Thursday, June 30, 2016

The Netherlands!

Okay so I may have spent most of my time in Germany, however I absolutely fell in love with The Netherlands! I could live there in a heartbeat. As much as I enjoy urban life, the countryside was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I kept saying it was out of a movie. Yes, the roads were so narrow that I was a bit nervous if another car came, but the people there were so happy and extremely friendly. Dutch people also speak very good English. Everyone rides bikes so there is barely any traffic..which is strange but those bikers are serious...they will run you over. I advise everyone, that if you get the chance, visit The Netherlands! 
Homemade "ice" as they call it (ice-cream) and fresh berries from a local farm.
 Just a causal castle.
 Wicked weather.
Maastricht--city in The Netherlands. 
 He was annoyed with me.
City Centre.
Cute little coffee shop.
The cafes are just adorable, they set out blankets incase it is cold out.
 Maastricht is known for their French Onion soup--so good! 
 This was a "vending machine" on a farm. You put money in and choose and locker and can get apples, apple juice, wine, jelly, etc. Best apples I have had! 
This we joked is such a funny picture because no one knows what it is since we went after hours.
Usually there is 3 flags standing behind it.
It is the point where all 3 countries meet: Belgium, Germany & The Netherlands.
Netherlands, I'll be back!

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Germany: Part 2-Aachen

Aachen is where Alex goes to school, compared to the previous towns we had visited, this was definitely more of a "city". I spent a good chunk of my vacation here while Alex finished up his thesis. Honestly, I was dreading staying with 3 guys for about a week but they had cleaned the apartment spotless before I arrived, it was so sweet! I was impressed. They also kept the bathroom really clean so I didn't mind showering. I really wish I would've taken a picture of the shower. It was the smallest thing I have ever seen, I could barley move. (Please ignore Alex's room...that of course was a disaster)
 Creepy looking trees that were everywhere. 
These next few pictures are from my day I spent in Düsseldorf.
I also had the BEST Chai Tea Latte of my life in Düsseldorf.
 The real Over-The-Rhine.
 Street lights in Aachen are a heart, sun and a marijuana leaf.
 Alex is a in a fraternity--which is much different than the US fraternities. German fraternities are much more based around the history and respect of the previous members. Don't get me wrong, they still love to drink, they just respect the house and the background of the frat a lot more. These guys were so organized when it came to their ^ liquor store pretty much. That was only part of it too. I had the best grapefruit beer...along with a lot of other beer.
 Fencing (like in the Parent Trap) is a very traditional thing to do in the fraternity. 
The swords are actually really heavy!! 
 Can never go wrong with Italian...even in Germany. 
I did try Lebanese food and it was disgusting but surprisingly I loved Turkish food. 
No idea what it was because I didn't order it but it was delicious!
View from Alex's apartment.
 The older fraternity members (Alex & Robert) made dinner for the younger members after their weekend of working around the frat house. I was dying laughing over how fancy it was..candles and everything! This meal they cooked (Germany BBQ) was honestly the best meal I had in Germany. Now people do not usually go to German for their excellent food...that being said I wasn't dying over everything I ate, but this I was! These guys can cook! Grilled veggies, every type of meat you could want and the best garlic bread. I probably enjoyed this meal the best because it was the closest to an American meal! Let's just put this picture into perspective...all those seats were filled, everyone talking German, while I sat there and ate...really should've learned German before I went.
Yes, I toured a hospital too. The UGLIEST hospital ever. 
And yes, the Germans are aware of how ugly it is too.
Learning German drinking games & how to open beer bottles with other beer bottles.
May have had a whole bottle of wine to myself & a few beers....yes, I am impressed too. 
After crazy frat games, we hiked up to the top of a mountain and continued this party outside.
Drinking is legal outside, which is so strange but also insanely freeing 
and makes me think it should be legal here too!!!!
 Aachen town hall--city centre. 
 Cutest bar EVER!
 I was told this is some famous fountain?
 I was being stalked like crazy and almost kicked out because of taking pictures and 
having a water bottle in this church. I'm such a rebel. 
 The boys fencing.
 Oldest bar in Aachen, known for their vodka. Let's just say, one sip of vodka was enough for me. 
Such a cute picture for our 4th bar on our bar hop.
 While I was our exploring by myself and some creepy Turkish guys had to ruin my moment.
 Finally found a smoothie place that was nothing like our smoothies in the US. Still felt good to drink something healthy & talk to my sister while I had some free wifi. 
AND I ordered the smoothie myself...proud moment!
This is what I am talking about when I say that German salads are DROWNING in dressing.
Such a sad moment because the dressing was good, if there wasn't so much.
Inside the cute bar pictured above...totally dead.
Lets just say after living with 3 guys, partying & staying up until 3am every night...I was ready for my next stop!