This could be it.

I think this blog has just about become pointless. Not because I don't have time, it's more because I have been trying to keep up with this blog, my travel journals and writing some of my short stories and books. Unfortunately, I think the blog is going to be the thing that suffers. If you really want me to continue posting let me know and I will try my best to catch up.

Thanks for following for so long and keeping up with what I've been doing.

Kendra

Day 120: I only go to museums to take goofy pictures.

Today I met Tulio's younger sister, Ludmilla. She is visiting Tulio on her was to Paris for a semester internship abroad. Julia and I thought she might like to see some places outside of Tubingen. So we took her to Stuttgart for the day. We met Veronika on the train and did some shopping on the famous Konigstrasse in Stuttgart. We had the last minute idea of going to the Porsche Museum. It turned out to be a great last minute idea. We spent the rest of the afternoon taking silly pictures and getting in trouble with museum officials. (if you know me well, then you know I can't go anywhere in public without getting into some kind of trouble ;)

After taking the train home, we went grocery shopping and had a cooking party at Tulio's. This was really fun and of course delicious ;) and we ate and played dominos. Later in the evening some more internationals came over and we played poker for a few hours. It was really fun and I discovered that I have a bit of a talent for the game (just don't think I'll be playing in any casinos...). It was a good day, I'm glad that I got to meet Ludmilla and had some girl time with her, Julia and Veronika.

Day 117: Dec. 26th Bamberg

The Buschmanns hosted a brunch this morning for their close friends and neighbors. I really enjoyed it. We all played games and ate and I got to practice some German, it was a very nice morning. In the afternoon, Bettina took Julia, Sarah and I to Bamberg to see the old city. I've been to Bamberg before, but only on the US base and I've never seen the city of Bamberg before. Bamberg is a beautiful city that sits on a river. There is even a part of the city that is known as "Little Venice."
We did some walking and wondering and picture taking. We even took a tour by bus through the city and up to the castle. It was a beautiful day, just perfect for seeing the view from the castle. After the tour, we stopped for dinner at a small restaurant. Bettina let Julia and I try the local bier. The bier in Bamberg is a smoked beer. It's very dark and it tastes just like a campfire. It was not my favorite, but I did like it and that bier sure will put some hair on your chest.
I am really enjoying my visit with the Buschmanns. I am missing my family during the holidays, but this is definitely a learning opportunity and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Day #116: Merry Christmas to all from GERMANY!!!

Slept until 11am today. It's the latest I have ever slept on Christmas morning and it was glorious. Lazy day today, didn't do anything :). I did call my family and I got to see my brothers open their presents via Skype and that was the best gift in the world. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Day 2009

Merry Christmas to all!

Day #115: Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Everyone in the Bushmann Clan woke early this morning. Thomas took Julia, Marina, Bryan and I to the Nürnberg Christkindelsmarkt. This is a very famous Christmas Markt in Germany; every German knows it. The markt has a 200 year old carosel that is still in working condition! It was beautiful, despite the on and off rain throughout the day. It was nice to spend a day with the kids and act like one as well. I went through Nürnberg and took duplicates of all the pictures I took 2 and a half years ago from the last time I was here. What memories it brought back!
Back at the house, everyone got ready for church and we walked together down the road to the service. The church was very full and beautifully decorated. I love hearing Christmas carols sung in German. It was really nice. After the service, we all walked back to the house where Thomas and Bettina had decorated the living room and the Christmas tree. It was just beautiful, but sadly reminded me of home. Everyone opened their gifts one by one. Julia and I each got German books from the Bushmanns :). I love German books, so much learning involved.
After opening presents we had a HUGE Christmas dinner. We stuffed our faces and were so full. I love spending time with another family from whom I can learn. We played German boardgames and played cards and watched movies and just spent time enjoying each other's company.

Day 111: Saying goodbye for the season...

I met the girls for coffee today and we all spent some quality time together before everyone went their separate ways for the holidays. I'm going to miss those girls in the next 2 weeks. It's hard to believe that 4 months ago we were total strangers and now I feel like I've known them for a lifetime. I love it here.It snows almost everyday now and because the temperature is constantly below freezing the snow doesn't go anywhere and the rivers and creeks are freezing. It's beautiful.