Wanderlust

Hello, dear readers! I know it has been a few weeks since I last wrote; I have been going through quite a few hurdles to get settled here in Germany and they’ve been taking up my attention. In-processing in another country is A LOT of work haha.

But now onto the thing we all really care about: The travel! In just my few short weeks here, I have already had the opportunity to visit Brussels, Belgium for work and Salzburg, Austria with my friend Vee!

I loved Brussels so much even though I was literally only there for an overnight. I definitely want to go back! I’m thinking about doing a road trip from Brussels, to Antwerp, and ending in Bruges. Just have to find the time to go. The architecture in Brussels is just gorgeous and there is so much to see and do there.

Salzburg was also a great weekend trip! It snowed a bit, which was so fun, and seeing the fortress and enjoying the Austrian cuisine was amazing. It also was a huge ego boost for my German skills. I was asked which part of Germany I was from a few times which meant people thought I was actually German lol 🎉 That or they were just being polite but I’ll take the wins I can get. Salzburg is surrounded by gorgeous hills (Sound of Music anyone?) and they were snow capped as well. Truly magical. Taking the train allowed me to admire the gorgeous scenery all the way.

I have always enjoyed traveling but this trip has certainly renewed that spirit for me. I love experiencing new cultures and foods, and interacting with people from all over the place. It is such a distinct reminder that there are so many people in this world who have their own lives and stories and we only get to play a brief blip in those. It makes me feel simultaneously so small and insignificant, but also so deeply human and connected to others at the same time. While I still have a ways to go before I feel truly at home, I am reminded of how much joy this opportunity presents and I am so grateful for the experience of living abroad again.

As for what’s coming up next, this coming weekend starts Christmas Market season! I’m going to be visiting Essen for their Christmas market with some friends. It’s supposed to be one of the biggest and best ranked markets in Germany so that will be a blast. Each weekend following, I will likely try to hit a new place.

Jake and his friends come out at the end of next week too, so it will be nice to have a sense of home and host some guests for a night or two before they go on their own travels.

I’m sure I’ll be busy going into this holiday season, so if you don’t hear from me, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope it’s a time where you all can focus on your own blessings and enjoy love and laughter with close friends and family. Miss you all dearly!