(no subject)
I am officially finished with my European academia (except for a journal of my travels). I went over to my professors about an hour ago to drop off my last papaer and final exam, followed by an enjoyable visit with him and Penny. Dr. Hall has been one of the most frustrating travel guides (or not much of one at all); however, we can't help but love him at the end of the day.
Last weekend I went to Frankfurt... amazing if I say so myself. We stayed in a hostel across the river from downtown. It was much nicer than I imagined it would be (I didn't have to share a room with any strangers, I had a hot shower, and it was completely safe). We went downtown Saturday afternoon, and then again that evening. We also spent some time with a youth group from the north side of town. The following morning, Dr. Hall, Adam, and I went for a Sunday morning walk before church. It was beautiful to see the sun rise on Frankfurt. I got some great pics of the city (both on facebook and www.photobucket.com/kphotok) The trainride home was awesome; Penny and I sat with an old German man (who didn't know much English) and an Italian (who knew German, Italian, and English... at least). He had just received his PhD from Geneva and was taking a position in Switzerland. He was the most amazing man--we talked the entire (2+hr) ride. I also got randomly picked to answer a train survey (who the Italian translated for me) and checked by the military as we crossed back from Germany to Switzerland... I thought I looked pretty German, but apparently not enough.
Monday one of the guys took us for rides on his bike (a glorified moped that can go 180 kph). Then a couple of the guys took a few of us girls for a walk down to the dock. The stars were out and the moon lit the Rhine river quite beautifully! Too bad I didn't have my boy here... it would have been quite the romantic walk.
Tuesday we took a train up the Swiss Alps (well a little ways). The ride was gorgeous, especially considering I saw my first snow for the year. I even have a bottle of it for Kristin. We spent an hour in a skiing resort town (Grindelwald). Once again, I posted pictures.
Sometime about Tuesday I started getting really sick of people. So last night I took a nice long walk... well, a short walk to the dock where I sat for at least an hour. It was fun to hear the ducks splashing in the water (although I could not see them because it was too dark). Once again the stars were out and quite captivating. Even though we are close to "town", people turn their lights out at around 10 pm (and the city lights by 11), so there is very little light polution... making the stars that much more visible. It was nice to finally get away from everyone.
Today we finished up with class (even though we were suppose to have it tomorrow). I am going to sleep in tomorrow (that'll be a first) and pack. Then it's our last lunch... meaning our last chance to see the European students. Hopefully I'll get some pics (with Barnabas, Karl, and Desi... my three fav; I have stories about each!) Tomorrow afternoon we are planning to go to the Rheinfalls and the Munot (the fort in Schaffhausen), and maybe a little shopping.
I leave early Sat. morning for Milan and then onto Rome. I will be flying home on Thursday... only one more week!!!
Can't wait to see you (well, all except for Kristi... don't worry, I'll wave as we pass over the Atlantic!)
Last weekend I went to Frankfurt... amazing if I say so myself. We stayed in a hostel across the river from downtown. It was much nicer than I imagined it would be (I didn't have to share a room with any strangers, I had a hot shower, and it was completely safe). We went downtown Saturday afternoon, and then again that evening. We also spent some time with a youth group from the north side of town. The following morning, Dr. Hall, Adam, and I went for a Sunday morning walk before church. It was beautiful to see the sun rise on Frankfurt. I got some great pics of the city (both on facebook and www.photobucket.com/kphotok) The trainride home was awesome; Penny and I sat with an old German man (who didn't know much English) and an Italian (who knew German, Italian, and English... at least). He had just received his PhD from Geneva and was taking a position in Switzerland. He was the most amazing man--we talked the entire (2+hr) ride. I also got randomly picked to answer a train survey (who the Italian translated for me) and checked by the military as we crossed back from Germany to Switzerland... I thought I looked pretty German, but apparently not enough.
Monday one of the guys took us for rides on his bike (a glorified moped that can go 180 kph). Then a couple of the guys took a few of us girls for a walk down to the dock. The stars were out and the moon lit the Rhine river quite beautifully! Too bad I didn't have my boy here... it would have been quite the romantic walk.
Tuesday we took a train up the Swiss Alps (well a little ways). The ride was gorgeous, especially considering I saw my first snow for the year. I even have a bottle of it for Kristin. We spent an hour in a skiing resort town (Grindelwald). Once again, I posted pictures.
Sometime about Tuesday I started getting really sick of people. So last night I took a nice long walk... well, a short walk to the dock where I sat for at least an hour. It was fun to hear the ducks splashing in the water (although I could not see them because it was too dark). Once again the stars were out and quite captivating. Even though we are close to "town", people turn their lights out at around 10 pm (and the city lights by 11), so there is very little light polution... making the stars that much more visible. It was nice to finally get away from everyone.
Today we finished up with class (even though we were suppose to have it tomorrow). I am going to sleep in tomorrow (that'll be a first) and pack. Then it's our last lunch... meaning our last chance to see the European students. Hopefully I'll get some pics (with Barnabas, Karl, and Desi... my three fav; I have stories about each!) Tomorrow afternoon we are planning to go to the Rheinfalls and the Munot (the fort in Schaffhausen), and maybe a little shopping.
I leave early Sat. morning for Milan and then onto Rome. I will be flying home on Thursday... only one more week!!!
Can't wait to see you (well, all except for Kristi... don't worry, I'll wave as we pass over the Atlantic!)