Before long, Lisa, Kammie, Chris and I sleepily plop down into our train seats. I look down at our Bayern Pass: Garmish Germany, it read. As the train begins to descend down its tracks a pang of excitement reminds me that this is our first independent trip. Prior to this our AMBEX Director had been kindly showing us around and teaching us how the public transportation systems of Germany operated. Now it was our reading week, so we decided to take the books that would prepare us for our coming class, and go on an adventure. We chose Garmish because of its beautiful scenery and quaint village……and it took us through Munchen (Munich) so we could get Starbucks :). Espresso is of course a staple of German culture, but that is exactly what you get…shots of espresso. At home, I always supported the mom and pop coffee shops, but here I have found that a grande americano with sugar-free vanilla and a splash of cream is my hidden treasure in a sea of coffee. Now, with coffee in hand and book on my lap, I was prepared to be extremely productive. There is something about riding a train and having a week to read over 700 pages that really inspires good work ethic.
A harsh German voice broke my concentration, “Folgender anschlag Garmisch (Next stop, Garmisch).” The scenery that greeted us was beyond beautiful. I found myself in a valley surrounded snow covered mountains and dense forest. As we weaved through crowds and dodged skies, it became apparent that Garmisch is known for its winter sports. Interestingly enough, I found that the 2011 Alpine World Skiing Champions are scheduled to take place in this hidden winter playground.
Snowflakes the size of golf balls began fluttering from the sky. Rather than melting, they added to the synchronized crunch under our feet. As we walked into town, the main road veered off, and turned into a stunning tree lined path. This became the backdrop for many photos and great bonding.
Cold from playing in the snow, we found a quaint coffee shop, where we stayed for hours talking, laughing, reading, and of course, drinking wonderful espresso. For a college student, there is no such thing as too much coffee :). It truly was a perfect day. It didn’t take cathedrals or ancient monuments to inspire this joy, just friend, conversation and memories made.
The train ride back to Regensburg was peaceful and content. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how lucky I truly am. God has surrounded me with wonderful people, who I’m sure with time, will become wonderful friends.
As always I love and miss you all more and more every day. Please pray that God would focus me on His purpose and not my own as I continue through this adventure. It is my prayer that He will use this experience as a building block toward me becoming the woman, that by His will and grace, He desires me to become.
Love,
Heather Dawn
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