The Weekend

I am finally back online. Over the past week, I have come to realize just how much I rely on the Internet as well as how much closer to friends and family it has made me. Being offline has certainly made me feel further away from home than before. I have been eager to share of the past week's outings. I am getting quite used to the leisurely life, and have enjoyed trips to the local lake, swimming pool, running along the river, reading from on top of the Schlossberg, learning German, and being in conversation with new friends.

Saturday a group of us went to Schauinsland, a local mountain which is home to Germany's longest continuous running cable car. It's at the edge of the black forest, so I suppose I can now say I've experienced the black forest; although, I certainly plan to find my way further into its depths. We took the 20 minute cable car up to the top and then hiked down, which took about 2.5 hours. My legs have not yet recovered! My Scandinavian friends introduced me to the wild fruits of the forest, and we enjoyed eating wild raspberries, blackberries, and clover looking type things. Some fellow hikers took interest in our musings over these forest delicacies and told us the German name, but I have since forgotten. They were quite tasty!

The largest ant hill I have ever seen! You can't see them in the picture, but black ants are covering the mound.

A nice view along our hike

On Sunday I traveled to the nearby city of Colmar, France. Not having had Internet I was not able to get much information about the city, so didn't know really what to expect. I loved just walking around. The architecture was once again unique and beautiful. It's in some ways similar to Strasbourg, but on a much smaller scale. Unfortunately we had a lot of unsuccess during out day finding cafe's with open kitchens and catching buses on time. If time allows, I would love to venture back and make a better day of the city.

I really love these buildings!

Enjoying the city.

Petit Venice