post-Germany...

So, Germany was amazing!!! Traveling all day was tiring, but it was well worth the time on planes, buses and trains. I am pretty sure that last weekend was one of the best weekends of my life! We took a train to Bristol then caught another train, then a bus then got on the plane to head for Amsterdam. When we got to Amsterdam, it was so shocking at how little English there was around us in the airport. Even though I have traveled to other coutries in Europe before, it was different because I was with 40 other Americans. This time it was just me and Mel. We had to figure out where we were going by ourselves. I loved that though. From Amsterdam, we went to Munich via plane. Then, we caught a train to Parsberg where my brother picked us up. It was so great to see my brother. I hadn't seen him in a year and half. I dropped my suitcase and gave him a hug!! He had his dog with him, too...so cute! I was so ready to sleep when we got to his house, which was only ten minutes from the train station. He took us out to dinner before we headed to his house. I got to try a new drink: apple juice with sparkling mineral water. It is such a great combination! I actually went to the store today and bought both so that I can make it here in Swansea. When we got to his house, all I could think of was sleeping in a comfortable bed. That was probably the best night of sleep I have had since I left home. On Thursday, we went to Nurmberg's old city. The old city was so neat! There were city walls and several old churches. The fact that those churches are older than anything in the US, is amazing. I loved being able to go around a foreign city and navigate without knowing where I was at or knowing anyone. Most of the signs and directions were in German. I think I finally got to feel what it's like to be the outsider. So many people come to the States, not knowing how to get around or maybe not even speaking english. I kind of know how they feel now. The next day we went to Regensburg and the following day we hit Munich. Both cities were really cool, very old, but very cool. We saw so many churches and took so many pictures. I think I took over 400 photos!

I loved spending time traveling, but I also really really enjoyed relaxing in a different environment. I was able to talk to my brother and Sonja. I also met Sonja's parents. They don't speak English very well. Her dad knows a little, but Sonja had to translate most of what we were saying. Her mother also cooked us an authentic German dinner on Friday. It was so good!! I officially love kanoodles! I also got to play with Jolie. She is so cute and very well behaved. I also met one of Kyle's colleagues and his wife, plus their dog Molly. We had so much fun the entire time. I wouldn't have traded that weekend for anything!!!