First time for everything

Well, I finally decided to begin a blog. I still haven't figured out exactly what I want this webpage to be,  how it should look, or what it should mean to me, but I think it's purpose will come into it's own as the number of posts and pages increase. Much like a human, this webpage isn't born with an innate purpose or consciousness about it's existence, but that it's experiences and content will contribute to it's life and personality.  I intend to write about my time in Germany and my travels as a way to keep the family updated, but also to keep a better tab on my own life.

As of yet, I've spent three full weeks in Europe. After my birthday Erika and I took an overnight bus to Paris and spent the week there. Paris itself is very beautiful and historic, the baguettes really are tastier, and the wine is cheap. I think we had a bottle of wine everyday because that seemed to be what everyone else was doing. There are plenty of parks to sit and enjoy a picnic, and an infinite number of cafes, which are also bars, as well as restaurants. To me it was weird thinking that some of the typical, old, apartment buildings are older than the US.  I'll have to put up more pictures online, for some reason I don't feel like putting so many pictures on Facebook. 

Dinner

Proof!

But I also feel like Freiburg is an exceptionally beautiful city, even if it's not as historic as Paris.  World War II bombings didn't really help keep the old city intact either. Outside of the Altstadt, Freiburg is incredibly modern, there are bike paths almost everywhere, trains, electric trams, and buses that create a very green, and incredibly efficient transport system.  Food and rent is affordable, there are plenty of grocery stores, bakeries, butchers, and sweet shops.  To be brief, it has been a pleasant change from living in Ames and Iowa City. My German skills are still weak, but that's where Erika comes in. At least I can order my food!

Still, after three weeks, I have no job, no apartment, and no bicycle.  I'm optimistic though, and I feel like I am close to obtaining all three in the near future.  Once I have some of those important items secured, I'll begin to feel more at home and less on edge about my future. At least there is plenty of cheap beer and pretzels.