Missing Germany....

I have been back in Texas for a while now. I miss Germany and Europe in General. I am so thankful for having the chance to experience what we did. I still can't beleive some of the experiences! I learned so much about the world and myself from this trip.
I was so sad leaving Germany and heading back home our last day. Once off the plane I was overwhelemed by the heat. I did not miss that at all. My first few weeks back home were difficult. I really missed walking everywhere. I kept trying to take my dog on long walks but she didn't seem to like that idea very much. She really objected to the heat and would just sit down. I also found myself trying to ride my bike places. Unfortunatly, Texas isn't set up for people not wanting to drive a car. Plus, I was always soaked in sweat afterwards. For weeks I would wake up early and find myself board. There aren't any cool places just a train ride away here!! I think that is what I miss the most. I also really miss all the wonderful fruit I used to eat in Germany. I do find myself eating nutella and bread for breakfast sometimes. I am happy to be back to eating a diet with little meat though.
I am reaching the end of my time at Texas A&M as an undergrad. Unfortunatly the economy here isn't looking to great. I have been looking into moving abroad for either a job or graduate school. That is something I would have never considered before! We are raised to think the United States is the best country in the world. Germany opened my eyes and showed me this isn't the case. I think studying another culture really made the faults in our own extremly apparant. I really like Germany's social medicine, their recyling program, and the public transportation system. I really enjoyed Europe and I could be extremly happy living in a country other than the one I grew up in.

Back in Texas

I've been back in Texas for quite sometime now and I miss Germany! When I first stepped off the plane I was so excited to be home and see my family and friends. I couldn't wait to sleep with a blanket and not be hot! Air conditioning was something I really missed (until I had to pay the bill!) The car ride home from the airport was probably the third time in about two months for me to be in a car. It's so weird not walking or taking the U-bahn everywhere! I DO NOT miss carrying my luggage on the U-bahn. I do like that when I put it in the car it doesn't have to be moved every couple of hours.

It wasn't very hard for me to readjust to the time change, which was odd. The night I got home I stayed up until 10 pm which is 5 am in Germany! I did leave my watch in military time because I got used to it and it makes me feel European! I also find myself saying "Entschuldigung" under my breath before I say "Excuse me!" I've taught all my friends to say "Prost!" when ever they toast, and I make them do it around me.

I realized that ice cream is not the same as gelato, Doner is not on every corner, people aren't as friendly, and the scenery is not as pretty in Texas.

I still find myself remembering something that happened and telling everyone around. I seem to recall things every once in awhile and it makes me happy. I realized that I learned so much about medicine on this trip and didn't even know. This was a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heart beat. I would tell anyone who wants to do to forget about money and just do it. It is worth it!