Auf Wiedersehen Germany!

Countdown to the end of our Germany adventure: 17 days!  As we get closer to our return to the US, it is a bittersweet feeling.  Our excitement is growing to be back home-to see our family, to have some simple conveniences...and to visit Target!  But we are leaving our home here in Hirschberg, which means we will miss all the wonderful people, the delicious breads, the beautiful mountains, the church bells, and the healthy lifestyle. The one thing we all most appreciated was the international community at Heidelberg International School. To know and befriend people of all religions, cultures, and ethnicities has been such a great experience and we learned so much from them. They were supportive, welcoming, and shared the frustrations and joys of living as an expat.  "My own eyes are not enough for me; I will see through those of others." -C.S. Lewis "

So as we prepare to go home, we are becoming reminiscent and these are some of our favorite memories from the last eighteen months.

Michele's favorite was the Alps…the majesty and beauty of creation was amazing.

Nick's favorite: Berlin and the Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate

Kayla's Favorite: Rome! She loved the Colosseum and it was really pretty at night.

Brenna's favorite: Phantasialand, an amusement park with totally fun rides

Below are some photos from our last two trips to Dublin, Ireland and Barcelona, Spain.  Both cities surprised us in different ways. Dublin was a compact, walkable city with warm, friendly people.  Barcelona was a clean, efficient city with wonderful beaches and unique architecture.

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin (year 1028)

The Brazen Head Pub est. 1198

The girls learning about hops in the museum

Guinness Brewery, founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759
The highlight of the trip for Nick :)

Flamenco Dance in Barcelona!

Beautiful view of Barcelona and Mount Tibadabo

Architecture by Gaudi in Park Gull

That's all for now... until our next adventure! We are so very blessed with this opportunity and so thankful that we experienced it together.  Auf Wiedersehen!