Full and Happy

I didn’t see snow, Nope, not like I thought I would, but I did have a lovely last two days that made up for the lack of it.

On Friday I turn 24… gulp! I’ll be working in the kitchen, so Maya and I decided to take these two days to do something fun and celebrate a little early. First day traveling to the top of a nearby mountain (there were spots of snow, but not big enough to bother to play in). The view was amazing and the weather perfect as we rode up the mountain on a ski lift.  Coffee and sandwich at the top to one of the greatest views I have ever seen. There were the Alps in the sun showing off their best side. A strong fresh breeze. Kids riding their bikes up and down the small hill on top of this mountain. Germans hiking, people talking and snacking, us sitting and soaking in the peaceful day around us.  We were shown a part of a lower mountain that had patches of missing trees. It was the remains of a message and swastika…. Then a castle of sorts where the perfect German young men were brought to create the perfect army. The history of what I was seeing. One thing to read and study- another to see. We walked a bit then floated back down the mountain to continue in the goodness of our day being treated to a homemade Greek dinner perfectly featuring garlic and feta… it healed the wounds from our last attempt to get Greek food :) A great night with good food and good company and no stress.

Today was began sleeping in, eating a late breakfast of bread, cheese, and coffee, and slowly emerging from the house to enjoy another free day. A quick shopping trip in Sonthofen and then we were picked up by another friend and brought to Lindau. The drive was lovely. Turning leaves, farmland, more mountains, green fields, and Lake Constance- The second largest lake in Europe. It was beautiful and my face was glued to the window. After running a few errands she took us over the border to Austria and a local restaurant overlooking the lake. As we arrived the sun was almost done setting and the lights of the houses, hotels, and businesses surrounding the lake were just another scene to enjoy. The duck, the deer, the steak….We were all tasting each other’s food and laughing at our facial reactions. Hands down, best meal since I’ve been here… Don’t get me started on the käse spaetzle: the gooey, sharp cheese and crunchy sweet onions on top… My taste buds were delighted (If they could have they certainly would have done a little happy dance!). I enjoyed every bite… though the last few were more out of determination not to leave anything behind. We finished with coffee… and rolling ourselves to the car, speeding home on the German roads winding up and down, side to side roads… It all made for the two best days off.

But bad news… I forgot my camera…

We are going back to both places again… and I’ll be sure to bring the camera. And eat more of that käse spaetzle! As usual I am missing the people of home and wishing they could enjoy this with me, but these are the nights that help the missing and also in the sleeping. I am full and happy.