PRE-TRIP

I'm BAAAA-AACK. 

Welp… I’ve had quite a range of emotions in regards to this trip.

For starters, this trip isn’t quite what I’m used to since it wasn’t all hand picked by me. LOL The main purpose of this trip is, in part, for my dad to see Miniatur Wunderland… he wanted to see more of Germany and Switzerland as well so everything has sort of stemmed from there. Don’t get me wrong- I enjoyed Switzerland and Germany last time I was there (and I did say that I wanted to go back again!) …but I probably would have arranged things differently had it been back in my old solo travel days. (i.e. see other cities, spend more time here, less time there, etc.) But it is what it is and I am still looking forward to this adventure! (And the people accompanying me!)  YAY FOR NO MORE TRAVELING SOLO!

One thing I am NOT looking forward to however is the flight. I don’t think people realize how much I HATE flying… not only do I get antsy sitting for long periods of time, not only am I NOT able to sleep on planes, but now I also get very sick on flights as well. All of this = not a good combination. Plus… does anyone else know that feeling when you arrive at your destination and you’re super tired? You feel gross because you haven’t showered in 24 hours and it’s just an all around nasty feeling…. Yeah, I hate it. Most of the time hotels won’t let you check in until the afternoon so you have to go around feeling bad for the first part of the day until you get a nice shower. BLAGH

Side note: I can’t believe it has been 13 years since my FIRST trip overseas/FIRST trip to Europe. HOW CAN THAT BE?!?! On the right, you can see one of my first pictures of Europe... VENICE!

One thing that I love about travel is that even though a particular destination might not be your first choice to visit, it’s still unique and it’s a chance to get away from the everyday routine! The sites, the smells, the culture… everything is different so how can you be bored with that?! Whether you’re a foodie, an artist, an adrenaline junkie, a history lover… there’s something for everyone everywhere.  

I’ve had a new continent to visit for the past 3 years and now I’m taking a break and heading back to Europe for the 4^th time!  One thing extra special about this trip is catching up with my sweet German sister!

For those of you who don’t know Carla….

Carla is from Germany and her and I met online back in 2013. (so it’s kind of perfect we’re meeting up for our 5 year friendiversary!) …. We were both interested in traveling around New Zealand and didn’t have anyone to travel with us. We ended up both using a site called helpx which is a volunteer based organization that allows you to work in peoples homes (cleaning, gardening, housework) in exchange for meals and accommodation. We met up in New Zealand, traveled over a month around the country together, and then a couple years later we decided we liked each other so much we met up again in Spain! We’ve kept in touch through the years and whenever we get together we have such a blast and laugh our heads off… she has been the best and longest online relationship that I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to be reunited!! :D 

Another special thing about this trip is that Mike’s parents are going to be meeting up with us in Berlin! (Hi Mike’s parents!)

Will write more when I arrive in Amsterdam!