Quaint towns in France and the impending doom of finals week

That moment when you realize that studying abroad might actually require some studying... it's shocking and terrifying. This woman who has been reading me stories for two months expects me to write a five page paper in German about the stories? What?!?! And then she is going to give me a grade for it that will be on my transcript for the rest of my life? Let the panic commence.

Unfortunately it is getting to be that time, when I have to start to part with my life in Germany, one final exam at a time. The German education system is the sort that likes to lull you into a false sense of security with a semester sans homework or any apparent sort of grading system. Then BAM! Final exams are here to ruin your summer, and also possibly your impression of the German culture. Despite the fact that we still have a good four weeks until that dreaded time (thank God), I am finally realizing that maybe it's time to actually hit the books for the first time since I've arrived in this beautiful land of beer and brezeln. But I have been (and will continue to be) determined to get as much out of my study abroad as possible, despite that annoying studying bit. Enter; casual day trip to France.

Hopped on a train with some new (and old) buddies and approximately 2 hours later (and no train fare either woot woot!) we were in the (very) quaint town of Wissembourg. It's a charming place nestled in Alsace, just over the German border, with about 8,000 inhabitants on a good day. Despite it's small stature, it was definitely worth a free train ride to go see. Full of picturesque French cottages and a lovely little river, it definitely gives one the impression of true French countryside.

We spent some time, did some exploring, ate and drank (when in France...) then ate and drank some more. I even managed to order E'claires all on my own, it made me feel like a true Francophile. But after a long and lovely day it was back to Heidelberg and my own current version of "real life". Hopefully going to make it to Zurich soon, and only 27 more days until the fam begins to arrive! Can't wait to see their smiling faces. Oh and you know you've been in Germany for too long when you have dreams about eating Mexican food (which is illegal here). That is all. 

Au Revoir!