Sweetness

So, some of my neighbors are jerky. Example: the people across the street who came over at 12:30 AM on Thursday morning to light bottle rockets. Underneath what by chance was my bedroom window. Please. People. I understand that the World Cup only happens once every four years, but this is ridiculous. And then, in complete contrast, some of my neighbors are so sweet. Case in point: the teenage boy from down the street. He just now rang my bell in a panic...apparently, I accidentally left some diet Coke on my porch while unloading groceries earlier this afternoon, and he saw some boys rip open a case while trying to steal a few cans. Not that I don't have diet Coke to spare, but it was sweet of him to brave the English-language divide...and it definitely helps make up for my early morning wakeup on Thursday! And I'm back to thinking my neighborhood is pretty darn nice... And, as an aside, but also in the 'nice' category, one year from today, M. and I will be marking another special occasion: our Episcopal wedding ceremony and reception 'at home' with family and friends! June 16: a nice day, all around!

Ah, Strasbourg...

...I pronounce thee lovely. As you can tell, the energy generated by my hit-and-run experience has faded, and my initial, very positive impressions of Strasbourg are beginning to resurface. The town is picturesque and romantic. M. asked me what it was like, and I think it's best described as a combination of German (in the half-timbered houses and the food), Amsterdam (because of the canals) and everything French (language! more food! YAY!) It was so relaxing for me to hear French: it was less taxing on my brain than trying to understand German, in which case I will strain to catch every word, yet still become hopelessly lost if it's anything more than basic conversation. Anyway, car crash-which-I-wasn’t-present-for aside, I loved Strasbourg and can’t wait ‘til I can take M. back with me!