Bruises that won't heal/You look so tired, unhappy/Bring down the Government/They don't, they don't speak for us.

The title today comes from a Radiohead song that I ADORE ("No Surprises.") I felt it was appropriate, as it had a little bit of a political meaning and it *is* (or was, as it is now midnight/the 5th of July in Germany) a holiday. I came on to write about the holiday, actually, because it was obviously a lot different to be in another country during your home country's "birthday."
I was going to have a grill party with a group of Americans, but my pal Margaret from the group said that everyone seemed to mostly just want to drink, and that wasn't what we were up for. So instead, we had dinner with a group of my international buddies. Maria from Sweden, Salem from Syria, Hallmeck (I hope I spelled her name right!!) from Armenia, a new fellow from Turkey I had never met, James from the US, and of course Margaret and I ate at this restaurant in Freiburg called Brennessel. We didn't really eat anything particularly American, although there were french fries offered (which, despite the name, I deem quite typically American.) In fact, I had Spaetzle, which is basically completely German. But in a way, it was celebrating some of our roots! So there. Then we went for ice cream, and sang a few classic American tunes along the way. Still, there were no fireworks and we ended the night pretty early. But we did talk about politics a little, and it is so interesting for me to realize how important American politics are to the entire world. It really affects everyone! We are quite a global community.
My time in Germany is quickly coming to a close. I have about a month and a half (a little less now) left. It's crazy! I'm excited to go home and be with all of my friends and loved ones, yet I know how I will miss Germany. My heart will ache for it, of that I'm sure. The landscape particularly - my bike rides are absolutely my new passion (and are also making my legs look amazing.) The first half is always uphill and a little bit more like work, but the ride back is ALWAYS gorgeous - I just lose myself in the scenery, coasting downhill almost the entire way home. I'm going on a ride in the morning with another American friend of mine, Lindsy. And then I will meet Margaret for dinner (we might hit up a flea market, but because I didn't do NEARLY as much homework today as I had planned, I'm thinking I might be forced to skip it.) Then it's packing like crazy, and getting to bed early. I've already got butterflies about Berlin, both excited and nervous. Adventures like this are always a little bit scary, but I've already got a contact I get to hang with for Sunday evening AND Monday:) Wunderbar! Then Tuesday is Radiohead at Wulheide stadium. I'm just in disbelief that I get to see them, in Berlin. It's crazy. It's going to be amazing.
On a more personal note, I haven't binged ALL week. This is particularly impressive, considering it's been one of the most stressful and difficult weeks of my life. I have to fight the urge sometimes, but I've been able to thus far and I am certainly proud. Still, it's a bit of an emotional roller coaster in my life right now. All I know is, I expect to grow from all of my experiences. Maybe this last month will be the month of the most growth of all. We shall see.
In the next month, I have 2 papers to write, tons of manuscript to edit, Swedish to finish/tests to take, and more stuff to read. But I can manage. I bought two "fun" books today for the trip to Berlin (which is a 6+ hour train ride, both ways.) One was 'The Little Prince,' and the other was a collection of shorts stories by Irish women. I'm excited! Plus I'm borrowing Margaret's copies of "The Life of Pi" and "11 Minutes." This will also be nice, because I don't think I'll be doing much of the nightlife in Berlin (aside from my concert). In a place like Cologne, I didn't feel too bad walking around on my own, plus I stayed in a youth hostel so I met friends there and could hang with them. In Berlin, the city is HUGE and I definitely don't feel safe walking alone. But maybe if my contact there decides to go out, I will go with! We'll just have to wait and see. I'm going to try to not spend too much money; the only stuff I want is food, and a Radiohead t-shirt. That should be enough. I'm borrowing my friend Maria's digital camera, and bought a throw-away for the Radiohead show, so I will hopefully be able to post pictures! OK, it's getting late and I have to get up early. I'll definitely be back to update after Berlin. Vi ses!