Just like that

And just like that I am back in Bucharest. I've said goodbye to friends and family, had the fastest possible trip to Bucharest with almost nonexistent layovers (although I did manage to watch about ten minutes worth of Olympics in London....on TV), and moved back into my apartment. I've traded my car for the subway, greeted my friends who were waiting for me, and now I guess I am ready for another year in Romania!

Tomorrow I will be leaving to help out at a teen camp up in the mountains. I don't really know exactly what I will be doing. I've just been told that they could use my help. I am looking forward to spending some time in the fresh mountain air before school begins, and also the exercise will be useful to help get rid of the excess weight that America tends to puts on a person ;)

This summer I got to see a lot of friends and family members, and all of them encouraged me and refreshed me in a great way. One of those friends came all the way from Colorado to spend time with me. We've known each other since the beginning of college, traveled together, lived together, and have had quite the adventures together. Since we were both back in Des Moines we decided to hit up our favorite places. So without further ado, here are:

 Liz and Johanna's Favorite Things To Do in Des Moines

(in no particular order)

1. Attend a cultural festival involving food

The Italian festival happened to be going on when Liz was in town, but other favorites of ours are the Greek festival, and the World food festival. Really, we just like food.

 2. Gong Fu Tea house
This place has a tea smelling wall where you can take a sniff at a number of teas before you make your decision. It's a very relaxing atmosphere, and all the teas are delicious

3. Although I don't have a picture, you can't really go to Gong fu without rounding the corner and going to the Asian Market. Their poster proudly announces that milk is coming soon, and our favorite items within the store are calling cards to Africa and Minnesota, and whole frozen bull frogs. While we haven't ever purchased those items, we always find something else interesting to try.

4. Visit the Farmer's Market

Free samples, lots of delicious food to eat, you really can't go wrong. 

 5. Eat Breakfast
This is just something I really like; you can do it anywhere. I prefer Village Inn or maybe IHOP. I just like a big American breakfast. I already miss you big American breakfast.....

However, if you are in Des Moines we really stopping by by La Mie for french pastries or quiche.

6. Fong's Pizza
Chinese food on pizza is really delicious. Try the crab rangoon pizza. Trust me. 

7. Spend an afternoon floating on Saylorville lake
Swimming is a little to much for us, but floating around on an inter-tube is the perfect mix of sun and relaxation.

Now you know why I could use some extra exercise this month, since almost all of our favorite things have to do with food! Next time I will have to do a Bucharest favorite things list.

I'll be back in a week to let you know how camp went!