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Takin’ a break…

It was a very slow, uneventful week.

Well, until Friday afternoon, anyway.

After almost four months of seeing nobody from back home, I was ecstatic to see my boyfriend walking out of the gates at Düsseldorf Airport. Since that point I my mood has improved a bit and I’ve seemed to regain some energy. Although the last few days have been chaotic as I’ve tried to show him around the region as much as possible, it’s great to see someone from home again.

Since I only have about a month-and-a-half left here in Germany, I’m glad I had the opportunity to see Cologne again and also see a few new things, like Drachenburg Castle. Located high above the Rhine River in the tree-covered hills south of Cologne, the castle was built as a private residence in the late 1800s and offers impressive views of the valley below.

Of course it started pouring rain as we trekked down the unbelievably steep hill, soaking my pant legs, which obviously made for a great 2.5 hour train ride home.

I hate being wet and cold more than anything in the world, but I digress.

To make up for that less than pleasant experience, I’m taking a week off to enjoy 90 degree weather, sunshine and laying on the beach in Zadar, Croatia. Located right on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the city is supposed to be absolutely beautiful with the famous crystal-clear beaches and national waterfall park nearby.

We’re sleeping at Weeze Airport (much to my dismay), but the morning should fly by and it’s going to be great to step foot in yet-another new country. I’m not sure what my internet situation will be like, but check back later in the week for updates and photos!

First relaxing weekend in awhile…

Bread, cold meat and cheese followed by a second course of waffles smothered in fruit and fresh cream?

Yes, please.

Sounds strange, but after trying it this weekend while visiting my roommate’s hometown of Remscheid, Germany, I’m definitely considering myself a fan of the Bergische Kaffeetafel. A regional specialty, the meal traditionally included everything left in the cellar at the end of the week.

I may have gained a good five pounds trying it out, but it was definitely worth the ungodly amount of calories and a trip out to the countryside to have.

Aside from good food, this weekend was also full of good times. I met my roommate’s family (who are wonderful) and enjoyed spending time with them hiking. I was also excited that I got the opportunity to learn more about Remscheid and its famous son Wilhelm Röntgen, the discoverer of the x-ray.

I had no idea that there are so many interesting and beautiful places to see such a short distance from where I am living.  Before this weekend I had only traveled by train, but with access to a car all of us were able to travel off the beaten path and stopping to explore a couple sights: the Schloss Burg and the famous Müngsten Bridge.

First I visited Schloss Burg, a medieval fortress that has been restored to its former glory. Located between Remscheid and Solingen, the castle is perched atop one of the massive outcrops offering a beautiful panoramic view of the hills and the towns below.

After visiting the castle we traveled down through the winding roads to see the Müngsten Brücke, the highest steel train bridge in Germany.

Situated above the beautiful (and crystal clear) Wupper River, the bridge was completed in 1897 and acts as the only direct connection between the cities of Solingen and Remscheid. Below the bridge there are trails and visitors can enjoy walking along the river or just kick back and relax.

Nordrhein-Westfalen is full of little hidden places and I look forward to discovering and learning more about this place I’ve started to call home.