So, I've got just seven days left in this country. Unbelievable. This year has gone by so fast. I've experienced so much and have really had the best times of my life. Summer has finally come - for this week at least - and I've been to the lake almost every day this week. I've even managed to get a bit of color without turning into a lobster! I also went shopping with a couple of friends today. I wanted to get something for my going-away party on Friday. I found a pretty dress and perfectly matching jewelry all for under 25 Euros. Not bad!
It's just amazing to think that, had I not extended my stay here, I would have never had these experiences. I wouldn't have had the chance to go to the beach with my friends, because the weather was never nice enough. I wouldn't have been able to just hop on my bike and ride into town for a dish of icecream or to go to the town's fair. I wouldn't have been able to have a little campfire on the rivershore late at night. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go with friends to an XXL restaurant (where everything you order is XXL or bigger) and stuffed myself and laughed myself to tears on the way back. There's just so much I would have missed out on.
There's a German song that fits perfectly to these perfect days. Here's my translation:
Diese Tage - KRIS
I love these days. (2x)
It's 7:30, the sun's shining.
The sky is blue, baby, that's how it should be.
I'll pack my things,
today we're going to the beach.
The time has been going by too quickly
Thoughts, ghosts and black clouds which have followed me,
As of today, they're gone forever
Life's got me again, today's perfect
I listen to my favorite songs on repeat,
Remember the good times.
My life's a party, nothing can bother me now.
It's going to get loud, because no one hears when it's quiet.
Yeah, no one hears when it's quiet.
Refrain (2x)
I love these days.
It doesn't matter how bad it was.
I don't want to complain.
I love these days!
I'm burning my old life in the backyard,
I go running again, get fit,
Now it's getting started.
I won't order fastfood again, only self-made food.
Enjoy the day, stop stressing myself.
I throw out my old lyrics, sit in the studio,
Make everything new, everything better
Raise the roof
No boss, no appointments
Everything works out by itself, the perfect world
Refrain (2x)
Refrain (4x)
And the original:
So, the next post I make is when I'm already back in America. Crazy thought, huh?
Bis dann
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
366 Days Ago...
Exactly one year ago today was the last time I saw my home, my family and my friends. In two days, it will be a year since I was in the US.
Crazy how time flies, huh?
Bis Später
Crazy how time flies, huh?
Bis Später
Friday, July 13, 2012
Summer Break
The move last week went well. I managed to get all my things here safely, and I've settled in. It's been nice living here so far. I get along with the family quite well, and I don't have anything to complain about here.
Thursday was my last "real" day of school. Today, my class went bowling and then out to lunch together. Next week, I'm taking part in the other half of the Poland exchange. I'll be at school a few times during that week, but I won't be having any real classes.
The weather here still can't make up its mind. A few days ago, it was warm, sunny and humid. Now, it's rainy and chilly. Hopefully, the weather will decide to be warm in the next few weeks so that my last chunk of time here can be spent outdoors.
Bis später!
Thursday was my last "real" day of school. Today, my class went bowling and then out to lunch together. Next week, I'm taking part in the other half of the Poland exchange. I'll be at school a few times during that week, but I won't be having any real classes.
The weather here still can't make up its mind. A few days ago, it was warm, sunny and humid. Now, it's rainy and chilly. Hopefully, the weather will decide to be warm in the next few weeks so that my last chunk of time here can be spent outdoors.
Bis später!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Cologne, 365 Project, Packing
Last weekend, I visited some German Dheins who live close to Cologne. I arrived at the main station in Cologne at about 8PM on Friday. After we found each other, we went on a little tour of Cologne, seeing the cathedral, the Rhine, the city hall, among other things. At the end, we ate at a typical Cologne pub. Each pub in Cologne has its own special brand of the type of beer from Cologne (Kölsch). This beer is only sold at the pub that brews it. Of course, I had to have a sample to go with my typical Rheinland meal (Sauerbraten). Definitely a good way to end the night!
On Saturday, I went back to Cologne with the daughter who is my age. We first climbed to the top of the Cathedral (533 steps!). The view from there was amazing! Afterwards, we did a little bit of sight-seeing and souvenier shopping. Then we went to the Kaiser-Wilhelm bridge. The entire south side of hte bridge is covered in locks. It's tradition in Cologne for couples to put a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the river to symbolize their unending love. However, it's not unheard of that they will keep one key in order to remove the lock, just in case things don't work out.
Saturday afternoon and evening was spent grilling. The grandparents came to visit. I was given a personalized copy of the book about the history of my family. We spent the time eating, talking, and just enjoying each other's company.
On Sunday, I went with the mother and her boyfriend to Königswinter, where we climbed to the top of huge hill. There, we had an amazing view of the Rhine, Bonn, and even a bit of Cologne way off in the distance. Then we went to the palace a bit lower on the hill before seeing a bit of Königswinter itself and then Bonn. When we finally got back to their house, I needed a bit of rest. I slept for over an hour!
That evening, we watched the finale of the EM. Italy (who beat Germany) was playing against Spain. Spain ended up winning, which I guess is good. I mean, Italy beat out Germany. Why should they also win the title?
On Monday, I slept in as long as I could. I ate breakfast, then packed my bag and went for a walk with the daughter. Afterwards, I rested up a bit, read some of the book I received and later ate lunch. Then, it was time to go.
The weekend was really nice. The weather was great, the Dheins were really friendly (they really felt like family!), and some long-lasting memories were made. I'll definitely be seeing them again some time!
A short while ago, I finished packing my things. On Friday, I'm moving in with a friend for the rest of my time in Germany. It definitely was not an easy process, but just about everything is in a suitcase or bag of some sort. Thankfully, almost the entire contents of one of the suitcases won't be coming back with me. Hopefully, I'll manage to get everything back!
Also, I just wanted to mention I've finished the 365 Project! If you'd like, you can check it out by clicking on the links on the right hand side of the blog. They will take you to that month's photos. Hopefully, they serve as a good overview of this past year!
That's all for now!
Bis später!
On Saturday, I went back to Cologne with the daughter who is my age. We first climbed to the top of the Cathedral (533 steps!). The view from there was amazing! Afterwards, we did a little bit of sight-seeing and souvenier shopping. Then we went to the Kaiser-Wilhelm bridge. The entire south side of hte bridge is covered in locks. It's tradition in Cologne for couples to put a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the river to symbolize their unending love. However, it's not unheard of that they will keep one key in order to remove the lock, just in case things don't work out.
Saturday afternoon and evening was spent grilling. The grandparents came to visit. I was given a personalized copy of the book about the history of my family. We spent the time eating, talking, and just enjoying each other's company.
On Sunday, I went with the mother and her boyfriend to Königswinter, where we climbed to the top of huge hill. There, we had an amazing view of the Rhine, Bonn, and even a bit of Cologne way off in the distance. Then we went to the palace a bit lower on the hill before seeing a bit of Königswinter itself and then Bonn. When we finally got back to their house, I needed a bit of rest. I slept for over an hour!
That evening, we watched the finale of the EM. Italy (who beat Germany) was playing against Spain. Spain ended up winning, which I guess is good. I mean, Italy beat out Germany. Why should they also win the title?
On Monday, I slept in as long as I could. I ate breakfast, then packed my bag and went for a walk with the daughter. Afterwards, I rested up a bit, read some of the book I received and later ate lunch. Then, it was time to go.
The weekend was really nice. The weather was great, the Dheins were really friendly (they really felt like family!), and some long-lasting memories were made. I'll definitely be seeing them again some time!
A short while ago, I finished packing my things. On Friday, I'm moving in with a friend for the rest of my time in Germany. It definitely was not an easy process, but just about everything is in a suitcase or bag of some sort. Thankfully, almost the entire contents of one of the suitcases won't be coming back with me. Hopefully, I'll manage to get everything back!
Also, I just wanted to mention I've finished the 365 Project! If you'd like, you can check it out by clicking on the links on the right hand side of the blog. They will take you to that month's photos. Hopefully, they serve as a good overview of this past year!
That's all for now!
Bis später!