Kleines Künstlern

Martha, Frieda, and I spend a lot of time together. And a good portion of that time is spent drawing, painting, and craft making. I love this bonding time. It's so great to color alongside them, help them when they need it, and spark their creativity. Art was a really big part of my childhood, and I'm always glad to pass it on to others. Especially in an electronic age when it's more exciting to color on your touch screen than it is to actually get paint on your hands. I love electronics, don't get me wrong, but when it comes down to it... I would rather have a pencil and paper any day. But I'm rambling. Point is, I love all this creativity that the three of us make together. It's been so cool to see how their artistic talent has grown over the months I've been here. I hope even after I go home they continue their desire to be creative. If I could leave one impression on these girls, that would be it. Use that imagination. It's there for a reason.

Now like any proud parent/sibling/etc, I feel the need to show off my favorites of the kiddos ever so awesome artwork. Which you will "ooo" and "ahh" at like the good people I know you are. Or else. (haha).

Martha. First drawing we ever did together. (crayon, marker, and colored pencil)

Frieda. Can you guess what her favorite color is? (watercolor)

Martha. This was during her Harry Potter craze. (marker)

Frieda. "Das ist ein Straße!"(marker)

Martha. She and her friend dressed up as witches trick-or-treating. (colored pencil)

Frieda. (watercolor)

Martha. Part of my Christmas present. (colored pencil)

Frieda. I spy a hand print! (watercolor)

Martha and Frieda. This is a Christmas cat... whatever that is haha. (marker and pencil)

Martha. The Easter bunny on his rounds. (colored pencil and marker)

Frieda. One of my favorites of her drawings. (pen and colored pencil)

Martha. A rainbow! (marker)

Frieda. (colored pencil)

Martha. This is my absolute favorite of Martha's. (watercolor)

Frieda. Reminds me of the world. (watercolor)

Martha. Self portrait of her kayaking. (watercolor and colored pencil)

It's a little ridiculous how proud I am of Martha and Frieda. My little art proteges, aww. Doesn't matter if they never pursue art later in life, I'm glad I was here to nurture love of art early on. Because life without art (or a love of it) would be a dreary place.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Sometime in the past month it hit me that I now consider Karlsruhe my home. Which is crazy to me. Especially considering when I got here I felt like I was in an alternate universe. I absolutely love living here. But don't get me wrong, I miss home a lot. Not a day goes by that I don't dream of sand between my toes, the ocean breeze, and diving into the salty waves of the Pacific. The ocean and I will eventually be reunited, so I don't worry too much. But living here for only a short time makes me want to treasure what I love here so much. So I thought I would give you a list of some of my favorite things (that I've experienced and seen so far) in Germany.

1. Karlsruhe Schloss & the Schloss Gartens
My absolute favorite place in Karlsruhe. The castle isn't grandiose or anything, but it's adorable. But then again I'm probably partial; I love that it's yellow and grey, which are colors I've always wanted to paint my future house. But it's not just the castle that I find amazing, I love the castle gardens as well. They are ridiculously picturesque. Lots of green grass, a lake, and hundreds of huge ancient trees. A perfect place to sit and think or drink in nature.

A beautiful view of the castle from the castle grounds.

2. Friends
I have been so blessed with an amazing assortment of friends while living here. They make living far away from home easy. I love the mix of cultures (Chilean, Brazilian, Argentinian, German, American, Irish; just to name a few) because it makes anything we do like three times as fun and adventurous. We do lots of fun things like shopping, having card nights, going out to bars, going on day trips to nearby cities, and so much more. I so deeply enjoy all the time I get to spend with them.

Nacha and I striking a silly pose.

3. Changing Seasons
I feel like I talk about the weather on this blog all the time, so I'm dreadfully sorry, but it's amazing. Being a California girl is great, but I don't really get to see the seasons change. Here in Germany, I would have to be without my five senses to not notice the seasons changing. There is nothing more glorious than getting to watch this occur. I arrived in Germany in the midst of stark blue skies, cold crisp winds, and burnt orange leaves. Then I survived the ridiculous cold temperature drops, rain, bare looking trees, and everything being covered in white. Just when I thought I would never be warm again, the world came to life. All of the sudden everything was green and colorful. Sun and rain played hide and seek. I can only imagine what Summer will bring me.

4. Drinking Age
In the States, because I am not 21, I cannot legally drink. Which is utterly ridiculous. I think the U.S. needs to take a leaf out of other countries books and lower the legal drinking age. Here in Germany, you can start drinking stuff like beer at 16, and then when you turn 18 you can drink hard liquor. I find this to be much more reasonable. Since I am 20, I can legally drink here. Which has been strange and liberating all at once. I love it. But it does kind of take the specialness out of my 21st birthday (which is oh so soon), and that really is a bummer. But I think I'll survive the disappointment.

My friends and I having some wine after a yummy Chilean dinner.

5. Food
If you've ever heard the stereotype that all Germans eat is bread, meat, and cheese, then you know what I eat haha. But honestly, as much as I eat bread, meat, and cheese... I do love it. Especially in the many combinations it comes in. Probably my favorites are Käsespätzle and Maultaschen. But what's really stolen my heart here is all the foreign food. Before I came to Germany, I had never eaten Turkish food. But now, let me tell you, I am in love with it (oh, kebaps why are you so delicious?). And there are some fabulous Asian food places here that I am constantly craving. But I think what I've really loved the most is all the home cooking that my friend Nacha makes. It's this delicious blend of Chilean, German, and her own creations. All this food talk is making me hungry for dinner!

6. Walking, Biking, and the Straßenbahn
Now as much as I miss my car, I really love the how I get around Karlsruhe. Mostly I walk or bike to and from places. Which is great because I get exercise and get to enjoy the outside world all while going somewhere; something I can't do in a car. If it's raining, or I have a farther destination to reach, I take the Straßenbahn (street cars, kind of like the metro in LB). The Straßenbahn is great, but I often get lost because I take the wrong train (typical me). I'm not the most skilled when it comes to public transportation (I blame So. Cal's lack of good public transport).

Sebastian the Bike.

7. No Sheets
I know this seems random and strange. But you see, here in Germany they do beds and bedding differently. Most beds are lower to the ground, which freaked me out at first, but now I'm used to it. But what I really find fascinating is that they don't use sheets. Yes, there is one on the mattress, but there isn't one to sleep with. Usually you just sleep with a down comforter. Which at first confused me. But then I fell in love with the idea. You see, I move a lot when I sleep. This usually means my sheets, blankets, and comforter get all messed up in the night and are always a pain in the butt to fix the next morning (well, on that rare morning I decide to make my bed). Here it doesn't matter how much I move, because fixing my bedding is like crazy easy. So great.

8. Biergartens
Biergartens are quintessentially German, and I love them. While they share similarities, each restaurant has it's own personality. My personal favorite is Badish Brauhaus (four stories of amazingness). But no matter the biergarten, they are all a great place to get yummy, cheap food and enjoy a great time with friends. 

Me, Bernie, and Gabriel drinking beers at the biergarten Cafe Bleu.

9. No Contract Cell Phones
In the States it's the norm to have a cell phone contract. Which of course is bloody expensive. And you are bound to a phone company for about two years. Fun... not. In Germany, cell phone contracts are not typical. In fact most people here just use prepaid SIM cards. Which I think is so darn brilliant.

10. Spielplätze, Parks, and Green Spaces
I could go on forever describing all the green spaces that Karlsruhe has, and I haven't even seen all of them. I so enjoy that the city has provided so many places for it's population to relax, play, and soak up nature. The playgrounds here are ridiculously cool (much better than the ones back home), and I love playing on them almost as much as the little kids. The parks, big or small, always impress. Green grass, plants, trees, and cool structures everywhere. I especially love the parks with lakes in them. Can't wait to go swimming in those this Summer. Another thing I really love is how in what otherwise could have been a place for concrete, the city has created a grassy area where wild flowers often grow. It always makes me happy to see that even though I live in the city, I get to see so much nature around me.

Th dog park near my apartment.

11. City Living
To me, "the city" has always been a magical place. I think this especially due in part to my upbringing in the suburbs. So I'm delighted to get to live in a city for a year. There's nothing quite like having everything nearby and easy to get to. I also love all the tall buildings (even though most aren't over 5 stories high). I even get to enjoy living in one of those "tall" buildings. So much about city living is really new and interesting to me.


12. Getting Airmail
I have always loved getting mail that isn't bills or junk mail. And being far away from home makes me love it even more. It's so exciting to open my mailbox to find a letter. Or get a package delivered. Always makes my day. I even bought a box to keep all the letters I get from my friends and family. So would you please, please, please, write me a letter and make me a very happy girlie?

Me with a letter from Juliette :)

My letter box. Isn't it pretty?

I am amazed by all the wonderful things that Germany has to offer! And there is so much more. It totally kills me that I won't be able to see and experience it all. Oh, to have limitless time and money to travel and explore. Someday.

Four Seasons

Most Southern Californians will tell you we have four seasons. A gloriously hot Summer, a slightly breezy Fall, a chilly and rainy Winter, and a warm Spring. Don't let them lie to you. We don't have four seasons. We have two. A glorious season of sunshine and warm weather, and then a season of cloudy skies, chances of rain, and "cold" weather. We live for sunshine. When it actually goes and rains on us, we all freak out. We are a spoiled rotten bunch. So until I came to Germany, I had never really experienced "seasons" as a large portion of the world experiences them. Actual factual weather has really taken me by surprise.

I think it's quite hilarious how weather is considered a trivial topic of conversation. In fact, it's the thing you bring up when you have nothing else to say ("Uh, so I hear it's supposed to rain tomorrow..."). But considering how much weather effects us (our outfit choices, how we get to and from places, what activities we do, etc), you think we would rank it a little higher on the topic of conversation totem pole. I mean, we all talk about it all the time. I know I do. Even more so now that I have actual weather to talk about.

So after having several long months of a very, very cold Winter, I'll be honest, I've been extremely excited watching Spring arrive in all it's glory.

There is nothing more delightful than realizing it's warmed up enough to only wear one pair of socks. It's finally getting warmer (and when I say warmer I mean like in the 50's and 60's F, which is not warm at all for So Cal) and I'm so happy. I live off of warmth. But I'm also slightly freaking out. Because after wearing so many layers for so long, exposing even the slightest amount of skin (or just wearing less layers) makes me feel naked. An example my Cali friends can laugh at... I wore ballerina flats for the first time in several months yesterday. I was bike riding and I became extremely freaked by wind going across the bare tops of my feet. I bust up laughing, probably scarring the locals, and then tired my hardest not to be wishing for my boots.

But warmth isn't the only way Spring has shown its arrival. All over the city plants and animals are awakening. Every time I walk outside I feel like Mary watching The Secret Garden come to life. It's utterly magical and it takes my breath away. God really knows how to put on a show in the Spring time. There are green buds on all the previously grey looking trees, bird songs sweetly fill the air, wildflowers are popping up in all the green spaces, and little critters, like bunnies, are making their appearances in the parks.

I think my favorite thing is seeing all the dandelions sprouting up everywhere. Now, I realize dandelions are weeds. But I think they are beautiful weeds, and worthy of attention. They are lovely pop of color on normally very grey and dull walkways and sidewalks. And when they turn white, they provide quite the entertainment factor; I'll admit I still make a wish when I blow the seeds into a million different directions.

And it's not just the plants and animals that are awakening. The people are too. The sense of hope is tangible in the air, and people have a spring in their step. Everyone seems to find a reason to be outside as much as possible, especially on the clear, sunny days. After such a long Winter, everything and everyone feels a weight lifted off their shoulders. It's utterly lovely.

All this life just ties in so well with the Easter season. It's much more tangible to me now, seeing how life sprouting up around me and tie it all into finding new life in Jesus.

In celebration of Easter, Karlsruhe has an Easter market set up in Marktplatz. There are a bunch of little booths selling either craft items or food. And in the middle of all this is a giant blow up Easter egg. Nacha, Ivanka, and I decided that this was a must see and planned an afternoon around it.

Me in front of the giant egg. It says "We wish you all a happy Easter".

Ivanka and I met up and did some exploring of the booths while we waited for Nacha (who was to meet up with us a little later). It was lots of fun, and we had to restrain ourselves from buying a bunch of ridiculously cute things. But we did give in and buy a couple things. I bought a pot holder and Ivanka bought an egg warmer. Both from a cute little old lady who knitted them herself. After ripping ourselves away from the booths, we went and looked at the "petting zoo". Basically just a lot of animals in too small cages, which made me really sad. I love animals, and it was great to see them, but it wasn't really great to see them confined like that. Then we met Nacha in front of the big egg and went off on a shopping adventure in several stores on Kaiserstraße.

The Easter bunny apparently has a beer belly.

Frohe Ostern (Happy Easter)... "little" egg near the big blow up egg in Marktplatz.

Cutest lil bunnies ever.

Ivanka was excited to see the ferrets, the ferrets were excited to sleep.

 After our shopping fun, we ran into our friend Danilo, and then we all decided to go to the Karlsruher Schloss Gartens. The Gartens are my absolute favorite place in Karlsruhe because they are just so large and stunningly beautiful, no matter the season. Of course, Spring makes any garden more magical, and the castle gardens aren't immune to such magic.

Although the day was grey and quite cold, the time we spent at the castle was lovely. We walked across the large grassy lawn, making our way to the lake, while talking and people watching. The instant we made it to the edge of the lake all the ducks started swimming towards us, which was pretty funny, because they thought we had bread to feed them. But we only had chocolate with us, so we made our way over to the cement stepping stones near the lake shore and sat down. While the ducks eyed us hopefully, we ate our chocolate and talked while trying not to shiver as the wind picked up. Eventually we had to leave because Nacha had to go to a birthday party and Danilo had to go home. I think we were all quite thankful for a reason to start walking again because it was so cold.

"Omg they are coming!"

Stepping stones and the lake with the castle in the background.

Nacha and Ivanka sharing a stepping stone.

Ivanka and I decided that we would hang out a bit longer, so we strolled around the front of the castle, acting silly and talking. Then we decided to window shop at the mall. Which was a tortuous yet fun time. It's hard to see so many things that you can't/shouldn't buy. After the mall we got drinks and pizza at a nearby restaurant called Aposto. Ivanka and I can talk to the ends of time, so it was lots of fun chatting away and enjoying a good meal. A perfect way to end the day.

Ivanka striking a pose in front of the castle.

Me in front of the castle.

After several attempts we finally got both us and the castle in the picture. And our hair looking not crazy. Quite the incredible feat.

Most Germans will tell you they have four seasons. A lovely sunny and warm Summer, a cold and rainy Fall, a freezing snow filled Winter, and a warm, cold, and slightly rainy Spring. Believe them. There are definitely four seasons. And you can see them change. It's amazing.

Cuckoo Clocks & Waterfalls

I have seen the world's largest cuckoo clock. (Yes, go ahead and be jealous).

Now you must be asking yourself, "Umm, why??" Well, you see, I went on a day trip to see a waterfall and cuckoo clocks with some friends, and bam, I got to see the world's largest cuckoo clock. It's not like I woke up one day with an intense desire to see a cuckoo clock as big as a house. I'm not that weird, give me some credit, sheez.

The world's largest cuckoo clock! Kidding... you'll have to read on to see a picture of that. You really think I would give away the goods so early silly?

Now this cuckoo clock that I've been going on about is located deep in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), which is where many Grimm brother's fairy tales originate from. Of course the only way that I could properly tell my cuckoo clock story is to tell it like a fairy tale. So kiddos, get your blankies and sippy cups and snuggle up while mama tells you a story. Don't forget your popcorn.

Once upon a time, there lived a young woman who hated waking up early. Nothing irked her more than the dreadful beeping noise that her alarm clock blasted every morning. But one particular Sunday, she hated the alarm a little less than usual because she knew that a wonderful adventure awaited her once she got up. So she dragged herself out of bed, and slowly got ready. Of course she took too long, thus making her late to meet at her friends Nacha and Bernie's apartment.

But, in a twist of fate she was early, because the rest of the group wasn't going to be there for a good half hour. While the three friends waited, the young woman enjoyed some toast and an apple graciously provided by her hosts.

When the toast was finished, the trio gathered their belongings and left the apartment. Once they were on the street, they were joined by two more of their friends, Balin and Dora. From this street it was a quick hop, skip, and jump to the nearest Straßenbahn (street car) station; where together they bought a Wochenende ticket for an ever so cheap price.

The Straßenbahn carried them to the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) as all four of them chatted happily away in a mix of German and English. At the station, the group found the train they needed with ease, and soon they were settled in seats on the 2nd floor; filled with excitement as they sped towards their destination.

The girl sat quietly next to Nacha as she tried to officially wake up. Her thoughts turned to the day ahead; what was Triberg going to be like? All she knew was what her friends had told her: it was deep in the Schwarzwald, it had cuckoo clocks, and they were going to go see it's huge waterfall. Her anticipation grew as the city began to be replaced by small towns and forest outside her window.

It didn't take very long for the girls to get talking amongst themselves (while the boys poured over a map). The conversation was a mix of German and English due to necessity... but not even a language barrier can keep girls from communicating. Soon giggles and bubbles filled the train. Yes, bubbles. Nacha had brought along a bubble wand much to the laughter and enjoyment of her cohorts.

Dora blowing bubbles while the girl laughs like a giddy seven-year-old.

Balin chowing on some bread while Bernie looks on.

Though the train ride was over an hour, it passed quickly due to the high spirits within the group. The morale of course was kept up with chips and dip. Because everyone knows any good train ride isn't complete without chips and dip. It's fact. Look it up. No, not now. I'm not done with my bedtime story. And anyways, you've already brushed your teeth.

As the girl and her friends stepped off the train, rain misted their faces and a chill in the air made them burrow deeper into their coats. They all stood still for a minute as they took in their surroundings. After all, suddenly being surrounded by forest can be overwhelming. A large sheet of rock stood directly across from them, and behind them the tiny Triberg Banhof (train station). Once they had their bearings, they left the train station behind and started walking uphill towards the town.

The friends walked and talked, commenting on all the stores they passed. Because it was Sunday, none of them were open (which of course everyone knows that stores are closed on Sunday in Germany... duuuh). But thankfully (to the girls bladder and the rest of the group's need for caffeine) a small coffee shop was open, so they dropped in.

The girl striking one of her most cheesiest poses in front of some very stereotypical German architecture on their way up the hill.

Finally they made it to the highest point in the town, where the buildings stop and the forest begins. Balin and Bernie located a ticket booth which was the entrance to the Wald (forest) and the Wasserfall (waterfall). Each member of the group had to cough up about 2 Euros before they were allowed to enter. There was a lot of digging through wallets, but soon everyone had a informational brochure with a map in hand as they headed up the trail.

As they trekked up the the trail, the girl began the regret her choice of shoes. She hadn't realized they would be "hiking", and had wore shoes more suited to city walking than for a dirt path. Her worries soon abated when she and the rest of the group found out that due to snow that all the higher trails were closed, and only the lowest one at the base of the waterfall was open. Which wasn't a long epic journey at all, in fact, they made it there in a few minutes. So she and her shoes were safe once more.

Dora, Nacha, and the girl striking a pose as they "hiked" to the base of the waterfall.

When the waterfall came into view, the girl picked up her pace, and the others followed in suit. Soon all five of them were standing on a bridge at the very base of it. The roar of the water wasn't substantial, but the view was. The girl couldn't even see the top of the waterfall, which she figured made sense considering, after all, it was the highest one in Germany.

The Triberg Wasserfall: the highest waterfall in Germany. (Of course this is all that could be seen from the base, it's much taller than this).

Nacha, the girl, Bernie, and Dora in front of the waterfall.

Dora and Balin being ridiculously adorable.

Nacha and Bernie looking like the cutest couple in Germany.

After soaking in the beauty of the waterfall, the group decided lunch was a fabulous idea. On their way to find a picnic spot, the girl spotted an interesting plaque. It commemorated that Ernest Hemmingway had visited this waterfall back in 1922, thus making the girl have a major nerd-out moment which everyone laughed at.

The Ernest Hemmingway plague.

The whole group being super silly on the trail.

Bernie, Nacha, and the girl being ridiculous.

Dora apparently didn't get the memo this was a silly picture haha ;)

 Bernie declared the base of one of the closed off trails a suitable place for a picnic. Nacha prepared a nice place to sit by putting two table cloths on the ground. Then everyone settled in on the table cloths and started pulling out potluck picnic items out of their bags.

The lunch was a delicious mix of sandwiches, quiche, wine, beer, fruit, and cake. And of course no meal is complete without several glasses of spilled wine, talk of frozen animals in trees, and laughter.

Balin, Dora, and the girl just before wine spill #2.

The half eaten quiche.

After they had full bellies and happy hearts, the group decided to go for a walk through the forest. Which was quite eventful, due to the renewed energy on the girl's part. Laughter, giggles, and the singing of random songs abound as the five of them picked their way carefully along the snowy and icy path. At one point the girl started a snowball fight (which she of course won), much to Nacha's horror.

The ever so famous Schwarzwald.

Navigating the icy and snowy trail.

The girl having fun with bubble gum.

Balin and Dora fitting right in with the scenery.

Nacha and the girl.

Nacha and Bernie having a "couple moment."

Soon their wanderings had led them out of the forest and into a residential area with a lake and a playground. The girl, being a six-year-old at heart, immediately tromped through ankle deep snow in order to go swing on the swing set while everyone else checked out the mini lake.

After consulting the map the men realized that the group was near the world's largest cuckoo clock, and thought it was worth a look. So the girls followed as the guys led the way up a deserted residential street.

Setting off to find the cuckoo clock.

Walking along side the ever so forbidden looking forest.

Yes, places like this really do exist outside of movies.

When it felt like they had been walking for hours on end, the girls began to doubt if they were even going in the right direction since it seemed they had walked into the outskirts of a neighboring town. As the boys pulled out the map once more, the girl sat down on the side of the road dreaming of a nice nap in the train on the way home.

Epic map consulting.

Social networking and snacking.

Nice try Balin, your bubble won't beat the girl's awesome bubble blowing skills haha.

Dora having snack time.

After much map consulting, the two men realized that the cuckoo clock was no more than a two minutes walk away. Thus, everyone finished their day dreaming and snacking to continue on the quest to find the world's largest cuckoo clock.

A few minutes later their persistence was rewarded when they found the object of their desire, the clock, hidden amongst a small neighborhood. The clock wasn't so much a cuckoo clock but was more of a small one room, one story house built in the traditional German way. But it actually functioned as a cuckoo clock. In fact, while the group was there, they got to hear and see it in action.

"World's biggest original cuckoo clock to visit"

Traditional woman's hat in the Schwarzwald (albeit a huge version of it haha)

The girl near the world's largest cuckoo clock.

Once the five friends had seen enough of the world's largest cuckoo clock, they decided it was time to head back into town. But how to get there was the question. The map was brought out once again, and soon the group was on their way.

The friends took a different route back, so they got to see some pretty amazing views of Triberg nestled amongst the hills and the forest. Of course, the walk back took longer than the original walk did (going back is never as easy as starting it seems) and by the time they got into town, all the girl wanted to do was lay down on the concrete and take a nap. Taking in so much beauty and doing so much awesome things had taken it's toll on the little au pair. But she didn't get her wish, since once they entered town her four friends wanted to check out a couple of the touristy shops that were amazingly open.

Cute and cozy little Triberg.

They wandered through a couple shops, under the watchful and hopeful eyes of the shop owners, mostly giggling at all the ridiculous things one could buy. The girl's favorites were the dust collecting figurines. The last shop the group entered was the biggest, and by far the most interesting. While it had the typical tourist trap items, it also had a large supply of actual factual cuckoo clocks. After perusing the whole store, both Nacha and the girl decided to buy cuckoo clock magnets. A cute and cheap (well, "cheap") way to remember such a fun day.

Cuckoo!

And so the guys and girls headed out of the store and down the hill towards the Bahnhof. In an effort to use up time, they made a leisurely stop in the gas station convenience store for a caffeine pick me up, and then mosied their way down to the Bahnhof because the train wasn't coming for a while.

The Hogwart's Express?! No? Oh. How dreadfully disappointing.

But the group's effort to use up time still left them with a good half hour to just sit and wait in the station. As they sat discussing the mysterious red stain on the floor, time ticked away quickly, and soon the train had a arrived.

As friends settled into a group of seats in the lower level off train, the girl realized that the zipper on her jacket was stuck. After fiddling with it for a good five minutes, the rest of the group took notice, laughed, and offered to help. And so the zipper saga began. First Balin tried, then Dora, then Nacha, and then Bernie. Then the girl tried again. Then Balin had a go once more. Then, Bernie, utterly determined to fix the zipper, fiddled with it until he won. With her jacket once again in working order, the girl settled down into her seat and popped her iPod earbuds in.

Next thing she knew, the girl and her friends were pulling into Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof. She groggily got off the train, waited with her friends for the Straßenbahn, and rode to her station. Final goodbyes and hugs were said as she hopped off the train and headed home.

Once she was home, the girl threw on her pajamas and dove into bed. She fell asleep the instant her head hit the pillow, and you know what the only worry on her mind was? Her alarm going off the next morning.

And they all lived happily ever after. The End.

And that my kiddos is the story of the day my friends and I went to Triberg. Yes, it was long (you are brave soul for sticking through to the end), but like any good fairytale it included pictures to keep your interest from waning. So snuggle up in your blankies, close your eyes, and think of sweet things. It's time to go to bed little ones. It's time to dream.