On the Right Path

I haven't written in a while, there's a reason to that. Lately I've been rearranging my life, my priorities. I have less than 2 months here in Germany, and I really have to focus on what I want my remaining experiences to be like. I discovered I was sad and that my violently bouncing mood swings weren't the result from too much school work or loneliness, rather something deeper down. It was like I was on the wrong path and I was trying to bush-wack through the dense forest to the path I wanted to be on; instead I finally decided to trace back my steps and get on the right path indefinitely. Someone wise once said to me, "Find out what food your soul likes and feed it only that. Even if you die overweight, you'll be full of enlightening experiences."

What do I want to accomplish this year? I asked myself. I'd like to understand the culture and history of the Black Forest region and Freiburg. I'd like to read more. I'd like to gain a sense of self-worth and confidence to take home with me. It was all talk before, now I'm finally acting on my goals. I dropped my stressful classes (I'm not a full time student now, but that doesn't matter in the long run) and I take walks almost every day.

On Tuesday, I boarded a regional train and took a small outing to Waldkirch (about 15 km away). I didn't know much about Waldkirch, but I was determined to find out. Waldkirch is nestled in dark Black Forest hills, broken up by huge vineyards. It has ruins of an old castle owned by knights who bought the area from, I believe, the Zähringen family in Freiburg. They have a strong sense of tradition in Waldkirch, every year going all out for carnival and their bizarre Organ Festival. I went to the zoo and organ museum, had some apple juice on their old market street and climbed up to the ruins on the hill. The town/city (pop. 20,000) totally enchanted me, and I feel a small step towards understanding this area that I have called home for the past 8-9 months.

I feel good these days, a feeling that doesn't seem temporary.