I have been in Germany now for 3 days. Here are some random observations:

The climate and environment are awesome. It reminds me a lot of Ontario in June. The terrain is similar as is the vegetation, though the trees have a funky bark on them. The morning weather is crisp and clean - very refreshing.

Near our hotel there are lots of trails in the woods. We went for a long walk yesterday and I came across what could only be described as a ladder deerstand. I'm not sure if that was its purpose, but I climbed it and got a great view of the surroundings.

Breakfast in Europe is awesome. Lots of meat and cheese and fruit and breads and juice.

The German people are friendly. I always feel inferior in Europe, everybody speaks 3 or 4 languages and I have only ever learned one. They speak my language, but I do not speak theirs.

The cars are small and smaller. There are some that look like motorcycles encased.

Driving is easy from a driving standpoint, but difficult from a where in the hell am I going standpoint - back to the language barrier. I can't read any of the road signs. I found my hotel on the first day by using zen and pure luck.

My cell phone doesn't work in Europe.

I hate smoking. People smoking has affected the taste of every meal so far.

Hefeweizen should be called heaven in a glass. (You might have to google that one.)

These observations have all taken place during the time I have been here and working. It is now Friday afternoon. We have the weekend free and are heading out on some adventures. I will be taking my computer, but am not sure if I will have any connectivity tomorrow. If not, TBL will take a day off on Saturday and return with stories and pictures on Sunday.

I have received facebook messages, emails, and blog comments from many of you regarding the VT tragedy. This morning I woke early and went to the gym on base for a half hour on the treadmill. CNN was on the tv. For 15 minutes I listened to an older couple describe the loss of their grandson in the shooting. It broke my heart all over again.