Blogs from Alsace, France, Europe - page 35

We took a drive of the area, some really quaint houses and towns and beautiful forests. We spotted a castle on a mountaintop so drove up to find a huge beautifully restored castle to explore (for 8euro). After another swim we walked into town to the music festival I saw being set up earlier. A dozen or so bands scattered throughout the town. We arrived a little early (only 1 hour after the scheduled start time) but it eventually turned out to be a great night. On the side stairs of the church was a screaming doof doof band, and on the other side a funky French band. Opposite was a string and trumpet group, down the street a hippie band and some great teenage bands. There was even an Aboriginal influenced group with didgeridoos etc. ... read more

We arrived at Constantin's parents' house late last night. I think it was around 2 when we got in. Finally, we were able to find lithium batteries for my camera this morning! The original plans were to see Strasbourg (Straßburg), but because of the large number of tourists on the weekend, we opted to go to Wissembourg (Weißenburg) instead. We had a full car today—Constantin, his parents, his grandmother, and me. They are all genuinely lovely people (myself, of course, included!). This was my fourth trip to Europe, and my fourth trip to France, but my first time in Alsace. Alsace is a German-speaking part of France and is also arguably more culturally German than French. I seem to have a proclivity toward the "Eldest Daughter of the Church," even though I don't have a drop ... read more

Yesterday, I actually got kind of warm, enough to take my jacket off...this is a revelation! Summer is on its way and I am thrilled, except that it means that my time over here is almost over. The countdown is now at 2 months for my internship, 2 1/2 months until I am home in Austin, and 3 months until I am in Nashville. Crazy. Work is going well, and I am enjoying my project. It is also fun getting to know the 'German' way of working. There are some major differences here that I have noticed I thought I might share. 1. Most companies over here are more inclined to the non-cubicle/shared office layouts. This was new for me, as I am used to having my small (very small) privacy in a little grey cubicle. ... read more

I guess this one's just for me, really. As the last few hours are slipping away I find myself hanging on tightly to those things that have stood out above everything else here in Strasbourg; favourite restaurants, cafés, beautiful walking spots. In the name of keeping my memories alive I have taken photos of all my favourite places in Strasbourg so as to never forget those small things that captured my heart, and that I will miss more than I could have ever imagined. It's a strange feeling to know that I will never again be at this desk, writing a blog, looking out my widow to see white Alsacian houses with wooden details and pointed rooves, reminding me that I am far, far away from home. Not for a very long time will I hear ... read more

These pictures are from the day before Randy left. We traveled to Strasbourg France!! Although these pictures are just from the journey to Strasbourg, not the city because my camera batteries died.... read more