First Day in Germany

Well its 5am here at the Frankfurt Airport Hilton Garden hotel, and I've been awake since 2am. Stupid jet lag!!! It was quite the long hall getting over here, but since this isn't my first trip to Europe, I at least knew what to expect with the awful and long flights. I sat next to two wonderful gentlemen on the plane ride from Seattle to Amsterdam. They are both from Germany so we discussed my "must see's" and "must try's" while I'm here. One of the must sees is the Loreley Rock on the Rhine River. There is an old tale that a beautiful woman would sit on this rock and brush her long hair and the fishermen below would crash their boats into the rock. Apparently the views and castles along the way are breathtaking. I will hopefully post pictures next weekend when I visit!!

But let's start with how I got here in the first place. After graduating from WSU this spring, I quit my job and volunteer position in the Tri-Cities for a new adventure in Seattle. Needless to say, 8 weeks was my limit in Seattle. The job was terrible, and I found myself going to work everyday at a place where everyone hated their jobs and were looking for a way to get out. I definitely was asking myself, "Is this all there is to life?"... waking up everyday dreading going to work and living for the weekend. So I cut my losses and left (thanks mom for teaching me responsible money saving. I definitely felt comfortable financially being able to leave without another job in tow).

I contacted my family friends (and much like second parents), Dawn and Tim. Tim lived in Germany many years ago and the two of them have many friends in Europe. I told them my desire to take a few weeks and see more of the world (and still use my money wisely), so they were able to put me in contact with family friends in Germany and Austria which I will be staying with. And to make it even better, Tim was already going to Germany for work, so I'm able to spend the first few days with him, some time with the families, and a few days on my own. I hope this trip gives me time to think and enjoy life, and hopefully have a better outlook on life when I return home!! :)

To say the trip was quickly planned would be an understatement. I bought my ticket two weeks before our departure! But thanks to Tim, things have been planned out well. It was still very hard to leave home. Since I quit my job I have been able to spend a lot of time with Brett, and I've been getting used to having him around! It was a tearful goodbye... even though we've spent MUCH longer than two weeks apart in the past, this time was hard on me. I sure do love that man and I already miss him like crazy!

I am looking forward to seeing more of Germany and Austria, and eating lots of food! Here is what I had for dinner last night... Flamm Kuchen. Yum!!! This place was recommended to us by the guy who authorized our train passes.

Tim had the shnitzle...

And the restaurant had great ambiance!!

Off to Dresden tomorrow. Good night... or good morning for now!