I began my morning with a run through the Englischer Gartens, just next to the Studentenstadt. They. were. b e a u t i f u l. Incredibly romantic. It's basically just tons of winding, wide trails with nothing but lush green trees on every side, and streams that run throughout. My favorite part was seeing all the couples walking around, who look like they're still in love; and I can't forget to mention all the people who are accompanied by their rather obedient dogs. I just want a dog so I can run around with him in a place so beautiful. I brought my iPod with, but I really couldn't bring myself to listen to anything but the soundtrack of silence. The simple sound of distant voices in conversation and an occasional bark really were just lovely. One could really get lost in those gartens, but I also think on that occasion, one might lose himself willingly.

For lunch, me, Julia, and Christina went to Odeonsplatz and ate outside. My food was soooo good, but it really was just a heart attack on a plate. Veal. Pork. Beef. Mushroom sauce. Spaetzle. and CHEESE! Mmmmmm so fattening, therefore so so delicious. I was throughly disappointed, however, when I asked the server if I could take it home with me, and he said no. They don't have boxes or anything. I don't think that's the case everywhere, but of course, it had to be the case when it was a pricey lunch :(

I broke off from the group around 14:30 to find a church I had done some research on. It's an international non-denominational church in Munich. I had no problem finding it whatsoever, which gave me a good feeling. Once inside, I just took it all in. After the service began, they asked anyone new to introduce themselves if they so chose (seeing as how it's international, lots of new faces are always coming and going). I seized the opportunity and even managed to make the whole church laugh with my introduction. (The service was in English.)

I've got to say, I really enjoyed it. The last song was "In Christ Alone" and I loved that I knew it, although the other hymns were beautiful, too. The woman next to me told me that usually the music is more contemporary; she thought it was good to know that because it was my first time going so I didn't really know what to expect. I really did appreciate that. Music's really important to me, so it made me like the church even more. Everyone was so friendly and I met lots of new faces. They were familiar with the JYM program, and even knew a guy I know two years older from Miami. Pretty neat. The coolest part was meeting someone who lived for nine years in a little town called...ARLINGTON HEIGHTS! noooo wayyy! Yes way. Don't you love irony? It's those kinds of things that happen that make you feel good about where you're at....

I was invited to go out for dinner with some of the MICCers after, and I accepted the offer after making sure someone would lead me to the nearest U-bahn station after dinner. Dinner was good--I ordered Tomaten Salat mit Zwiebeln (tomato salad with onions). I thought there would be something known as LETTUCE in this dish, but to my dismay, the Germans were being literal again and surely, I received exactly what I ordered--a plate of tomatoes and onions.

My first JYM learning experience will take place tomorrow morning. I look forward to really learning the language now. I should mention, I dreamt in German last night! It wasn't long, and it wasn't too intense, but some repairmen barged into my room and asked me about problems I was having in room, auf Deutsch.

Things are getting interesting. Feels like I've been gone for months already... I'm putting up a few pics I took the other day. One is the outside of the JYM office/building. One of some pretty candles inside the JYM window. aaaaand if I find anything else to put up, I shall.