definitive rankings of milka chocolate

Now is the perfect time to talk about the best chocolate I've ever had in my life.

It's been a week from hell and I'm hoping that a couple pounds bars of this stuff, a two day work week, and the thanksgiving holiday will make everything better.

Milka chocolate was one of the best things Ryan and I found in Germany. And we tried it ALL. I'm not joking. All. Of. It. Then he told me we can buy it at one of our local delis.

My week's already getting better.

So after we had them all once, we took one for the team and ate them all again. Ranking our favorites and quickly stock piling them. I suggest you scope out your local deli or amazon this stuff quick. Here's our favorites...

Allison
▪ Oreo
▪ Strawberry Yogurt
▪ Caramel
▪ Toffee Whole Nut (toffee ganznuss)
▪ Triple Caramel

Ryan
▪ Marzipan
▪ Peanut Caramel
▪ Daim
▪ Whole Hazelnut (ganze haselnüsse)
▪ Oreo

What's your favorite brand of chocolate? Do you have a ranking? Chocolate is an essential part of my run recovery strategy. I NEED to know.

Until the next sugar high, peace out, lifers.

- Allison Rae

the best and worst of cologne

The first time I arrived in Cologne, I felt incredibly alone. I was surrounded by unfamiliar people and places. It was a harsh reminder of everything I left behind which included my husband for a period of time.

A month in, I was able to start appreciating the culture and beauty of the city, even if I couldn't speak a lick of German. When Ryan finally did arrive to share in my adventure, I was excited to show him everything I'd grown to love. Together, we created a cozy little bubble in this foreign land we called home. By the time we went back to the US we had a bank full of fond memories. So when we were given the opportunity to come back for another few months, we jumped at the chance.

But this time, it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies.

There were definite highs and lows this time around. And as my days here are rapidly coming to an end, I thought I'd reflect on the best and worst parts of my time here.

I'll start with what I won't miss then move onto the good stuff.

No. 1. THE WEATHER

To say it's been temperamental this year would be a complete understatement. It rained 85% of the summer. And then, when it finally decided to make an appearance, it was in September and hot as balls. Now, the fall weather, which started in August, has nearly dipped into winter weather. I just wish it would make up it's mind.

No. 2. MY "THIRD" FLOOR WALK UP

One of the first things I noticed in Cologne, and Europe in general, was that the floor levels seemed to be...off. So imagine my delight when we picked a third floor flat and I've had to walk up three flights of stairs to get to my apartment door. Then, since we thought a two floor flat sounded charming, there's another flight of stairs that go to the bedroom and balcony.

If you're an American, let me translate. I have a FOURTH floor walk up with a FIFTH floor bedroom.

After nearly four months of making the trip multiple times per day, I still am out of breath by the time I get to my front door. And my ass doesn't look any better.

No. 3. NOT KNOWING GERMAN

This one is mostly my fault and may seem really obvious, but not knowing German is really tough when you live in a German city. Sure, I can read a menu and muddle through a basic intro. But put me in a scenario where I'm not ready to speak German and I am COMPLETELY thrown. No chance of redemption. I can't even formulate a polite, "I can't speak German" reply.

No. 4. TRAFFIC JAMS

Anyone who knows me, understands how much I hate traffic. When I changed jobs a few years ago my commute went from about forty-five minutes to seven. Yes, seven. I could not have been happier.

Much to my dismay, traffic jams are everywhere here. The most frustrating part is that they seemingly happen for no reason. Even though the traffic jams from construction or accidents are understandable, they're still irritating. So the ones without reason are especially irritating. I am very happy to return to my seven minute commute.

No. 5. THE SIRENS

If you ever thought the police or ambulance sirens were annoying in the US, the sirens in Germany are one thousand times more grating. I'm not sure if I hear it more often because the flat is closer to the city or if I'm just paying attention more but the frequency that they go off is ridiculous. They've become a inside joke between Ryan and I, about how much we'll miss them.

Yeah, right. Now let's go to the good stuff.

No. 1. STORES ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS

I've really grown to love that things are closed on Sundays. It resets you and makes you take a sometimes much needed break. There's no stores to check out - no last minute grocery shopping. Just time to reflect. Time to run, perhaps. Time to relax. I almost wish the US would adopt it.

No. 2. GREEN SPACES AND PARKS

Cologne houses over one million people in a little under 160 square miles. Scattered in there are beautiful parks and green spaces. On nice days (when they happen) you find families and friends picnicking or playing pick up soccer games. Some parks even have playground equipment for kids. Most are lined with snaking bike and running paths which have been especially nice for me. My favorite is the path along the river where you find a few miles of uninterrupted paths away from traffic. It's definitely better than the boring hum drum of concrete and buildings.

No. 3. THE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM

The transit system here is such a joy. Honestly. The Capital Region in New York has bus lines, end of story. Here? There's bus lines, the metro, commuter trains, and regional trains. You could get anywhere without having a car. It's amazing. If the transit system in Troy was as good as the one here, I would sell my car tomorrow. Seriously. I will never take for granted the reliability or the reach of this system. Another one I wish would be adopted in the US.

No. 4. CANDY OUTLETS

Candy. Outlets. Two words we're very familiar with but unfamiliar with their combination. But they exist. OH DO THEY EXIST. With discounted prices and all your favorites (plus more!) these stores are like heaven on earth. Especially, Milka. I could write an ode to Milka.

This past weekend I stocked up on some of our favorites and some to give to family and friends. It wasn't until I put everything together to take a picture and the missing fifty euros that I realized I may have gone overboard. Just slightly, though.

Okay, maybe way overboard.

No. 5. BREATHTAKING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

And finally, this city is just downright pretty. Despite the countless time I've watched the sun rise and set here, it still takes my breath away. I will wake up at the ass crack of dawn or push out a run to see the sun peak out or retreat for the day. And even though I don't always have a camera ready to capture the moments, it's those that I want to hold on to for the rest of my life.

Because who doesn't want to remember something like this?

Until the next relocation. Peace out, cub scouts.

- A. Rae

adventures in munich

Munich. The city near the monks developed by salt, destroyed by fervor, and rebuilt to former glory. Home of failed revolts, dynastic families, and a teeny, tiny beer fest. Our adventure for the week.

Until the next adventure. Peace out, cub scouts.

- A. Rae

my life in numbers

After a truly horrendous commute home yesterday, I'm ecstatic it's the weekend. Mostly for two whole days with ZERO reasons to drive anywhere. Me + Traffic Jams = Nicht Gut.

After a little math pick-me-up (which I'll talk more about soon!) and a little chocolate, I started my weekend running my fastest mile ever. Ahem, a 9:39, thank you very much. *confetti*

So after restarting my weekend, I'm especially determined not to mope around like I've done the past few weekends. I'm gonna go explore a little and bring my camera to capture some of it. It's hard to believe my time here in Germany is rapidly coming to an end. Again.

In the meantime, here's some numbers I'm thinking about...

Twenty-five. The number of days until I jet set home!

Nineteen. My current run day streak.

Eleven. The number of working days I have left here in Germany.

Ten. The number of days until I kick start the last year of my twenties.

Seven. The countdown until Ryan comes back and we road trip it to Oktoberfest.

Side note: Wouldn't it be great if there could be magical confetti cannons that go off when you do something huge? No? Just me? Mmkay.

Until tomorrow. Peace out, cub scouts.

- A. Rae

adventures in heidelberg

The city of old stone bridges, older castle ruins, and even older universities. Birthplace of kings, x-men, and little liars. Home of four rugby clubs, dual doctrine churches, and one rabbit hole of a christmas shop. Our adventure for a weekend.

Until the next adventure. Peace out, cub scouts. 

- A. Rae

it's the freakin' weekend

Happy Friday! Anyone else ready for the weekend? *two hands up*

We'll start it off with a little sharing. Since sharing is caring.

1. I am extremely nosy. People watching and peeking in open windows are some of my favorite past times. It's not like I even care what I see, I just like to observe. You know? Most times, I see normal things. Other times, I see my neighbor sunbathing nude. 

2. This week was amerikanische woche (ameri-can-ease-ish voe-ka) at Aldi. Bascally, they have all things "Amercian." Things like non-frozen pancakes, bagels, burger patties, hot dogs, marshmallows, and mini apple pies were all stacked neatly side by side. Our culture, in a nutshell - as told by Germans. Ryan and I couldn't resist buying the apple pies. He wasn't a fan of them so I selflessly ate his share. 

3. I just learned that barbecue is actually spelled with a C and not a Q. Not sure how I've gone my entire adult life not knowing that. Although, it might be worth noting that barbeque is a north american variant that's also acceptable.

4. I love getting lost in books. The easiest ones to get lost in for me? Romance. Every day, all day. I even read them back in high school. Lately, I've tried expanding my repertoire and trying new genres. I enjoyed reading the biography about Maude, which killed me at the end. And just last week, I finished Working Stiff, which was so well written. What types of books do you read? Have you read any good ones lately?

5. And finally, I envy people who don't need a lot of sleep. I wish I could run on five or six hours. I'd have so much more time! I would be so much more productive! Er, I'd have so much more time! Seven hours is the least I need to be a tolerable human being. Eight is ideal and nine is just glorious. With nine hours of sleep, I'm the happiest person ever. But that typically only happens on the weekends. And only sometimes. Most days I get between six and seven and it's a struggle. All. Day. Long. There should be a 3pm nap time - just for 30 minutes. It'd be perfect.

One of the major things I love about Ryan is that he makes me smile and laugh, constantly. I always joke that he's the newer, improved version of his father, who comes out with some serious gems. Ryan's got plenty of his own. 

Since we both have activity trackers on our watches, Ryan and I make it a point to hit our daily step goal. As we were walking to the store the other night, we had this conversation...

A: "Did you get your step goal yet?"

R: "No, not yet."

A: "How many steps do you need?"

R: "Two thousand. How many do you need?"

A: "Ugh, four."

He's quiet for a few steps and then, 

R: "DONE!"

A: "Four thousand...."

I wouldn't trade him for the world.

This weekend there's a big fireworks show along the Rhine and while typically we'd be traveling this weekend I wanted to make sure we got a little firework action in! I will be indulging in a drink, holding hands with Ryan, and pretending it's the fourth. Happy belated birthday, America!

To top it off we're continuing our search for the best burger in town. Our current number one snuck into the top spot last week. My "Don Vito" and Ryan's "ODB" at Beef Brothers were so delicious. The owner calling our order number in english rather than german - because we're THAT obvious - made for a great memory too.

"Number one hundred eighty-eight?"