What I miss.

After a week in Munich I have arrived back in Salzburg.

I got back at the last minute-something typical in my life. I like the challenge. Will I make it on time or won't I? This time I got up at 7, took the train from Munich to Salzburg at a quarter to 9, took a bus at quarter to 11, then walked to my apartment. Then got my bookbag, went and bought concealer, got an iced coffee, took a bus, then walked to class. I arrived 8 minutes early to said class. I am quite amazing, I know.

It feels good to be back. At the moment Salzburg is my home, and, finally, a few months ago, I really began to feel comfortable here. I have built a life for myself here that includes family (my German host families), friends, work, school, etc. It took time but ich habe es geschafft. ;)

Which leads me to think about something Susanne said the other day:
Susanne mentioned the other day how difficult it is starting over in a new place, and I am inclined to agree. Introducing yourself as the new person, getting familiar with where everything is, which stores and restaraunts are the best, feeling at home. It's really a test of character. As of January I feel that I have passed the test.

It's not to say everything is suddenly wonderful. I really love it here, but there are those days when I want to wake up in Michigan; when I just want to meet Monica at Great Lakes Crossing, or meet Mellissa for drinks, joke around with Charlotte, or meet Kristy at Starbucks. I want to tease my mother and sister for watching the Bachelor, or argue with my brother, or ask my father for advice. There are days when I miss drinking frozen coke, driving my car to Borders book store, actually being served in a timely manner at restaurants; to go back to a place where I understand how dating works, where I don't make language mistakes.

But then I remember what I am doing all of this for. There is something inside of me that is telling me that I need to travel the world, to discover as many cultures as possible. I have an insane love of anything (and anyone) foreign. It takes it's toll sometimes. It's difficult to date anyone when you're always leaving, and I never have very much money in my bank account. But who can put a price on climbing the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visiting the largest mall in Dubai, going on a river cruise in the Netherlands, or watching the Glockenspiel in Munich? The experiences I have had are priceless.

As Susanne tells me about the trips and study abroad adventures she had in her days as a student, I am in awe. She did it at the right time: she was young and without children and a work schedule to tie her down. Now she can happily be in Germany and realize that she did what she needed and wanted to do. That is exactly what I want. I am exploring the world while I am young with few ties.

Time to go exploring.

Love, Molly