The Final Day of Travel and 2010

~DAY THIRTEEN~

That is today- December 31st.  We woke up at 4:45ish am to pack up everything, and go down into the lobby to await the Shuttle bus to take us to the airport.  We take the shuttle bus at 5:30 with some other people also flying on my parents flight to Chicago, they were nice :)  Arrival at the airport we go and pick up the luggage from the baggage storage and work our way back up to the ticket counter, where it took forever and a half to get there tickets.  While they were getting their tickets I was downstairs trying to determine when my trains were to Marburg.  I figured it out and came back up and they were still in line.  But shortly after they were being helped.  After getting the tickets it was off to find something to eat.  We went to this little cafe area, I had what seemed to be an attempt at yogurt, so I got fruit as well and my mom had an egg sandwich and my dad and sister well they had pieces of bakery!  After we ate, we had the last exchange of pictures and anything else they gave me including water bottles.  And then we walked to the clearing where they asked if I was leaving or walking farther.  They said they could manage so I said goodbye.  Yet again, it was tearful.  I didn't think it would be bad, but I cried, it was sad :( then I was leaving and I went the wrong way and then I saw them being confused and eventually they were going the right way and so was I, to bad it wasn't together anymore, but I will be with them again soon. As I am writing this they should be arriving in Chicago within the hour :) Safe and sound and then Again in Milwaukee around One!  I made it back to Marburg at around 9:30 this morning.  I still have not slept I have been updating the blog and facebook all day.  Tonight will be a rough one for me, for I have no sleep and its New years Eve!! Gotta make it to 12 on a day like today, not everyone gets to say they get to bring in the new year in Germany in their life time.  I feel pretty special.  

Looking back on the trip- it was amazing I can not believe all that we have done, in such a short time.  Granted I know we would have done something different now that we have done this trip, but It was worth every penny.. well I think it was, I hope my family does to.  I was glad I got to share a little bit of what I have learned and the language and where I am living with my family.  I hope they are able to spread and share their stories with your as well.  

Some funny things or quotes from our trip:

Dad- "Wait I can't see my light,  Where the hell do they put these lights?" referring to traffic lights

Unnamed- "My toes are so fat they overlay each other. It's like they have their own home." - on comparing feet

Trouble with kidneys - Mom - Sara not so much

One is the lonliest number - Mom on my last Butterfinger

ME - Monster Sign!

Me- randomly singing completely random songs & of course my one liners ;}

Some things my family liked about Germany:

• Historic Nature
• The food (overall)
• Especially the meat

• Breakfast
• Castles
• Snowflakes
• The company ( mom)
• Fresh bread
• Mountains/trees/covered with snow
• Fresh fruit and flowers in the middle of winter
• Their strollers
• Autobahn
• ICE trains
• Cool glasses and lights in resturants

Some things my Family found hard to adjust to

• Smokers
• Stairs got to be a little to much sometimes
• having to pay for water
• Pay for Bathroom
• and having nothing cold to drink!
• Everyone bikes here in Winter!
• Lame Pillows - no support
• Snow tires- had to pay extra?? they looked like our tires at home
• Sprite Zero or diet anything is hard to find
• Roads that are 2 directions but only big enough for one car!

Overall I think that my family had a great time, I know I did, I wish it was longer and I wish more of my family could have come along with.  But I am grateful for the time that I had with them and am looking forward to seeing them again soon!!  <3

NEW YEARS!!!!!
I can't believe this year is already coming to an end.  It feels like just yesterday that we were welcoming the new millennium.  I guess that is old news now.  Here comes 2011 if your are ready or not, look out!
This year I will turn 21, and return from spending 10 months abroad.  That is crazy!  Wow.
I have some Resolutions or things I want to add to my bucket list of my life.
Res 1. Be true to myself
Res 2. Run a Marathon
Res 3. Have fun/less stress

Things to add to the bucket list:
1. Cross country skiing.
2. try downhill skiing or snowboarding

I believe I had another thing to add to my bucket list, but it slips my mind.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful time bringing in the new year!  I love you and miss you all!
<3 Rissa