I cannot believe summer is over. We've been in the states for over 2 months now. It's gone by so quickly, but it also seems like a lifetime ago that I lived in Germany.
In the time between June & when we left Germany mid-July I got myself to 19 towns. I was determined to see as much as I could. I took my first trip to the Netherlands including Amsterdam, Haarlem & Zaanse Schans. This was my last major trip and I'm ready to go back & explore other cities in the Netherlands.
LEFT - RIGHT: Zaandam, Amsterdam, view from my Haarlem hotel (taken at 10PM)
Here’s a story to illustrate my love for travel. I had a trip to pick my husband up from Frankfurt airport. I found 3 towns on the Deutsche Faschwerkstrausse, aka the German Half-Timber Road, and proceeded to hit each one of them before pick up. I may have a *little* love affair with the Deutsche Faschwerkstrausse.
LEFT - RIGHT: Alsfeld, Grünberg, Lich
Bernkastle-Kues, you were the winner of my “where are we going for our last day trip” sweepstakes. It seemed appropriate. It was my most visited day trip & I made it to their Christmas markets all 3 years. I was excited to share this quaint town with my family.
In the first week back in the states, we found an apartment, had our quick shipment delivered, picked up car #1, and I bought tickets to my first Backstreet Boys concert (more on this later)
I quickly found out what I've missed from the states. I visited Asian markets for shopping and lunch early and often - I've lost count how many times I've gone. I've also been making the rounds of my favorite local small businesses: Chartreuse & Co, Sweet Clover, Cotton & Co, My Big Finds, The Sweet Lemon. I’ve had countless tomato sandwiches, with my favorite German mayo. I will be the first to tell you about my brown thumb, but I always enjoy the garden at the farm.
#IWantItThatWay
It’s no secret among friends I’ve been trying to see the Backstreet Boys DNA tour for the last 3 years. I was never on the right continent at the right time. In 2019 we I lived in MD they were in Europe. The week we moved to Germany they played MD. Coming back this summer they were scheduled to play in VA right before we PCS’d back, LIKE 2 DAYS BEFORE WE LANDED! Then leave for Europe in the fall.
EKKKK - I saw the Backstreet Boys LIVE for the first time! It was an amazing concert & not one I’ll forget.
#WhatAreTheChances
The Bristol, VA show was postponed due to weather. 8 days after we returned, guess who got herself a ticket to the reschedule. I had to not so patiently wait for concert day (what was another month after waiting years) but it was everything & more. I lived my best 12 year old fangirl life.
Speaking of bucket lists…
I'm doing a thing... I took my first tap class last night & it's love. I haven't been in a dance studio in years (It's literally been decades). I am so happy to be dancing. Thanks Essence Studios, Dance & Performing Arts & Marshall. As I’ve gotten older I’ve decided I’m doing all the things!
I've fallen in love again with the Smithsonian museums. I originally went because they posted about the corpse flower blooming. This one was super quick so I didn't get to see full bloom, but I saw it & even illustrated it! While there I visited the castle & got a recommendation to go to the Renwick Gallery. It was the first time I visited & it did not disappoint. Shortly after that we took another trip to the National Museum of Natural History to the butterfly pavilion. As many times as we've been to that museum, I don't think I've ever done that exhibit.
Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum
I’ve quickly gotten back to everyday life here in the states. I dreaded leaving Europe for so long that I almost forgot to relax & enjoy. While I miss life in Germany daily, I realize how much inspiration is around me. I always come around eventually! Looking forward to Fall in Maryland!