Choosing your battles

That is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons to be had in life. Whatever the case- anything from relationships to adapting to a new social system- some things are worth following up, and some you just have to let go.
I've discovered several informal rules (and even a few formal ones) that are quite ridiculous and haven't earned my adherence. However, when my visa says I need to exit the county periodically? Done. I'm certain I've ignored rules more important than that... but I LIKE that one.
All that to say, I recently got to visit some friends of mine living in Germany. My pal Dani and I flew over for about a week and packed in as much visiting, adventuring, and ice cream eating as possible. We saw Prague, the Chemnitz folk and the campaign group visiting them, a few small towns around Saxony, and the church in Dresden- including one of my old roommates who was our guide for the week (thanks again Amy). To summarize my thoughts on the visit- I'm again amazed by the strength of bonds between people working for the same purpose, even when very far apart!

On a side note-- Yes, Germany was totally overrun with football. And the US actually had a chance to make it to the second round! They didn't, but I was happy that they'd even came close. Scotland isn't in, so most people aren't super interested, except in wanting England to lose.