To the Upper East Side

Last weekend I went to visit the far East state of Germany; Saxony. On Friday after my Germany language course, I hopped on a train that took me to Dresden. I have heard many things about this city from people here so I had to see it for myself! It didn't take long for this place to captivate me. The building here still look like they are covered with smoke stains from WWII. This city, like many others, was also near completely destroyed in WWII. It's amazing to see how it was rebuilt up from its destruction. Dresden is know to be an "artsy" city. There is the historical old side of the city, and just across the bridges over the River Elbe, there is the new, modern side of the city. The initial settlement of Dresden goes way way back hundreds and hundreds of years. You could spend days in all of the museums in the city. I wish I would have had time to visit them. The city center was different than most other ones I have seen in Germany. It is not as defined and closed off. It opens up toward the river and has more like a stip of its unique attractions that face towards the new city. My favorite was the Zwinger Palace in the city center and the Semperoper (Opera House).

In the Zwinger Palace

Hofkirche

View across the river from the new city.

Then, on Saturday evening, I hopped on another train for Leipzig. This is a comparably small city to all the others. It is a fancy little town. It had an Uptown New York feel to it. I took my tour through the city on a Sunday morning, so it was quite and peaceful. Even when the afternoon came, there wasn't too much hussle and bussle about. Leipzig's initial settlement was also hundreds and hundreds of years ago. It was known in Europe for the Trade Fair. And the people of Leipzig have a strong sense of pride for their composer Bach. Leipzig also holds the biggest monument in Germany; the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. This was from defeating Napoleon's army in the 1800s. I sadly did not get to venture there. But it was nice to go on a leisurely exploration through this city.

I loved riding the train through the Germany countryside on my way to these places! That was one of my favorite things! I could stare out the window all day. It was a fun new way to travel!

Both of these great places could not be captured well enough in a picture to do them justice. I loved being able to explore them! Now I am back in Munich and attending my language course during the morning and exploring Munich in the afternoon. I miss Andrija and Luka since they are still at their grandparents house. But in the mean time, it's nice to spend so much time playing in the city all day.

It was cool to do a trip alone. I have never done that before. The train, the hotel, and the sightseeing alone. It was fun to be on my own and figure everything out (even after getting on one wrong train that took me an hour out of my way... oops... somethings you do you can't help but laugh about), but I missed having company with me. I missed being able to share everything with someone. And I especially miss all of you at home. I wish we could do a sightseeing trip together. So the next city I visit, I think I will need a traveling buddy. If you're up for it, meet me in Paris!

Trek Up North

I am sorry to be late with this blog update! Last week we were in Northern Germany. I was fortunate enough to visit the Ostsee, the Baltic Sea, Plon, Lubeck, Keil, and Frankfurt (in that order). And this past Monday I started my language course. So you can see how I got a little behind on sharing all of this with y'all - so much is always happening! But I will try and do better! Last week was really great! But challenging as you know from my last blog. It was so fun to be able to hang out with the boys so much, but I have never had to put so much effort into playing with kids. I was pretty exhausted but still encouraged from our progress in communication. So it was a great week of bonding :) I hope you like these pictures that describe our great, but tiring week.

We arrived Sunday (August 14) in the afternoon and just played around. The conference center we stayed at had a nice beach on a lake. It was so wierd to see such a full lake compared to what I'm used to with Lake Travis back home. Our activities there consisted of playing in the sand, some swimming, basketball, fussball, playground shenanegans, pirates, monopoly, chess, and more board games I cannot pronounce the name of haha. When Nevena had time off, we went on adventures together!

Wednesday, we visited the OstSee where the weather wasn't great, but the sun was able to shine a little for us. After the boys played for a little bit, we toured Lubeck. We walked through the city center and took a boat tour! Lubeck has an extensive history and the parts that Nevena translated to me on the tour were very interesting. Lubeck is a major port in Northern Germany and always has been. There are many centeries old buildings that were mezmorizing.

 OstSee

On the boat tour. Can you see the ship in the background? It was from the 1500s. Pirate style haha.

Thursday when Nevena was finished in the afternoon, we all went on a canoe ride. There are many big lakes in this area so we went through 5 of them that were all connected by a small small narrow channel just big enough to fit our canoe.

On the Plon Lake with the Pince's Castle behind us. Good thing I still have my canoe skills from camp :) it came in handy!

There are swans everywhere.

Through the channel and under the bridge.

Saturday, we saw Kiel. This city is the biggest port city I have ever seen. We also took a port tour on a boat and I have never seen that many sail boats. As far as I could see, there were sail boats. It was the thing everyone clearly does in this town. In July, there is Kiel Week which is a huge event for sailer fans, Germany, and Kiel. Thousands of people come from all over for races and the festival to celebrate sailing. It's more of a modern city compared to everwhere else I have been so far.

The boys got their faces painted haha little green rascals.

hundreds

And there was a little place in the city for the boys to do mini sailing.



And Sunday, we drove to Frankfurt. The boys had a flight to Montenegro. Nevena and I took them to the airport and then went on a quick walk and drive through the city. Another incredible place! I couldn't help but chuckle to myself constantly though because I kept hearing Gilly quotes in my head (from the SNL skit - a favorite from our circle of friends just ask Christie to do the impression). Frankfurt was great though! The city center has very tradition German looking houses and there is of course a beautiful and historical church. There is a river right across the street from the city center so it really gives it an open feel. There is a mix of skyscrappers though so that was an interesting skyline look. And like everywhere else in Germany, it was devestatingly destoryed in WWII.

With Nevena in Romerberg (city center).

The coolest and biggest organ I have ever seen.

Imperial Cathedral.



But now, the boys are visiting their Grandparents in Montenegro for the next 3 weeks. So I will be taking my Deutschkurse and traveling on the weekends. I will take the train this weekend to Dresden! I am really excited! I hope all of you are surviving the heat back home. I really do miss y'all! Especially since I keep thinking about what y'all are all doing back in Texas. I can't help but think about all of the Delta girls in Rush right now too. Can't believe that was us a year ago! Miss it, but thankful for the new and exciting direction the Lord is taking us all on. I hope y'all are all doing well. And for those of you starting jobs, starting school, traveling yourself, or enjoying being a newly engaged couple (Congrats to Kasey and Blake and also to Jean Marie and Cutter) and married couple (Congrats to Sam and Amy) I miss you so much but know that I thank the good Lord for our life paths to cross at the point they did in our lives.  It made me a better person to know you and love you. Knowing that I am so loved and supported back in Texas is such a strong comfort to me. Never would I have ever thought I would be doing this. It's funny what wonderful suprises our sweet Father in Heaven has planned for us throughout our lives. I know He is thrilled to show you in your life as well. I love y'all! Ciao!

Choosing My Words Wisely

Nevena, the boys, and myself are spending this week in northern Germany. We are at a conference center sort of place outside of Plön. It is on a beautiful giant lake. Nevena is attending a summer academy conference for the prestigious Foundation she is with and received her research scholarship from. So while she is doing that, the boys and I play! Andrija has just started reading Harry Potter! He is thrilled by every page he turns! I love his enthusiasm for it. The weather has been okay. Too cold for me to swim in the lake but good enough for the boys. It has been a challenge all along communicating with the boys. Just like you would expect from speaking different languages. But we make it work. It was frustrating on both sides for a while, but we are finally able to understand each other more and more. I am constantly challenged in the way I respond to them and with every interaction we have. Never have I ever had to choose my words so wisely and as simple as possible. It's a good challenge, a great challenge. I enjoy observing their personalities and showing each other how we care despite our limited conversation. It is normally so easy for me to play with children, be able to comfort them, and help them resolve their conflicts. But now, its not easy. So this is all a very new kind of experience. I know this is a process though. The goal that the boys will be able to speak English in a few months is great motivation. It's exciting to be in a this developing process but still pretty tough. It's all worth it because I already love them! They're great boys!

There is Freedom

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glordy of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Great Friends, Great Fun

Last weekend the wonderful Alyssa Johnson and Haley Smith stopped through Munich to visit me on their tour through Europe. And of course, we had an awesome time! Alyssa and Haley were tri delts with me at A&M - I know a lot of you knew that but for those who didn't. Alyssa and I were room mates sophomore year in the delta shelta. Haley and Alyssa were room mates at the Holick house senior year. The Holick was another home to me as well in college so it's almost like Haley and I were room mates anyways. So, we took on the town this weekend! And what did we do on Friday right when they arrived?.... Went to a Biergarten (beer garden).

We went to the famous LowenBrau Keller beer garden where Hitler gave a famous speech to his Nazi party during his power. This beer garden has been a landmark in Munich since the late 1800s and is the popular choice of beer during Oktoberfest.

On Saturday we took the 2 hour train ride to Fussen to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. You know, the Disney Castle. Well the one Walt Disney apparently created his empire icon after. Yea, that one! It was magnificent, fit for the inspiration of the Disney icon. The castle was never actually finished thoguh. King Ludwig II died long before his project was completed. Since this King was a little koo koo (really), the stories during the tour were very interesting. And there are swan statues everywhere. It was an odd and overdone decoration. My favorite room was the cave room and the King's toilet (it literally looked like a throne, comfy, cushion chair with a hole in the middle).

Really my favorite was the view.

This looks photoshopped but it's real!

This is the view from the other side of the castle of another castle on the back lake. No big deal.

And coming back from Fussen was a lucky adventure. Since we missed the original train straight back to Munich we had to take whatever train was next and switch a couple of different times along the way. We only had to run across one platform though. But we made it, luckily haha

On Sunday, the rain only made it more fun :) We went to church at an English speaking Methodist church and then took a walk to the Alte Pinakothek (the old art museum in Munich). On our walk through the rain we stopped at a cute bakery for a yummy snack.

Outside the museum. The paintings here are huge! It is incredible the talent of these life size graphic paintings. You had to stand in the middle of the room to even be able to see the top of the frame.

And then we had American Pancake night at the house with the family!

We had to say our good byes on Monday. I am so happy that Alyssa and Haley could visit and I wish them well on the rest of their trip through Europe - and special safe keepings as the come to London this weekend. I was so happy to be able to share all of this in Germany with them. It was so nice to have such great friends visit. It was like wearing your favorite pair of jeans, with a comfy Tshirt, taking a walk in the sunshine listening to Ben Rector on your iPod. It was a great weekend! Full of laughter and good company. Love you girls! I hope more of you can visit too!

A Weekend in the Alps

Switzerland is a country unlike any other. The obvious answer is that it is covered from head to toe in the Alps, stays neutral, and has the best chocolate treats. I can finally say I have been to Switzerland! I have the Swiss in my blood and was thrilled to see everything first hand. I have always admired a giant sized wall decoration map of Switzerland my Grandparents have so it has been a long anticipated trip. Houses and towns are perfectly tucked away inbetween every mountain dip. The mountains are every which way you can look and it is the prettiest dividing line between a beautiful shade of green grass and blue sky. The cows there would beat any Texas cow in a beauty competition and you can taste it in the wonderful cheese they make. Each town makes their own cheese with a unique difference. I don't think I can go back to Kraft. The Swiss people are a very proud people; they have a reason to be. They speak Swiss German. Note: very different from German (even Germans cannot understand it), or what they call High German. It is not a written language so it is difficult to learn unless you grow up there. Talk about how to spot the foreigners. But that is only in the German (North) region. Farther South is the French and Italian regions that speak those languages respectively. It is home to 8 million people who have one of the highest qualities of life in the world. We stayed in Luzern to visit some family friends. Luzern is famous for the Chapel Bridge; a small wooden bridge on the lake in the 14th century. I have never seen that many swans before either. There are so many incredible landmarks in this town and it all comes together in a stunning way. I got to walk around the city a lot and see the mountains. I was in a dream.

Can you see the waterfall?

My first time to see the Alps.

Chapel's Bridge in Luzern. This bridge is a common Swiss landmark. It is surrounded by beautiful bright flowers from one side to the other. Inside the bridge, alining the roof are painting of Swiss history. Some of them were destroyed from a fire but it is incredible that most are still there after hundreds of years.

Swans everywhere

Hof Church

Boys don't play in the house, they climb on top of it and jump from roof to roof

We took a lift up to a play park in the mountains on Saturday. I saw parts of an incredible view; it was cloudy and rainy all day.

However, we had a little accident when we were hiking on Saturday. In case you were wondering, European crutches are different than American ones. I only need to use them for a couple of days for a swollen leg. (Alyssa and Haley are visiting Munich this weekend (I am super excited!!!) so don't be alarmed to see me in crutches in more pictures.) The Lord's presence was strong though, and He really protected us from a possibly horrible situation. A mean tree trunk decided to chase us down. Praise Him that we are okay.

Switerzland is more beautiful than a dream. I loved being there and hope to see the rest.

The Art of the Adventure

Last Thursday I went with Ana to the Neue Pinakothek Museum. Ana is a good friend of this family's and she used to babysit Andrija and Luka. She just graduated from high school and is awaiting to see which college she will attend in September. We spent hours at the museum and wished to stay longer but had to return home. This was an incredible experience! I have never been to museum art gallery like this before. Walking around an art gallery is my new ideal way to spend a rainy day. There was so much history and depth everywhere I looked. It was so nice to be able to appreciate what I saw. This past semester I took an Art History class at A&M and I was suprised by how the course really did help enlighten my perspective for these talents. I hope to see many many more art galleries throughout Europe and anywhere really!

This building, like most of Munich, was partially destroyed in WWII. I stood in a room exactly where a bomb had been dropped. There were pictures on display of what it used to look like. All of the paintings were in safe keeping. It was an eye opening realization of destruction amongst endless walls of talent.

Since by the end Ana and I were in such a rush, we only got to see about half of the paintings there. Thankfully, in our hussle out, we walked into an ordinary room and my heart skipped a beat. I had to catch my breath when I laid eyes on a Vincent Van Gogh original painting from his Sunflower series. Wow. I was stunned. I really felt honored to be in the presence of such a famous work of art. We were very excited. It was hard to hide our smiles when we were looking at this. This one was created in 1888 in France and is apart of the Vase with Twelve Sunflowers collection. Most of these images remain in the same overall layout with minor differences in detail. Van Gogh's trademark technique forever changed the art world; but it's funny because this series was meant to decorate a friend's bedroom. I would love to have one in my room, but I don't have $40 million.

As we were finally able to take our eyes off of this painting, the next room had something else incredible waiting. An original Claude Monet Water Lily painting. Again, Wow. Also apart of a series of many, this was created in 1915 from a backyard garden pond.