Time for another post. I've done something new, fun, and interesting every single day that I've hardly had time to sit and update my blog. One of the things that I have noticed most being here is the active lifestyle. I don't mean people wearing nike and working out at a gym. In fact, you don't really need a gym membership if you live here. People start their day early and stay busy until the day is done. There is no downtime, except gathering for the hot lunch meal- mittagessen, but then it's back to work, back to cleaning, back to tending to the garten, etc. Every minute and every hour of the day you do..something. It's really amazing because I'm not used to it, but I find that my days feel like weeks yet they fly by faster than ever. Also I feel more alert. It could be because I'm not on my computer or watching t.v. on my downtime like I did back home..any little activity uses the brain and I feel like I am taking in much more than ever before! I really appreciate the lifestyle here. And to add to that, I have never seen so many people, but more importantly elderly people, walking around and riding bikes. They're everywhere! It really really amazes you when you're not used to seeing that and every day old couples wiz passed you on their bikes without a shortness of breath. This inspires me a lot...

 So Sunday I had the entire day off and decided to go into Bonn and tour Beethoven's Haus (House). That's right, Beethoven was born and raised in this city and it just so happens that his house was one of the few that was not destroyed by bombs in WWII and is in it's original structure! I have to add an unoriginal statement here which is that I absolutely love love love history. As I have said before, the history of the U.S., let alone the West Coast, is really a speck of a speck on the timeline of the world. And with that said, I spent a very long time touring Beethoven's Haus and taking it all in. To know that the door knob I used to open the door was the same one he touched and turned many a times was so incredible to me. Everything in the house is original, so I honestly felt like I time traveled to the late 1700's and early 1800's  where this genius grew. His first orchestra piece to be published was when he was at the age of 12 in 1782. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures in the house..but I was able to see the Organ that he played on often, original letters and compositions he wrote, the ear instruments he wore when  he started losing his hearing at the age of 28, his desk with all the different things (quills, his compass, his stamp, his spectacles, etc.) that one keeps in their desk. I was also able to see the instruments that he created and played. I stood only 1 foot away from his prized piano and just to know that he himself sat exactly where I stood once upon a time playing his music.. the feeling is hard to put into words. This was by far one of the coolest experiences I've had here yet.

 Beethoven's front door. 

 

 One place inside I could take pictures, the garten.

Yo Beethoven, open up. 

After touring his house I had some time to kill before I was to meet with my family for the Roncalli Circus. So, I wondered the streets and came across a flea market. I didn't buy anything but it was so fun to wander around and look at the goods they were selling. One of my favorites was a booth selling pelts. The woman looked so traditonal European and I've really never seen something so authentic back home. 

 Just some sights on the way to the market. 

 The flea market..so cool!

Oh ya know, just another piece of historical architecture in the middle of the street. 

Continuing on, I next came across a beautiful church tucked in between all the buildings and houses. Although this church is nothing special in it's structure and decor to the people who live here, it was really an average church I came to find out, it is so beautiful to me.

 The inside and the out. It was absolutely silent inside and many candles were burning. Very tranquil...

On my way to the circus I came across this historic building the "Altes Rathaus" which means the old town hall. I wish I was with somebody who was able to tell me more about this place or who could read german. If I read it correctly, it was restored sometime in the 1600's. Forgive me, this was a few days ago and I can't remember the specific year.

This is the world famous (as Martin says) Roncalli circus. And it was absolutely amazing!!!! Even before we got into the tent the atmosphere was out of the world. This is a legit traveling circus that travels only by rail. Everything was old-time circus style: rouged lips and cheeks, big brassy lamps with round bulbs, red velvet tail coats, and all the works. The costumes were exquisite. I was especially happy to go to this circus because they don't use animals:) The only animals they used at one point in the show were horses, but they only ran in circles and patterns in the ring and were fed treats throughout their part. I didn't film the absolute craziest of acts, but that's because I was too sucked in :-) In the last video above those are 4 roller skaters on a very, very small round platform. And yes, those girls are literally spinning in the air held by two men skating beneath.

Last but not least, I don't know if I have mentioned it, but Martin is the CEO of the Concert venue/business Kunst!Rasen. Last night was the first concert (for me) of the summer. It was Crosby, Stills, and Nash! Without a doubt one of the most special shows I have been to. Although the band members are all old and greyed, they could still play the shit out of their guitars and instruments and sounded pretty damn good. They were very funny and you could tell the bond they've had over their years together. It was so cool to see this classic band right before me! 

Also, I have never been VIP anything..but because Martin is my "father" here in Germany, I am able to be in the VIP section for all the concerts. Again, I don't know how or why I got so lucky with this situation..here I was worried because I came with only 2 euros and 50 cents to the show, not enough for one beer. I was an idiot not to think of this before. So, I was pretty bummed when I arrived because I was looking forward to some food and drinks to accompany the show. Little did I know, when I found my section, there were waiters/waitresses walking around with trays of horderves free of charge. Along with a bar with endless drinks, free of charge. This lifestyle is new to me..but needless to say, I had quite a good time. 

The ever great, Crosby, Stills, and Nash!!

One concert down, 49 more to go..

I have now completed my first week here! Well, a week and a day to be exact. All is good, all is beautiful. The week was pretty easy, I just did a bit more exploring/long walks and spent more time with the kids, mostly Lotte. She is a funny and special girl. So two days ago Bonn was hit with a huge storm. I had the day off so I was able to sit on their back terrace and watch. (Video will follow.) Since I am from Oregon and I don't pay a second thought to big rain, I was so surprised to find out the the storm had severely flooded areas in Bonn- Bad Godesburg included! Carmen went to pick the kids up from kindergarten and came back in a frenzy telling me that the streets and homes were flooded, the sewer gates were off and the water was flowing out like a fountain, and the water was up to her window at one point in the drive! She said the city has never seen this and it has been quite the catastrophe. We are very lucky to live up high on a hill, so we were not affected but many people were. There was to be a concert that night but of course it had to be cancelled. I was so disappointed because I was really looking forward to listening to music in their Hofgarten. But there will be many more concerts to come. 

 

The kids and I played in the garten the next day, eating "Jungenberre"or Jungenberries and wrestling around. We also found a snail which had eyes and a nice shell home. I don't remember if I've ever seen any like that at home...if anything all I ever come across are slugs. So I liked this lil guy. 

 Checking each other out!

 In a nutshell..haha. Side note: Lotte is ALWAYS naked. Always. (Or every chance she gets.) The day I got here the neighbor called about a naked tot running down the street wearing only a pair of boots and a hat. Haha, she is a free baby!

Lotte and her face games. You can't help but love this girl. 

Last night I went to a BBQ at one of the friends flat that I met on campus in Bonn. We sat on her balcony with the sunset behind us and many candles lit. Pretty soon after we sat to eat, it started to rain. We tried to brave it by holding umbrellas over the food but we were defeated and moved inside. Even so, it was such a great time. The group consists of 6 long term good friends who all go to the University together and all major in English. This is a bonus because they can speak English so well. I really appreciate them a lot. Each person is so very different from the other and weird in their own ways but there's no judgements and they laugh and get along like brothers and sisters. I loved it! They were so warm and welcoming and I felt really comfortable being with them. We told stories and talked for hours over drinks, and as always, I about fell asleep in my chair. Since it was after midnight me and a few others caught a night bus to the Main station- where I did fall asleep :p I had to take a fast train to Bad Godesberg and had no idea what train to take and when it would come. They were so nice and got me my ticket and waited with me at the station until the correct train came and they sent me off! There are only three stops on this train--all in Bonn. Caro (one of the girls) specifically told me not to get off in Mehlem. She said "Mehlem is not the place you want to be." With that said, I missed my stop and got off in Mehlem. Luckily Carmen is so kind and insisted that I not walk home at night alone.  She was already in her car waiting for me at the other stop, only 5 minutes away by car. So she zipped over, picked me up, and I was home safe! I am so thankful to be surrounded by such friendly and helpful people..it is truly what makes this time in my life so special. My new friends are going out on the town next Friday and told me to join. So far I've only experienced the beauty in the day life, but I am excited to see the night life in Bonn as well!  

So that brings us to today. I slept in as it was a late night and had a lazy morning. Carmen told me about this Park that is connected to a forest trail about a ten minute walk from the house. It takes about 1 hour to walk to the Park but it is oh so worth it! (Not to mention the walk is gorgeous.) There, they have many live deer and pigs you can feed and get really close to. Deer are such beautiful animals and I fell in love with this particular baby. I fed them the pear I packed for myself because it was the only way to get them to come close enough! I spent about an hour there. The deer all huddled together in the middle of a field and napped so I got to read a couple chapters in my book. Now I am home, enjoying my Mittagessen and debating taking a nap myself. Or I may try to look up information to go to a new destination one of these upcoming weekends. Either way I can't go wrong:)

 I am suddenly aware that my American is showing..

 Show off.

 MY BABY!!:)

 Pear please!

 All the signs were carved in stone. Waldau is the Park, Bad Godesberg is home. 

Happiness.

I have a new idea of what the word beautiful means. Germany could have its own word for it. 

Today the weather was predicted to reach 103 degrees, and I am sure that it did. I never checked the temperature today but by the amount of sweat everyone wore it confirmed that it was zu heiss (too hot) It has been raining and flooding here until this past week so this heat and sun is the first of the year. Carmen says I brought the sun with me but then I had to remind her that I am from Oregon. And on that note, we are expecting some big thunder and lightening storms starting tonight! I am excited because of the view I will have from the back of their house:) Lightning strikes in an open sky over multiple castles....alright!

Yesterday we went to the Schwimmbad (Swimming pool). In a nutshell, the swimming pools here are INSANE. They are U.S. public pools times 100, on steroids, and there are about as many kids there as there are in Disney Land on a good day. I didn't even swim because well, I couldn't. (Also, I forgot a swim suit.) It was an early night last night which was fine with me. Again, I went to bed in a cheese and bread coma- my favorite kind.

Today Justus was in Kindergarten all day so it was just Lotte and I. She ended up falling asleep on a walk so it was a very easy day for me. Once off, I was dropped off much further in Bonn than we live. It was a totally new area. I was dropped off on the campus of the University so I could go to the HofGarten (Beer garden--yes they have one on campus!). Side note: Universities are free here. Under the German goverment Education is a basic human right that should be available to all citizens. They want people of all ages to always continue to educate themselves. So again I say, WHY CAN'T AMERICA DO THIS?!?!?!

 They don't take American dollars here so I was faced with the adventure to find a Bank and make an account. I walked for many blocks with a sweet elderly lady who hardly spoke a word of English. Even so, we had such a nice walk she held my hand and said thank you. Once I finally found the bank, I was told they needed to see my passport and Au Pair contract which I didn't bring with me so I was sent yet again on my way! I found a Reise bank which is a stand to convert your dollars into euros. On my way back to the Hofgarten I stopped in a park for some gelatto. I sat with my feet in the fountain with my favorite combination; banana and chocolate. And then finally! I got my beer. I chose a white beer with grapefruit. It was so delicious and refreshing in the heat so I had a few..:) I was sitting right on the Rhine River and again, people watching. I can't believe how lucky I am to get to do this.

Since I have no car and am waiting for proper license plates for my Vespa, I was on my own in terms of getting home. I was a ways away. (I also have no phone to use outside of the house)Luckily I met a group of students my age who spoke great English and knew which subway I needed to take. They were so nice, and one was an Au Pair in the states for three years, so we became friend via facebook and I now have some friends here who can show me around!! It was quite a long walk from my stop, but again, the scenery here is so incredible that I literally smile the whole time. In the neighborhood a man was tending to and watering his garden. As I passed he asked if I wanted to get some water on me, (remember, it's still in the 90s.) so he sprayed my feet and hands with the hose and we had a nice conversation. All the encounters that I have with the people here are so wonderful and my love for this whole time in my life just continues to grow every second and every day. 

Close to the house I happened to see the top of what looked to be a temple. I decided to check it out. It wasn't a temple but it was the most breath taking cemetery I have ever seen. In fact, it's like no cemetery I've ever seen before. I have so much to say about it but I think that the pictures will say it all. 

Again, this life at this time in this place is so beautiful, and I can't believe it's mine. 

 Mein Garten

 The Schwimmbad

 Chocolate face!! Haha, Lotte has nutella and cocoa every morning.

 The University. Well, a very small portion of it.

 I never tire of seeing this on the way home. It is St. Marian, by the way.

 The cemetery...it is just amazing.

 I've never seen such gorgeous and well kept graves..while there, I saw multiple people weeding and watering..this is a new but better world.

 Ah.

 Almost home

 Number one;)

So, another day has started here. Every morning I wake up to the sound of birds who never tire of singing and the view of a multitude of tree tops. I am so lucky to be here. 

Speaking of lucky, I couldn't have lucked out any more in terms of the family that I'm living with. They are very open, kind, honest, and want to make this the best experience for me. They have been very generous and have not asked for really anything of me. Carmen will be a mentor and friend for me throughout my stay. We both knew this before I came and now it is for sure. We both feel like we've known each other for years. She is always laughing and is so...warm. Just a very positive vibe that you can't help to love. Martin is also very kind and very smart. He knows everything about everything. Seriously. And he knows how to cook!! We have not eaten out once because each meal is made from scratch by him, and the help from the kinder :) Martin and Carmen are a good team and good friends, which makes for a wonderful home to be in. I will tell more about the kids later, but for now I will say I have never met such independent, helpful kiddos! And they know how to PLAY. They never tire from it. It's refreshing to see kids using their bodies and imagination without help from anyone all day long, and not need or use electronics!! (Applauds) They do get to watch their favorite program "Peter Pan" before bed each night, but they are not glued to or accustomed to a screen in front of their face as most of the American kids of this generation. And as a result, they learn to entertain themselves without a problem and they learn so much more about the world and how things work around them. They're always curious! So, I guess I did tell you some things about the kids after all. Ha ha. 

Yesterday was wonderful. It was just Lotte and I for the first half of the day as Justus is in the Kindergarten. We walked through the neighborhood and went to the Spielen Platz (Playground). I have never seen such a cool structure or such a clean park! Two men came and raked through the sand pit and cleaned the entire park while we were there. I asked the other woman in the park if this is usual and she said, "It's Montag" meaning, It's Monday. I am seriously impressed with this country. Every piece of land is held to a standard and each person takes care of their place. This is probably the reason why every direction you look it is absolutely green, kept, and beautiful. WHY CAN'T AMERICA DO THIS?!?!?! <------- Each day I find myself asking that more often than I could count. After my time with Lotte, the rest of the day was mine. I decided to walk into town and explore it on my own. It takes about 20-25 minutes to walk, but I took a right turn when I should have taken a left at some point, so I made it into the inner square in about 35-40 minutes. I didn't mind however because Schweinheim ("Pighome", our neighborood) is one of the nicest areas in Godesburg and the houses are amazing!! I walked slow to take in each detail. At the bottom of our connecting street there is a Cathedral which I already forgot the name of but I will ask Carmen once I go downstairs. Not a bad sight to see each day. 

The first stop I made was at the Blummen Haus where I bought a small planted shrub and a vase for some Peonies. I have decided to buy flowers each week for my room to A) be pretty, and B) get me into town and involved often. I told the woman at the stand that my German will get better and better each visit. Next, I went to an Eis Bar (Ice-cream bar) where they literally pour alcohol on your sundae of choice. Alcohol + Ice cream.. Again, WHY CANT AMERICA DO THIS?!?! I got a rum sundae, sat in a cute seat, and had fun people watching. The sundae was strong, so the people got funnier and funnier. I went to a nice Pizzeria on a terrace for dinner and then walked home. It was such a nice day. 

 When I got back to the house, Carmen and Martin had friends over for Spritze (Drinks) and cheese and brotchen (bread) out on their terrace. Side note: They have friends over almost on a daily/nightly basis. It's so fun to be with social people! We sat out there until about 1 am and I ate my weights worth in cheese. I don't feel bad about it either. 

 Die Spielen Platz

 More of the park. Mind you, this park is hidden in-between houses so you will only find it if you know about it.

 Parts of the neighborhood.

 Lotte at nap time. Sweet girl<3

 One of my favorite corners in the neighborhood. I love the pink!

 At the end of the hill.

 Ahhhh. 

 Walking home

 Where am I?!

 Peonies + Sundae = my happy place 

About 6 months ago a friend told me about the opportunities of being an Au Pair. I had never heard of this before and that night I went online to do some research. I couldn't believe I had never known about it! It consists of all the things I want and can do; childcare, new experiences, adventure, and the thing I care about most in life- TRAVELING. I was so interested and excited about it, but there were just as many things keeping me home as there were that would allow myself to go. Then a few months passed and my life unexpectedly threw me some major curve balls that had me land straight on my ass, unable to be anything but fuzzy from then on. One of the most emotional nights I was up at 3 a.m. wishing I could escape my reality with my entire being. And that's when I decided it was time. Everything in my life was pointing towards me leaving. Everything solidified that I needed a change in scenery and pace, I needed to see the world, and ultimately I needed to make my dreams a reality. Once I found my (wonderful) family and booked my one-way ticket, it was as if this invisible blind was taken off from over my eyes. It really was that. easy.  

You see, I could continue to dream about traveling the unbeaten paths in my unknown future and keep on pinning all the places I want to see before I die on Pinterest, but what does that accomplish? Nothing. What's the point of dreaming about something when you can really go out and do it?

So here goes my first blog post... 

And I have now completed day three in Deutschland!

 I can't possibly list everything I've done or observed so far because every little thing here fascinates me. It truly is a different world. Martin, the father of the family I am Au pairing for, picked me up at the air port and drove me home. He knew the history of every bridge, road, castle and sighting along the way, listing the year it was built, who built it, and why. (Most of which was B.C. and some A.C.) This alone is amazing to me as my American mentality thinks of "old" as the early 1900's. I was greeted at the house by a sign painted by Jutus (4 years) and Lotte (2) that said, "Herzlich Willkommen Sarah", or "Welcome Sarah." I was given a house tour and then we ate a delicious dinner on their balcony overlooking an AMAZING view. From the deck you can see two castles- one in ruins, and one in perfect condition. To the left is the St. Petersburg where Parliment used to stay when Bonn was the capital city. Did I mention where in Germany I am staying? I'm residing in Godesburg in Bonn, which is located in the "Rheinland" region in Germany. Rheinland is known for it's friendly people, who often have a drink in their hand. Not too shabby...

So far I have been able to go into town, walking around with Carmen (the mother) and the kids and getting a feel for the inner city. Today we went to Cologne for a horse race. It was my first time at any horse race and it was nothing short of amazing! I never thought I would be that excited watching, but I really was. I won the first two races and lost the last two. I did not profit which is why I do not gamble. Then we came home and ate a big Sunday meal which we prepared this morning. It was lovely. 

The things I have observed most in my first few days is the architecture. The houses are immaculate and each one is original. They use stone, cement, or bricks for their materials- Martin says unlike America, "we build houses to last centuries, generations. We're not just building for ourselves but these are homes for our children." Needless to say, houses do not go up in weeks timing like at home and there is no use for plaster or dry wall. All the houses are different colors or white stone, with tile roofs and intricate detailing with wrought iron and shutters. Also, most houses have blooming flowers beneath each window and a lush, full yard. It is just beautiful. 

So far I have enjoyed every second I've been here. I have been oddly quiet which probably surprises anyone who knows me. It isn't the language barrier but the feeling of anew and unusual. I am suddenly in a foreign world where even the simplest daily tasks are gone about different than I am used to. For the time being, I am just glossy eyed, staring at my surroundings. And that's okay with me because I love them. 

This is a very partial view from their house. The sounds of birds is unending and there are two bell towers that ring each day from below. 

Carmen and I at the horse race! Hats paired with Champagne and strawberries. 

In Martin's words: The ultimate junk food in Germany. Wurst in *curry* ketchup and fritz with mayonnaise. (I skipped the mayo..)

On top is sweet Lotte, and below is cute Justus. (He recently had a bike accident)

 

That is all for now! Auf Wiedersehen, xo.