Freiburg 2

Well today was our second full day in Freiburg. I am starting to get my bearings a little and I was able to get a SIM card for my phone (Thank you Chris Lafaro).
This morning started off with an enthralling safety briefing by the IES staff.
Lunch was a Bratwurst at the daily farmers' market in the square around the Muenster (Cathedral). Then Patrick Dingess and I hiked to the top of the Muenster bell tower to take in a wonderful panoramic view of the entire town (pictures will follow soon).

Then we had our Economics and Agreements classes and we researched Heiner Flassbeck who is one of the chief European Trade Policy Advisers in Geneva. We get to meet him tomorrow and since he has been one of the main architects of the recent Greece Bail out the conversation with him should be interesting to say the least.

During our "research time" in the computer lab we did a little research of our own on activities for the weekend. It was decided by a group of us that a weekend in Interlaken would be good for the soul (one of my favorite places ever... see prior post). Balmer's looks to be full but we are finding other means of accommodation. Extreme Canyoning... here I come!

Later in the afternoon a few of us stuck around for our second German class. Today was numbers. I'm still oblivious, but I think I can count to ten (don't test me on that though). After German class a few of us made it back into town where we indulged in one of my European favorites... the Doner Kebab.

We hit up the grocery store on our way back (the first test of my number skills). Upon checkout I gave the clerk a 20 but he thought I gave him a 10. Of course I blanked on my recently acquired number skills when I needed them most. Lucky the lady behind me was able to help me. Rather than giving me a ten spot after the next transaction the clerk had to close the line and go to the back and count his register. He then returned, apologized for the confusion (I think) and gave me a small bottle of Merlot.

Tomorrow is Geneva, which is exciting because its truly is a great city (see prior post) and this time I won't be in the soviet style hostel we were in last time. The bus leaves at 6:45 so that will be a challenge, but I know how to work my alarm now so I should be good to go.

Anyways goodnight and I'll be editing my pictures on the bus tomorrow so I'll load them up soon.

- J. Ryan Sowell