Good-bye Germany

I cannot believe that my experience abroad is truly over. I remember months ago thinking that I had so much time and in the blink of an eye it was all over. I have been to so many places that I have wanted to experience my entire life. I couldn’t be more thankful to the people that supported me and really made this experience happen. I made such amazing friends who made me feel right home that I cannot imagine what Germany would have been like without them. My co-workers at KES are some of the greatest people I have ever met and am so thankful that I was placed in such a caring environment.

Coming to Germany is an experience of a lifetime and if you have even the slightest want to go abroad, DO IT! I promise that you will NEVER regret it. I learned so much about myself and the people that I surround myself with. I learned so much about the history and culture of 8 eight different countries and so many cities among these countries. It made me a better person and every person should have this amazing opportunity. Germany will always have a piece of my heart. 
I am so sad to leave Europe, but I know I will be back and I cannot wait for the new adventure at home! 

Venice

Bryan and I left Paris and made our way to the airport to get to Venice, Italy. We had such an amazing time in Paris that I couldn’t wait to see what Venice had in store for us. 

Let me tell you, flying and getting a boat metro was not an easy process with 2 large pieces of luggage and 2 carry ons. (Plus of course mine was overweight, but in my defense I only could have 44 pounds!). We wandered the streets and finally made our way to the hotel! We went off venturing, but the fog was so thick it was kinda hard to see things. We did eat at an AMAZING italian restaurant and acid a little shopping. 

The next morning we woke up bright and early because the forecast called for rain and we want to see the outdoor things before it was too icky out. We made our way towards St. Marco’s square and saw the basilica. It is always interesting to compare the different basilicas in not only Europe but also in Italy. It was very pretty and a nice starting point. We saw the Palace and then fed the pigeons. Literally there are 100 pigeons surrounding you and actually flying on you and sitting there! I only did this because Kristen said that it was cool! I may have freaked out a little. 

Now onto my FAVORITE part of Venice; the gondola ride. We walked to the Rialto Bridge which is a huge bridge with shopping. We decided to start our gondola ride there. 

The saying is that when under the Rialto Bridge you have to kiss for good luck. The Rialto Bridge was beautiful and the gondola was fantastic. If you ever find yourself in Venice, pay the money and do it because it was by far my favorite part of Venice. 

It then started raining so we to the island of Murano where glassblowing is the industry! It was cool to see all the different techniques and items that they sell. Bryan bought me an elephant!! We went out to dinner and bought a venetian mask that is beautiful! 

We decided not to go to Verona because of all the luggage we had and no where to store it so we took a train to Frankfurt which was about 10 hours. We spent the day shopping and walking all around Frankfurt! I even got myself a new jacket! 

Ah Paris ♥

Bryan and I took the train into Paris and found our hotel. The hotel had a FANTASTIC view of the Eiffel Tower and I was in awe. We walked around had a relaxing night because the next day we went to Versailles. 

Versailles was beautiful. The palace was unbelievable and the gardens would have been beautiful if it wasn't winter and they were all dead. The hall of mirrors was very cool and Marie Antoinette's house was awesome to see how different her personal home was compared to the palace. I would definitely   recommend coming here to anyone! 

Christmas Eve, Bryan and I woke up early and went straight for the Louvre. We saw Mona Lisa, Venus and a bunch of other art pieces. I could not believe how packed it was in there! 

 

We then stumbled upon the love lock bridge. We got a lock, locked it onto the bridge and threw the key away. 

We found our way to Notre Dame and I cannot explain how beautiful it was! 

We did a little shopping (my FAVORITE!!) on Avenue des Champs-Élysées! We went to see the Arc de Triumpe and found the LARGEST Christmas market that I have seen! 

We ended our night with my family annual tradition of Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve! 

Christmas morning we slept in and exchanged gifts. We got ready and made our way to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower! We climbed 704 stairs but it was all worth it when we got to the top and had a spectacular view over Paris! 

 We then went to Georges for dinner which is on the sixth floor of a museum so that was also a spectacular view of Paris! The food was to die for and we had a really nice Christmas dinner. 

Bryan and I headed for Venice the next morning! 

Good-bye KES

I know, I know I have been totally slacking on this blog! I just became so busy and involved with my last few weeks at KES and traveling! Leaving KES was one of the hardest things that I have had to; I have made some amazing friends, had fantastic co-workers and some of the best students that I could ever ask for. Sally was a great mentor teacher and I have become a better teacher because of her guidance! 

My last bulletin board at KES! 

I also helped out with the high school cheerleading team! They are an amazing group of girls and I will miss seeing them improve and I know they will do an awesome job at their competition in February...that I will be FaceTiming into! 

Within my last few weeks in Germany, I went to several Christmas markets. The Christmas markets are amazing! They have hand made gifts, unbelievable food (my favorite including Kartoffelpuffer or potato pancakes) and gluhwein which is a hot wine! 

The day that Bryan flew in, we went to Kaiserslautern and went to the Brauhaus to get a tower with Lynnie, Linda, Cathy, Andy, Mark and Mike! We had an amazing time!!! 

I really am going to miss living in Kaiserslautern and all of the wonderful people that I have met on this journey!