I'm back! In Zilina that is.... it was actually surprisingly nice to come back to Slovakia. It really did feel like coming home which was nice. We drove back through Poland and the Czech Republic on Monday and then Karin and Horst stayed two nights in Slovakia. It was really fun to show them around Slovakia and share everything I've experienced and seen and learned about with someone who knows me and appreciates all that I've been through. On Tuesday we did a tour around pretty much half of Slovakia where we saw Oravsky Hrad, Terchova, and Liptovsky Mikulas. Both Karin and Horst seemed to enjoy themselves and I know I did. To finish the day we went to Slovak Pub for Halusky! and sausage and Gulash! Yum!
Leaving Slovakia for a while and then coming back with people who didn't really know it made me realize just how much I've learned about this little country and helped me to 're appreciate' the beauty of it! It really is a lovely little country, especially the countryside. And now everything is green and blooming, so pretty!
And that ended my 20 day long excursion to Germany (and Austria and Denmark and Sweden!). It was really really really sad to see karin and Horst go. I will miss them! I think we learned alot about eachother and now have some really great memories to think back on. AND I WILL come back to Germany in the near future I'm sure. There, now it's documented, so I have to.

Now I've had a day or two just hanging out in Zilina. I went back to school today which was boring as usual. It hasn't changed one bit (not that I expected it to) but it was nice to see some of my classmates again. But really what I"m doing is killing time until Italy and Greece! Have I mentioned I'm excited about that trip?!I don't think so..... :P
I went shopping today for some summer clothes as I currently have nothing. Partly because I didn't bring that much and partly because all the things I did bring don't fit anymore. That's a great feeling, putting on the capris that fit you 8 months ago and realizing they won't even do up anymore. Oh how wonderful. But it does mean I get to go shopping which is alright for me. I found some really cute things today and got my haircut and a new pair of sunglasses so I should be looking mighty fine. I'm all set for the sun in Italy so it better greet me there otherwise I'm going to be very dissapointed.

So there's the update. Unfortunately I won't be writing again for about 12 or 15 days as you know where I'll be! But when all that craziness is through I will tell you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE

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The North Sea

Well, I'm running a little behind on my blog posts here. Last week I went to the North Sea (among many other places)! It was soo soo sooo cool! We had to take a train for about 2 and a half hours before we arrived at the end of this long little island. You can only get there by train! The only unfortunate thing (which turned out to be alright in the end) was that the one day we decided to go to the sea mother nature decided not to cooperate. I woke up that morning to a torrential downpour. But, we decided to go anyways and it was well worth it because the rain eventually cleared, and although it was terribly windy, the sea was beautiful. I had had the chance to walk all along the coast line and it was majestical. It is such a powerful thing the sea. With the waves crashing up against the shore and the wind whipping around you, it kind of felt like I was in a dream or something. I collected some sea shells and some sand too which was fun and with any luck they'll make it home in one piece. So the day was wonderful and I now realize why everyone things the sea (or ocean) is so marvelous: because it really is!

Now I am in Berlin staying with one of my second cousins. It has been fantastic here as well. I've only been here two nights (and sadly I only have one left) but it has been so nice. I feel so at home and I love the family. I'm sharing a room with my little second cousin Mili who is 12. She is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met and I absolutely love hanging out with her. We've had a lot of fun the past few days reading magazines, playing with the camera and computer, and just talking. Her English is amazing too so that makes things a whole lot easier. It will be sad to leave this place but I'm sure I'll be back (and hopefully sooner than later). Berlin is an interesting city. I've seen quite a bit of it when you combine this time with the time I was here three years ago but I still couldn't really tell you what I've seen and what I haven't. It is a huge city and a little overwhelming. I know for one thing I would never really want to live here forever. Too big and too much construction, too many people, and so much happening. I'll stick to my nice little Tofield of about 1800 people thank you. But that aside it is a very cool place. There is ALOT to see and do and it has so much history it could make your brain exlode. Perhaps one day I'll be able to get everything about the wars straight in my head.
Today I we have taken the morning easy which is alright with me! I rolled out of bed at 11 to have breakfast with the family downstairs which is always nice. This afternoon I think we are going to go to a big Flea Market in the city and then My other cousin (there are three of them) is coming over with her son and husband for a bbq. The weather is fabulous so it should be a really nice afternoon. I'm looking forward to it.

Tomorrow is Monday and that means I'll be heading back to my second home, Slovakia, with Karin and Horst. Which is sad but it will also be nice to be back I think. Then Karin and Horst will stay for two nights and I'm going to show them around Slovakia for a day before they head back to Germany. It should be fun and I'm really delighted to have the chance to share all that I've seen and learned over the past 8 months with someone close to me.

So that's the update! Talk to you soon!

p

Countdowns

And I just wanted to do a post of my countdowns I have going. I have ALOT of things to look forward to!

DAYS UNTIL>>>>
I spend a week in Berlin with more family: 5
Italy and Greece:13
I Switch to my last host home:24
Home to Canada:78

So here is the route we took through Germany, Denmark, and then Sweden; to be honest it's more for me so that I will remember where I've been but I thought you might enjoy looking at it as well... :)

Denmark and Sweden - Windows Live

Denmark and Sweden - Windows Live

Here are my pics from Denmark and Sweden!

Here are the pictures of the bridge I promised. You can see the profile of the bridge and then where you come up from under the water in the other pic. So cool!