The Alps!

Last Friday I finally made it! One of the biggest reasons I chose to study in Germany instead of Berlin or Mainz is the Alps. The jagged rocks, the lush greenery, the snowcapped mountains, and the tiny Bavarian villages all combine to make the perfect day trip. The whole JYM class couldn't ignore the mountain silence and fresh country air. We're excited to go back this coming Friday.

Aside from the beautiful scenery (which you can see in my Picasa album!), the small town of Mittenwald really captured my attention. Stereotypical Bavarian, the town centers around a beautifully ornate Catholic Church. Although more and more Germans identify as non-religious, the Bavarian countryside clings fiercly to its Christian, most often Catholic, faith. In the upcoming elections, this voting bloc will likely again vote for the ruling CSU party, which has had an absolute majority in the Bavarian parlament for the past 46 years.