Suddenly my hair got curlier...

Inviting-looking bakeries.
Dozens of languages.
Distinct smell of cigarette smoke.
Recycle bins everywhere.

I'm back.

I realized on my flight over to Frankfurt that I've been to Germany four times in the last six years (this being my fourth time)--which is a pretty good streak if you ask me. Or maybe it's more of a sign of a growing addiction that will only get worse with age and soon I'll be pawning off my children's toys to pay for trips to Europe (in the hypothetical future of course).

I'm not to that point yet though.

I realize I looked pretty stupid wandering around the Frankfurt airport with a stupid grin on my face and I don't even want to think about what the person in the stall next to me thought when I squealed with delight to see Germany's environemntally friendly flush buttons on the toilet. Even the lack of drinking fountains seemed refreshing. Except that it wasn't actually refreshing for long because I still feel like a peon for spending 2€ on 16 ounces of water when I know I can drink water for free. I guess that shows how not-European I actually am.
So happy to be here though.

My first few more-boring American cities are behind me. I stayed in St. George and rocked it with my mom and grandma, came back to Provo to run a half marathon (why yes, running 13.1 miles on your toes ensures you will be crippled for several days after), drove to Colorado Springs to watch Netflix (because somehow I can't justify it at college), went back to Provo again for my study abroad prep class, flew to Denver and stayed at a hotel there with my parents to cut down on driving times, and now I am here! In Germany! For like 16 more hours and then it's off to Italy.

I'm trying not to my compare all my experiences with my mission, though on the plane ride over I couldn't imagine what I did during my mission plane trips when I couldn't watch movies or listen to music other normal people things. I'll probably be that obnoxious person who can't stoptalking about Germany, and yes, most of my stories will be mission stories. Whatevs.

Stayed tuned for the real adventures instead of the nostalgic mess you just read.
Expect curlir hair every time.