Vacation on Vacation

This weekend I went on vacation while on vacation (I mean I took a break from my faithful studying, Dad). It was amazing. We left on Thursday and took a 6 hour train ride to Coburg. We stayed with church members that Colter knows from his mission and they were so hospitable and kind. Coburg is quaint and charming: very different from life in the big city. I loved it and I could definitely see myself living there. Did I mention that it is the home of Prince Albert (the one who married Queen Victoria?) If you don’t know who this couple is watch The Young Victoria. It is one of my all time favorite movies. Here is a picture of Kristen and I freaking out over a statue of Albert. Oh Albert.

Speaking of my friends: I love them. I traveled with Kristen, Katelyn, Katharina, and Colter. Kristen is one of the funniest people I have ever met. When we get together we act and laugh like children. Katelyn is really friendly and outgoing. She is very warm and easy to talk to. Katharina (my roomie) is a really genuine and easygoing person. And when we are together (and it is night time), we can get pretty crazy. Colter is our tour guide, translator, ipod, and dad. He is so much fun to be with and puts up with a lot from us 4 girls. Oh Colterchen. Here we are at the train station:

In Coburg we explored the city square and ate “Coburgers” (the city’s special treat: essentially a bratwurst in a roll with mustard). Delicious.

 We also visited the Coburg Fortress (Vesta Coburg). Fun fact: In 1530, Martin Luther lived in the Veste Coburg for five and half months under the protection of Elector John the Steadfast. 

 The next day we went to Bamberg! It was also a beautiful city. Friday was one of my favorite days because we took a very relaxed pace. It was truly a vacation. In the morning we explored a fair in Bamberg and rode on a huge swing carousel. We loved exploring the town:

 We visited lots of churches, lit candles, sat, and just enjoyed the moment. My favorite church was Bamberger Dom. Here are some pictures of Kristen and I being religious:

  More pictures of Bamberg... Also I saw an example of yarn bombing (check out the knitted bike).

 The last picture is where we ate really good Italian food for lunch. Right??? So picturesque. 

On Saturday we went to Rothenburg! It is a very romantic city and it is where the village of Vulgaria in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed. I went there last year with my mom’s Block trip and I took a picture with good old St. Jacob. I had to recreate it:

Now here are some pictures of us enjoying the beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

 P.S. Mom, remember how I didn’t walk on the old city wall last time? And you told me it was “so cool” and I regretted it? Well here is me on the wall:

So it just goes to show that if you forget to do something, you will always be able to go back and do it. hahaha (nervous laugh)....right?

On Sunday we went to church in Coburg. The branch there is amazing. They are so welcoming and full of love. I only knew the members for a few days, but I was really sad to leave! I can’t imagine how missionaries must feel when they are transferred after being in an area for 4-6 months.

So I had a really wonderful weekend! I was with people I loved, in a place that I love, and we did whatever we felt like doing. Next time you are on vacation, take a vacation! I highly recommend it.