Small World

Last night as I was putting the boys to bed, I was reading the USA Today on my iTouch.  I should point out and mention again that this was the single most wonderful thing I purchased before we left for Germany.  I am thankful every day (shout out to Sean) that I have it for listening to music, watching podcasts, reading newspapers, checking e-mail, watching videos on planes and in restaurants and apps for Will.  As I was reading, I was thinking about all the news stories lately that are taking place in Europe and also how much we have seen in Europe.

For example, a sad note,  I was reading about the bombing in Taksim Square in Istanbul where we were almost a year ago.  It was crazy reading about it and looking at the pictures.  Often these events are just information for me and I don't give them much thought, but after being there it puts it in a whole different light.  I know how crowded and busy this area can be and think of all the people present.  It is a hub in the already large city of Istanbul.

Taksim in Istanbul Turkey
November 14,  2009

On a happy note, I was watching Oprah from last week when she interviewed the cast from my favorite movie, The Sound of Music,  and I thought of our trip from 2 years ago to one of my favorite places, Salzburg!  I LOVED Salzburg!  I remember telling Chad before we committed to moving here that if we moved, this was the one place I must go see and I was not disappointed.  I wish we could have gone back and if/when we live in Europe again we will plan a long holiday to Austria.  As I watched scenes from the movie I was reminded of our tour and visits to the parks and walking up to the fortress.

Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria
November 1, 2008

We have been so fortunate to see so many things and experience so many other cultures. It makes me realize how small the world can be.  For all the headaches and struggles the benefits of living in Germany have far outweighed them.  I know we have made the most of our time here and that makes me feel better about leaving a bit earlier than we anticipated. However, I do know there is more to see and experience so hopefully we'll be back when the boys are older and can enjoy it too (and they'll be less work for us).

The Dom!

We also went to the city center in Cologne yesterday and took some pictures and bought some clothes for the boys.  It was a rare Sunday when the city center shops were open.  It was crowded but sunny and it was nice to enjoy the weather and take some pictures of the Dom like I had been meaning to do.  I often look at the Dom and then think "I live in Europe." Things like this aren't built anymore and it is such an old and beautiful church. I often take for granted that we have lived so close to it.