This past weekend "the sorority house" took a two day trip to Cologne, Germany. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, home of 5+ Starbucks, 1 Dunkin Donuts, bitter cold weather, a beautiful cathedral, and the best Christmas markets in Germany. Unfortunately, we missed the markets by a week. We did, however, visit Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and the cathedral multiple times. This past weekend was one of the most relazing travel weekends that I have experienced in Europe thus far. We had no agenda and no plans to visit museums or landmarks, we simply wandered for two days. Though skyscrapers, cranes, and signs of progressed are scattered throughout the city, it retained its German feel.
We spent Saturday afternoon exploring shops and the "old town" along the Rhine. That evening we found a bar/restaurant called "the washroom" that served a rather random but delicious array of food. After dinner we decided to skip the bars and clubs and venture to the English movie theater for a little taste of home. Really and quite surprisingly, the whole city was a taste of home with the all the American restaurants (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, etc.), entertainment (English movie theaters, American sports bars), and decor (yes, we say American flags flying outside in several buildings... strange). This morning we climbed 500+ flights of stairs to the top of the cathedral tower for the view of the city. Honestly, I felt like I was climbing the "stairway to heaven" because the stairs just kept on going. I ordered a very German dish, a bratwurst with potatoes, for lunch today. Talk about a man meal! Though I enjoyed it, I would not want to eat sausage on a regular or even semi-regular basis.
Last week was a little quiet around here with Evelyn in Copenhagen and Alayna in Paris with her family. Austin and I went to see Okkivil River (I know I did not spell that right) in concert on Monday night. I must say that my run-ins with America last week, ie hearing an American band, eating at American restaurants, and meeting Americans makes me anxious to come home. On Thursday I went to a press confrence for Esko, one of Duomedia's clients which was rewarding for me. I met journalists who write for magazines that I spend hours scanning each week, saw Esko product demonstrations, and even picked up a little souvenir (yeah, Duvel cut-out!). Fran came to town this past weekend and I spent some time with her on Friday night which was like a little taste of Furman. Oh man, all the reminders of home!
This week is really exciting with all the families here, Evelyn's 21st birthday coming up, and the London group coming. I cannot wait to meet all the families and see familiar Furman faces!
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