Approaching my last week...

Raise your hand if you've been sorely disappointed in the amount of blogging Alison has accomplished! If you're currently enjoying a nice breeze on your underarm, remember that I cannot wait to catch up with you and fill you in on every tiny, insignificant detail of my trip. Four hours later, you'll be sorry you asked. :)

Anyway!
Sophia and I arrived back from a three-day vacation on Sylt on Thursday. Sylt was a bit chilly, but full of lots to see, even without the beach. To get there, we started on the autobahn, going frightenly fast, and after exiting, proceeded to drive Sophia's little yellow Citröen onto an open air train that took us over the water to the island. Never seen anything like that before! We stayed at her parents' beautiful apartment in Westerland that they rent out to people when they're not using it. We shopped, sat out on our balconey, drove around sight-seeing, met a sea lion, had champagne on the beach, ate yummy seafood (yes, I ate seafood), saw Axel Springer's summer home, and decided to return with men someday. :) Sylt was amazing--relaxing, luxurious, and gave us the illusion that we had way more money than we do! Someday...

Since Sylt, we've been making v. interesting day trips and getting to spend time with Sophia's friends. Sophia's uncle took her, her mother and I on a tour of surrounding towns, visiting a famous porcelin factory in Fürstenburg; Hameln--where the Pied Piper is legended to have lived; monestaries; castles; and met Sophia's father at a beautiful restaurant to end the day. We've also been to Minden shopping, visited Sophia's horse and school, and out to a couple different (enormous) clubs and cocktail bars with her friends. And yes, Europeans really do dance all night in clubs--that's probably why they're thinner over here...But my poor, confused body just didn't know when to get up after staying out till 6am, causing me to sleep in until 3 for the first time in my life. Ugh. :)
Sophia is moving into her first apartment next week, so naturally we had to find an IKEA. Really made me eager to start making money again so I can pay off some debts and stop feeling guilty about spending money! (Although, rest-assured, financial guilt is in no way hindering my vacation...I kindly term my disposition as resistant...much to dad's dismay...) :) (hmmm...I make a lot of smileys....time to grow out of that??) hah.

We've also found it impossible to stay away from our Harry Potter books...I'm currently on page 487 with butterflies in my stomach--who's going to live!?!...spoil it for me and I'll hunt you down...I probably know where you sleep...

Anyway!
Sophia's parents have been nothing short of wonderful in their hospitality and willingness to speak as much English as possible. I'm in love with German food and dining atmosphere and hope to bring some better eating habits back with me! They have a breathtaking garden that Sophia's mom designed herself and an equally stunning home they built around 15 years ago. Their two dogs are very well-tempered and friendly, providing nice excuses for walks in the countryside.

Our last days together will include moving Sophia in on Thursday, Hannover and a tent party on friday and spending time with her brother on Saturday. Sunday I fly back to London, spending the evening with Grandma and Granddad, leaving for the states Monday morn.

Let's see if I can get some pictures up now!
Take care** and thank you for reading this!! It truly means a lot to me, and I can't wait to see all of you and be filled in on every tiny, insignificant detail of your summer!
-Alison