"I am So proud of us"

August 14

Today a big group of us planned to go on a 42k round trip to this beautiful lake in Almsee. 

I have heard from others who have done this that the bikes are all "shit", the seats are small "so they kill your ass", and the gears just don't work. (Excuse my language, it's just what I was told). I figured there had to be a few good bikes so I woke up extra early and chose the best bike from about 30 that are stored in the shed. I found the best one! The gears worked, there was a granny seat, the tires were filled up and it was pink snd vintage!! I was set! 

We took off with about 10 of us. Since Dan and I just had our camera lesson though we stopped quite often to get good photos. I felt bad because they all waited up the road for us. It was just the most beautiful ride through the little towns and mountains. I felt like I was riding through a postcard because it was so unreal. 

The ride there was a bit uphill so when we finally got to the lake we were so happy! We just kept saying how proud of each other we were to keep everyone going! We went to a restaurant that this lady we met, husband owns. I had gnocchi for the first time ever and it was so good! 

We spent about an hour hanging out at the lake, enjoying the scenery. 

The boys went swimming and we just sat and ate our yummy chocolate bars (kinder). 

The bike ride home was a bit hard as well just because we were so tired. I had definitely chosen one of the best bikes though! 

We made it into town and were told we needed to stop at this shack on the side of the road and eat a "fish on a stick". We ordered one between the 4 of us just because we weren't hungry. We were jjust doing it for the experience. 

We were all a little weirded out by it at first because it literally was the entire fish on a stick! 

It turned out to be incredible! It was so fresh and had this wonderful salty and smoky taste! I could have definitely eaten a whole one! 

The last 5k stretch was the worst because it was a slight incline all the way back to the hostel.  I don't want to explain it in writing but I also saw one of the worst and traumatizing things I have ever seen in my life, involving a cat and a car. I couldn't shake it because I saw the whole thing :/ 

We finally made it home just in time for dinner.  Dinner tonight is my favorite! Schnitzel with chips (aka. Fries).  I also tried a kalimotxo which I am ashamed that I tried. It is half red wine, half coke. I love wine and I cannot believe I let everyone persuade me into this but I have to admit, it was pretty tasty. 

I quickly ran away to my room to book a hostel in Budapest. I am flying out of Budapest to Copenhagen on the 18. I booked 3 nights (15-18) meaning I had to catch a train tomorrow to Budapest. Everyone I felt I connected with the most was leaving tomorrow anyway so I was okay with leaving. 

After dinner we went down by the creek and had a bonfire. We even got marshmallows and biscuits with chocolate on them (I know this is cheating), which we had bought earlier in town. A few people had never had a s'more before!!

We had a great time and worldly conversations!  I really connected with Kimberly over the fire because I was complimenting her on her jewelry and she had gotten it all at antique and thrift stores! I knew I liked her!!! 

It was a wonderful way to spend the last night here!

I was so bummed I had to go to bed and wake up and catch a 6 hour train to Budapest. I am so not a city girl and I am loving being out in the mountains!  

We all got talking and someone joked that we should all stay! And we all took it seriously. We immediately ran in to talk to Gerhard but he was already asleep. We asked his son if he knew how full they were. He said just not to worry about it because even if they are full they will find a place for us.

I emailed the hostel I had just booked a few hours prior and told them to cancel the 15 and 16 and I will be there the 17. 

I went to bed the happiest person, 

knowing I could MAYBE stay here two more nights!