"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Scott Cameron

One of the most beautiful views in Wurzburg is from Festung Marienberg, also known as Marienburg Fortress. It sits at the top of a hill overlooking the town. Ashley and I went there and toured the museum, wandered the grounds, and gawked at the amazing views. You could spend a half a day there, just wandering. The garden would be a great place to take a book and just read on a pretty day!

Another great stop was the Market Square. We had a yummy lunch outside here and afterwards shopped in the market a bit. I bought some delicious hunny and a rhubarb juice which I still need to try! The square has beautiful views of buildings, and we had a fun accordion player as we ate lunch. Something about sitting outside and listening to someone play music just makes it feel like vacation. Below is Marien Chapel, (Marienkapelle), which is right in the market square area. See what I mean by amazing views??

Another stop I loved was Alter Kranen, a yummy beer garden right off the riverside. We went here for dinner and I had a beer mixed with lemonade and a delicious German roast with horseradish, cranberries, and potatoes. Was pretty delicious! My friend Kris drove out and came to dinner with us too!

And, of course I can't leave out one of the most fun-and stressful-stops....the dirndl store!! The store we went to has handmade dirndls that are high quality, unique, and traditional. We went to several stores in search of the perfect dirndl, but ended up back at this store. The shopping part was crazy!

First, I chose 2 to try on. The German lady that ran the shop brought me to a dressing room with a curtain that only half closed....hello shoppers! So, as I'm trying on the blouse and dress, she keeps opening the curtain to help me. She basically wanted to dress me. The first one I tried on was less than impressive and too big. So then the chaos began....

Before I knew it I had 4 German shop workers surrounding me in my little corner, handing me dirndls and blouses, dressing me, putting necklaces and purses on me, tightening my dress, blahblahblahblahblah....and all talking to me in German! WHAT! I swear I started sweating I got so stressed out. But, finally, they put me in one that I loved! It is a little  more expensive that I originally wanted, but it is beautifully detailed and traditional. It will make for a special keepsake....after it attends OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH!!! I am so excited for that this coming week!

Today we are heading to the Residenz and tonight we are going to the brewery for a festival and drindl fashion show! Should be another great day in Wurzburg!

For all of my "HOW are you affording this" question askers!

I keep getting the same question from people about my trip "HOW can you afford to do this??" or "You're really lucky your parents are paying for you to do this!" Well, ladies and gents...here is my blog to tell you that YOU can afford this too and my parents have not given me a penny towards my expenses. BAM!

So, how in the world am I affording this and how in the world can you afford it too? Here are a few of my secrets and tips. Though they aren't really so secret....anyone can do them, (and should!).

-I don't buy things I can't afford. That simple. I have two forms of payment for things: Cash or debit card. I don't charge things to a credit card, actually I never even owned one. Trust me-I am a shopaholic and I know how tempting it is to think "Oh, I can pay this off next month, no worries." But, I also know how nice is feels to NOT owe anyone money. I control MY money and it is just not worth it to me. So, buy only what you have the money in the bank for. Tip #1 :)

-Like not owning credit cards, I also don't take out loans on anything except huge purchases such as my car. I bought a new car when I started teaching it and I made a sacrifice: I could get 0% interest if I paid it off quickly and I made the COMMITMENT that I was going to raise my monthly payments and get it over with right away. So, I had huge monthly car payments, but in a little less than three years, it was done. No more! That simple. Sure, it sucked sometimes knowing that I could really use extra cash each month, but in the end it was worth it. Now I have a 3 year old car that is like new, with no bills attached. I own it. So next tip, if you must take out a loan-suck it up and PAY IT OFF! Trust me, no payments left is much better than that new purse you wanted that is already ruined, or eating out every night that did nothing but put extra pounds on your tummy :) And by the way, buy a car that you can AFFORD you showy Dallas folks. It's just not worth a 7 year car note that puts you behind on bills each month just so you can look cool driving to the bank, (perhaps for another loan).

-Probably my biggest tip is make a budget!! I was always, and still am on this trip, writing out budgets for myself to manage my money. When I was teaching, I got paid once a month-on the 15th. So, each month I would take my income and actually write everything out. This much out for my car, this much out for rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, etc.  I do this on my trip too! Budgeting shows you that you have to pick and choose things at times, but if you look and plan your budget often, you will learn that you really can squeeze in more than you thought possible! It is so much more effective than spending an excessive amount one week and being shocked that you have no money the next. And really, it takes minutes out of your day. That's it. SO. WORTH. BUDGETING.

***And, keep in mind...I was a TEACHER....my income was average....so this is doable!! ;) ***

-In connection to budgeting, SAVE YOUR MONEY! Included in my monthly budget was an amount to transfer into savings. In fact, I set it up in my bank to have a certain amount pulled out monthly and transfered to savings. It's like I never even saw it in my checking account, and quickly you realize that you CAN survive month to month without it. Even if you start small, say $50 a month, it adds up and earns interest. Savings is a great cushion for an emergency or for something you really want......like a 4 month trip traveling the world! :D People always say "I can't save money; I have no money left at the end of each month to save." Blah blah blah people. Just think-if you packed sandwiches for your work week instead of going to McDonalds everyday, you could have easily saved $30 for the MONTH...in that one WEEK of lunches out. See? It's not as hard as people think, it just takes a minute to sit and look at it.

-Okay, enough of my rants yet? No? Still reading? Then, how about another :) When I decided I was going to quit my job and save up for this trip, I did a number of things to prepare.....and it didn't mean eating Ramen Noodles and sitting home every day. I budgeting, I sacrificied, I got another job. I got rid of things I didn't NEED, such as cable and internet at my home. Didn't mean I didn't watch TV or get online: I downloaded shows (with the help of friends!) and watched on my computer. I used the internet from my phone, annoying but worth the extra monthly money. I ate out less, and grocery shopped more. I moved in with my parents for a month, (the ultimate sacrifice!). I worked a second job. I did more with friends that didn't cost money, like playing volleyball, hanging out the pools, going to outside concerts, etc. You get the idea, right??? Debt free life feels so good :D

So...basically....there are my starting tips for how to make a dream you have come true. It is not easy, and it is definitely a different story for each person depending on their income and life circumstances. However, you CAN do things like I am doing. You CAN actually turn a dream you have into a reality. It just takes time. And let me tell you, when you do get there, there is no feeling better in the world than knowing that you did it. You did it for you and you made your own dream come true.

I don't regret a minute of my journey to get where I am. I realized I didn't miss things as much as I thought, like my cable tv and my dvr. I realized I actually COULD do this, (I doubted it, too!). I realized that no one controls my choices or my life but me. If I want something, I will go for it. The worst that can happen is I have to start over, right??

Instead of making excuses of why you can never do something you want, start planning for how to make it happen. And now you can stop thinking that I'm sooooo lucky my parents sent me on this trip. Because they didn't. I did. :)

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."-Jimi Hendrix

The history of Germany is fascinating and I haven't even been to but one city here yet!

I was reading online last night and learned that the town I am currently in, Wurzburg, was almost completely destroyed at the end of WWII. Something like 82% of the city was destroyed by bombs from the British Royal Air Force. WOW.

It is crazy to read, but even crazier to be standing in the middle of a site like that and reading about it. When you think about it, that truly wasn't very long ago. It is kind of scary to me to think about, actually. With the world seeming to get crazier and more advanced with weapons and technology, the next World War, God hope there is never one, would potentially wipe out earth as we know it. Could you imagine the power struggles between countries with atomic weapons? It seems that the news gets crazier and more depressing each day. What is happening to people?? Very sad and scary to think about.

I read this quote from Albert Einstein, and it really got my brain spinning, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." Hmph. Seems that he was not far from the truth, most likely.

Looking forward to exploring Germany and its history in my time here. There is so much to see and it feels surreal. I am looking forward to visiting a concentraion camp, but at the same time I am not looking forward to it. It is hard to believe things like that happened and I think it will completely creep me out to walk through. But, it is history, like it or not.

Anyway, there are my random thoughts of the morning.

 

Wurzburg, Germany!

Wurzburg is amazing!! WOW!

I remember meeting with my friend Beth before I left Texas. She is a sweet Kappa sister that I met through the alum website as well. She took a similar journey when she was younger, so she was a great resource for tips, tricks, & motivation. She had told me that traveling alone is the most amazing and rewarding journey, but to know that sometimes I will get discouraged or lonely or sad. This rings so true!! Just 2 days ago on that crazy night train I was thinking "How will I survive so long on my own?" "This is scary!" "I'm lonelyyyyy!" But...here I am....two days later....and IN LOVE with Germany already. I can't imagine missing out on somewhere like this just because I was scared of trying something new alone.

The scenery here is amazing! I am just stunned when I walk down the streets in the town here. Beautiful and you just can't find anything like it in the states!

I love me some German food so I was SO excited when Ashley & her husband took me to a yummy restaurant and brewery for lunch yesterday! I had schnitzel with fries and a yummy German beer. Amazing! Maybe it's starting to hit me that not having a car is a good thing. All of the walking will cancel out my food and drink while in Germany, right?? :) Below is me and Ashley, my Kappa sister that took me in! I am so enjoying getting to know her. It is amazing the trust you can have from one little bond. Very proud to be a Kappa!

Yesterday we went browsing for our dirndls. Going back this morning to buy one! I am SO excited for Oktoberfest! And I am buying an actual handmade dirndl....something special to keep, though I'm not sure when I will get to wear it again! Of course, that will have to be mailed home...not going to fit into the backpack for the next 2.5 months!

When walking on the bridge, Ashley and Chris showed me the locks people put on them. I can't believe I've never heard of this! Story of it is that when two people are in love, they put a lock on the bridge. They were telling me that there was a bridge in France that had so many locks it was pulling the bridge down with the extra weight! Pretty cute little tradition. Maybe I will get to put a lock on a bridge one day ;)

Today should be a fun day! After shopping and walking around town, an old friend from my school days is coming out to Wurzburg for dinner and hanging out! I've known Kris for ages and he is stationed about an hour away in the US Military. Should be great fun to see him!

Missing my Moose & my family, but loving loving loving Germany so far! Have a good day, friends!

Dirk's Stomping Grounds!

Whew...made it to Germany! It took me just barely over 24 hours and 4 trains to get here. I had so much time to do nothing that I wrote, wrote, wrote in my journal! There are things I LOVED about traveling alone by train.........and things that I HATED!!

I have my backpack full...a whopping 24 pounds to get me through the next 2.5 months of my life! I left Stockholm on Saturday morning with nothing but my backpack and a bag of snacks with my journal and maps. CRAZY!!



At first I was in LOVE with the trains. Amazingly amazing views and the soft, swishing sound of the train zooming down the tracks was so peaceful and relaxing. I just stared out the window, thought lots of thoughts, wrote in my journal, and enjoyed my packed picnic. I was loving it!

 Loved the views!

Crossing the Copenhagen bridge

The night train was another story! Talk about creepy! First of all, it was NOT like the cute, fun, have your own space pictures on the websites. My cabin was packed FULL of 6 people...none of who spoke more than a bit of English. This cabin was the tiniest place I'd ever seen! 3 bunk beds come out of each wall with about 2.5 feet of height between them. In between was our pile of luggage. No ladder to climb up to your bunk even. If you laid in the middle of the floor with your arms spread wide, you would just be a few inches short of touching each wall. And I was on this thing from 5:30 at night to 6:30 in the morning!

Hard to see, but windows open all night and feels creepy at stops, but the sound is so relaxing!



Also, people get on and off during the night so I would wake up and someone new would be climbing into bed. Creepy! I had to leave my bag on the floor pile, and I slept wearing my purse. Actually, slept is a generous word. I dozed in and out. No light, no one to talk to, no wifi, NOTHING to do. And if you never thought trains in the middle of the night were creepy....let me tell you....they are!! This is nothing like I've ever done before! I usually pack way too many suitcases, I hate being alone, I'm scared of creepy people, I packed my food for 24 hours.....................and I survived :) 4 trains later, I got to Wurzburg, Germany. ON. MY. OWN. Man, those words feel good to write! And, I'd totally ride another creepy night train.

Finally in Frankfurt...1 more train to go!

I won't retype my journal, but let's just say at points I was terrified, excited, lonely, aggravated, overtired, relaxed, exhausted, insecure, frustrated, uneasy.....basically, it was a back and forth roller coaster. When my last train was over an hour late due to technical difficulties, I was overtired and frustrated and hopped on another one trying to ask my way around and getting answers in very broken, uncertain English. I can't tell you how happy I was when I heard the conductor announce the next stop was WURZBURG!! I got off and saw Ashley waiting right there, as expected. Such a feeling of relief that I not only DID IT, (I got there!), but also I had a friendly face waiting for me at the other side.

Ashley is amazingly sweet. I am so glad I met her through Kappa Connections. Tonight we went to watch her husband's basketball game. Was a blast! Proud to say my first stop on Dirk's homeland was to watch some pro basketball! Was a fun treat, for sure! They played Holland and beat them, woo hoo! Ashley's husband Chris was the lead scorer, (had to get that little brag in for him!). Was fun to get to sit with the basketball wives of Wurzburg, Germany hehe. After the game we joined the team for dinner. Now, Ashley & Chris are out with the team and I *gasp* stayed in. I know, I know...not like me to deny a night out! But, after my 24 hour journey to get here, my body is begging for a real night's sleep in a real bed.

Looking forward to heading to the shops tomorrow in search of a dirndl for Oktoberfest. Now, to catch some much needed zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's! Night y'all!

Next stop: Germany!

I officially have my train tickets to get from Stockholm to Wurzburg, Germany! Woo Hoo!

I am a bit nervous...it's about a 24 hour journey solo and my first attempt at a train for a long distance. I was just starting to even get comfortable with the idea of taking the trains around one city, much less across countries!

So the plan is this: I leave Stockholm tomorrow morning and head to Copenhagen. It's about a 5 hour train ride. I have a good seat though: sitting in a single seat next to a window in first class. I should get a good view when I cross the bridge in Copenhagen-should make for some pretty pictures! My question: How do I even get up to use the restroom...do I have to take my bag with me? It's huge. But it has my whole life for the next 2.5 months in it. Hmmmm. Things only I would worry about in advance, I'm sure.

Then, I have about 3 hours to get lost in the Copenhagen train station while I wait for my next ride. I am extremely nervous about finding my train! It seems to be basically like an airport, so I think I will be able to find the track. But, once I get there...how do I know which car to get into??? The train doesn't stop for long, so I have to be ready to go. AHHHH! Nerves!!

So, hoping that I find my next train, I will be on an overnight trip headed to Frankfurt. For this ride, I am in a bunk bed cabin with 5 random roommates for the night. Should be interesting!! I'm hoping somebody I meet will also be getting off at Frankfurt, considering they do not wake you when it is your stop! MORE NERVES!! AHHHH!

So, in the morning when I hop off at Frankfurt, I wait about 20 minutes for my next train, which will take me to Wurzburg. This one is only about 30 minutes long, (2nd stop), so I don't have a specific seat for this ride. Hopefully I at least find *A* seat, because my backpack is already killing me!!!

Which is another story....how in the world am I supposed to pack for 2.5 months in ONE backpack?? I took out everything I possibly could and that sucker is still like 25lbs! I am down to 3 pair of pants, one dress, a handful of shirts, a jacket....wait...I think I need to go take some clothes out now. But, I just hate the idea of wearing the same 2 or 3 outfits over and over and over for....over 2 MONTHS?!? I am not going to be cute on this trip at all!! I guess that wouldn't be so bad if I had friends backpacking with me and we were all in the same boat. But, I will be staying quite a bit with families who will be dressed decently...not like backpacking bums with 2 outfits....we will see how this goes. I have a feeling I will be throwing out most of these clothes along the way. I have already thrown out one hairdryer, 2 pair of shoes, 2 dresses, and 1 shirt. Surprising for me!!

Okay, I am off to continue my panic attack now and try to unpack and pack my bag once again. *Sigh* Feels lonely today. The reality of being alone is setting in and I don't like it!!

This just in: I survived! And other breaking stories....

WHEW! I survived the subway solo! Felt like a mini victory in my heart. I'm still terrified of getting used to it and getting lost...but...it was a start. Gotta start somewhere, right?? (If you're lost on this topic, read the mini breakdown one blog post below. I had a severe moment-yikes!)

Tomorrow I head to the central train station to pick up my train ticket to Germany. I am hoping to head to Wurzburg on Saturday morning. Supposed to be a 30+ hour train ride from Stockholm, so should be an adventure! I am so excited to get to meet Ashley, a sweet Kappa that I met using the KKG alum website. Her and her husband live in Germany and I can't wait for the fun to come and to have a friendly face I can relate to!

To backtrack a bit, I'll catch you up on a few days from Bahrain. Well, we finally went to the camel farm. There are 600 camels living there! The King owns the camel farm, and I wish they would put more money into it. Many of the camels are just chained to a post, lying there in the heat. Makes me sad.

We got to see some baby camels and I got to get on a preggo camel! Why they picked an irritated preggo camel, I do not understand! The first time I tried to sit on her, she freaked out and I went running for my life! Naomi & Amanda were dying laughing, and I thought I was going to be traumatized. In my defense-neither of them would get on her, so I am somewhat brave :) I decided to try again, and she let me. Was pretty neat. However, didn't feel very safe because the little guy telling me to get on also said she was nice, (which she was not), and also said camels don't hurt you, (before telling us to stay away because they will kick you & are dangerous). Little bit of safety tips lost in translation there. Overall, camel farm was super fun to go to and pretty much made my day.

 Preggo mamma camel!

Going in for the kiss...scared it was going to spit on me!

Babies!

We also went to the mosque. This was an AMAZING experience and we learned so much! Our sweet tour guide was so excited to teach us. The Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the area. The entire thing is built with materials from around the world. The pictures don't really do it justice, or maybe it was just the feeling I had that I was actually standing in such a different part of the world that made it so beautiful to me.

We had to get dressed in the abaya and take off our shoes before entering the mosque. Upon leaving, they asked us to wear the abayas to the car so we did not offend those coming in for prayer....(ouch?!). Inside is beautiful as well. Our sweet guide taught us about the Qur'an. It is recited like a song and she sang a sample for us....amazing! Beautiful & moving! Even if you don't agree with the beliefs, you can't deny that much!

The lines along the floor of the inside of the mosque are so everyone stands straight together, shoulder to shoulder, even if it is not crowded. Women pray upstairs and men pray downstairs. Our guide told us that because they bend down to pray, this keeps the men focused on prayer instead of thoughts of women.

There is so much more to tell, but I don't have the time or energy to keep typing tonight! I found my trip to the mosque extremely interesting and loved learning more of the Muslim culture. I think you learn to respect others more when you take the time to learn where they come from and what they are all about. Our sweet guide gave me some amazing books to take home so I could learn more. Amazing experience for sure!

Having a wonderful time learning and experiencing. My journal is already almost full. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me. I'm having my first terrified-out-of-my-mind-but-crazy-overwhelmed-with-excitement feelings since I left the DFW airport. Ahhh!!

PS, may I please have $160 from SOMEONE so I can phone psychic Suzy to make sure I make it out of this journey alive?!?!?

HOOT!