bonn...still

It's crazy that I've gotten so used to it here! I love that everything is in German, and today it hit me that when I get back home, everything won't be in German and I'll be in the same boat again without access to anything from here without great difficulty. I love just picking up random newspapers and having them all be in German...it's such good practice! Anyway, this past two weeks-ish has been probably among the best in my life. I mean, actually, it may be the best. Which scares me because I feel like I'm peaking...I'm too young to peak! I wanted to hold out until I was a ripe old 60, but I guess it's okay. I'm literally having the time of my life here. I knew everyone said it would be a blast and yadda yadda yadda but I'm happy to report that this has totally exceeded my expectations so far. There are things I miss about home. There are struggles and there are embarrassing moments, but everyone of them seems to be ten times more amazing here. Maybe I'm just extra peppy and cheerful in mood these days. I don't know. It's like I'm floating around Europe!
What have I been up to? Seeing things in and around Bonn, getting to know the city, hanging out with my friends here, playing euchre, singing karaoke, learning how to order food and drinks without looking like an idiot, falling flat on my ass on the pavement (thank-you cobblestone!), eating German food, speaking German, feeling dumb...the usual. I think what prevents me from finding this whole experience really difficult and scary is the fact that there are 10 other people here from Madison, living this whole thing out with me going through the same crap I am, so no matter how bad or good it gets, I know they're living the same thing I am. That sounds extra corny but I totally dig it.

This weekend is St. Patty's Day/John's Birthday and we got him some winning presents...I'm excited. Today a couple of us girls baked cupcakes in another language...they turned out quite interesting. We also saw a German history museum post 1945 which was FASCINATING. And so well done too, I appreciate great aesthetics in a museum setting, it makes history so much more interactive and learnable. I must admit I was a little drained all day after staying out late playing foosball and singing karaoke (both of which I'm terrible at) and then skyping with Sarah late into the night.

I think it's bed time for me. 9 hours of sleep seems in order...