Relaxation

This vacation has taken quite a turn in that it is more of a typical vacation with relaxing, eating a lot, and sleeping in.  It's very different than the nonstop traveling, but I can't say one is better than the other.  Traveling is fun to see new places and explore new territories, but this time to wind down is much needed because Krisi and I both go back to work the day after we get back :(. 

I am not totally sure when the last time we updated was, but I think it was very soon after we got to Krisi's family's place. It's definitely an experience to have such a language barrier for me, but a good one.  Krisi translates a lot for me, but I have also learned to pick up on social cues much more, like hand expressions, facial expressions, reactions, etc.  I can kind of follow a conversation if the person speaking German is talking to Krisi because they speak slower and use more of those social cues because they know her German is not perfect, but if it is a group of native Germans, I get lost easily and tend to space out and think of other things (aka Taco Bell, Portillos, and Chipotle).

The food here is absolutely wonderful.  I am very happy I decided to start eating meat again before this trip.  It would have been fine to be a vegetarian in other countries, but in Germany, their diet is very meat based.  I know it would be possible, but it is nice to be able to experience the typical foods that Germans regularly eat.  I have enjoyed every one of the so far.

The second night we were here, we went to Krisi's second cousin's birthday party.  His name is Patrick, and he was turning 18, which is apparently like the 21 in the U.S. because he can do everything legally.  It was fun to see all of Krisi's family, although the language barrier was increased as everyone was German.  There were a few people who spoke English quite well, though, and I talked to them for a bit.  I think Krisi is getting pretty good with her German, though, and she was able to hold her own in conversations. 

It was a beautiful night, but then it started to rain, but luckily we were all under two tents.  Krisi and I were talking about whether or not there were tornadoes in Germany, and a few other people were joking about how the weather might take a sour turn, but no one thought it was possible.  Moments after our joking around, a huge gust of wind came and not knocked over the tent we were all under, all of the drinking glasses (of which there were many), chairs, and everything else.  I ran closer to the inside, only to get clotheslined (spelling?) by the other tent, and almost pinned to the wall.  Luckily, that didn't happen, but there was commotion everywhere . Glass was breaking, and people were trying to take cover.  For the next ten minutes or so we all tried to gather what we could of the tent and other things during this viscous storm.  The storm ended up only lasting about fifteen minutes, though, and then walking outside was like entering a war zone.  I really am not exaggerating here.  It was quite the experience.  Also, Krisi and I were informed there are, in fact, tornadoes in Germany.

Yesterday we slept in until 10 (woo!).  We went to see Krisi's Oma in the nursing home, and it was really good for both of them, I think.  Her Oma was crying, and was clearly very happy to see Krisi, as well as shocked at how she had grown up.  I guess it isn't the best for me to retell this moment, but from the outside looking in, it was a very special moment.  Although, I didn't understand much of what anyone talked about. 

Today we are going shopping and to a castle to eat dinner (awesome!).  Saturday we get to ride the horses.  I am so excited for this.  I have fallen in love with the horses.  I am seriously contemplating buying my own at home and building a stable.  I don't think my dad would approve, nor do I have the money, but it's nice to dream.  For now, I have my best friend Daniello (one of Martina's horses).