This isn't my first birthday away from home, come to think of it I haven't celebrated my birthday at 'home' in quite some time... home is relative. It's just like any other day of the year, it's actually like New Years. I spend most of the day reflecting on the past year, where I am now and what I can do to better myself.

Probably why I never make New Year's resolutions.

Though, is it just me or is it once you hit 21... time doesn't slow down for nothing. Birthdays tend to sneak up on you and I tend to not look forward to birthdays as much as I used to. All I really want is just to hit the 'pause' button. This year will be a fantastic year though! It has only been a short two months since I took my big leap of faith moving to a foreign land which now, I call home and during that time, I have met so many amazing new faces and am fortunate enough to have such an amazing and loving host family.

Unlike Canada, where there is a need of a holiday call 'family day'... Sundays here in Deutschland is family day, nothing is open for business besides selected cafés/bars/restaurants. A little hard to adjust cause for myself I was used to shops and streets being just as busy as any other days during the week. However, I think it is nice to dedicate one day out of a busy work week to spend time with the family. Most of us get too caught up with work that we forget the people around us and it is sad that is the social norm, 9-5 jobs. To see people enjoying nature rather than having city centers all packed, it's a change and good one. Well my point is, instead of doing unnecessary shopping which, I probably would have done in Neustadt if shops were open... I went on a hiking adventure.

As the sun sets across the Elbe river. I am on my way over to a bonfire with the family. They have been more than welcoming, took me in as their own and their friends are just as lovely. Very open and social, couldn't have been a better fit. I have learned so much in these short few weeks and slowly meeting new people. I am definitely getting more accustomed to the change that I have been anticipated for the past few months.