I love the cold BUT I hate taking layers off and on!

I love speaking German BUT I’m looking forward to speaking English.

I enjoy my famiy here BUT I can’t WAIT to see my precious family at home.

I love the public transport in this city BUT I’m looking forward to the wide open spaces of home.

I enjoy having little responsibilities BUT I’m looking forward to being back in my home and caring for my family.

I enjoy German food BUT I can’t wait for the vegetables of home.

I enjoy a quiet breakfast BUT I can have a quiet breakfast at home!

I enjoyed the church service here BUT I’m missing my church family at home.

It’s been quite a ride!  A wonderful opportunity.  Thanks to Endeavour Language Teacher’s Fellowships!  I wrote a song (to the tune of Botany Bay) for the members of our group.  I thought I’d post it here.

Today I’m going to see about getting my winter clothes posted back to Australia.  I certainly won’t be needing them for a while.  I’m also going to do my last bit of shopping.

Tonight, I’m going to make an Aussie meal for my family.  Roast Lamb and Mint Sauce – yum.

Tomorrow I’m going to Köln.  I’ll post again after that and then Monday morning and then – I’ll be gone.

Podster

This one is about mis-sung words to popular songs.

We visited some interesting sites today in the “Internet” lecture/seminar.

We went and saw the Kaiserdom today. The church is soooo rich with artwork and carvings and gold and stain glass windows. I was overcome with emotions. I was astounded at the seeming grandness of it all. One thing I do know is that church is beautiful and I appreciate the beautiful artwork and the history therein. It was built in 800!! The city is full of history. It was the political centre of “the world” in the 800’s. Just amazing!

There are so many things about Germany that are so different from Australia.  I want to list some of them here :

* they drive on the otherside of the road

* the lights go orange before red AND before they turn green!

* the power plugs aren’t just different, there is no “on” switch!  Once you plug in, the arapartus is on!

* the pillows are European.

* there are no top sheets.  Only blankets.

* the bought meals are HUGE and lots of meat and not many veges

* young children (7 and older)  travel alone on the Straßenbahn (tram)

* the shops are open until 8pm every night.

*the people seem to wear the same things over and over again

I’m really, really enjoying my time here and I will post again soon.

We travelled by foot for 4 hours, heard very animated guides waffle on (I mean, inform us) about the history of the old city auf Deutsch. I didn’t really understand much! by the end of the day I was down to counting how many words I recognized and found that 12 was about the sum total!! It really was amazing to be there. I try and envisage what it was like, the smells, the sight, the sounds. I sometimes wish to be transported back!

So we’re travelling to another castle today. Another 2 hour walk with a German guide. Hofftentlich (hopefully) I will get more than 12 words at a time!

Wuerzburg was AMAZING! The Castle was built in Medieval Period. It was taken over by Prince Bishops and is now a museum. so old and awe-inspiring. It was very cold. I found myself closing my eyes and trying to see how it was, bustling with life!

The tower pictured was a prison and people would be dropped from the top to their death. One man was too fat and got caught and was left to starve until he lost weight and fell!!

I am so blessed to be here and I’m lovin’ it!

I’ve arrived and it’s 5 degrees & raining! I got lost from my group then got lost from my hotel. But I’m thankful for Maccas and Google Maps ’cause I know where to go now. I’ll post again soon!

Well – today I got the last (well… almost last hehe) things together for my trip.  I got my tickets, my medium size suitcase with swivel wheels that can be pulled/pushed in every direction, a mini laptop, a daypack and guess what!  I’ve actually started packing!  I might even safely say that I’m half-way through packing – the beauty of going to a cold country from a summer country!  All my winter stuff is free to pack!

I am finished school.  I am finished purchasing what I need and now, I am VERY EXCITED!

Well – I have bought my shoes for Germany!  I chose a waterproof pair of sneakers by NewBalance.  They are really comfortable and they’ll keep my feet dry and comfortable as I traipse around Germany!

I have spent a small fortune on Merino wool thermals, including socks and a jumper.  I should be warm as toast!

All I need to get is a medium size suitcase and my laptop and I’m all sorted!  And SO excited!