Oh Happy Day!

We all need those times in which we take a moment to reflect on how blessed and loved and fortunate we are.

 I for one had been feeling quite out of sorts lately, until the warm, sunny weather arrived and I made a fun-filled trip to visit relatives in Augsburg. Now I feel like I have a fresh outlook on my life here abroad. There will always be those moments, in which I start to question and doubt myself, but with a positive attitude they will become less and less. Instead, the moments that I spend rejoicing and remembering how fortunate I am to be here will take over. That's the plan, at least. :)

The past few weeks have been filled with events of joy, loss, reunion, and relaxing. After my weekend in Augsburg I prepared for the end of my second session of class, which consisted of two tests; a writing test and a speaking. I passed both, and will begin tomorrow a literature course which will conclude my time here in Marburg.

I like to think I had some special help from my Grandma. After I finished my test and felt confident and proud, I received a phone call from my mom; the night before, on the 29th of March my Grandma moved on to begin her life in heaven, and although I miss her very much, I am happy to think about her being reunited with my grandpa, pain-free and full of life.

In light of the events, my birthday on the 31st was quiet and peaceful. I missed my family from home, but was blessed to have Dustin visit to celebrate my 20th and my Grandma's amazing life. I went out to dinner with a group of friends, and even had a special gift in the form of an old friend, Tim, who I met 3 years ago on my last trip to Germany. He drove from Cologne for the evening, and made me a delicious birthday cake. Thank you Tim!

*This is the first part of a really long blog post. In the coming days (hopefully it wont turn into weeks!) I will post about my recent adventures with my mom, travelling through Italy, Holland and Belgium. Stay tuned!*

So here goes, my list of things that make me happy over here in Marburg...detailed through pictures and words, with the intent to remind all of you that although things in our life aren't always peachy, we can still find a little happiness in the most simplest of things.

Kinder Überraschung "Child(ren) Surprise"...if you 

want to literally translate it.

Nummer Eins: As I am sure most of you are aware, the chocolate in Germany is simply incomparable. I have allowed myself to indulge (perhaps a little too much) in taste-testing the many varieties that I will sure miss when I return home this summer. Of course, I can be happy that I can find Ritter Sport back home!

I learned a few weeks ago that in Marburg there are at least two delicious, well-established chocolate confectioneries...I made a  visit and bought some Easter treats for my mom and others.
In this picture to the left I am demonstrating my excitement about the Kinder Überraschung chocolate eggs. To be honest, the chocolate doesn't interest me that much...its what inside that I want! I loved them when I was 7, I love them now. The toys that are nestled within the chocolaty goodness are truly always a surprise! It makes me happy/feel slightly dorky when I can build to my little collection. However like a lot of things, I think the toys from 13 years ago were much better quality.

Zweites Glückliches Ding:  My room! I believe this is the first picture I've posted, in regards to my new habitat, but I really do feel at home in my little cozy space. Not only am I fortunate to not have a roommate, I have decorated my walls with all the cards and pictures I have received in the mail! And that is what really brightens my day; opening an envelope from home :)

 Drei: If any of you don't know the song, "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini, I highly recommend that you listen to it right now. Perhaps then you will understand my love for shoes, and the slight problem I have with constantly buying them. (I must say though--I am my mother's daughter, therefore have no fear, I always find the deals!) These shoes photographed, are actually a pair I didn't buy. In fact, a boy bought them for me! My boyfriend Dustin to be exact. Although wearing a new pair of shoes and 'slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine' is one of my favorite things to do, it makes me even happier that someone knows me so well! Even cooler--these shoes are from Istanbul! Now that the weather is nice, I have less fear of getting the pretty turquoise and embroidery dirty. Spring has arrived! (happy thing number 3.5)

Vier!  There is a certain route I like to take whenever I walk from my dorm to the city center. It takes about 45 minutes when I'm in my lollygag mood. I love this route because I get to walk through the woods, the neighborhoods, a park, and along the river. These apartments face the river, and I always see them and smile. Why exactly, I don't know. But there is something about the colors of the balconies that just simply makes me happy. :)

Nummer Fünf: This picture above is of one of my favorite locations here in Marburg. These steps on the river are right in front of the student center, so around lunchtime there are always people eating outside, people watching, drinking beer, and (what is more entertaining than I had thought could be--) watching the ducks. On the other side of the river is plenty of grass where people can lay out blankets, grill, and just enjoy the weather. Naturally, I visit these places everyday that the sun shines, now that it is pretty warm. For a place to relax, do my homework, and feel like part of this city I am very grateful.

Which brings me to the next happy thing nummer Sieben, these three siblings reminded me of my own big brothers, and also a little bit of my childhood. It is true, I occasionally miss you over here Torben and Karsten! ;) But really, we had a lot of fun when we were little...at least until Torben started caring more about perfecting his over-gelled hairstyle! (Just kidding Tor--well, kinda).
Also, in this picture is numero Ocho: gelato! Self explanatory. I have discovered my new favorite flavor: Caramel Zimt (caramel cinnamon)...DELICIOUS!

 NEUN: Die Marburger Kunstverein. I feel a little out of touch with my artist side, though I do still try to draw and doodle a little. It was really nice when I discovered the Kunstverein, because its full of art on display and even better--its free! I like to stop in and enjoy the new art shows that rotate every month. Displayed to the left is a light installation. Basically it was just strings in a pattern in a dark room, set off by black lights. But the forms and the movement is what really drew me in. I think I might go back just to stand in the room for a little while. (Nerdy, I know).

Zehn: These three pictures (above, left, and below) were captured on one of my adventure hikes throughout Marburg. Above, is a view of the Elisabethkirche from the Alter Botanischer Garten (old botanical garden). This little gem of a park is hidden within the busy streets of the stadtmitte. Basically it is a little piece of peace and quiet midst the bustling University buildings. The picture to the left is just more evidence of spring! The flowers are now in full bloom and I love walking past all the tulips, daffodils, and other colorful flowers.

There is something so refreshing about walking through woods. Lucky for me, my dorm is located on the edge of a forest that has many "Wanderwege" just waiting for me to explore. Last week after class I hiked with Kelly to the Kaiser Wilhelm Turm, a tower on a bluff overlooking the city of Marburg. There we sat in the sun while we enjoyed a bit of lunch at the Spiegelslust Biergarten. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! And getting a bit of exercise besides just makes it even better. Below are some pictures from the Biergarten.

                                                                               View from our table

Elf: Crepes! I have experimented with all different kinds of toppings and fillings since I have been cooking on my own here. In this picture is a lemon and powdered-sugar crepe, sans Ricotta, unfortunately.

Jam, Nutella, Quark...its all delicious!

Zwölf: Visiting my relatives Doris and Erwin in Augsburg! It was one of my most memorable weekends so far during my time abroad. I didn't have the option of a home-stay with a German family through my program, so it was nice to spend the weekend with these two, seeing some sights, eating delicious food, and speaking lots of German!

The following is pictures and blurbs about my stay with Doris and Erwin.

We went to the Augsburger Puppenkiste the Friday I was there. It was a Cabaret Puppet show filled with political jokes, songs, and amazing talent with the movement of the Marionettes.

Angela Merkel with a few other German Politicians

Saturday we drove to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, as well as the Hohenschwangau Castle. On our drive back, we stopped at the Wieskirche, a rococo-style catherdral that I had studied in a few of my art history courses. It was great to get to see it in person!

On Sunday before I headed back to Marburg, we visited the Fuggerei, in Augsburg. The Fuggerei is the oldest social settlement of the world, founded by Jakob Fugger, a wealthy merchant, in 1521.

The settlement houses still today, Augsburg citizens who are in need.

To find out more, go to this website! www.fugger.de/en

That is all for now! I apologize for the lengthy post, but I have fallen a bit behind. 

Til next time!