The Finale!

So long Germany, France, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland and Hello AUSTIN, TEXAS!!!

I finally made it home and there hasn’t been a better feeling after being gone for 5 weeks. This trip was absolutely life changing and an amazing experience but home is definitely where the heart is. I am so ready to detox from schnitzel, beer, fries, doner, salami pizza, and paying for water.

These first couple of days home has been a little harder than expected. I want to go to sleep at 8:30 at night and wake up at 5. That I think has been the hardest. I also have no appetite. I think I am so sick of food that I just don’t want to eat so it’s really hard to find something I actually want. I made Jack go to the grocery store with me and I got all of the things I haven’t been able to have: cheetos, pickles, queso, wheat thins, and chipotle sauce. This was the best moment ever!

I went and saw Nana and Dede and they hooked it up with the Melatonin and that has helped me sleep the past two nights but I am still up and ready to start the day no later than 7:30. We will see how long this lasts.

I have reflected a lot being home with all that happened these past 5 weeks. I formed relationships with 15 people I could never have with anyone else. Some know me better than people I have known my whole college career. I have really learned how to appreciate every little thing every person has to offer in life. I also have realized that everyone doesn’t handle situations the same as me and that every person was not raised the same nor value that same things in life. All of these differences force you to accept each person for who they are despite their own quirks you may think they have. Each person has events and situations that form them to be who they are and that is who you have to accept them and not judge them for.

Needless to say, to each and every person that supported this trip: Thank you! I could not have done it without supportive friends and family and this experience has been one I will never forget!

Until my next trip, as the Germans say it, Chao Chao!

August 9th-10th, 2011

Here I am sitting in the London Airport Admirals Club counting down the hours until I head home to Texas Soil! I cannot wait and the anticipation is killing me! Yesterday was our last day in Munich and that day consisted of visiting Dachau, a concentration work camp. We spent a total of three hours there and that was way too long. We had a guided tour around the entire facility and then watched a documentary movie. The prison on the camp grounds along with the main building are both original buildings but the sleeping bunkers were burned down after liberation because of all the diseases in them. They have re-built two bunkers to create the effect and understanding of this camp and the hell these prisoners went through. Dachau was the first concentration camp and was also the camp that the others were modeled after. It hosted the more intelligent and threatening prisoners that Hitler wanted removed so his authority wasn't threatened. Over all the camp was educational but nonetheless something I will probably not do again solely because how emotionally draining it is. One of the most baffling parts of the camp was the amount of children running around that the tourist brought. I think it is sick to have children around those pictures without being able to comprehend the history behind it.

Following the camp we headed back to do some last bit of souvenir shopping and to pack all of our crap up for the last time!!! Yay! We met at 7 that night for a fabulous last night at the Hofbrauhaus. This was so much fun! There was live German music and dancing and a lot of liters of beer were consumed. I even got my professor to do some German dancing with all of us! We had such a great time letting loose on the last night!

This morning was rough, to say the least. We had to get up at 6 to finish packing and get to the airport. This morning was also entertaining! Caitlin, Molly, and I all took the “cab” to the Airport but it ended up being a hatch back (ew) Mercedes Benz. Hey, we will take that! We got all of our bags jam packed in and headed to the airport, which would take 45 minutes. Well, about 30 minutes into the ride I got ‘motion sickness’ if you will (I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that we had a bunch of beer the night before). Well the sweet cab driver pulled out a plastic bag for me to throw up in and I let loose in it. The only problem was that it had a hole in it and it started leaking all over my white pants and in the car. Then I proceed to open the window and let the bag hang out the window while the cab driver is cussing at me. Oh joy. I finally decide to let the bag go on the Autobahn after a good 30 seconds leaving the entire side of the Mercedes Benz covered in- well you got it. We finally made it to the airport and he charged us 15 dollars more for the disgusting mess we made and we went on our merry way.

Then there was check-in: measured in kilograms. And well known enough I was 6 kilograms over. We were allowed 32 and I was at 36 which means I was about twelve pounds over. You should have seen Molly jumping on top of my suitcase after moving the heaving things from one bag to another and trying to get my big suitcase to close again. Finally, I was on my way and thank goodness because I was losing my patience.

I also wanted to share the wonderful story of getting Molly into the Admirals club for American. We got to the Munich airport about 2 ½ hours early and that was after security and customs. So we decided to see if I could get her into the club even without proof of that my grandparents were gold members; because if you are a gold member you are allowed one guest who isn’t flying first class. Well we get up to the club and the guy working the desk is already laughing at us because we were there so early. Then he proceeds to find out Molly isn’t first class. So I ask if he wouldn’t mind letting her in as long as she didn’t eat anything. Then he says “well only if you show me a big smile.” So I did so and then he winked at me and our wish was his command. It’s amazing what being a girl can get you.

So now here I am in London and I will be sure to wrap things up with one last blog when I get home!

August 8th, 2011

It’s Monday! I get on Facebook and everyone’s status’ back home are all about how dreadful Mondays are. Luckily I am in Europe and get to look forward to my last Monday here! Muahaha. You can guess what today started with: a two hour bus/van ride again! I am going to be a pro at transportation when I get home let me tell you. We made our way to the most famous castle in the world- or should I say second famous considering it is the castle that the Walt Disney castle is designed after: Neuschwanstein. But first we made a pit stop at Dr. Batista’s favorite church that is the middle of the nowhere. Wieskirche is the church and its translation means ‘Church in the Meadow’. There is a famous sculpture there that was said to have shed a tear and so people go there and pray to this sculpture-pretty interesting.

Neuschwanstein was very cool to see in person- maybe a little overrated but totally worth the pictures! It was almost as if we had driven to Asia though. The Asians were everywhere! This became the topic of discussion and Dr. Batista explained that Asia and the Middle East is where a lot of the world’s money is which makes them the basis of tourism around the world instead of Americans. It is sad to hear that- thanks Obama. Anyways we hiked up to the Castle- yes with all of our butts super sore for hiking down we did more hiking in the rain today. Oh joy! We got a guided tour of the castle which was only 30 minutes long. The people in there didn’t allow pictures but I snagged a pretty good one of a huge chandelier before getting yelled at. Dr. Batista scolded me and I told him I am not breaking the rules, just bending them! The picture is below. It is so hard for me to try and describe what I saw here because quite honestly it is impossible.

Back behind the castle, there is a bridge I think was built specifically to take pictures of the castle but it obviously wasn’t built by an Aggie because it was so freaking scary. We ran up to it to grab quick pictures and doing so, so man about 6’4” decides it would be funny to jump on it and shake it with about 100 people on it. I wanted to punch him. I ran off immediately. He laughed. I turned around and said you won’t be laughing when you kill 100 people. What a punk tourist.

It rained again on the hike down. I am beginning to really look forward to this drought back home. I know people might call me crazy, but it rains so much over here! We took yet another bus ride to Austria where we had lunch by this beautiful lake. I had fish for the first time here and totally forgot that they serve the fish whole. Everyone freaked but it just reminded me of China. Thanks for the practice Nana! I ate mine fine and even devoured the eye balls! Everyone screeched at that but I thought they actually tasted pretty good. (Yes Dede, I was adventurous!) We took another two hour bus ride back to Munich to relax, shop, and eat for the rest of the night! Tomorrow is our last day in Germany and I have now officially visited 5 countries during this trip! I can’t believe it! 

August 6th-7th, 2011

This weekend cannot be described in words. There are no pictures, no words, and no story telling that could justify everything that I saw. It was magical, breathtaking, and almost unreal. These pictures that I took look like fake backdrops on a green screen. It all started with the Trummelbach Waterfalls. Now I have seen American Water Falls but these were nothing in comparison. We got on our so called “bus” Saturday morning and headed to the Alps. However, we got screwed by the bus company and instead of giving us a big bus we got a 20 seat van/so-called bus and it was tiny and eh- very uncomfortable. Of course none of that mattered once we made it to the falls. We went up in what I called a mine lift that took us up and into the mountain. We went into crevasses in the mountain to see parts of the falls. We got extremely wet from all of the mist. There was cork-screw like falls and regular falls, all of which had such strong power behind them it was almost terrifying to watch. Like I said before I will try to put into words what I saw but honestly I can’t do these mountains, views, sceneries, and waterfalls justice.

After the waterfalls, we took a short bus/van ride to the base of our hike. From this little town we took a train to the actual start of our hike. This is where the real magic began. At times, it seemed like we were hiking the same part that is in the sound of music and at other times, it was as if we were in a part of the world where no one else existed. It was like we were alone out there- us, nature, and God. It was so peaceful and enjoyable even though the hiking was physically draining at times. The scenery made you forget all about it. We made it to the top where our hotel was and it was such a pretty view. There were cows on the mountain side and the noise they made was so amazing. They all wear these cowbells around their neck; in order for their owners know where they are in the mountains. Well when you opened your window to your room all you could hear was this music. It was equivalent to wind chimes but different and better in my opinion. I really can’t say much more to describe this trip besides the fact that we hiked up next to the Eiger Mountain which is to the left of two other mountains- The virgin and the monk. Together these three mountains make some fairy tale. That night, we all had dinner together- the saltiest food ever that I did not eat much of. I also had such a solid night of sleep from the 4 and half hours of hiking. All in all the first day of hiking was so much more than I could have ever expected.

Funny side note: a group of us would make up stories about Sally the Cow and how she made it up hills in the mountains to help motivate us before hiking really steep parts of the mountain. It was entertaining and actually a successful motivator!

Sunday morning came way too soon! I was extremely congested I think from the change in climate. It was 40 degrees when we woke up and it was raining. Not the perfect weather to hike down the Alps in. We had to layer up for the hike and pull out our ponchos for the first time. We grabbed some Swiss breakfast and came to the conclusion that the 4 hour hike down the opposite side of the mountain that we had planned would not be the best idea in the rain so we waited it out for an hour and took the way we came up instead. It ended up only being a 2 hour hike instead, which was a much better choice. We saddled up with our rain jackets on, back packs on top of that and our poncho on top of everything to prevent our clothes from getting wet. Even though it rained it was like it was okay. The clouds in the mountains were absolutely breath taking and made us all just very solemn. It would rain here and there and mist here and there but by the time we got down to the meeting town it had started to clear up. And before we hopped back on the bus to head into Munich we actually had the chance to soak up the sun and dry out our shoes and socks. Perfect planning God.

The view from our hotel! 

The brutal part of Sunday came next: a seven hour bus ride from Switzerland to Munich, Germany. Let me just say fitting 19 people in a 20 passenger van is one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever. The window can be the perfect head rest for so long before you began to acquire the feeling of scoliosis. The best part was after we decided to stop at McDonalds to grab some food before finishing up the two hours that were left. Someone, yes one of the guys, decides to rip one in the back of the van- well the van being the lovely small size it was stunk up fast. And the worst part was the guy who disguised in smelling it second was actually the one who did the deed and fessed-up later on. Even I was disgusted at the horrendous smell and I have dealt with smelly car rides my entire life. I guess it makes for good stories, right? By seven we had finally made it to Munich. We unloaded as fast as possible considering we were stopped in the middle of the street and made it into the best hotel we have stayed in yet: the Carat Hotel. It has the nicest and biggest rooms I have ever seen in Europe. We all hung out for a bit then met back down in the lobby to go out for a beer and maybe some food. My McDonalds didn’t settle well of course so for me it was a time for me to try one beer and head back for bed. I sat a table with Toure, our guide, and Dr. Batista and it was so entertaining. I became much wiser during that one beer. Dr. Batista shared his life stories of family, law school, college, etc. and we learned a lot about Toure that we did not know. After our fun discussion a group of us headed back to shower and get a jump start on sleeping. We had finally arrived in our last destination of this life changing experience: Munich, Germany!

This is the sound of the cow bells outside our hotel window!

August 5th, 2011

So today was not as interesting as yesterday but we still were really special because we got to go to the Court of Arbitration for Professional Athletes in Europe. We actually had a presentation in the actual room and seats where the arbitration meetings actually occur. We learned exactly how the court works and the history of it. That was so interesting to me and we also went over an actual case they just did with swimmers. They deal with everything that has to deal with sports! The weather today wasn't as amazing, seeing as we walked outside to leave the court and it was drizzling. I did get to experience my first Chinese toilet since I have been here! It took me back to the China trip days! It was a public bathroom on the streets with two feet spots and a whole in the ground! So much fun!

For lunch, Michelle, Emily, and I went and had a nice sit down dinner. Want to know how much a pizza fries and water cost? It was 80 Frank for the 3 of us. We all got the same thing and each ended up paying like 27 Franks just for pizza, fries, and water- ay yi yi! I mean it was enjoyable so that was nice but I swear I would go BROKE if I lived here! I would need some high paying job otherwise. Following lunch I did some shopping for some loved ones and then the best part of the day came! We got on paddle boats on the lake and just paddled around some of us swam- I didn’t because it was freezing! We had so much fun just goofing off in the most relaxing scenery. Words can’t even explain how pretty it is here. The standard of living has to be so high just because of the view you wake up to every morning.

Tonight was the best meal in so long. Dr. Batista and Toure (our guide that came with us because Viktoria couldn’t) went to the grocery store and bought us food to cook out with! Trey did all of the grilling and Callie and Krista cooked Zucchini and mashed potatoes. We also had sausage, steak, and chicken. It was such a refreshing meal to have. I tell you what though- the women on this trip could organize and put on a mean party- we started cooking the food for 18 people at 6 and by 730 we had the entire place spotless. All of the plates were washed, tables wiped down, and everything put away. I was pretty impressed and proud! After dinner we had our “pre-hike” meeting and planned the rest of the weekend. We have to be up at 5:45 tomorrow to eat breakfast by 6:30 to leave by 7:00. Then we drive for a couple of hours to the start of our hiking spot and kick start the hike. We hike all day up the Eiger Mountain and then we stay in a Hotel at the top tomorrow night. Sunday we hike down all day then hop back on the bus at night to go to Munich. Can’t wait to see these amazing views and try to explain it all back to ya’ll!

August 4th, 2011

So how many people can say that they have sat in the President of the IOC’s chair in his office? Well I can say I have! (IOC= International Olympic Committee for those of you who don’t know). The whole day today consisted with us visiting the IOC and it’s multiple buildings. They explained the way they operate, new operations, and new advancements and movements with the Olympic Movement. It was very interesting. I learned that there was the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this last year for athletes between the ages of 15-19. This is a great movement especially for gymnast since their careers are normally shorter than most athletes. They gave a tour of the main building and that is when I got to see the President’s office and sit in his chair! I felt so special!

After the tour, we walk and what is waiting for us? Three Mercedes Mini-vans with black out tent! I didn’t even know Mercedes made mini-vans! It was like we were in the CIA or something. We all had drivers and got in the cars and were transported to the IOC Museum to eat lunch while sitting on Lake Lausanne. The food was delicious and the view was amazing. Following lunch, we were given a tour of the Olympic museum. It wasn’t too different from the other museum in Cologne except for the fact that they are the official museum for the Olympics so they have all of the medals and torch’s which was very cool to see. Hey mom, want to know the most ridiculous news yet? The Gymnaestrada was here three weeks ago! I knew it was in Switzerland but I didn’t know it was in the same city I was going to be going to three weeks later! They still have posters up everywhere and it makes me so mad I missed them!!! Another cool fact I found out at lunch after talking to the lady that gave us a presentation at lunch was that they had to drop the Chinese gymnast case with the gymnasts on age because they could not find any files or proof for those gymnasts. As we all know China does not keep track of people like the other countries do and that is why there was nothing that came of those young girls.

The day concluded with us walking along the lakeside taking a ton of pictures and drinking and eating. We were serenaded by this young band which was so enjoyable along with the fabulous weather. There are so many fun places for kids to play along the water and everyone just sits on the edge and drinks wine or beer and just relaxes. I love it! I also had a funny moment with a guy who was showing off by walking on his hands- with horrible form I might add- and everyone convinced me to go show him how it was done and I definitely did! It was so fun. We grabbed hamburgers for dinner from a local bar/restaurant and headed home for sleep! It was a fabulous day.

August 3rd, 2011

Let me first start off by saying today is my best friend in the whole wide world’s birthday: MORGAN TAYLOR CRABTREE! She is officially 21 and ready to have some fun! Love you MT!

In other news, I am in Switzerland- safe and sound! We took a 7 hour train ride with one transfer. Not too bad at all since I had two seats to myself and got to curl up in a ball and catch up on the lack of sleep from last night. I also had a chance to catch up on the Bachelorette which made me less homesick as well. The train by far is my favorite way to travel. Even more than plane and DEFINITELY a bus. We spent a lot of the ride going down the side of the Rhine and it was gorgeous and we also passed through the Black Forest. It is so roomy and plenty of room for bags- unless you’re a magnificent over packer like me and in that case the boys take turns moving it for me when there is a step or anything. I think I am definitely going to be over weight on the way home- oops. I will have to say though I did impress everyone by getting all of the crap that I brought, plus the stuff I bought, back into my suitcase and bags. Muahaha.

The whole gang with all of our luggage at the train station!

It is beautiful here but we didn’t do much today since today was considered a travel day. We got to the hostile that was up a huge hill- yeah that was fun carrying a large suitcase, a back pack, and two duffels. I don’t know what I was thinking. The rooms are about half the size of my room at home and there are four to a room. So if we weren’t already sick of each other by the time we left Bonn we definitely will be when we leave here- haha. Other than that it is a nice little hostel. There is a pretty courtyard and the view is of the town but you can see the Alps in the distance. After showering and resting we grabbed dinner at a close Italian restaurant. I know they kept saying Switzerland as expensive but let me tell you my one plate of lasagna alone was 22 Franks which meant it was 30 dollars. Seriously? Yes. Welcome to starvation. No I won’t do that but I just couldn’t believe it. And on top of that I looked at the bloody mary price just for grins and it was 15 dollars. This will definitely be something I am going to have to get used to (one top of all of the French speaking- no more German). We walked around a bit and got some cash out for the next couple of days. I am excited to see what the rest of the week will bring!

The darn hill we had to hike up with all of our stuff!

Our balcony