Nearly Perfect

I am learning more and more everyday in this beautiful country. I am totally in love with Heidelberg and already after the second week, it feels like home. The Altstat (Old Town) is so charming and there are gorgeous views everywhere.

Although we are in class for a very long time everyday during the week, fortunately, not all of my time is consumed with work, and I have time to enjoy the city and absorb the culture.

I now feel more confident with navigating in Heidelberg and navigating train stations. I also have a better understanding of the customs in restaurants. I have learned to not expect the waiters to socialize with me or my group, to ask for the check, to stay as long as I wish at the restaurant, and that nothing is free. Nothing is free anywhere, in fact, and I am becoming more use to it and learning to let go of my worries about spending money. I have realized that it is going to be a very long time before I go on another trip to Europe, and when I get home, I can use as many free bathrooms and order as many free waters and chips and salsa as I wish. Bottom line, I have realized that stressing about money is useless. That doesn't mean I'm going to spend excessively, but that I'm going to fully enjoy my trip, and not sell myself short.

We had a free day on Thursday and that was my favorite day of the week. Several of us sat by the river with some of the German music therapy students and enjoyed the day. Lots of people congregate on this picturesque grassy area by the river. After we sat for a while, a few of us walked up to the castle and admired the exquisite view of the city. In Heidelberg, there are so many places to leisurely spend time and I love that.

This place would be perfect if I could speak the language. Therefore, a status of perfection for this city is achievable in the future in my book!!