Since not having been to America for two years (not even visiting once since I moved to Germany), I must say I'm suffering a bit from culture shock. I knew that was going to happen, and I love that it's what travel is kinda all about, but I am still amazed at how far from home I feel here. It feels like the only American thing about me anymore is that I speak English.
Still, the trip was exciting. I have always loved flying. When we lifted up over Munich, I could see my favorite lakes (Starnberger See and Ammersee) and even straight down to the Alps. The flight itself was only a little boring, but I of course being "pseudo-European" that I am ordered wine twice on the American airplane where the 21 and up law is supposed to apply (which I don't fulfill). Confidence is key my friends! The transfer in Atlanta was by far the funniest and coolest part of the entire ordeal, mostly because of all the super friendly people working at the airport there- the sense of humor is really something else.
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| the sunset I caught descending over Florida was spectacular |
Landing in Orlando was nothing short of disorientating. Suddenly, I was just in a different world! My family picked me up and we drove immediately (of course) to Disney, ate at the House of Blues where I had a lovely dish of Jambalaya (southern food is the best! I swear deep inside I'm a southern country girl). Of course there's jet lag and all that, which I'm happy to say I got through in a period of 24 hours. One thing I can't get over is how big everything is here! The highways, the cars, the houses, the huge amount of empty spaces... it only goes on! America is truly a HUGE mass of land.
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| my attempt at going to the beach- I didn't pick the nicest day, did I? |
Spending time with my family is nice, and of course we're doing all of the typical Florida things, like Disney World and going to the beach (although it's slightly chilly here). In fact, we went to ALL four parks of Disney World yesterday, and let's just say I have the coolest Grandparents ever. We get to Epcot (the park with all the mini-country sections) and head straight to France for some Grey Goose slushies. Comme j'ai déjà dit (as I already said), I'm under 21. But my awesome Grandma says to my Grandpa: "hey, can you order her the Grand Marnier-Grey Goose one?" and bam! That's how I get a daiquiri-style cocktail in the middle of Disney World. And while I don't really care about the drink itself, I think it's really cool that my Grandparents accept my (and therefore most of Europe's) attitude toward it.
What really throws me is the knowledge (or lack thereof). I was telling one of my new friends here about my trip to The Canary Islands and she asked where they were. At least three different people have asked which language they speak in Austria (mostly phrased, "don't they speak Austrian there?"). And though I must admit that Austrian German is nearly a language in itself (haha, just kidding my Austrian buddies!), I'm still amazed at that question.
A lot of people don't quite understand me when I say, "one day I will give up my American citizenship and become German." But the truth is, even though I spent 16 years living and growing up in this country, it will never be my home. I know that I will wind up spending much more time in other countries, and especially in the one place my heart resides.
To demonstrate:
-I adore Italy. If someone were to force me to spend the rest of my life in one city, out of anywhere in the world, I would choose Venice.
-New York is the heartland. That city is so much a part of my soul, and I'll live there again (even if I will have to get a visa at that point to do so).
-My best friends are like a family to me and are mostly all Austrian (or live there). I adore living in Innsbruck.
BUT
as we were driving up to Munich last weekend, when we crossed the border from Austria to Germany, my heart just sang. I know that sounds ridiculously dumb, but that's about as real as it gets. I know where I am when I'm in Germany. I know where I belong when I'm at home in the "fatherland." And though I love travelling the entire world, I know where my heart will always be.
So how's everyone's week[end] been?
Much love and adoration
India
Music at Midnight! (this one's a no-brainer):
Midnight City by M83 (check out the Eric Prydz remix too!)
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| the first ride of the day, Everest! |
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| The lovely Cinderella Castle, of course |
