Maybe I should simplify things and just learn to fly.

This whole leaving in a few weeks thing is seriously going to hinder my obsessing over the trip. I have a lot of researching to do and so little time to do it in!

New lesson learned this week: never ask physics teachers for advice that isn't physics, even if they say it's totally okay. Teacher is to remain anonymous... for my protection. Case and point:

Me: "Dr. [physics teacher]- I have a question that really isn't related to physics."
Dr. physics teacher (in thick accent): "Sure"
Me: "So in a few weeks for spring break I'm going to Germany. Do you have any places that I really need to see while I'm there or have any advice?"  
I like to ask locals about things.
Dr. physics teacher: "Bring your homework. Study."
I look at him like he just grew another head.
Me: "Heh.. (nervous laugh). I will definitely do that!"
...return to seat. Begin a new vow of silence during physics class.
Dr. physics teacher: "No, really. It's a terribly boring country. Be sure and review your physics!"
What. a. nerd. Review physics during spring break.... really?!

Downtrodden and slightly confused, I pull out my google calendar printout. Suddenly it's like someone pulled back the Claratin film...except when the film was pulled back it was like a foggy haze turned into a miserable sweltering heat. Physics test two days after my flight returns. Suddenly I understand. And hating school. I suppose 10 hour flights are good for something...

Back to obsessing. It won't stop until March 11. Actually it probably won't stop until the 20th. Or later. Who knows.

I biked over to the library the other day when the internet died. (no facebook! what else was I supposed to do!?) I picked up literally every book that the library had with the word German or Germany in it. Biking back home proved to be a painful experience.

Cologne Cathedral

Just made a discovery- chocolate museum in Cologne. Must. See. I also have to say that seeing the cathedral would be pretty awesome. Ever since I pseudo-consciously endured my AP Art History class in high school I've wanted to see the thing. It's really quite unique. It almost looks like it's been built inside a smokestack the way it has the blackened appearance. Point being I want to see it. 

Hopefully the train system won't be too confusing. So far my experience on their website(s) to be rather irksome since you click on English and it seems like every so often they make the little switcheroo back to Deutsche. I don't speak Deutsche. At all. I know a few words thanks to one of my many library books. I know "wein". Means "wine". Boy, that sure is difficult to remember. I suppose if I'm lost in the middle of Germany and become quite flustered that might come in handy. I have to say despite the fact that I know so little German it's embarrassing I hope that while I'm there for my wee bitty time snip I pick some up.

Regardless of the confusing language differences and lack of itinerary (personal problem) I am beyond excited. Spring break 2011... here I come!

Regret. Ouch.

One piece of advice: Never, ever wait. Be spontaneous.

It might cost you $300 (thanks, Delta).

Thought today, Ticket tomorrow

It's Sunday night. I just drove back to Athens from Marietta. I'm tired, unfocused and not ready for the rest of the week. Naturally I'm daydreaming about travel, or worse, my very empty space on my calendar written in that oh-so-familiar google font: "SPRING BREAK". The little blue bar seems to overtake my entire calendar, mocking me and my lack of college-ness. This is e-m-b-a-r-a-s-s-i-n-g. Senior year. No plans. Nothing. Nada. Less than a month away. And then it hits.

WHAT AM I WAITING FOR?!

Magic? Travel fairy? Someone else to plan a whole free week of my life? Heck no.

As I begin all my other big desicions in life, I pull up facebook. Boy, what a way to solve issues. New message: to my cousin, Sam, in Germany.

Summary of the message "Omgee I have no plans. I'm a very sad college kid. CanIstaywithyouplease?!" (Words run together to infer blurting). Sent. No turning back.

Tuesday morning, stream of thought: I wish I had coffee. This class is boring. If I don't get caffeine soon I might pass out. FACEEEBBOOOOKKK. MESSAGGE?!

Affirmative. Staying in Germany over spring break- NO PROBLEM!

Thus begins the epic saga of tripadvisor. I take stalking to a new level. I sat through my class (to remain nameless) watching the prices go from $842 to $911 and everywhere in between. Bye-bye bank account. Worth it.

Mental check-out. Paying attention? Not going to happen. After calling the parental advisors for much needed advice (and more importantly approval) I was referred to a close family friend, Flay, also known as the magic worker. "Flight to Frankfurt? Hold on one second." One-Mississippi. "$597."

WHAT?! Nowhere did I see a price that low. Magic.

Tickets booked... dates set. Am I out of my mind? Maybe. Will I absolutely love spring break 2011? Definitely.

Oh, and St. Patty's Day will be in Europe this year. HECK YES!

Less than a month away....