.

It’s said Los Morrllos Lighthouse is located at the exact point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea unite. It’s a great spot to declare your love, make a proposal or take couple photos.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the amazing Playa Sucia, one of the top tourist attractions in Cabo Rojo.

Toro Verde Adventure Park

Fly through the mountains and conquer the longest zipline in America

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 867-7100 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Thurs-Tues, Closed Wednesday | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

For a romantic trip filled with adrenaline, stop at Toro Verde Adventure Park. Toro Verde is a park with multiple zip line circuits that go through the mountains of Puerto Rico.

Adventure enthusiasts can challenge each other to ride the longest zipline in America. “The monster” is 2.5km long. You can also book an adventure night to ride the ziplines under the unpolluted sky of Orocovis.

Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park

Descend into the largest underground cave system in Puerto Rico

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 898-8508 | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Wed-Fri, 8 am – 3 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: $18, adults, $13 under 12, Parking $4

The Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park is one of the Puerto Rico tours that couples will love. Carved by the Camuy river, this Puerto Rico park is home to the world’s third largest underground cave system.

While visiting this tourist attraction, couples can tour the Clara Cave and watch unique-looking stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight of your visit will be the Empalme sinkhole, through which the exterior light enters the cave making everything feel surreal.

👉 Pro Tip: Arrive at the park before the parking closes at 2:45 pm. You can only visit with sneakers or hiking boots like the Columbia Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots, as the floor inside the cave is slippery. Keep in mind the trolley isn’t functioning at the moment, so you’ll have to walk down to the cave.

La Placita de Santurce

Take over the dance floor in this partying spot in San Juan

(photo: Mark Zhu / Shutterstock)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 307-1364 | Website | Hours: 24 hours |

If you love crowds, salsa dancing, and delicious food, La Placita de Santurce is just what you need in your Puerto Rico itinerary. La Placita de Santurce is located in San Juan, and it’s one of the popular activities to do in Puerto Rico for party-loving couples.

La Placita de Santurce is a traditional market during the day, but after the dark, La Placita turns into a huge club with the best of local culture. Even if everything else in the bustling city of San Juan is closed, you’ll always find a lively atmosphere at La Placita.

📚 Continue Reading: Popular Things to Do in San Juan

Museo de Arte de Ponce

Immerse yourself in one of Puerto Rico’s top art collections

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 840-1510 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: $6 adults, $3 under 12

Art lovers will find great art galleries and museums throughout Puerto Rico, but The Ponce Museum is the top for a romantic date, and one of the top things to do in Ponce.

This museum boasts an impressive collection of European and Puerto Rican art. Whether you like classic, modern or contemporary art, you’ll find it at this museum. Besides the art collection, the structure and gardens of the Ponce Art Museum are part of Puerto Rico’s architecture patrimony.

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

Explore a nature reserve with beaches, a bio bay, and a lighthouse

Another romantic destination worth adding to your weekend getaways is the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. One of the main tourist attractions in Fajardo, this nature reserve is home to Laguna Grande, one of the bio bays in Puerto Rico.

You can also explore at your own pace the hidden beaches of Fajardo inside de reserve like Playa Colorá, Playa Escondida, and Playa Canalejo.

Finca Vista Bella

Taste of cup of Puerto Rican wine in the hidden mountains of Utuado

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 390-2178 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5:00 pm Sat-Sun

Wine enthusiasts can add Finca Vista Bella to their list of things to do in Puerto Rico. This family-owned vineyard in Utuado offers visitors a wine tasting and special dining experience.

The romantic atmosphere makes this place perfect for a date. Although it’s somewhat difficult to reach it, once you arrive at Finca Vista Bella, you won’t want to leave.

👉 Love Unique Experiences? Find other fun things to do in Utuado like the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center, Cueva del Arco, and some of the best coffee farms in Puerto Rico.

FAQs About Couples Travel to Puerto Rico

Is Puerto Rico fun for couples?

Puerto Rico is a fun destination for couples. The island boasts historical attractions worth visiting, like Viejo San Juan, La Fortaleza, Hotel El Convento, and El Morro.

Where should I go on a date in Puerto Rico?

Some of the most popular Puerto Rico date spots are Old San Juan, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, and Flamenco Beach.

Does Puerto Rico have all-inclusive?

San Juan Puerto Rico has quite a few all-inclusive resorts, including the Marriott, Caribe Hilton, and Stellaris Casino.

***

Now that you know the top romantic things to do in Puerto Rico for couples, you can start planning your next vacation! If you’re curious about what else you can do, check out my post on fun activities to do in Puerto Rico.

Have fun!

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Venice, Italy Things to do | city impressions

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Best things to do in Venice:

Visit the canals Venice is best known for its intricate network of canals, and there’s no better way to see them than by taking a gondola ride. You will be able to see firsthand how the Venetians move from place to place, as well as enjoy magnificent views of the city.
St. Mark’s Basilica One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see for any tourist. The basilica is incredibly ornate, with detailed mosaics and marble sculptures decorating every inch of the interior. Be sure to visit the nearby Campanile Bell Tower for breathtaking views of Venice. nine0056
Doge’s Palace WalkThe Doge’s Palace was once the residence of the reigning dukes of Venice and is now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Take a tour of the palace to learn about its fascinating history and then explore the fine art collection.
Shopping at the Rialto Market For a true taste of Venetian life, head to the Rialto Market, where locals shop daily. The market is full of fresh produce, meat, seafood and more. You can also find souvenirs and handicrafts to take home with you. nine0056
Visit the Murano Glass Museum Murano is a small island off the coast of Venice best known for its glass making tradition. Visit the Murano Glass Museum to learn about the history of the island and see some of the incredible pieces created here.
Take a gondola ride What better way to get to know Venice than by walking along its canals? The gondoliers will take you through the city, giving you a unique perspective of the architecture and sights of Venice. nine0056

What are the main attractions in other areas around Venice?

What you need to know before visiting Venice?

Understand that you are going to have a great time! Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world and there is so much to see and do here. From walking tours to canal walks to culinary tours, the list goes on! However, there are a few things you should know before visiting Venice to make sure you get the best possible experience. nine0003

Venice can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. If you are visiting Venice during busy times, be prepared for large crowds and long lines. Plan your sightseeing accordingly and try to visit less popular places during off-peak hours.
Many streets in Venice are narrow and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day. Venice streets can also be slippery, so be careful when walking! nine0056
Although not required, it is recommended that you dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Venice. This means that shorts, skirts and tank tops should be avoided.
Venice is notorious for its high prices, so be prepared to hit your budget. From food and drink to souvenirs and entertainment, everything in Venice seems a bit more expensive than other cities.
Finally, when visiting Venice, be sure to carry cash with you. Many businesses only accept cash and ATMs can be difficult to access. If you plan on making a lot of purchases, it’s a good idea to bring some extra cash with you. nine0056

“Actually, I am one of the dead in Bergen-Belsen”

Katarina Hardy February 24, 2020 in Zurich. Annette Boutellier

Katharina Hardy is a musician by vocation, but by life she is a survivor of two German concentration camps and in 1956 fled with her husband and two young children from the Soviet invasion from Hungary to Switzerland. The fact that she became a victim of the Holocaust, Katharina Hardy kept silent for several decades.

This content was published on December 17, 2022 – 07:00
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December 17, 2022 – 07:00

Simone Müller

Katarina Hardy. It is impossible to describe her charisma, her energy in one word; this directness. To understand why she says that “the Bergen-Belsen camp is my homeland”, you need to experience what she experienced. She was one of the last Holocaust witnesses living in Switzerland. She died in the small coastal town of Spitz, forty kilometers east of Bern, on August 5, 2022.

She divided her life into three stages. First stage. Born in Budapest in 1928, she began playing the violin at the age of six. Her life then passed under the sign of increasing anti-Semitism. On the street, they sometimes spat after her, and at the age of 11 she was expelled from the famous Music Academy. Franz Liszt “just because I’m Jewish.” Then deportation, first to the Ravensbrück camp, from where she was transferred to Bergen-Belsen. Katharina Hardy was 16 years old, and when the British soldiers found her, the only survivor in the camp barracks, she weighed only 29kg.

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Second stage – from April 1945 to the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. When she returned to Budapest in August 1945, her violin was smashed by Russian soldiers. So the American War Victims Charity gave her a new one. She began to study again – every day like a man possessed. “I was a completely different person then. I came home and said to myself that everything that I experienced is not true, because it cannot be true. I only had rehearsals. Every night I dreamed about my mother and sister, I saw them sitting on the edge of my bed. And so it went on for many years. But this only happened at night. During the day, none of this existed. nine0003

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The third and longest stage of her life began in 1956 with an escape from Hungary across the border into Austria, walking through the snow with her husband and two small children of three and four years old. They fled from the invading Soviet troops, from Russian tanks in Budapest. Where they eventually ended up, in the town of Regensdorf in the canton of Zurich, no one even suspected that there was another story behind this flight. “I have been silent for fifty years.” No one knew about that other life, which, nevertheless, was always there, “every single day. I tried my best to lead a normal life, to adapt to society. But to me this normal life is ridiculous. Because people don’t even suspect what happens in the world, what in life can happen to a person in general. nine0003

Being perfect

She is sitting at the kitchen table, carefully moving a cup of coffee towards her. The cup is on the wrong saucer – this saucer is designed for baking, and there is a separate special saucer for a cup of coffee. Katarina Hardy swaps them. “Everything must be in its order.” She hates it when some little thing breaks once and for all the established routine, when glasses or pans are out of place, because everything must be “accurate to the millimeter.” Otherwise, she quickly loses her temper. “Because if I don’t have order in this too…” nine0003

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She stops talking. She puts cookies on the table, which she herself baked. “You must always try to do what you need, flawlessly, solve all problems and questions one hundred percent.” She is especially adamant when giving violin lessons. She does not accept mistakes. Uncompromising discipline! This is what she requires of herself and others. This is what her mother demanded of her as a child. The mother herself was not a musician, but she “trained” her daughters ruthlessly – Pirozhka’s older sister played the piano, Katarina, who was seven years younger than her, played the violin. Even during the holidays, “when we spent time in the country with my grandparents, a violin or solfeggio teacher always came to me. I survived the concentration camps, among other things, thanks to this discipline.” nine0003

A single glass of milk

In November 1944, militants from the Arrow Cross Party (Nyilaskeresztes párt), the National Socialist Party that established a pro-German government in Hungary after the October 17, 1944 coup d’état, took Katharina and her mother out of the apartment. The street was teeming with people—Jews being herded to an abandoned brick factory nearby. They stayed there for three days, then the column began its death march, 120 kilometers on foot through the cold into the snow. We had to spend the night at football stadiums in the open air. Mother shook and rubbed Katarina to keep her warm. nine0003

Then for three days they lived in a shipyard on the Danube in terrible unsanitary conditions. The mother fell ill with dysentery. By chance, they met their father there, who had been deported earlier. When they moved on, the mother was already very weak, she could hardly walk, Katharina literally dragged her on herself. They were imprisoned in a cell in the fortress town of Komárom in Slovakia. There was only one blanket on the stone floor strewn with straw. On this memory fails, the story breaks up into sharply defined fragments, but how to find the words to tell about them? Short phrases, like randomly spoken words…

The mother lies on the straw, she is seriously ill. She wants milk, Katarina takes the wedding ring off her finger, gathers all her courage, goes to the warden; gives him the ring. He brings her a glass of milk, just one glass. Then, like the sound of a snapping whip, the soldiers lead Katarina away. The last thing she hears from her mother is the address of her brother, Uncle Katharina, in New York. During the march, her mother repeatedly repeated this address to her. “I still know him by heart.” Katarina turns around for the last time. “Mom didn’t cry.” She knows that she could not have saved her mother, could not have prevented her death. But what would happen if she did stay? “I blame myself for that to this day.” nine0003

“Death was normal”

She ended up in the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she spent two months – January and February 1945, then there was the Bergen-Belsen camp. What she saw and what she experienced there, Katarina does not tell. But she describes in great detail what being there did to her and how it all changed her perception of reality. According to Katharina Hardy, it was the other way around in the concentration camp. “Life was not the norm—death was the norm.” The daily physical presence of death (corpses on the ground, constant executions) made life an exception. This, she says, had an impact on her like nothing else. Views of life and death have changed places forever. “Since then, I see the world differently than others see it. In fact, I am one of the dead there, in Bergen-Belsen. I am now a part of it, this place, it has shaped me to the greatest extent.” nine0003
Photographs: Katharina Hardy and her sister (at the piano). Annette Boutellier

When British soldiers liberated the Bergen-Belsen camp on April 15, 1945, she was already simply lying on the ground with her legs tucked in, unable to get up. She couldn’t swallow, she couldn’t eat. “I’ve been in a twilight state for weeks now.” She was taken to the field hospital. By June 1945, she had gained six kilograms. In the list of survivors, she found the name of her father – they met later in Budapest. “That was the only time I saw my father cry.” They returned to their old apartment. “One wall was simply missing, it was very cold, there was no money to restore it.” nine0003

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Then she got a new violin and Katharina started making music again.