Lovely Germany, Lovely Austria

Dear Google - you already know this (because you told me), but some soul in Germany viewed my blog, probably by accident, but it happened!  I find this particularly serendipitous because I. love. Germany!  I lived there, after all.  For 3 months.  And if you count the time I also spent in Austria, that makes 6 months in a German-speaking country.

Now don't you worry, all you Germans and Austrians who may stumble across this post - I certainly know the vast difference between the two of you and don't clump you together as one giant nation like too much of the world does.  I appreciate the differences, the rivalries, the strengths, and quirks of each of your separate nations.  And I love you both, with different portions of my heart.

But since it was a German who "checked out" my blog, here's a tribute to you first:

Germany is basically the coolest country ever.  (But, I say that about a handful of other select countries as well.)  But here is my reasoning for Germany deserving the title "Coolest Country Ever."  First, they are super stable.  Germany is never in a panic.  They saved Greece, they stabilize the EU, Angela Merkel is could be the queen of Europe, and they have the best football (as in soccer) leagues on the continent.  And their pastries just can't be beat. Aaand President Uchtdorf is German, so what up world.    

Germany holds the part of my heart that loves power, confidence, pride, and street-smarts (all in the best sense, of course).  Because that is what Germany is all about.  They know what's going down around them and are ready and confident to take face it head on.  But they still know how to party, how to be romantic, and better than anyone - they know how to rock the grunge look.

Hats off to you Germany, Sie sind am Beste!

And now for my lovely Austria,

To me, you are elegance, charm, class, and romance.  When I think back on my time in Austria, everything seems to be hazed with a glimmer of gold.  The lovely people I met, my beloved host family, the beautiful elegance of the architecture, the calm evening atmosphere, and the mystic spirit that floats out of the opera halls, museums, and cafes.

Your natural scenery is equally as stunning as anywhere else in Europe, or the world, and the ghosts of romantic histories seem to enchant the old palaces, cathedrals, woods, and vineyards.  There is a timelessness about you that cannot be found ANYWERE else.

Austria, you are the seat of charm in this world, and I will always feel your loving touch on my heart.

And, that is that for this post.  I'll not bore you with the novels of over-dramatic experiences, memories, and thoughts of my European life.  Although I'm sure some will pop out in the future.  Keep an eye out if you're interested.

So, in conclusion, thank you random German person for stumbling across my blog.  Alles Gute!  Auf Wiedersehen!