I love castles

So many to see and so littl etime. It is truelly amazing to be able to touch a part of history. Something that is not so prevalent in America. We have monuments but nothing like this. Everything here makes America look so young. I walk through cities over 900 years old. Touch walls of castles devastated by years of war. IN a sense I get to relive history here. And it really brings me such happiness.

Exploring in Germany

We had a nice weekend. On Saturday Toni, me and, Tim went to Anhalt-Saxony and saw the monument to Emporer Wilhelm. We climbed all the way to the top of the tower. Then we went exploring in nearby castle ruins. By the end of teh day I wanted to rip the muscles out of my calves. LOL I have been feeling a little bit better. But still struggle. In addition to that I am starting to realize the cost of everything as I wantch my bank balance drop. I'm starting to worry as I am still supposed to go so many places while still having teh money I need to get by for the remaining month, plus upcoming expenses such as getting back to Frankfurt. I only have around 700 euro left and it will take 200 for my return trip to frankfurt 8(

Today I bought a rubber

I know what your thinking, Gosh Serena TMI. Thanks for sharing personal intimate details of your life, but in that aspect your wring. Yes I bought a rubber, but rubber in Germany is far from rubber in America. And for all you curious pervs, I bought only a pencil eraser. However, I could not help but wonder how many Americans have been highly confused when directed to the school section while searching for condoms. Further more, I wonder how many have been embaressed when a German friend asks for a rubber  eraser and receives a condom. Just a small realization, of the little known facts and cultural differences that can catch you up at times. And it reminds me of my own blunders. When I first met Toni I had translated lets hang out, only to find out I was saying I would hang him when I get here.  LOL. But my german is improving. TOday I bought meat alone for the first time. Next I'll try the bakery. I understand and read more than I speak, but I am confident that with time I will learn more. Now  I have one month left, and I wish it was longer. But I will be back soon. Back in the country I love, with the most amazing man I have ever met. I am still bafled daily by the power of communication the internet offers. We come from two different worlds, but somehow it brought us together and for that I am so grateful.

Sick in Germany

Oh, to be sick in Germany! After over a week of nausea and vomiting, i got the enjoyable experience of going to a German doctor. I was shocked by the fact that as an uninsured American, I am still able to see a doctor same day for only 20 or 30 euro. The doctors offices were way cool and I was given a prescription to combat the nausea for only 10 euro. I went back yesterday for blood test and get the results tomorrow. As of now I am trying to decide what is better barfing in the morning, or taking medications that alieve that only to cause Diahreah. Ugh. So, now I lay in bed, still sick even after taking the meds. Hopefully, alles gut!

My favorite picture!!!

Sunday Morning

Me and Tim, Toni's little Brother.

Today was a fun day. Actually the weekend. The festivities actually began last night with a celebratory dinner at Toni's mothers house. They were celebrating the conformation of Tim, Toni's 14 year old brother. I got to meet a bunch of Toni's family. And was terrified as could be. However his family has been nothing but kind and receiving. And luckily his aunt and uncle spoke english. However, I found it not hard to communicate even with those who spoke little or no english. We had a lovely dinner, and sat up late drinking wine and talking.
What a lovely day for a conformation!

Today we got up and joined his family for lunch at a lovely German restaurant. I once again found myself panic stricken by the borage of silverware and glasses that laid in front of me. Through observation I figured my way through the meal, however my aqward tension was prevalent as many repeatedly asked if I was ok. LOL. After the meal we went to the church for the confirmation. It was a lovely church, and very old. It was cool to see a religious ceremony in German, however I was humored by the fact that the only words I knew was God, and Germanys next top model. LOL.
Sweet Oma, one of the sweetest women I've ever met!

After the ceremony we headed back to the restaurant for dessert before heading to Toni's Grandmothers house for dinner. It was a lovely day and I love spending time with his family. They are all so kind. And it means the world to me that they have received me with open arms. Toni's mother is an angel. His brother a sweetheart. And his grandmother is so amazing. I am so grateful for the chance to have such wonderful people in my life. I hope you too can meet them someday!

Two weeks

It's hard to believe that I have been in this beautiful place for two weeks now. Even harder to believe that it has been 25% of my time here. I came in search of answers, I found them and found myself even more complexed by the perplexities of international love. I had wanted him before, I had even longed to be with him, but now having been here, I cannot imagine life without him. As much as I hate to admit I look now not at six weeks remaining, but rather six weeks left. Till we find ourselves in the same situation 9000km apart. I love it here, and in reality would do anything to stay. But it is easy to see that some things are just not plausible. I hope and pray that someday this beautiful land will become my home.