Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Kelly's Germany Exploration

May 12th- was Lizzie's Birthday
sooooooooo - we all went over and hung on in Wehrda for some good ole times :)  ate some food then, unfortunately I had to leave seeing as I had to rise n' shine @ the crack of dawn (or so it seems sometimes) to pick up Kelly from the airport!  So I headed home and studied some for my test that was on this past Monday.

May 13th - KELLY'S ARRIVAL
I got there just in time, only to find out that her plane and been slightly delayed.. not a big problem for me.. but.. she had a long boring wait on the Plane back in Chi-Town, for what you ask?? A windshield wiper... I know they are important but do tell me- why don't they keep some all over the airport?  The world may never know the methods to some peoples madness (lol)
Anyways she made it here safe and sound - but I do think she was a tad bit tired.. but despite that we made our way back to Marburg and then we were off again to Fuessen - our destination for the weekend.
It was a long day of travel for her - the trains from Marburg to Fuessen was 7 hrs and 35 min long.  So she got to catch up on some sleep and other stuff.. but we passed the time reading some magazines and playin' cards (which I actually remembered this time) [shocking huh] 
Fun story of the trains:  On the last train there was this little girl sitting across from us - she just so happened to like Kelly's nails (which were totally awesome btw)  so she started talking to Kelly - In German of course-sooo naturally Kelly looked at me like HUH?? lol So the ball starts rolling the girl asks me if she is English - like from England I said no.. and tried to explain but she was not getting it. She then continued to talk to us, in German and tried a little bit of English.. and I can not forget the Turkish lessons she gave me :) it was cute.. I don't really remember them but it was worth a shot.  Then she said "I know more German than you"  I replied yes but you are German... She didn't like that to much - "No, I'm Turkish"  So I just agreed in hopes to not cause any ruckus.. soon it was forgotten and she was listing all her friends on her fingers.. all in all it was a great experience.. and I think Kelly got a kick out of it too! <3



After that episode we finally arrived in Fuessen - :) what a goregous city - surrounded by mountains and just beautiful landscape - I loved the city. We walked around found our Hostel - a bit confusing but we managed :) Then with the help of Rick Steves' book we made our own city tour @ night.  Saw some pretty cool sights and then we did give in to our ice cream craving and got a scoop on our way back to the Hostel.
In our hostel room - there were two fellow Americans just starting a program for the summer so we hung out with them a couple of times including Saturday night. (but I will get to that in a second)

May 14th - Castle day
So we got up early and headed to the bus stop to take us to schwangau where king Ludwigs castles are!
Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau  = Both totally cool.  Anyways so we did the tours of both in English.  It was nice to see it in Summer and in Winter - always a good time for a photo op!  We also visited the Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge)  = kinda scary.  It was a wood floor bridge so sometimes you could see all the way down!!!!!







Yes then after the castles we did some shopping and had some yummy Bratwurst and then made it back to the Hostel to walk around and see what was all there- during the day! Well we did that and we ended up getting some really good ice cream in a shape of swan (dish) and then had some pizza.  On our way back to the Hostel we were deciding what to do.. but once we got there our roommate asked if we would like to join them @ a Bier Garten - sooo seeing as Kelly hadn't got to try any bier (beer) yet we said of course.. and we were on our way!  Despite the rain!  


Then we just talked and hung out for the night - it was a fun - last night in Fuessen!
May 15th - Travel home
Well now folks - today's travel will last 9 hours and 25 minutes - Doesn't that sound like a bunch of JOY!
 To be honest - it was not as bad as we thought it was going to be. We got up early & headed to the train station.. Got on the Train and settled into things.. Cards, Music, Magazine Reading, & Just talking :)  lol WE did play a couple of Go Fish games :)  That game can be a lot of fun!
 Well we made it back into town with some time to Skype with my Family & see my mom Get flowers!  So cute = Love her! <3
Then we hurried off to meet up with some Friends in town for Dinner.  Sarina joined us. We met up with some people @ Paprika & Kelly was able to have Auflauf = So good!
The reason for this dinner get together was that It was the last time I would be able to see Sam (old neighbor)  - who has turned out to be a great friend & I will miss seeing him every month - but future plans are being discussed soooooo - Time won't ruin it :)
Anyways after dinner we headed over to Suedhaus for a shot or 2. Kelly tried Jaeger.. I don't know if she really liked it or not - but she tried it sooo.. all is good! Then it was off to the room for some long awaited Sleep!!!





May 16th - I miss Lita so much!!
Today was tough but I tired to fill it with happiness - so It ended up being okay.
I had class and I took my quiz and that went well - then Kelly and I headed on over to Wehrda for some dinner (pizza) and some cards (apples to apples)  Both were tons of fun!! <3  It was a great night.. and just so you guys know.. Amber - will dominate in Apples to Apples (just a warning)



May 17th- Class & Cologne
Yes here we are folks on a tuesday making a day trip :)
Had class then quickly picked up Kelly and Then Kelly , Beth & I were on our way to Cologne! 
We saw the Cathedral & I lit a candle for Lita and then just wandered the city. We also hit up the famous Lock bridge- I still think it is awesome!! <3





 May 18th - Oberstadt and Castle view

Well this is the time were we actually got to explore Marburg - Seeing as I had from 12-2 & 4-6
So we just checked out the Gummy Bear store and the Chocolate store. Also we were walking up to the castle & one of the Churches and it was open so we checked it out - It was pretty neat!  Then after my class @ 6 we met up with some friends for some more auflauf seeing as it was Christina's last time getting it. It was fun to see anyone!  <3 
 May 19th -  Convo class
Well seeing as we didn't have much time @ the castle the day before - we headed back up and went on inside.. :) Way cool We got to explore and get lost in the castle it was fun ;)   Then I had convo and then we went back to the Oberstadt and did some shopping lol for candy lol - the good ole stuff!  OOO also Kelly had a doener for the first time- it was soo good :) Yummm!!!

May 20th - Heidelberg
Christina & Kelly and I headed on down to Heidelberg for the day - it was nice... We walked around did some shopping and having some fun :)  It was a nice day with good company & again playing some awesome games of Old Maid and Go Fish!


May 21st- Holiday Park!!
Oh yeah that's right Expedition Ge-Force -- was the in the Guinness Book of World records in 2004.. it was an awesome ride.. rode it 4 times.. but over the course of they day I went on 11 rides :)
This amusement park was located in Hassloch and our fearless group consisted of Kelly & I, Christina, Amber, Holly, Ariel, & Katie :)  It was such a  fun group!!  <3  A perfect way to end Kelly's stay - oo when we got back to Marburg we made one last trip to the Grocery store to pick up some chocolate and some Gummi Bears for the road.. :)

May 22nd - Departure
Well - this was the end of Kelly's Europe tour and Christina also was leaving to attend a Wedding.
It is crazy that this week has come and gone. I can not believe it!!!!!
it is nearing the end.. and the time can only be cherished..
Friday Alex arrives..  this has been one heck of an experience :D & I would never change it for the world!!

May 23rd - Class and other stuff..
yeah yesterday was kinda boring just tutorial.. and chillin
May 24th - today.. class and hw.. finished my paper!! and working on this blog..
I will prolly end up going to a BBQ tonight soo that will help pass the time.. but I should also probably work on my journal for LAX..
Well hope all is well on the western front!
Love you <3
Ris

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wondering minds aquire knowledge

May 4th - tutorial & yoga
Not to forget an amazingly fun dinner with some of the old IUSP Leute!  We had pasta and this amazing garlic bread.. which always makes me wish that I had an oven - darn :(  oh well.. but anyways it was Beth, Bastian (Beth's bf), Becca, Lizzie, Christina, and I it was rather tasty we even finished the meal of with some tiramisu yumm :)  Oh and then we played some good ole fashion Frisbee- It was a lot of fun :) For a while it was called ring around Bastian - Becca was quite good at it after a while.
May 5th- Class nope - lol it was basically a day to myself which I used to work on my presentation on Ruby Bridges and  Running - of course!! Oh and can't for get packing lol for the weekend

May 6th - Friday LUEBECK
our depart was @ 8:00am from the CNMS building and off we were.  The bus ride was about 7 hours long.. w/2 breaks so i guess more like 6 but still that can be a long time :)  Good thing I was all stocked up on food!! Seriously I had a whole seperate bag and I was totally prepared!!






when we finally arrived to the Hostel - we unloaded and hit the town - and of course did some shopping lol :P
then called it a night while watching the movie - The Invisible and sipping on Maibowle.  Which I will attempt to send home :) yummmmm 

 May 7th - the day of supposed tours (well just one)
Well we woke up had some bfast and set off to meet our tour guide... Just so happens that there was a mistake or some misunderstanding we wanted for about 45 min and then Raphael gave us his own tour - basically showing us where we had to meet at for our boat tour.  So again we had free time (this trip was full of - but I was soo glad)
Steph and I went shopping again lol - I bought something this time - so it was not wasted lol and we had had some Fruit smoothies that were rather tasty.  By this time, we had to go back and meet up for the Boat tour - Which was in German and really pretty.  (btw it was extremely hot the entire day)


 After the tour a couple of us wanted to go kayaking so we wandered until we found a place to rent them!
It was Beth, Taylor, Karen & I.  It was so much fun.. we rented them for 2 hours.. and man my arms did hurt a little bit after that.. but so much fun & so worth it.
Things we learned about kayaking -
A- Don't try to be like pocahontas and go through a weeping willow - its not that easy (Beth & Taylor)
B- Don't race to the Lilac trees uncontrollably you will go right by them (Beth & Taylor Lost - Carissa & Karen= Winners)
C- Winding through the pillars of the bridge can be difficult
D- Don't chase Swans & ducks with Carissa in the front of the Kayak (she will freak out)
E- Don't Start a splash fight between Beth & Karen - others will get soaked (Taylor)

That was our fun learning session.. so much fun - can't wait to do it again!  Others were jealous but who wouldn't be sadly I do not have photos of the adventure in fear of ruining my Camera.
Anywho.. Then we headed back into town grabbed some grub and made it back the hostel in time to shower and call my family because it was SARA'S PROM - She looked so good!  Loved it!

May 8th - Happy Mother's Day! <3 
Well this day basically started the same Breakfast and packing and then to the Bus - where we were on out destination to the Beach - sad day that it was a bit windier and a tad bit cold at the beach but we managed. Some crazy ppl even went swimming lol - Can't pass up the experience right?? lol
Anyways I chilled at beach the entire time.  Steph and her boys from Hamburg met up with us. It was cool - it's crazy that will be the last time I see them this year - AHHHHH Crazy.. but good thing they are planning on coming to the States lol - yes! & Green Bay is not far at all lol
Anyways we just kinda chilled and finally then made it back to the Bus for the drive home -
When I arrived home I skyped the Fam - wishin' mi madre a Happy M-Day!  <3   and worked on some hw! go Figure!!!



May 9th -
Day of Presentation- but before that I ran 4.7 miles ppl that is right - the whole time.. in 49 min so not that bad of timing either - I am quite proud! I am well on my way to my goal!
Anywho  - I did give my presentation and I think I rocked it.  I knew what I was talking about and rarely had to use my notes :) RIGHT ON!
Then later that night Sarina & I made some Delicious Pancakes.. oh yeah!  With Strawberries and Whip/Cream haha kinda anyways it was yummy Check it out!!!

 Isn't she cute :) I'm Gonna miss her so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 10th- Class and skyping with some friends that I haven't talked to in a while..
(I also made some amazing Egg salad from my mom's on the go recipe.. yummm it was so lecker!!)
and planning the weekend trip with Kelly - We are goin to Fuessen - which is near the Casltes of king ludwig so we will be visiting them - both this time! It shall be fun!!
May 11th- That would be today - tutorial /work on paper and do some major laundry hence the fb status for those who can see it - "Room looks like a wash machine blew up but it smells nice :)"
Plan for the rest of the day make some scrumptious food and pack a little and do some hw.. and mb some just chillin' - I already worked out today.  So far its been a pretty good day!

Well till next time <3
Love you Ris