The Journey So Far

It's been almost a year since I arrived in Germany last summer.  It's crazy to think about that and wonder where the time has gone.
In that time, I've been all over Bavaria - to Linderhof Palace, to Nurnberg for the Christmas market, Neuschwanstein Castle, Wiesbaden, and of course Hohenfels many times.
I've spent hours on DB trains, and more money than I'd like to add up ever.  I can't say that without adding it's been worth it for sure.  When you pick a path and you decide on what you want to do, I don't see the point in stopping to keep count or weigh the cost.  I would do it all over again to have the opportunity for the wonderful year I've spent here, and all the time I've been able to spend with Brandon.

I made it to Salzburg, Austria with a couple girlfriends and went on the "Sound of Music" tour in the spring this year.

After months of planning a trip to Ireland, Brandon and I finally made it there together in time for my birthday.  I spent my birthday in Dublin and went to see Riverdance that night.  I really don't think it could have been a better day.  We had a whole week in Ireland, and left the day after my birthday.  Best vacation of my life so far.

The last month, Brandon has been in Italy, so I've been back and forth to see him there as my work schedule permits.  Btw, if I ever complained about German rail travel, I shouldn't have.  Italian railways make German trains look amazing.
We made it to Venice a couple weekends ago.  Awesome!  Probably the coolest/most unique city I've been to so far in Europe (granted I've only made it to 4 countries, but still).  We also went to Padova, which honestly wasn't much to write home about.

I really meant to keep up this travel blog better, but alas... I guess I will have to write my experiences from memory more if they are to be written at all.

Six weeks from tomorrow, I'll be on a plane flying back to the U.S.  It's hard to believe this European adventure will be over so soon.  I spent the first 3 months here wanting to go home, and now I'm just sad to see this year end so quickly.  I guess I'm just never satisfied.  How sad.  :-P

Hoping to get to Oktoberfest and finally buy a dirndl before leaving.  We shall see how that goes.  Till next time!