Konstanz

We went to Konstanz, Germany the day after I arrived. It's only about 20 min away and I almost fell asleep in the car. The time change is killing me... still! It is an adorable little city right on the lake here that borders Switzerland and Germany. It was raining, but I like the rain and I didn't mind. People were still out and about, not like in Albania where everyone runs and hides from the rain! We walked around and looked at the intricate buildings, fountains, and statues. Buildings that were dated back to the 1300s. Kuno kept asking me if it looks anything like where I'm from! Not at all Kuno!

We tried German Ice Cream and it was yummy to my tummy! I loved the flowers outside the windows on most of the buildings and enjoyed seeing everyone mingle and hearing all the different languages.

Afterwards we went to do some shopping because it's cheaper in Germany. A whole cart full of new foods to try... LOVE IT!!! Eventhough Swiss Chocolate is so much better than German, we did get a little German chocolate to nibble on. And of course lots of sausage.. it's definitely a staple. I've had sausage everyday so far! One thing we DID NOT purchase was cheese! Cheese is much much better in Switzerland according to the experts. I didn't put up a fight that's for sure!

It was a great day and I am learning a lot about cooking swiss foods from Margrit who is an EXCELLENT cook and gave me the nutrition I needed to make it through the last months of my mission which I will forever be grateful for!

Switzerland!!!!

I boarded the plane yesterday in DC after 3 hours of waiting in lines for luggage and security check points. I got to my seat, sat down, and instantly passed out. I woke up an hour and a half later in what I kinda wish was a dream. The plane was still on the tarmac, people were standing and talking all around me. We didnt end up leaving until 2 hours after our scheduled departure, which kinda confused things this morning as I arrived to Zürich. Which I'll touch on shortly. The plane ride was easy breezy. I sat next to a girl named Louiza, the art currator, from Copenhagen, she was a sweet girl. We were very similar. We ordered the same drinks and food, and even ate everything in the same order. I had to smile. Then there is Hans, this guy with crazy eyebrows that had been all over the world. We had an amazing conversation about life and what it means to live. I told him I quit my job and just travel and he says with this really thick accent, "Good for you!!! You get it!". It made me feel good, empowered and alive. He had been all over Africa, New Guinea, South America, Europe, and was just coming back from one of the most beautiful places on earth, "Northern Washington!". His words of "Get out there and fulfill your dreams echoed perfectly the movie Jake and I watched the last night I was in DC... 180 degrees South. It was so inspiring. I feel like my wings are beginning to stretch out wide.


This morning after finally making it to Baggage Claim... The Müllers were no where to be found. It was then the whole not having a phone, or email, or any idea what their car looked like, or their phone number... kinda made me laugh. So, I did what I could and just people watched. I absoluetly love that Europeans have fun and bright colored socks. It made me so happy! I waited for forever, started chatting to some guy from the US and then I saw it.. the adorable little figures waddling their way hastily to the waiting area. The waddle of two people I scurryed all over Albania with, dodging puddles and jumping over sink holes. I leaped over my luggage and yes... literally frolicked towards them. We were so happy and headed off on some direction, that they forgot where they parked. It was fun just being lost with them.

So far today I have taken a nap, gone for a swim, went to their daughters house for dinner and everyone was so sweet and welcoming. The Müllers house is old, with big doorways, a beautiful backyard and garden. No screens on the doors just a lace curtain and its raining right now and the temperature is perfect. Tomorrow we go to Germany and they already have plans to go to their cabin in the mountains this Sunday to go hiking. The town they live in is outside of Frauenfeld and the houses are so quaint and cozy... with reald shudders! Every house and building has real shudders! I told them how we just have them for decoration and they didnt understand why, they got a good chuckle out of the fact we screw our shudders open to the sides of our houses. Silly americans.

Ok, I need to go to bed. Ill upload some photos soon. Wont be able to post everyday, but will do what I can.

Swiss Chocolates to all and to all a GOOD NACHTE!!!!