Farewell, Virginia!

Well these past two weeks were definitely a blur...

I really enjoyed my time at home and am definitely glad I decided to make a visit during this break.  I had originally planned to stay in Europe for the entire year but after the Christmas Break and after seeing the incredible rates during February, I decided that a short visit home would be a healthy, relaxing and, of course, enjoyable way to spend the first leg of my semester break.  It definitely was!

I LOVE living in Germany, this year has taught me so many valuable life skills and so much about myself.  I have definitely furthered my proficiency in the German language, met many wonderful people and have had the amazing opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places in the world.  I am so grateful that I am able to have this experience, a big danke schön to everyone who has helped me!!

Munich is a wonderful city, in fact, my favorite city of any of the places I have visited on this trip or at any other time.  My tiny Studentenstadt apartment has come to feel like my home for the year.  I've never really felt homesick but I don't know that I could live abroad forever.  Walking down the streets in Munich, I can't help but smile and think about how lucky I am to live there and these past two weeks at home have reminded me how important everything here is to me as well.  It's always so great to see friends and family and life in America is just so comfortable!

Needless to say, I did A LOT of cooking and baking these past two weeks.  Cakes, cookies, soups, etc.  It was fantastic.  One thing I noticed was the difference in the butter, I don't know what it is, but the butter is Europe is much better- somehow it has a richer, deeper flavor.  Having to cook in a tiny apartment kitchen has definitely improved my culinary skills and it was really, really nice to be able to practice them in a full sized kitchen and to share what I've learned with family and friends!!

Tomorrow, it's off to the airport (after a little bit more packing!) and hopefully a smooth flight straight to Munich.  I apparently messed up my booking just a little bit - oops!! and will not have a day in Munich as planned, but rather will be staying in the airport and going straight to Dublin.  Let's hope I get some sleep on the way!! I'll be in Dublin from February 29 until March 5, then London March 5-10 and finally in Paris from March 10-17.  I think I'll stay in Munich for awhile after that, I'm assuming I'll need a little down time before too much more activity.
Classes don't start until April 16, so I may possibly try to fit in another short trip!

I'll try my best to keep you guys posted on where I am in the world and what I'm up to these next few weeks!  I look forward to trying some Irish, English and French foods and drinks and will definitely be posting about them!  For more timely updates, it's best to email me or check my twitter/facebook.

Sorry guys, no recipe on this post.  Stay tuned though!! A guest blog from my mom (with one of her favorite recipes!) will be posted tomorrow!