Clara in Germany!

Germany must have known that this past weekend I turned 17, because it congratulated me with the most beautiful weather I have seen in ages. And I know it's cheesy to say, but this birthday was one of the best ones I have ever had.My Aunt, Uncle, and cousins were able to meet my host family! We toured around Hamburg, winding our way from the Reeperbahn to the botanical gardens. Even after 13 miles of walking (my fitbit knows all) sun-burned and wind-blown to the tips of my toes, I was happy. I know, happiness is such a yawn....I will try to get darker in my next post. Oh, and did I mention that we stumbled across a group of ballroom dancers while wandering through the park? Ok, ok, I am done. The world is disgusting .

On our final day, we decided to visit the biggest city in North-Rhine Westphalia, and the 4th largest city in Germany: Cologne! Standing strong, from the middle ages, through the air raids of World War 2, is the Cologne Cathedral ( Kölner Dom ), Germany's most visited landmark. Coming out of the main station, surrounded by swarms of admirers and the pure gravity of this blackened triumph, I have never felt so small.   Once you have given up trying to capture its presence in a photograph, I suggest you head over to Cologne's chocolate museum. Yes, chocolate museum. As in, museum....all about chocolate. With samples. Basically the closest thing you will ever get to visiting Willy Wonka. After stuffing your face with the good stuff, and walking along the sun-bather occupied Rhine, you will decide that Cologne is magical.      

Dusseldorf  is the capitol city of the North-Rhine Westphalia region, filled to the brim with high powered industries, and high powered people. But do not worry, Germany did not forget to sprinkle in beauty, charm, and culture for good measure. Maybe it was the unusually clear blue skies, but when walking along the Rhine last Wednesday, I could not help but smile at the pure prettiness of this bustling city.   After soaking up the sun and climbing up the Rheinturm, we headed to the Film Museum. Taking after the ways of a good movie, the museum conveyed information through sound, stunning visuals, and carefully worded text. A must-see for any one who thinks twice about what goes into making a  film. Ending the day on a bench in the luxery lined street appropriately called Konigsallee (King's Alley), I stretched out my legs and watched the water go its way.     Konigsallee

I am currently in a state that many exchange students know all too well: the "going-back-to-school-after-being-a free-riding-traveler-who's-main-worry-for-the-past-week-was simply-finding-a-bathroom-during-day trips" phenomena. Tomorrow is Monday, and tomorrow is school, but today I will just look back on my last week of travels in Western Germany and pretend things like getting up at 6:00 A.M do not exist.   The first city my friends and I visited was Munster. If you ever visit this lively city, do not fret, you are not walking into Hitchcock's less appreciated masterpiece  The Bikes . You are just in a college town in Germany, which basically equals a frightening amount of bicycles. Tourists, cars, and small dogs cower in their inescapable presence. But otherwise, this city has a lot to offer, from morning markets to charming architecture. Just keep in mind, that without two wheels, you mean absolutely nothing .       ...

Easter fire, Saturday evening

About an hour drive from St.Siffret is Rome...with a hint of France. The town I am speaking of is Nîmes (do not even THINK about pronouncing that s!), which was once ruled by the Romans. And  from the temples, arenas, and parks scattered throughout the city, the Roman influence is ever-present. Speaking of ever-present, let's just discuss the wind in southern France. You know how we name our storms?You know, Jimmy or Carl or whatever? Well, the French name their wind: the Mistral.  And he really is your most faithful (and maddening...and pointless) tour-guide if you ever head south. Need to check if you are travelling in the right direction? Well, sorry, the Mistral does not believe in maps. He prefers them dancing above your little, tourist head as opposed to laying peacefully in your hands. "Peacefully" is not even a part of his vocabulary....and stop saying it, it gives him a st...

  Dark clouds are rolling in over German skies, people are pronouncing their "S's" again, and nobody is offering me a fresh-baked baguette. These are hard times.     Northern Germany is many things, but one thing it is definitely not, is the South of France. I was lucky enough to spend a week with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin in St.Siffret, a crumbling, wind-cracked town that could not exude more charm if it tried. Since we were right outside of Uzès, I was able to experience its Saturday morning market the day after I arrived. If you like your produce low-fat and unloved, I warn you to stay away from Uzès entirely. Because from the spices to the scarves, from the fish to the flowers, this market is a place for the fearless.