Greetings from Frankfurt!

As we bounced down the runway into a country that I know absolutely nothing about, I began to get a bit nervous. It might’ve just been the sleep deprivation and lack of decent meals, but I looked at Brian and couldn’t help but ask, “What the hell are we doing here?” Thankfully, the airport was incredibly “American-friendly” and we made our way through just fine. The problem was, though, that the airport is located about 6 kilometers (maybe around 3 miles – no idea) south of the heart of Frankfurt. While I waited in line for the ATM to get some euros (monopoly money), Brian went to the information desk to inquire about our next move.

As it turns out, we needed to take a bus to a different terminal, then a train to the main train station in the city, and then a short walk from there. Great. We got to the train station, asked which tickets we needed to buy, and bought them from the machine (which an “English” option). Everything was going well… until we missed our train. Luckily, a nice guy from Denmark became our first European friend when he gave us a puzzled look and asked if we spoke English. The three of us (actually, the guy from Denmark) figured out what to do and we made it to Frankfurt all in tact.

It is beautiful here. When Brian and I stepped out into the city, we were both awe-struck at the incredible old buildings all around us. As it so happens, some sort of street festival was taking place in front of our hostel (which is “20 meters” from the station). We found our hostel without too much trouble (I ran over some sort of brick with my suitcase and a very unhappy vendor snapped at me. Brian ran away laughing.), and checked in with ease. Our room is much better than I had anticipated. We have a great view of the main street, which is buzzing with vendors, locals, and tourists like us.

Unfortunately, as soon as we got settled in the room, it started to rain and the festival below cleared out in seconds. All is well though. After such a long day of traveling, it is so nice to relax and adjust to our new home (for one night).

We’ve finally arrived!

Caroline

 Our first hostel. Not bad, not bad!
(Notice the matching suitcases and laptop bags.)

The view from our room. When we checked in, there were hundreds of people in the street, but they all scattered once it started to rain.

 This is for you, Sloan. I miss you!

 I forgot to write about this earlier! On one of our walks, we stumbled across this bridge with hundreds of locks stuck all over the place. I was enjoying the view of the city, when I overheard this German couple talking. As it turns out, couples will get a lock inscribed with their names, clip it onto the fence, and throw the key into the river. It was such a cute thing to witness.

So German.

19 Hours and Counting (+ a 7-hour time difference)

I’m so happy that my computer still thinks I’m in Nashville, because honestly, I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what time it is otherwise.

This has been my day thus far: Nashville to New York City, New York City to London, and finally, London to Frankfurt.

It hasn’t been so bad though. In the JFK Airport, Brian and I went to Vino Volo for our last American (Italian) meal before we’re thrown into countries whose language we can’t speak and menus we can’t read. We both ordered delicious bowls of penné pasta with smoked Gouda, white cheddar, truffle oil, and Parmesan cheese. (The main reason I’ve included those details is so I can attempt to re-create this dish when I return home.)

We each ordered a different wine sampler to go along with our meals, and it provided a nice time to relax before such a long day of traveling.

Fast-forward 10 hours, and here we are. Currently, Brian and I are approximately 15,000 feet in the air and “enjoying” our third airplane meal of the day. There is nothing note-worthy to report on any of our flights, aside from some (admittedly) childish behavior I displayed on the flight from New York to London. The boy in front of me reclined his chair all the way back as soon as the cabin doors were shut (RUDE!). Needless to say, I kneed the back of his chair and expressed many (exaggerated) sighs until he moved forward again. I was acting a bit silly but it was a long flight and that messed up the resolution on my little television (total valid justification).

Once this plane lands, Brian and I will be in Frankfurt, Germany (a country which I think should receive an award for its incredibly complex and ridiculous-looking words). Neither of us speaks a bit of German (because it makes everyone sound angry) so it should be an interesting day. Don’t worry about us – we have a handy-dandy guidebook with some essential phrases (such as “I’m lost,” which will definitely be our most-used).

I still can’t believe this trip is actually happening!

Auf weidersehen!

Caroline Pratt

Background (and I also can't sleep)

The story:

In my sophomore year at Ole Miss, I decided to minor in French. Why? Because it's easy for me and I've studied the language for 14 years. I didn't plan to take French originally, but (as bad as it sounds), I wanted to make a few extra A's to help boost my GPA a little bit. So sue me. I started taking intensive classes (two semesters condensed into one), and in my second year, I met Brian.

Insert: Brian Mayo.
(He is going to KILL me when he sees which picture I chose. In context, this was taken on Halloween, at my 21st birthday... He does not wear hospital gowns regularly.)

Brian and I became fast friends due to our genuine enjoyment in causing a "brouhaha" (ruckus) in class. He is pursuing a minor in French as well, and it didn't take us long to decide that we would take all of our future classes together. Because we started our minors as sophomores, the only way to fulfill the requirements before graduation is to study abroad during the summer and receive 6 hours of 300-level credits. Poor us, right? Months ago, Brian and I agreed to study in Angers, France (about two hours southwest of Paris) at l'Université Catholique de l'Ouest (Catholic University of the West). 

It isn't often that two adventurous students, such as Brian and myself, are in Europe with a legitimate educational purpose, and Brian had the brilliant idea to do a bit of traveling before school. After months of planning, mostly (okay, completely) on Brian's end, we (he) finalized our European vacation. To be fair, I drafted our packing list so I wasn't totally useless in the process. And I must say, it is brilliant packing list. (Yes, I did Google "packing list for Europe." Don't judge me.)

Brian arrived in Nashville today and we made our final preparations. Like the responsible travelers that we are, we photocopied our passports, printed out our confirmations, and even made nice little charts and calendars for our parents. We have a long day of traveling ahead and I don't think either of us truly know exactly what we're getting ourselves into. It's going to be so much fun.

Well, it's 2:15 am and I'm leaving for the airport in less than 7 hours, so, as awake as I feel, I absolutely have to make myself go to sleep. Theo is also having a fit because I still have the light on.

See you in Europe!

Caroline

P.S. - I forgot to mention that Brian and I have matching suitcases and laptop bags. Pictures to come. He thinks it's lame, but I think it's cute. We both literally have to sit on our luggage to make them close, but at least everything fits and is still under 44 pounds! I could be considered the worst packer in the world so I am pretty proud of myself at this point.

Location: Nashville, TN

Let's be honest - it is no secret that I'm pretty bad (okay.... horrible) at keeping up with people while I'm away, so this blog is my feeble attempt at informing my family and friends of my whereabouts throughout my trip.

I will update as often as I can, and hope to include stories and pictures of places I go, people I meet, and generally interesting things that I see. I will be spending time in Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, England, and France, and I can tell a beautiful and bizarre future awaits me.

To my family - Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to embark on such an incredible adventure. I am so thankful to have such a strong support network behind me. None of this would be possible without you.

To my friends - I miss you all too much and I wish that you could all be here to share this experience with me.

I want my loved ones to see what I'm seeing.

And so it begins...

Caroline