My life just keeps getting better :)

   One of my goals I set for myself prior to arriving here in Germany was to become as physically active as possible, get in the best shape of my life, and find a beer league to join. Although it is true that I had intended for it to be a hockey beer league, and I did find one, it was WAY too expensive for what it had to offer so I decided to keep looking. Monday consisted of the ongoing in-processing I have to do here in Illesheim, also known as death by powerpoint :-) However, one of the briefings we had to attend was by the Community Bank. Basically one of their reps came in and elaborated on our financial options that are available here on post. All of that was irrelevant. At the end of his presentation Dave (the coach/presenter) handed out flyers for the Rugby squad here in on post, and explained that their first practice was being held this Thursday (today.) Naturally, I jumped on the opportunity and expressed my interest to Dave and he was extremely welcoming.

   To fast forward a bit into the week up to today, I decided I would definitely make a showing and at least check out what it was all about. I arrived at the gym at 1815, a little late, and they were running suicides. I quickly stretched out and joined the action. We ran a bunch of cardio exercises for awhile, and then the rest of the practice consisted of all rugby drills. I should note that I've never in my life played or had any interest in Rugby, and the only knowledge of the sport I had was thanks to TJ who played it at UMBC. I also googled and YouTubed a bunch of it earlier in the afternoon so that I would at least have an understanding of what was going on hahaha. Nevertheless, the experience was completely rewarding and fun all at the same time. The guys all seem to be really down to earth, I got an amazing work out in 2 hours, and best of all there seems to be a really high sense of camaraderie within the bunch.

   After practice they directed all of us new guys to the club house, which is located in an old and run down building on post...I never actually thought there was anything in there the whole time I've been here. It's basically like a rugby bar within the base, all of the walls are covered in jerseys, trophies, and all sorts of rugby memorabilia. They served us a few beers, we watched some game films, and suddenly I found myself in the most extremely social setting that I had not experienced since I've been here in Illesheim. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that I absolutely wanted to take part in this...I filled out some paperwork, and voila, I am now a member/player of the Illesheim Black and Blue!

   These next few weeks present me with a challenge to learn the sport to the best of my ability in the time permitted so that I can actually start in the second team, maybe work my way up to first, although I'm pretty sure Ill be more than able to handle it. My confidence was definitely built up when Dave praised me for picking up the basics and drills quickly and correctly. Our first match is in early March; the amazing thing is that we play teams from all over Germany...both civilian teams and military teams from the US, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK forces. Aside from traveling throughout Bavaria and other regions, our biggest trip comes in May as we'll be taking part in the Heineken 7's in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This is seriously an amazing thing I've discovered and am utterly elated to be a part of this team. More updates soon :-) Tschüss!

-WanderingTerp

My Bohemian Rhapsody

  Wow, I've seriously been slacking on updating this. My sincerest apologies. On the other hand, maybe it's a good thing? I've been so busy lately and so much has been happening that I've neglected this. Nnnnaaaaahhhhhhh just an excuse. I don't like excuses, seriously...my bad.
   Sigh, where to begin? I suppose I should keep this short, therefore I'll just summarize as best as possible. My work life seems to be in full swing. I really can't complain about it. Even though it's office work, I've realized that it's not very demanding of me at all and to make matters lighter, the 3 guys I work with are pretty low key. My work is basically 9-5, and on my time off I try to remain surrounded by the few good people I've met thus far. Two of them I met on my recent trip to Prague two weeks ago, but I'll get back to that a little later. All in all, I have come to the conclusion that I made the right choice for me, having moved here and all, and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. I LOVE MY LIFE!
   This realization dawned upon me while walking through the streets of Prague. It was like a revelation, an epiphany...you name it. It was something I had not felt in a very long time, perhaps the last time I felt utterly HAPPY, and was conscious about it, like I did that weekend was during my last weeks of college in the spring of 2010. I don't know if it was the aesthetics of the city, the environment, the people, or the bohemian air, but what I do know is that I fell in love. I fell in love with the city, I fell in love with a girl (if only for a day), and most importantly I fell in love with my life.
    Prague brought about so many good things. Originally I was supposed to stay nearby and visit Nürnberg, however, I was approached by some guys I work with about going to Prague instead. At that instance I remembered one of my goals I made for myself while making my way here, which was to keep an open mind. I did, and gladly accepted the offer to join them on the trip. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical about the situation the day we left since I was traveling with 3 strangers. It's hard enough sometimes getting to know people you know nothing about, but it's also even harder making plans to travel with them to a foreign country and assuring yourself that everything will work in your favor. To my surprise, it went more than fine, it was amazing.
   On my second night in town, I approached a girl that somehow had an aura about her that just instantly gravitated me towards her. It was literally as if she was a HUGE fucking magnet, an absolutely gorgeous one at that, and I was just an object of her magnetism helplessly being drawn in. After attempting to communicate with her in 3 different languages, we quickly realized we didn't speak each other's tongues...she smiled and walked away. I was determined to not let this opportunity pass me by, and it didn't. After many hours of speechless communication, all the stars lined up and I suddenly found myself in the most romantic interaction that I have been in a very very VERY long time, if not ever. The crazy thing is that I will probably never hear from her again. For those of you that I keep in constant touch with, you already know the story, so I'll leave it at that. For those of you that don't.......well. :-)
   I've spent the last week deliberating whether or not I would write a blog solely dedicated to my interaction of that night. However, I've come to a conclusion that perhaps this is a truly valuable story I'd rather just share with those that wish to know about it. These next few weeks should be somewhat uneventful. A good friend from college arrives in Munich tomorrow, I should be meeting up with him this coming weekend. The biggest plan I have coming up is still Barcelona. Ill gradually update and blog up to it.
   I leave you all with this. After I shared my story with a very close friend of mine, she was so moved that she wrote something about my experience with the Hungarian girl in Prague...from her perspective. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Cheers!

Unspoken Love

They say that the eyes are the door to the souls...
One look at you and I can't keep myself from tampering your haven
A blink from you beckons me forward
A wink from you reckons my heart a goner

They say that love comes in all shapes and sizes
Does love come in the shape of almonds eyes?
My heart listens to your fluttery eyes
Souring when you beckoned me forward
Willing myself to believe in your warmth

They say love unspoken is love so true
Between you and I, no words need describe
Between you and I, only the souls intertwine
Between you and I, love is at its best

   I feel as though I haven't written anything lately, so here I am. I don't want to neglect this while I'm here. Everything is starting to take shape here in Bavaria an I'm getting a better feel about the people I work with, as well as the environment of the area. I've kept low key in order to observe as much as possible, it seems to be working for me thus far.
   The weather here is kind of crazy because it's either always snowing or raining. Today work was cancelled because it rained all night, and once it was time to start the day, all the rain had frozen over. I hope that the weather cooperates with me next weekend. Since I had the day off, I slept a lot and I began planning a trip Nürnberg for a 4 day weekend next weekend. I'm pretty excited about it because it'll be my first time actually traveling out into this country by myself, so I have a lot to look forward to. I did a good amount of research about the city and it'll be nice to get out there and explore everything it has to offer.
   Before I cut this short, my gratitude goes out to everyone that's been keeping in touch with me. I love hearing what you're all up to. Also, thanks for pitching in your 2 cents in terms of travel destinations as I really do take everything into consideration. Until next time, Tschüss!
-WanderingTerp