As far as school is concerned, I started working on my seventh class in Italy, continuing work in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and finally ending it in the U.S. yesterday, working in five different cities. I did schoolwork around the clock, in four different time zones.
(I do not recommend doing a grad class when you are trying to pack, move, travel, clean, eat and drink all at the same time. These last two months have really tested my mental health, but I'm glad I could stick the landing so I don't fall two months behind schedule. I'm still on track to finish this by next summer, and I'm rewarded this week with a semester break before the next round starts up again).
In a year and a half, I visited over a dozen European countries and butchered about eight different languages. Not only did I get to Africa, but I also spent time on the western tip of Asia. There's no way of knowing how much beer and wine I drank, nor how many french fries I dipped in mayo (that's a thing now, by the way). I flew across the Atlantic six times and spent hours driving on the German Autobahn, Italian Autostrada, and French Autoroute. I cruised the Mediterranean, wore out shoes walking around cities, and saw so many churches I probably couldn't pick them out of a lineup if pressed.
I spent many evenings occupied in the kitchen learning new recipes, exploring festivals, or dining at favorite restaurants. I climbed castle (and other assorted) ruins with Matt, and we sauntered around museums in major and minor cities all over. Matt and I shared laughs and trips with amazing friends who were always there for us (unless of course they were on fantastic trips of their own).
I've changed so much yet stayed the same.
Since moving to Germany, I can't count the number of moves, new jobs, new houses, births, deaths, engagements, marriages, and all the other assorted accomplishments I've seen on Facebook and heard about from everyone. Thank you so much for sharing these moments with me. They have all helped me stay connected with you, and I hope the updates continue. No matter what, I'm always here to listen, laugh, and cry with you. (I'm also available to help with suggestions on your own Euro trips!)
Now the real work begins... finishing a degree (5 more classes!), finding a new job, and finding our way in a new city. I'll always keep Germany in my heart (and hopefully my stomach - there are a ton of German restaurants around here to keep me occupied with beers and sausages, thank goodness) and hope to return on another trip soon. Matt and I have more than a few unexplored places in Europe to try, so we will make our way over there as soon as we are able.
Some of you had hoped that I would continue writing or maybe starting up another blog. I'm so humbled and flattered you've enjoyed this as much as you have. To answer your requests: I'm still thinking about it. I know I'd like to do a work-related blog, but whatever I do, I doubt it will be quite as interesting as gallivanting around Europe. There were two main reasons why I did this blog: 1) To have some great memories to look back on where all the little details were preserved, and 2) To share our experiences with friends and family. It's been so rewarding to do both.
Today, though, I'm going to take a break between my past transition and my future transition. I'm going to find some trashy TV to watch, have some tea, and take a nap. Regular clothes? No thanks - pjs should be sufficient for today.
Cheers.
TschΓΌss.
Today is my day off.
