the German words "Gegen" and "über" are separated by blue waves
the German words "Gegen" and "über" are separated by blue waves

Among Friends
 On the Road

Two authors from Germany – Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker, both students at the German Institute for Literature in Leipzig – traveled along the East Coast of the United States, from New York to Texas, in the fall of 2025.The articles below trace their literary impressions and personal turning points along the way.

Follow the voices of a new generation as they recount their experiences of traveling through the United States without a driver’s license, reflect on American and German society, and share personal observations and philosophical insights beyond the mainstream.

Unterwegs 2300 x 1000 © Ricardo Roa

The Route

The journey led Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker along the U.S. East Coast and to Southern states between September 7 and October 7, 2025. The stops were: New York (NY) – Philadelphia – Pittsburgh – West Chester (PA) – Washington, D.C. – Front Royal (VA) – Charlotte (NC) – Atlanta – Athens (GA) – Orlando – Miami (FL) – Houston (TX).

ON THE ROAD is realized in cooperation with the German Institute for Literature Leipzig and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ulrike Draesner. Further information about the project can be found on the UNTERWEGS project website.

 

Travel Notes

On the Road - Route © Ricardo Roa

ARD radio interview with Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker
 Traveling for Writing – Two Young German Authors on the Road in the USA

Listen to the ARD German Radio interview that Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker gave about their ON THE ROAD journey. Please note that this interview is only available in German. 

More Information

One-way road sign with the inscription "ON THE ROAD" on an orange, desert-looking background © Goethe-Institut, Ricardo Roa

ON THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD celebrates transatlantic exchange through real-time reflections, creative encounters, and the power of literature. Learn more about this project, developed as part of AMONG FRIENDS, in cooperation with the German Literature Institute Leipzig and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ulrike Draesner.

Among Friends - Unter Freunden GI colors Logo © Goethe-Institut / Ricardo Roa

Among Friends

Under the motto “Among Friends" (Unter Freunden), the Goethe-Institut USA's campaign from fall 2025 to summer 2026 aims to strengthen the transatlantic partnership.