Back In Heidelberg

Strange to be back in Heidelberg but great, of course. Part of me feels like a never left, yet another part feels like it has been a really long time. After 27 total hours of travel, 14 hours flying, 12 hours sitting in airports, 1 hour on the train, 4 flights, 3 security checks, 3 hours of sleep, and one missing bag upon arrival, I finally walked into my Heidelberg apartment. Caro met me at the train station in Heidelberg with a big hug and relieved me of some packing weight. Was so great to see her again even though I was a bit delirious. Friday night was spent just catching up and resting. Saturday we went to Caro's little cousin Niklas' basketball game and then Niklas and his brother Felix came and had a slumber party at our house. Was really fun to have them at the house even though it is strange not being able to communicate with them very well. They are 9 and 7 so they haven't had much English Language classes yet and I am a bit rusty on German. Sunday we went to Caro's parents house for a huge brunch with them and Niklas and Felix's parents and little sister, Katharine. Of course, Anke and Gerhard, fixed up a huge feast of about 4 different pastries, salmon, frickedellen (type of meat balls), fruit salad, crossant wrapped sausage, and pizza bread. All amazing. Sorry, I meant to take a picture but forgot my camera! It always looks so nice set out on the counter. Sunday night Caro and I went to the USC- Heidelberg basketball game. Kind of a Sunday night tradition and I was glad to go one more time while I am here. I am still trying to get rid of my jet leg. This morning I thought I was waking up at about 10 but it was actually 2:30 in the afternoon. OOPS! I had to look at 4 different clocks to believe it. Many of you who know me well know that I am actually an early morning person so it is strange I was able to even sleep that long. Guess I needed it. Since I have been here it has been great to pick up on the language again, eat some of the german food, and walk around beautiful Heidelberg. I sometimes struggle to be in the moment but I am constantly reminding myself so that I can make the most of these next two weeks. Every once and a while I get caught off guard and feel the saddness of leaving but change and letting go is always hard. So those feelings are just going to happen. Just gonna make the most of this trip and know that I will be back. I leave on the 22nd of February and will be on my way to Chicago for another new adventure!