Since the 30th of October much has happened. I almost memorized my school schedule. I saw Frankfurt and Munich. I made new friends. Some new people came into my life while others took their bows. I ate more pretzels than I care to admit. I finished college applications. I visited more Weihnachtsmärkte than I thought possible.
Christmas markets are a mainstay of life from the first week of December on in Germany. They are a sea of humanity as Christmas draws nearer. The Nürnberg market is one of the best known. It is massive, covering most of the old city from church to church. It was an unforgettable experience.
Nürnberg
The past few months have been a patchwork of experiences. I have found the greatest happiness in my best friend, and have been into the valley of sadness and disappointment as some things dissolve. Again, I think of that oft quoted piece exchange jargon, "Exchange isn't a year in a life, it is a life in a year." Never before has it seemed to be more true. Everything is accelerated to a break-neck pace. You have to be careful to not let things fly past you. Quite simply put, it is one hell of a ride.
As this Christmas comes and goes I remember this from my childhood:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight-
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Goodnight Bayern.
Goodnight Doug.
