It's hard to go where you plan

It's really really difficult to stay on schedule. It's not like there ever was a strict plan really, just a vague idea to hike some medium length vague trail. Which, apparantly, the idea is more than enough to leave a country with. But I'm saying it right now to get it out in the open. I have failed twice to hike El Camino de Santiago now, but it's no worries. Once, because Ireland is amazing. Then, again, because of a random assortment of various countries and people that I decided to see or meet along the way instead of making may way south to France. Anyways, it's not really that bad that I didn't make it again. Just means I'll have to try again next year. Which isn't exactly a burden if you know what I mean. So, even though I didn't really make it to El Camino de Santiago, here's how the rest of this trip to Europe ended up.

I remember waking up groggily after sleeping in the car at Metal Hammer Paradise. We'd decided to rent the car an extra day and drive it all the way to the southern part of Germany, about 7 hours away. In southern Germany lies a town called Spangdalem and in Spangdalem there is an airforce base. Stationed at that base is Ben, one of Kayzia's highschool friends. How can you come to Europe and not visit your friends?! So we were Spangdalem bound via the German autobahn. If you don't know what the autobahn is you're missing out because it's awesome. It's a highway with no speedlimit. Doesn't look any different than an American highway other than those famous signs that mark you're ability to go as fast as you damn well please. It was a blast, we only got the rental car up to aboout 180km per hour, but it was still awesome. The most enjoyable part was when we were driving 100mph in the slow lane and a BMW or Mercedes would whizz past in a blurr. Like really, there were times we were doing a hundred and got passed as if we were standing still. It was great and I would love for America to get their own form of this, especially in all of our middle of nowheres, but, other than getting passed by most everyone in Germany, there were plenty of cheesy pretzel stops along the way as we jammed out all the way through Germany's beautiful countryside. 

We arrrived in the south that night and were kind of starving despite our all day snack fest. We arrived at the visitor center and waited for Ben and his lovely wife, Mary Beth, to come sign us into the base. It didn't take long before we were caught in a blur of getting signed in and whisked away onto base. Now, we'd been in Europe for a while and, despite all the amazing hot dogs and other foods we'd been gorging our selves on, Taco Bell and Popeyes still hold a tender spot in our hearts and it was very exciting to see those two places agian. 

A huge box of fried chicken later we were bound for an airforce housewarming party somewhere off base and surprisingly, though it shouldn't have been, was exactly like any other party we would see in America. Kayzia and Ben wrecked some people at beer pong while me and Mary Beth played a little less effectively. All in all it was a fun night and really refreshing, as it always is, to be able to talk to everyone aound us. 

Our time spent in Spangdalem was awesome. We stayed with Ben and Mary Beth the whole time in theier huge house. Spent some time climbing and boulder which was actually a blast and possibly a new found hobby of mine. Plenty of time was spent playing foosball at some of the local bars and discotechs. Even more time was spent playing SuperSmash Bros Brawl on the Wii in the living room. Plenty of nights were spent playing spades and drinking wine as well. Needless to say it was pretty damn awesome and the continues cold weather made it harder and harder for us to leave. Turns out we spent nearly two weeks in Spangdalem ending our stay with a couple trips to Trier, the closest larger German city. It was all very common place things, except that it was in Germany, yet, somehow, it was an incredible experience to be a part of. I learned so much more about the military than I'd ever known previously and it was awesome. Ben was a hoot and so was Mary Beth. I loved meeting them both and I wish them both well in all of their endeavors! Maybe Kayzia and I will manage to come visit them when they move over to Italy!

In the end we had a blast and the insuing cold weather and an unbelievable airline ticket convinced us to return home to the United States for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was kind of sad saying goodbye to Europe, but getting over the Pyrenees mountains in the South of France would have been hell at this time of year. We flew nonstop Frankfurt to Vegas and spent Thanksgiving there before parting ways to our familes. It was a bittersweet departure, but, little did we know, we'd see each other agian quite soon when we were each on our own respective adventures. I miss you Kayzia, let's hit up the Galapagos this spring when all the snow melts and I'm back in the country. See you soon I hope. To everyoone else, I hope the holidays were wonderful and that this new year promises loads of new travel and adventure for you! You may not know it, but it's good for you and it really ain't that hard. So I hope to see you out of the country!!!

I'm flying to Thailand the day after tomorrow, where things will continue on their natural path. I'm meeting Stumbles and Mr. Miller there! I'm stoked. Really really stoked. 

Be happy everyone, 

Beacon