Returning to Europe

Finally...back in Europe!  

I felt "at home" as soon as I walked off the jet-bridge in the Frankfurt airport.  Everything around me was clean, fresh, and silent.  I love silence.  

A last-minute schedule change relocated me to Dusseldorf but the journey was easy, thanks to a high-speed train that speeds through the countryside at 200 km/hour.  

I was greeted with perfect fall weather and a perfect sunset.  It's so nice to be back in a place where I can go outside without feeling uncomfortable! The hotel's terrace bar was buzzing and the view from my room was postcard-worthy.  

Looking out at the city from my room

Just a slight contrast to my view in Mumbai: 

Oh India...

Sunday morning, I felt so energized that I went for a long run along the Rhine river.  Crisp fall weather is perfect for running and I forgot how fantastic it feels to run outside with the breeze all around me and amazing views.  The people in Dusseldorf are so friendly.  Whenever I passed another runner, we exchanged nods and a lip-synched hello.  

Brunch - my favorite meal of the week - tasted even better than any meal I ate in Mumbai.  Not that all the food there was gross, but my system must be thanking me for giving it food that is not so difficult to digest.  I can finally eat salads again! I can finally brush my teeth without worrying about swallowing the water.  Simple pleasures.  

My project started on Monday morning with perfect German efficiency. We sat down to create a plan for the two weeks and our meeting was immediately followed by schedule invitations for a series of meetings.  Organization makes me feel calm and in-control.  I can already tell that this is going to be a great project. 

To top it off, a friend was in town for the day from Berlin and we were able to have dinner together.  When I initially took this job, I had hoped to see friends that are scattered across the world.  It's always nice to take advantage of these opportunities.  

I continue starting my mornings with energizing runs along the Rhine.  How can I resist when there is such a small window of perfect weather?   I started laughing this morning when I noticed a bunny running across the grass.  In India, that would have been a rat.  Both are furry creatures but bunnies are just so much cuter.