Germany +1 (Dusseldorf)

After an event filled evening with Emelie's family, we decided that Dusseldorf would be our next destination in Germany. So Saturday, after a fantastic breakfast and some mini golf at a neighboring park, we decided to hit the road with Emelie, Jason, and Johanna.

When arriving in Dusseldorf we relied on Jason for a tour guide. He had previously lived and worked there, so he knew his way around the block. He brought us to a traditional German restaurant to have some traditional food and beer. Jason, who also attended SIUC spoke fluent German, along with Emelie and Johanna, so deciphering the menu items was not a problem.

After a filling dinner we made our way towards the city center. There was a hot balloon festival going on and the streets were packed with people drinking and yelling soccer chants. We ordered some beers and Jason explained to us that in Germany it is seven years bad luck in bed to drink your beer before you cheers with your friends and say "Prost" (cheers in German). While standing next to the street a woman presumably a bride to be, was clad in what looked like only toilet paper walked up to different groups of drunk men. These men would rip a piece off and then she would move to the next group. She did this until she came to the group directly across from us who ripped the entire thing off.

After drinking a few and waiting for 10:30 to roll around we walked down to the Rhine river and prepared for the hot air balloon light show. The river bank across from us housed probably 20 or more balloons which started to light up in sequence. It was a really cool event and I am glad that we were a part of it.

After the light display we made our way back to the vehicle. It was a great night and a great time with some great hosts. So thanks again Jason, Emilie, and Johanna!