Written last Thursday...posted Monday, January 26th

Thursday, January 22nd

I am on the train to Berlin, enjoying my assigned seat in one of the quite, boxed chambers.  There are six seats, however only three are occupied, and I feel fortunate to be placed in such a room.  It is equipped with a table, a number of outlets, both ideal for typing on my laptop, and a quite environment perfect for reflecting on the events of the past three weeks.  It truly is a gift, seeing as I did not request for a seat assignment such as this, but I am enjoying the benefits greatly.

While little has happened since I wrote my last update, I found writing the last two posts to be hurried and disorganized.  I had not been able to put the same amount of thought or the usual amount of concentration that I typically do, and while they fulfilled their purpose of providing an update, I was not satisfied with them.  I enjoy these opportunities to reflect, to absorb all that I have done and put my thoughts into words.  While it is nothing short of challenging to accurately describe the many stunning things I have seen and done, I like to rise to the occasion and give it my best effort.  With that in mind, I am now writing an interim-update, touching on events and highlighting thoughts I was unable to fully or accurately describe in my last few updates.  The train ride to Berlin is long, and with these next coming hours, I am sure I will be able to create an update that will satisfy me.

I have seen a number of beautiful sights during the past few excursions, located in large and small cities alike.  I have reasoned that I have an overwhelming love of cathedrals as the marvels they offer usually inspire in me awe that other places do not.  Do not misunderstand me.  I have enjoyed every place I have been and appreciated the many tremendous sites in residence.  I merely walk away having been most impressed always by the historic cathedrals.  Fortunate for me, nearly each location large enough to be considered a city has one, if not several, cathedrals to explore.  Whether it is the architecture, the sheer unimaginable task masons took on with their limited technology when they were constructed, or the art that resides inside in the form of sculpted ceilings, intricate alters, stained glass windows, and sculptures, there is an endless number of things that rouse nothing less than complete rapture with their interior and exterior elements.

Another site in which I was captivated by was the view of the Alps, seen from both my time Austria and in Füssen (Southern Germany).  I could do little else than gape out of the window from my seat on the train at the jagged peaks, snow-covered slopes, and staggering heights.  I was surprised at how complacent the other passengers were to the beauty that surrounded them, and saddened to think that such marvels could be taken as nothing more than landscape.  I hope to never look at such beauty as commonplace, to always appreciate the splendor around me, wherever I may be.  When hit by the sunlight, a number of the peaks stirred in me a memory of home, a peak that stands above the others during my drives out of the Rattlesnake area.  The peak always remains covered in snow, and catches my eye each time I drive the every-day route into town.  The peak’s beauty does not escape me, and it is an unthought ritual to gaze at it when it remains in site.  I would hope the same would hold true should I ever take residence around such beautiful mountains as the Alps.

I should now move on to other writing required from me as part of the course I am currently enrolled in.  It is very easy to overlook the fact that what I am doing in Germany is actually a class required by the University to obtain my degree.  What a wonderful requirement.  The class requires a notebook to be handed in shortly after returning to Whitworth and has many required elements calling for a number of written responses.  I have written a handful, but many remain and I have sidetracked myself long enough.  I will write again after I return from Berlin.  Time spent with friends is time well spent and I look forward to doing so in a city with as much to offer as Berlin has.  Until then, I thank you once again for following me throughout this journey.

~Katie