Auf Wiedersehen! Ciao! Tschuss!

Just a final blog entry to say goodbye. It has been an amazing journey and adventure where I have made many new friends, have seen hundreds of incredible sights, have tasted tons of delicious food, and have retained a countless number of memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. My Tempe Sister Cities sponsored trip to Germany was the best thing I have ever done in my life. If you have never traveled abroad, I encourage and challenge you to do so. If you travel with an open mind, it WILL change your outlook on life! Thanks to everyone who made this journey WITH me, reading and commenting on my blog. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have had writing it. Until my next travels...
With love from Germany,
J

Reality Bites...

I had hoped to sleep in a little longer on my first day home, but NO... 5:30 a.m. and I am stinking WIDE AWAKE! But I awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and thought to myself, "It's good to be home." I drove to McDonalds to have a much missed iced coffee (I only drank 3 while in Germany... it's kind of hard to have an iced coffee, when they have no ice!!) Aaah, gut! Then reality hit... I had to unpack (took ALL day!), do 4 loads of laundry, go through 4 weeks of mail, pay bills, start a new grocery list, decide if I want to replace all my dead flowers or leave the pots empty, had to make my own lunch and dinner AND do the dishes, realized that house cleaning will be left for Monday, etc., etc., etc... It's a good thing that Alexis talked me in to going with her to lay out at the pool for a couple of hours, because that was just the ticket! The cloudless sky, the warm sun (only 107), and the cool pool really helped me cope. Then home for a nap and up again to do a bit more. While the jobs and responsibilities of an adult are sometimes a bit overwhelming, you still have to look for all the amazingly wonderful things that go with those tasks... again, it's good to be home. (Oh ya, I only gained 3 pounds, but they are ALL FAT!!!)

The Long Trip Home...

After a tearful goodbye at the Nowotny house, we left with Michael for the airport. Francisco and I arrived at the airport in plenty of time to check in, and quickly got into line to do so. The bag I checked in was of the perfect weight, so they whisked it away. Francisco put his on the scale and it was 3 kilos OVERWEIGHT! He asked how much to pay for the extra weight, and they said $150!!! So Francisco spent the next 5 minutes (to the grumblings of the other passengers waiting to check in... AND the disgruntled airline lady) taking things out and trying to make weight! I took his dress shoes, he gave 25 aprons that we were bringing back for the Oktoberfest to Michael, and a few more this and thats, and he finally made it. Drama in the morning! lol. Said more tearful goodbyes to Michael and Hariett, and got in a long line for security check. While waiting for our plane, I purchased a sandwich and my last German beer... Finally loaded the plane for our long ride home. We had a couple of funny things happen along the way... of COURSE Francisco and I were the most fun people on the flight, and we were laughing and having a good time, which immediately endeared us to one of the flight attendants. She spoke with us often about where we were from, and what we were doing in Germany. One time by, as she was getting something for us, she asked how long I had been traveling with Francisco, and when I replied "4 weeks" she just said... "Oh my!" and laughed. Later, as they were serving our lunch, the lady across the aisle from us ordered a glass of wine, and her flight attendant accidently knocked over the white wine carton, which knocked over the red wine carton, and proceeded to thoroughly SOAK this poor lady with wine! Francisco and I were having a hard time not laughing out loud. Poor lady! To pass the time (10 1/2 hours), I watched the movie Sherlock Holmes (loved it!), read a 400 page book, watched part of Francisco's movies (Alice In Wonderland, It's Complicated, and Leap Year), TRIED to sleep, but no luck (Francisco slept at least twice, lucky dog!), watched the in flight airplane screen which showed exactly where and what we were flying over, and just sat there looking out the window at the beautiful green country, or white clouds. Landed in Atlanta with no problems (thank you God! :)) and proceeded to pull up to our gate... which would not open! We started out being over 15 minutes early when we landed, and ended up sitting on the plane for close to 40 minutes while they tried to fix the door, or taxi us to another entrance or something. They finally figured it out, and we were free! We had to take a tram to go pick up our luggage, and transfer it to another location for the next flight. Then through customs... pretty easy ordeal actually! Since we had the delay, we only had to wait about 30 minutes before we loaded our on to our next plane for Phoenix. Here is a picture of Francisco and I WAITING patiently at the Atlanta airport. No problems whatsoever on this flight, and we landed 15 minutes early. Walked out, and there was David waiting to pick us up. I ran and jumped in his arms for a nice welcome home hug and kiss! When David and I were done hugging, he looked at me, and then Francisco, and said, "He does NOT get the same welcome!" lol. Picked up our luggage, dropped Francisco off at home, and then drove home. Dead dog tired... oh my. It was 3:30 a.m. Germany time when I arrived home and having no sleep (and only 4 hours on Friday night, anyway) yes, I was pooped. Alexis was there at home, with flowers, goodies, and a welcome home mom sign. I grabbed her for a couple of long hugs and pecks on the cheek. Yes, I missed my family. I handed out the gifts I had purchased for them, and we tried some German chocolates. Mmmmm. Then off to Taco Bell for a chalupa supreme and a pepsi... oh, that hit the spot! Got home, and since it was 9 p.m., hit the sack! Good night, gut nacht!

Almost Time...

It is Saturday, June 26th at 6 a.m. and I am finishing getting ready. Michael will be by between 6:15 and 6:30 to take Francisco and me to the airport an hour or more away in Munich. Our flight leaves at 9:50 a.m. Then we have about 10 1/2 hours to Atlanta, then almost 4 more hours home. We have a 2 hour layover in Atlanta, so we don't get home until 5:30 p.m. Arizona time (that's about 2:30 a.m. Germany time...) It's gonna be a looooonnnngg day! I hope I can sleep on the plane... here's to a safe flight, and I will finish this up on Sunday when I wake up from my jet lagged sleep! Auf Weidersehen!! xoxo
J

Did You Know???

* Uli has her own garden, and makes her own jams, jellies, syrup, and yogurt?
* Walter is a wonderful cook! My favorite thing was the white spargel (asparagus) wrapped in ham, and baked in a cheese sauce... mmmmm!
* Miriam bought Max (her horse) for ONE EURO?? Long story...
* Almost EVERY song you hear on the radio is American pop rock? Like 96.9...
* Germany is 9 hours later than Arizona time?
* You have to PAY to use the most public bathrooms?
* Simon Nowotny is coming to Arizona in August? (Is he nuts!?!?)
* I didn't know how to flush the toilet in my bathroom, and had to ask Miriam to show me? (They have this silver rectangle on the wall, and mine wasn't behind the toilet, but on the left! So I didn't even consider it! I was so embarrased!)
* David Nowotny reminds me a WHOLE lot of my son Aaron!! :)

* I have tried over 10 different apertif or digestives? (The alcohol you drink before or after dinner) Cognac, Sherry, Prosecco (a champagne), Coconut Kiss (Caribbean), Rotweinheffe (this one could put HAIR on your chest, as my daddy used to say!!) (Germany), Campari, Ouzo (Greece), Lemonis (Italy), Caipirinha de Brazil, Grappa, and a couple of more that I forgot to write down!
* While visiting the Jewish Museum in Berlin, I used the MENS bathroom... and YES, there was a man in there! oh my...
* Michael would love to come to Arizona and be a professor at ASU!
* Grappa should be sipped, not chugged (Francisco...)
* Hariet has an absolutely BEAUTIFUL voice, and she used to be a dancer?
* Francisco has been the best travel partner I could have imagined, and we have become excellent friends through our adventures! Can we go again?
* The Nowotny family was the most hospitable family that I could ever have asked for.... they took care of me, fed, me, put up with me, and loved me like one of their own... I could not have felt more like family had I been born into it... thank you for all of your love and making me feel like this was my home... I love you all!! and will miss you sooooo much!

My Final Day in Germany

Heute ist Freitag, my last day in Germany. Where did the time go? Francisco and I were scheduled to go to visit a kindergarten class in Thalmassing. The German kindergarten actually consists of students aged 3-6. It does not have the rigorous academic expectations of our American kindergarten, and it is not mandatory. But it was an absolutely delightful place. Located in an quaint, old 3 story home, it was surrounded with a huge lot with green trees, bushes, and wonderful play areas with sand, water, swings and toys. None of the traditional playground equipment, and the kids were having the times of their lives. We watched their morning meeting, and some free play time. The students were practicing for an upcoming festival, so there were groups dancing, and singing. We stayed for about 2 hours, and the kids, who were very enthralled with us, were sad to see us go. Next, home for lunch and final packing wrap up. At 12:30 Miriam and I left to pick up Francisco, and on to Uli's school. One of the teachers there, Linda (the one who hosted that great BBQ sometime back...) was going to be doing some very special canine therapy, and we were invited to watch. First of all, we hadn't been to Uli's school in a couple of weeks, and her students were SOOOOOOOO excited to see us. Jacob just about hugged the stuffing out of me! He is such a doll, and I am his personal favorite, and after hugs he quickly grabbed me by the hand, and was literally running down the hall towards Uli's room. lol! When all the students were situated in a semi-circle of chairs, Linda went over all the rules and procedures about how to act with a dog. Then she brought her dog in. The students were positively beaming! She let the all feed her one treat, and then she got to work. Each of the students got to come up and work with the dog, using sign language to make her sit, lay, and follow. They were so incredble with the dog, and Lady (a yellow lab) was wonderful with the kids. When that ended, we said our goodbyes to the class and the principal and headed home. I took a cat nap (the weather is so beautiful here today, you would love it! Maybe 80's, but now there is a cool breeze coming through all of the open windows in my bedroom... who knows? I may have to wear a sweater tonight...) then worked on some of my final blog entries. I have over 1000 pictures of my time here, and Miriam (or Walter) is going to download all of them to a DVD for me. Then I can share them when I return... We are going to a biergarten tonight with Uli's family, Michael, Hariett, and Francisco. My last biergarten... we went to the biergarten Spital (it used to be a hospital...) and had everyone there and a wonderful dinner. Sat there for quite a while while we watched Spain and Chile play soccer. Then we went walking around at the Ostengassen Fest in downtown Regensburg, which was a compilation of people and booths and food, and a good time. We walked around for a couple of hours, trying food, talking to people, and taking in the sights. We were very entertained. We left the festival and went back to Uli's home to have an after dinner drink... your choice of Ouzo, Coconut Kiss, Grappa, Scotch Whisky, or something else... lol. We toasted to our last night, to good friends, and to wonderful memories... then off to bed after 1 p.m. good night!!

Catholic School Visit

Today Francisco and I accompanied Uli to a private Catholic School named Bischop Manfred Müller to observe a first grade classroom in action. The school is only 10 years old, and is very big, and beautiful. I con't know where to begin to tell you about this class. It was quite possibly the best class I have EVER seen! The teacher was amazing... so organized, professional, caring, prepared, and thoroughly engaged her students using the pedigological "whole child" teaching philosophy. We watched in wonder for almost 4 hours as this teacher did stations, taught music, and reading, had a´"choice" and snack time. I have a video that I want to download showing about a minute and a half of these kids working in absolute silence! Even when they were messing around (which was almost NEVER, they did it sooo quietly!) Quite utterly astonishing! After we left the school, Uli took us to lunch at the Charlie Chaplin biergarten. Miriam was available, and joined us as well. We had a delicious lunch, Francisco with goulash, and me with some type of fried cheese and berry sauce. Yummy!! Then home for a quick shower, and off to a presentation at Michael's school about the Tempe Sister Cities Teacher Exchange program. It was well presented, and well received. Didn't get done there until almost 6, then home again to freshen up for our official Farewell Dinner graciously hosted by Traudl Lacher-Jödicke and her husband. It was attended by a couple of principals, the treasurer of TSC-Regensburg, Uli, Miriam, Simon, me, Francisco, and Michael. We had good food, good conversation, and a good time! Believe it or not, my day is not over! Off now to catch the end of a birthday party for a family friend of the Nowotnys. Sat around a fire pit and talked for about an hour, then I was so tired that Miriam and I walked the length of town to go home. Too tired to blog last night, I poured myself into bed around midnight... Güt nacht!

Problems, Problems, Problems

Hey, I have been hearing back from quite a few of you that you are having a hard time either posting a comment, or joining as a follower... I don't know what the problem is, or how to help you... but I am glad to know that there ARE people out there reading! I hope you are enjoying yourselves... I AM!! Read on!!

Vroom! Vroom! BMW

Today we had the opportunity to join the high school students and tour the BMW (Barvarian Motor Works) production plant located in the outskirts of Regensburg. After 2 1/2 hours I was totally amazed and impressed by all that we saw. Due to some privacy law, we were not allowed to take pictures and that is REALLY too bad, because I could have shown you some incredible things! With approximately 900 robots working in the plant, I felt like I was in a scene from Transformers! I just stood there, totally in a trance watching those robots work. We began our tour in the Press Shop, where metal plates are stamped to form the body components. Then to the Body Shop, where all of the approx. 700 panels and metal components are welded together to form the body. Next up was Paintwork... there are 5 different coats of paint products that are baked onto each car. Last we visited the Assembly department. Here the body is transformed in about 100 steps into a ready-made BMW. Each of the areas we visited was enormous! It was not only the level we walked through, there were 2 or 3 more floors above us! This plant kicks out more than 1,000 cars A DAY! I'll take mine in purple, please... We left the plant to head to Goethe High School again. We had been requested for a encore performance... Herr Biermeier's 5th grade English class was just dying for us to come and meet them. Every day they were asking their teacher, "When are they coming? Are they coming TODAY?" So we arrived, and waited until their previous class had ended, and as we were standing outside the door, a couple of students caught sight of us. One of the boys who spied us, his eyes lit up like he had just seen Santa Claus! It was so cute! Then a couple of others saw us, and the kids were running to the door peeking out at us. We finally entered the class, and the children bid us hello. They had all written out questions that they wanted to ask us, so after a short introduction of ourselves, we proceeded to answer them. They ranged from, "Do you like our school?" to "Do you like Obama?" and everything in between... the hour went by very quickly and it was time to leave. As we were walking down the stairs towards the front door, one boy from the class came running up to me with a piece of notebook paper saying, "May I have your autograph, please?" Chuckling, I gave it to him. I felt like a celebrity! :) Then off to a beautiful biergarten in the park with Miriam. We sat in a partially sunny area, and I had my favorite meal again! Yes, I could probably eat it every day! Then we walked through the park back to the school where we had left the car. Home for a power nap, then blogging time! I have no photos today on the blog today, as Francisco has my cord so he can download some of his own photos... I will have them on tomorrow. Tonight is my "family" going away party, and it was absolutely a wonderful. Walter's mom came over to join in the fun. ´We had an amazing dinner, a special type called "Raclette ". Here is a picture of the gadget we used to cook with... it is kind of like a hot plate on top, with little individual trays below that you pull out, load up with whatever you want (meat, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, onions, and always top it with cheese!) then you put it in the slot, and it cooks it for you! So delicious... Walter went out and specially bought my favorite beer for me... Weltenburg Koster Barock Dunkel... such a sweetie! All of this along with salad, potatoes, and bread. Yes, you had to roll me away from the table. We then watched some of Uli's DVD about the Special Olympics she attended in Bremen. It was incredible! I had no idea it was so well supported, and celebrated. Looked like a fabulous time. We had to cut the video short, because it was time for the Germany soccer match, and we didn't want to miss a minute! Germany won!!! and so did the USA!!! So BOTH of my teams get to move on to the next round... early night - I was in bed by 11 p.m.!!!

A Change of Plans...

Francisco and I were supposed to go visit a school today where there are behaviorally challenged students, but I guess the students were REALLY having a tough week, and the teachers were not comfortable with us coming today. I am bummed, because I was really looking forward to seeing how they handled these children, and if there was anything that we could do at our schools to better meet the needs of OUR behaviorally challenged kids. So... there was a change of plans. Francisco just stayed at Michaels with Hariett, and I talked Miriam into taking me out shopping for the last few souveniers that I needed. She was happy to oblige me! We ended up going to a couple of different malls, and a few more stores, but finally found everything that I needed to get. (Including a van with Wagner on it! lol) Our last stop was in the inner city of Regensburg, so we parked at a lot that was free, but about a 10 minute walk to our destination. It was a beautiful day, and we had a nice walk along the tree lined Danube. The sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds... sometimes out, sometimes not. But it sure felt wonderful when it was out!! After our last store, we went to the famous Wurstkuchl restaurant and looked for a seat among the wooden benches. There were none open, but in Germany they just ask the people sitting there if they can join them... and they always say YES with a smile! So nice. We sat with an older couple, very amiable. I had my favorite meal, bratwurst and saurkraut, and a dark beer! Mmmmmm! Then home for a power nap, and after that, a ride on Max. Miriam borrowed a horse from a friend, so we actually got to ride TOGETHER! We took a long walking ride, and at one point she asked me if I wanted to trot again... well... OK. So I did. OK, here is Miriam in front of me trotting... UUUUPPPP DDDOOOOWWWNN UUUPPP DDDOOWWWNN, nice and gracefully on her horse. Here was me on Max... UP DOWN UP DOWN UP DOWN UP DOWN! I was slapping that saddle so hard my teeth were rattling and my helmet was knocking my head! I was cracking up and was amazed I didn't fall right off that horse! I was so glad Miriam didn't look back to see me, because I KNOW I looked like a complete and total idiot! Then more smooth walking (aaaaahhhh!) Later Miriam asked if I wanted to canter (that means gallop!) WHAT?? "It is so much smoother than the trotting", she said... so, yes, I did that to! Miriam got her horse running, and then Max just took off after hers. I was hanging on for dear life, he was racing along so fast! But it was such a smooth ride, I LOVED it, and I was so happy that I decided to go for it! (But I will be lucky if I can WALK tomorrow!!) Had a rare chance to read a book in the sun/clouds for a bit, then up here to work my blog. Tonight, a relaxing time at home. Had a wondeful dinner, where I tried a German specialty... Sülze... an interesting meat and jelly combination (Walter told me they made the jelly from bones... ?? pulling my leg, or telling the truth??) Or do I really WANT to know? I have a little more free time before the Nowotny's neighbor Olaf comes over. I am looking forward to meeting him, but I have been told that he LOVES to have a good time and that I better get ready to join him! :) Ciao!! And YES, we had a fabulously fun time!!!

Take a Moment Please...

Hallo alles meine freunde! If you have been reading my blog, PLEASE take a moment to add a comment on this post and let me know. (just click on the pink word COMMENTS in the bottom right hand corner) Just your name, or whatever, I just want to see how many people are taking this Germany adventure WITH me! Danke!! Ciao!! **OK, just a note to let you know that even though only 10 people responded here, there have actually been over 50 people that I know of who DID follow my blog... :) Thanks for your support!

Train Trip to Munich

Heute ist Montag (today is Monday) and our day started out at the gimnasiam (high school)where Wolfgang and Heinz work. First, we joined Wolfgang and his English class of 5th grade students. We were very impressed with their reading and speaking skills. Many of them asked us questions about the United States, and our schools, and we were very happy to tell them all they wanted to know. Next, we were off with Heinz, and his 11th grade geography class. They were being introduced to the South American countries and their capitals. Very lively class, and the time went by quickly. We were only able to spend only a couple of hours at the school, but really enjoyed our time. Then we had to hoof it (yes, that means walking) to the Central Train Station in Regensburg, where we met up with Hariett and Michael. I get to go on my FIRST train ride ever! I am soooo excited!! It was 11:30 and being hungry already, we grabbed a slice of pizza, and ate it as we headed for our train. We found a very nice compartment with 6 seats, and settled ourselves in for the ride. It was so cool! Just like in the movies. Sitting by the window, watching the scenery go by... green fields, small villages, larger towns, and a lot of grafitti, I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful 90 minute ride. Our arrival in Munich, or München as it is properly called, was met with rain. Good thing it only lasted for about the first hour or so, then stopped. Still totally cloudy, but no rain - I'll take it! We perused many, many shops, looking for the last minute souveniers that we needed to take home. The streets were crowded with shoppers and tourists. Michael was the guide/history teacher today as we walked through the city. There were so many amazing buildings to see and learn about. After a couple of hours, we decided to stop for a bite to eat. Michael knew of a great little cafe' (located on the third floor), where we could sit and look out over a huge plaza while we ate. I had a delicious tomato soup and a Weiße beer. Francisco and I tried a bite of something new today... white sausage. Michael had ordered it, and assured us that THIS was a traditional Barvarian food, and we just HAD to try it. Well, we did. And, you know the kind of meat they put in menudo? Well... enough said! After we left the cafe' we continued on our walking journey through Munich. Many more stores, historic and beautiful buildings, biergartens, churches, the Hofbraühaus (the most famous brewery in the world!) and our next stop was the University of Munich, where Michael studied to earn his English degree. He took us inside the beautiful building, and toured us around the school. It was late afternoon by now, and we decided to head (subway first, then walking) to the Olympic Park where we viewed the beautiful grounds. Next, we went up in the sky needle, and had a view of all of Germany! (OK, really just all of Munich, but it was sooooo high we FELT like we could see it all!) By the time we finished this activity, all of us were dogging it and decided to catch the subway back to our train, and head for home. That ended up becoming a mad dash, because if we missed the 7:00 train, we would have to take the next one that was took 30 minutes LONGER to get home due to the fact that it stopped at EVERY town on the way back to Regensburg. So, we literally started running... Michael in the lead, and the rest of us following behind. Weaving in and out of people, laughing, racing, and finally making it to the train with about 3 minutes to spare! OMG! I was so glad to sit down and relax for the trip back. Starving as we hit the Regensburg station at 8:30, and with Francisco and I craving a hamburger, we headed for an Americanized burger joint called Kullman's Diner. We ordered big, juicy (ok, not so juicy) hamburgers, complete with french fries, we chowed down! Had to walk back, past the Train Station and on to Michael's school, where he and Hariett had their cars parked. Saying goodbye to Hariett, Michael took Francisco and me. I was dropped off at home around 11 p.m., and since I only had 4 hours sleep the night before, I was a dead dog tired! So, no blog, just straight to bed. Später!

Trip to a Castle

Woke to rain (are you kidding me? Still??) We were REALLY hoping for it to clear up a bit, but that just was not going to happen... so, we got ready, packed up our stuff, and headed to breakfast. Then after a short drive, we parked and had to wait in the rain for almost half an hour until we went by boat to the island Herrenchiemsee, where we purchased our tickets to visit König Ludwig II's castle. We had about a half an hour walk through beautiful green forested (wet) areas before we came upon the immense castle. Flanked on either side of the plaza were 2 huge fountains, probably the nicest I have seen. We entered the castle, and were just in time for our 11:15 English tour. OH MY GOSH!!!! I said that as we entered EACH and every room! Never in my LIFE have I seen such oppulence! There was more gold, ornate decor, paintings, furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, busts, and tapestries in one place than I EVER could have imagined! We were not allowed to take pictures inside the castle, but I have a spy, and was able to get a copy of his photo... albeit only one, you can begin to see what I was talking about. Being surrounded by such wealth and the show of said wealth and power was just mind boggling. But it was also very cold and impersonal... Even after seeing it, it still seems surreal. Just unbelieveable! After the tour ended we headed for the museum to get a little deeper look into the life of this King. And more of the same wealth, and status seen in every item that was on display there. The next item on the agenda was walking back through the wet forested path to our awaiting boat and trip back to the mainland. The hunger pangs started to hit, so we stopped at a restaurant right near where our car was parked. I had some wonderful currywurst and pommes. Then settled in for the long ride home. Thank heaven we arrived without any situation... I caught up with Uli... her special Olympics team won 2 gold medals, a couple of silver, and a bronze... way to go! Then her mother in law stopped by to say hi, and then her brother, as well. He had dinner, conversed with us for a while, had Miriam and I dancing, then finally off to bed at 2 in the morning... hasta luego!!

Off to Austria!

Since it was night when we arrived yesterday, I didn't get a chance to get a good look at the alps... well, today proved no different. Because it was STILL raining, the beautiful Alps were totally shrouded in clouds! Beautiful, white, fluffy clouds! So we could see some of the mountains, but the higher peaks were completely engulfed in the clouds and mist. Maybe later we thought... so Michael had planned for us to visit the Salzbergwerk (Salt Mountain Plant) where we had to first dress in a mining jumpsuit. Very sexy... NOT! It was the most incredible plant! I had no idea how salt (white gold) was mined. We got to ride a little train like contraption deep into the mountain (picture Thunder Mtn. at Disneyland), and it was chilly so I was glad for the ugly protection I had to wear. We reached the bottom, and were ushered into a large cavern where we would begin our tour. There was some explaining done, and Francisco and I had our English headsets on, so we could understand as well. Our next direction was to sit on this "slide" of sorts, Michael in front, then Hariett, me, then Francisco. We leaned back and SLID down this slide to the next level! It was a blast! Saw many amazing sights, heard tons of interesting facts about salt mining, and even floated in a boat across a salt water lake that was 100 meters below the earth's surface. Just incredible! Upon the completion of our tour, we were given a little container of salt! :) Our next stop was Konigssee (King's Lake), where we decided against taking a boat ride, so we would have more time in Austria! We crossed the border into Austria at 13:00 (1 p.m.) Yea! My second European country to visit! After driving a little longer, we came to Salzburg and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring (walking, in the rain) the many historical and fabulous sights it offered. We visited Mozart's birthplace, saw the massive Salzburg fortress, viewed many squares with bubbling fountains, an enormous church with such ornate embellishments, walked over the bridge to visit Mirabelle Castle (where there was a firefighter's wedding going on! Complete with a fire hose arch as the bride and groom came out!), and many streets with musicians playing their tunes. After a couple of hours we went into a restaurant for a much needed sit down break. We all ordered something to drink, and I had the opportunity to try an Austrian beer! It was good, but NOT as good as German beer! After that we walked and looked some more, then decided to call it a day and head back home. We stopped at Burger King (I know, I know, but Paco was craving fries!), and they had a big screen TV so we were able to watch part of a soccer game as we were munching away. Once we were back at the apt. everyone took a nap while I read my book. Francisco and Michael both got up after a bit, but Hariett just kept on sleeping... the three of us were hungry, so we set out in search of some pizza. Around the lake we found a great Italian place, and we had some red wine and a delicioso pizza. We wouldn't let Michael order for us, so Francisco and I were on our own. It was hilarious! We were speaking a mixture of German, Spanish, and English trying to get our point across. We sat and ate and watched a soccer game on the big screen. The cook was making eyes at me (he was like 70!) and I was cracking up! Left there with a bottle of red wine, and back to our room to hit the sack! Until Morgen!

Rainy Journey to the Alps

Arrived in the quaint town of Grabenstätt in the German Alps a little after 7 p.m. Though it rained the ENTIRE way, and it is STILL raining here, oh well... We have a beautiful place to stay, complete with a restaurant and biergarten. We unloaded our stuff, and went straight down to dinner. We were all hungry and ate quickly, then back up to the room. Our "little apartment" was indeed that! A small living room, bathroom, a room for Michael and Harriet and a room for Francisco and I. Here you will see the sleeping arrangements for us... lol! I haven't slept in a bunk bed for.... I have no idea how long!! I don' t know who snored louder, Paco, or me! Well, after dinner, Hariett was very tired and opted to stay at the apt. while Francisco, Michael and I went to check out the Chiemsee Lake. It is the largest lake in Barvaria, and it was wonderful! We parked the car and ran across the street to the shores of the lake. It was dark, and still lightly raining, but it was gorgeous! The water was coming into the shore in small waves, and just the sound of it made me homesick for Rocky Point... I, of course, had to touch the water... a bit too nippy for my taste, but I didn't have a swimsuit anyway! We just hung out for a while on the shores, and enjoyed the chilly evening, stormy skies, and good company. Then back to the apt. for some wine, more talk, and a little time for me to read before I hit the sack at midnight.

Off to the Alps!

I am off to the Alps in about an hour, and there is no access to a computer there... so, sorry, my blog is on hiatus until I return Sunday evening... I will try to update as soon as I can! Ciao!!

Playing hooky...

After a very busy school week, Francisco and I begged off for a day to sleep in... and Michael was kind enough to grant it. I slept in until 8:30 (but didn't get out of bed until 9:15) ((Francisco slept in until 10:30!)) Then I got up, checked emails and blog, then got ready to go for a ride on Max with Miriam. We arrived at the stables about 10:30 and got Max all ready. As I was watching Miriam brush, bridle and saddle Max, a cat walked by and I called him over. I started petting him, and he was purring, and in no time he had climbed into my lap. So I sat there for a while just relaxing. But when Max was ready I said goodbye to my new cat friend and climbed aboard the TALL Max. I had my riding helmet on (absolutely do NOT like it!) but my mom Uli said I have to wear it when I ride... so... I do! Let me set the picture for you about my "rides"... Miriam walks in front of us, and Max follows... really! But since I haven't been on a horse in 30 years, I say that is OK. But I even trotted a little bit on Max today! But that was it. Anyway, we went walking through the beautiful green fields of wheat, barley, potatoes, and sweet beets. Green EVERYWHERE!!! And then we walked through a bit of forrest and then back out to the fields. Very overcast, cloudy day, but luckily no rain came while we were walking. Back at the stables, Miriam took everything off the horse and I brushed him down. What a nice ride! Home for lunch, and then showers, and then the big Germany - Serbia soccer match. Germany lost... :( U.S.A. is up next... we will keep our fingers crossed.

An Entertaining Evening...

With Uli gone to the Special Olympics in Bremen, I have been left in the excellent care of her wonderful family... they prepared a delicious dinner tonight, with sausage salad, sweet beets, an amazing cheese and onion dish, and of course, brot (bread). We shared the meal, a couple of special beers and a lot of conversation. This weekend is a busy one in the household, with Simon leaving at 3 a.m. tomorrow for London, David leaving at 8 a.m. for France, and me leaving in the afternoon for the Alps... Simon will be back before I leave next Saturday (aaaahhh!), but David won't, so I wanted to be sure I got some pictures with him before he left. I knew he had a grey ASU shirt, so I told him to put it on so we would match... then I told Simon, Miriam, and Walter to get their Arizona shirts on, too, and we had a photo session... what a hoot! First Walter got some shots, then he took them again with my camera. Then David was in charge of taking the photos of Walter and me, and it got a little bit silly after that... Walter with his eyes not on the camera, Walter with his eyes closed, Walter looking grumpy... we had to take quite a few to get it right. Then David and Simon started taking pictures of themselves, me sticking my tongue out, etc. and I have all of them saved on my computer... lol. (oh ya... I am on my tippy toes in all of the shots, because the family is sooo tall!) Then we settled down to watch the Mexico-France soccer match. Mexico won... sorry Tanguy! Then off to bed. Güt nacht!

A Somber Visit...

Today Francisco, Miriam, and I met up with the exchange students at the Regensburg train station to take an hour long drive to the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp... built in 1938 to house the "criminals" and "antisocial elements" and anyone else Hitler deemed unworthy, this place was one of degregation, torture, and profound sadness... today it has become a monument to a time that the world must NEVER forget... the story here - the pictures, artifacts, and the ruins all lent to an overwhelmingly somber mood. For over 4 hours we looked at everything, listened with open ears, cried when needed, and learned an immeasurable amount while we walked through the area. It would be impossible for me to recount all that I saw today, but I will leave you with this... there was hope evident there today... flowers growing in the ruins of the once crowded barracks; young students walking through and learning about something that we must never allow to happen again, plaques to honor all those whose lives were irrevocably changed there, and Germany's willingness to acknowledge the long ago wrong and its desire to not forget, but to continue to move forward...

My new twin...

Up early and off for another day at Michael's vocational school... we spent the first couple hours with Michael (it was his birthday today!!), talking English to his students, and trying to help them not be so shy to talk to a couple of "native Americans!" lol. After our first couple of classes, we headed down to check out the Bakery, and have some goodies. On our way, we stopped at the Cosmetic Design area, and met the head teacher. We were talking to her, and to make a long story short, we were recruited to be models for their hair stylists and makeup artists... at 1:00 Francisco and I arrived at our respective appointments... Francisco was whisked away to become a stunning red-brown haired stud, while I was to receive a facial makeover. They started by dying Francisco's hair from black to blond (or as light as they could get it... it looks like sunshine yellow in the pictures...) then they added the brown-red color in. While they were working on him, I was taken into a 'spa like' room, had a big, soft towel placed over my legs, and the teacher of the class proceeded to give me a great facial while his students looked on, and practiced the same moves with their mannaquin head... no joke... well, the facial was heaven, but then I heard them talking, and the gal that was SUPPOSED to do my makeup was AWOL... oh great! Absolutely NO makeup on, and I have to make it through the rest of the day! was my first thought... but they rounded up someone, and I had some makeup put on. NOT the colors I would have chosen for myself... but ok. My bangs seemed to have gotton some greasy lotion on them from the facial, and I asked if I could get them washed. The head lady came to help me, but NOBODY spoke much English, and so she didn't understand what I needed. She just blow dryed them and they were CURLY!!! Then she wanted to do an 'up do' so, wanting to be hospitable, I said yes... wrong move! A very fancy up do from the back, but the front was a bit severe on my face... It was very nice that they wanted to practice all this on me, and they did a good job overall, but it was not ME! Francisco was finally finished as well, and we had to immediately go find Michael. I REALLY did not want to go visit his class, as I was felt I looked like an OLD LADY::: And Francisco turned out looking like my TWIN instead of the dark red brown that he had originally imagined! lol. What a crazy day!!! We waited in the car for Michael to get done with work, then we headed straight to his house (at Hariett's request) for a surprise birthday party for Michael. We had cake and champagne, then they took me home. I took a shower, got ready, and Miriam and I were picked up at 7:45... we went to a great Itallian place for dinner. Had some of Michael's friends join us, and a really good time was had by all. Home by 11:30 to do my blog, and then to bed! I am tired!!! Güt nacht!