This weekend was the reason I moved to this neighborhood, and it was the official kickoff to birthday week! The Schweizerstrassenfest (named for the street on which it takes place, Schweizer strasse) happens every year at the end of July and it’s only a few blocks from my apartment.

The fest is one of the biggest street festivals in Frankfurt. There is booth after booth of wine and beer and food. I didn’t know what to try first! I had freshly made potato chips, a Nutella crepe, flammkuchen (a German pizza basically), candied nuts. I think I gained 10 pounds (clearly the guy at the chip stand is a regular).

I ran into some girls who I work out with and we hung out all night. It was great getting to know them a little better; really nice girls who I enjoy both in and out of the gym. Sometimes I wonder if I’m making friends ok because of the language barrier, and it was a much-needed night out with a great crew!