After, my last week of doing absolutely nothing, I can say this past week was full of so many amazing things. I can say with the utmost honesty, that this post is full of truths, creeps, beauty and sarcasm.
Also, every typed thing is a pain to write, because I jammed my finger in a door. Oh look, it’s turning black. Eh, it won’t fall off right?
Oh, yeah back to my week. Musical Mondays, which are definitely becoming a thing when I get back, so be prepared, was full of gospel singing to Hercules as I finished my map project. I really wish I could upload the photos to my blog, but I’d have an easier time lifting an elephant. With my pinky.
But have no fear! I did stay productive as I finished scarf number two and start my matching headband while I had no class. But after two rolls of film, I finally figured out how to use my grandmother’s 35mm film camera. I can officially say it is truly and art form.
With a heavy heart, I have to say we visited Florence for the last time that Wednesday. But with the opposite emotions, I saw David. THE DAVID. The David! Like Michelangelo carved the perfect man. Now wouldn’t it be nice if this perfect man existed? Just kidding. Kind of. I normally wouldn’t appreciate such a tall statue, but after my sculpting class freshmen year, I feel it. Sculpting is hard! And this one person did an entire perfect body. YOU GO MICHELANGELO.
As quick as this week started, I soon found myself traveling for the last time around Europe, and I can say IT WAS MY FAVORITE TRIP.
It only took a train, a taxi, a plane, a bus and about 12 hours, but I made it to Heidelberg, Germany and stayed with one of my good friends. I only had one encounter at this point with a creepy, guy named Mark. He did not look like no Mark. It was at this point on the three-hour bus ride that I developed my new personal background story. I became Rene, an architect major from Texas, and no I did not want to stay in touch despite his questioning. Yes. I sat on a throne of lies that day. I actually have to say the whole story because I don’t want to forget it. So here I am on this bus, and the ample amount of space is endless, and of course the seat next to me is chosen. Immediately, headphones go in. Halfway through, after I saw him playing on his nice phone and etc., he puts his phone up. What does he do? HE DISTURBES MY PEACE. “Excuse me? Do you speak English?” Because I am a kind lady from Texas I said yes, like the dummy I truly am. But then. THEN. THEN HE HAS THE AUDACITY TO ASK ME WHAT TIME IT IS. Sir! You have a phone. Check it yo self. Ain’t nobody got time for this. Oh, except I still had another hour and half trapped in the hellhole of a bus. As my mental red flag went up, I told him the time and fed him lies after that. My name is Rene, and I was studying architecture in Rome blah blah blah. Then, as we approached our final destination, he asked if we could stay in touch. Lol. No. Since he saw me on my facebook earlier, I told him I don’t do social media and that I only have it for this trip. I HOPE Y’ALL KNOW I LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA AND I DIDN’T MEAN A WORD OF THE LIES.
Obviously, I’m fine didn’t get Taken. I know you really wanted to be Liam Neeson, Dad, and I’m sorry you don’t get to fulfill your crime-fighting fantasy. On the bright side I am safe. And I had a blast in the absolutely wonderful city of Heidelberg. Lovis, who was such a great explorer, showed me around the best-kept secrets of the city. I say explorer because I have a whole new appreciation for a local perspective of touristy cities. I got to hike up the mountain and see a view from the clouds, well a little below the view of the clouds. I wish I could share the view with you, but pictures can’t capture the fall time in Germany. Everything about the landscapes and mountains was pure art. The oranges, reds, and yellows. It was real fall y’all. Not the Texan fall. And to top it all off, Lovis’s family had me over for a typical German dish, which was soooo good!!! Also, it was quite a refresher from the constant Italian cuisine. Then in typical German fashion, I tried the German beer and then, proceeded to a nightclub filled with 90’s music. Dancing to the backstreet boys in a foreign country is way better than I thought.
On my second and last day here, I hit the ground running. Well, more hit the autobahn at a speed of really, terrifyingly fast. I only say this because I forgot the speed of how fast we went. And it was in kilometers, and I am not gonna bother trying to convert that in my head. It was a thrilling experience being in a car again period though. It’s even better when the car is a Camaro. That day truly held special moments again because I got to see family! Yes, I got to see my American family in Germany. It was so good to be able to enjoy such a great lunch and time around Heidelberg, with Stacy and her adorable family. I cannot thank her enough for coming to see me! After, the amazing time with my family, I once again traveled and explored to the Heidelberg Castle that is nestled into the autumn mountainside. The view is so worth the 303 steps it took to get to that castle. Such a beautiful ending to a great time.
Soon enough, I found my self leavingat 2 AM from the rainy city. OH WAIT. WAIT JUST A MINUTE. I almost forgot something important. You Americans are probably sitting around thinking, now I want a weinershnitzel, but don’t you dare! Weinershnitzels are lies in America. I know because I had the best schnitzel in Heidelberg. And the place was absolutely amazing. There were candles, and Christmas and it just made my soul happy. It was the perfect dinner to end with.
A three hour bus ride later, I get to Cologne. All before 6 AM that Sunday, I saw a man in a kilt, a very drunken, German guy have a very angry, drunken conversation with god, and second creepy guy of the trip. I knew easily my backstory. I have to share this story as well, because I just can’t forget it either. Here I am, having the seat next to me filled with my stuff. Obviously I don’t want anyone sitting next to me. OF COURSE CREEPY GUY #2 COMES AND ASKS TO SIT NEXT TO ME. As soon as he sits down he asks wayyy to many personal questions.
Him: What’s you’re name?
Me: Rene.
Him: My name is Colby (YOU DO NOT LOOK LIKE A COLBY)
Him: How old are you?
Me: 23.
Him: Like me (INSERT CREEPY SMILE AND THIRTY LOOKING YEAR OLD HERE)
Him: Where are you from?
Me: Minnesota (BECAUSE WHO CARES ABOUT MINNESOTA)
And the rest of the conversation was me telling him I was in Frankfurt, and that I was going back to Paris, France to finish architecture. I couldn’t get my headphones out fast enough. But that didn’t matter to him, because as soon as I had them in, what does he do? TAPS MY SHOULDER AND GETS IN MY FACE AND ASKS IF HE CAN HEAR ME. Like why do people not get headphones are the universal sign of DON’T TALK TO ME. At this point, I gathered my things and bought a second coffee near civilization and some forms of humanity. It’s amazing how easy lies come to you under pressure. I guess acting can be another career pursuit right after stand-up comedy. So how about that airplane food? Right?? Right?? No.
Well, it’s only 9 days left and I am going to enjoy it to the fullest. From my bed in my dorm. Just kidding, but maybe you can enjoy my stories while I sip cappuccinos and watch the rainfall on the Tuscan landscape. I’ll miss these days so much. I’m so close to coming back to y’all.
Once again, ciao, because the Germans use it, too!
Sincerely yours,
Sadie