We have finished an amazing few days in Rome seeing even more sights and collecting even more stories (see above: Mike winning in Ostia). There is so much in that city that I feel like I could spend a week there and not get everything done. But I am also glad to be here in Germany. My host family has been so kind to me, I really feel very comfortable and welcome here. And I am glad that they have such a sense of humor. And for a surprising proportion of the time, I understand what they are laghing about, even though I don't speak German. I didn't expect to understand as much as I do (which isn't too much, but I didn't think I would get any of what they said when they spoke German). I had a really nice, relaxing day today visiting an engineering museum, enjoying the extremely beautiful countryside, and finishing with a delicious barbeque outside with my host family. They made me feel right at home, and I am very grateful for that.
