I have a lot to learn.
So nearly two months after my last post - let me update you on what has been going on in the Düs!
Went back to Boston for the holidays for a much needed personal morale boost and time with friends and Glen's family. It was exactly what I needed. I returned to Germany ready to make the most of my experience.
One of the first things I did after my return was make time for myself. I found a yoga studio 5 minutes from my apartment and started attending classes. I love it. It has been good for my body and great for my mind. It provides me with a sense of clarity and functions as my de-stresser. I try to go 2-3 times a week.
When you visit, we will go.
Another thing I did was come to terms that I was not going to find decent salsa around here. So now, I make my own every couple of weeks. I am currently perfecting the balance of heat, chunkiness and flavor. Stay tuned for pictures and a jar in a super market near you.
When you visit, we will make a batch.
In mid-January I went to Berlin for work. It was bitter cold - and only a few days after they had been dumped on with 3-4 feet of snow. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to take in the sights of the city - I saw some heavy hitting monuments and historical sites from a taxi window. But, I DID see the best sand castle ever... in the middle of a mall... 20 feet tall (at least)... the pictures say it all. Berlin loves them self some Michael Jackson.
When you visit, we will go here.
Please notice the size of the woman walking by.
Messages left for the Sand King of Pop
Right after Berlin I went to Euro Disney for work. Don't let anyone fool you - it is as bad as you've heard... I actually thought it closed years ago. Surprise! Still open! What I have come to affectionately refer to as ED, is not in Paris, but 60 minutes outside of the city in the middle of nowhere. It is not warm and sunny like its California and Floridian counterparts. It is not the happiest place in Europe. And it is most definitely not a place I would go again.That being said - as an attempt to redeem Walt himself, they opened Thunder Mountain after hours just for us. I went on it four times in a row. Mom, Dad ...this may sound familiar. Yep, still able to channel my inner 7 year old and Thunder Mountain still kicks butt - even when it is so cold your fingers and toes are numb.
When you visit, we are not going to ED.
Right after ride number four on the Mountain!
French Thunder Mountain Miner & an action shot!
Sundays are still a challenge to fill since nothing is open. Nothing. Abe, Evan and I thought maybe Cologne would offer a little more since it is a bigger city. Nope, nothing open. But we did walk through the amazingly huge cathedral. Only 20 minutes by train from the Düs, I still need to explore this city.
Last weekend was Carnival - A regional celebration that takes over the Rhineland. There was a lot of build up in the office about Carnival. From what I could tell from everyone's stories - it sounded like Halloween. Five solid days of Halloween. I quickly realized I had the wrong idea when on the first day, Thursday, three strange women came into the office in costume, and fed shots to the guys in the office... at 11am. Nope, not like Halloween.
The first day of Carnival is called Ladies Night - where women cut off ties of men on the street and plant kisses on their cheeks. Also, everyone goes out, drinks, sings, dances - all in the street.
We were in the less crowded area.
Dan and Abe on Day 1
Day 3
Loved the guys costume with styrofoam skis!
C- for costumes. A+ for practical drink holders.
Parade was your normal family affair: kids, costumes, candy, German beer everywhere. ..and then there would be a float like this one - of a naked Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany).
When you visit, if it’s Carnival, we will make amazing costumes… and wear them for 5 days.
So that is the long and short of what has happened in the last month and a half. I promise to post more often!!
When you visit, I'll do a blog post about it!
