Travel slow, see more..

I am getting more settled here as my schedule is becoming constant and my sleep schedule is finally in place. I am now able to go to bed before 2 or 3 a.m. which the first month here I never could! I am really happy that I am traveling the way that I am. I feel like I am getting the most authentic and full experience and understanding of Germany, and the European culture. I am not here for a few weeks or even a term in school with other students, but I am living the day to day life with a German family and I am thrown into this world for exactly what it is. It is really one of the coolest things I've ever experienced and so far I'd say this is one of, if not the best, chapter in my life thus far. 

So, last weekend I met up with a friend Christopher in Bruhl a city not far from Bonn on the fast train. Christopher is a son of the our long-term family friends, the Ingenhutts. He was born just the month before me and so we have literally known each other since the diaper days. It had been a little over 10 years since we last saw each other so it was really cool to meet as adults, catch up, and explore the Augustusburg Palace together! The palace was absolutely amazing, and there were so many intricate details in every inch of each room it almost hurts the eyeballs--but in a good way. Again, I am just amazed with the work and dedication people put, and have put, into the architecture here. It's something I'm not used to and so I am still shocked every time I experience this. This Baroque palace was built in the 18th century by the archbishop of Cologne, Clemens August of Bavaria. It took 61 years to finish. This palace was actually just a summer home for him, all 8 floors by what Christopher and I calculated, and occasionally he would stay there on his way to his other residences. Apparently the life of an archbishop was the one to live during the 1700's. 

 Old man would not move his head.....

 At a side view up the grand stair case. Unfortunately we couldn't take photos, I tried but was caught as soon as we went up the stairs. Above this is an amazing painted dome that I wanted so badly to capture.

The room for the dinner parties.

 Further down we came to this huge pond. All I needed was a paddle boat and a book.

 

Christopher and I after a long day of touring, talking, walking, and eating a fantastic meal on the palace grounds.

I haven't been able to travel around or do as much as far as my own activities the past couple weeks due to the Sprachschule (language school). I have it every morning of the week and then watch the kids as soon as I am home until evening. Luckily this course is only 4 weeks so I will again have some free time to go out more and enjoy the last month of the summer! Nonetheless, I am very happy to be taking the class and learning more of the language. I am lucky to live with a family who pays and provides that for me. 

The other evening while the kids were watching their show, I decided to paint my nails since they have been naked for a month or two. For the record, Carmen is not into cosmetics so nail polish is foreign in this household. Justus caught me painting my nails and immediately said "Ich auch!" (Me too). I told him it was only for ladies, trying to persuade him otherwise because I didn't know how  Carmen and Martin would like it, but he insisted. I agreed to paint one thumb, and his face brightened so much. So, he ended up with a full manicure and pedicure. And, of course, little miss Lotte too. No body wants to be left out! 

 Nail party!!

Blowing his fresh painted coat :)

Because I am relying on public transportation while I'm here, I generally have about 20 minutes after class before my train comes. I decided to walk around and explore more streets this week instead of sitting at the station reading my book. Here are a couple snap shots of the inner city in Bonn. 

 Part of a Blumen Haus. I am in love with all of them.

Treat by the fountain...vanille croissant and erd berres. Translated as "Earth berries" aka, strawberries.

On Friday night we went to a graduation and birthday party of Carmen and Martin's old neighbors. Their daughter Nicole, who works at Kunst Rasen, graduated this month and her mother was celebrating a belated birthday. It was such a fun party. Lots of good food and most importantly, good drinks. I have really grown to love wheat beer so I had more of that than anything else. Every body that I've met here has been so kind and open that it just makes my time here that much happier and enjoyable. Of course this is a generalization, but it's not an exaggerated one when I say that the people here live a simpler life, but at the same time it's much richer than what is the "norm" back home. People are very much themselves and it's not about the outward appearance you make of yourself or your life. Everyone I've met has been so honest and so real that I finally feel like I am in a place where I can be that way too without being labeled as rude. I have found a place for me.

On Saturday night Dieter Thomas Kuhn came to Kunst Rasen. He and his band dress head to toe in the classic 1970's gear including bangs shaped into waves, sequined suits and collared shirts, and unbuttoned shirts revealing tons of chest hair. This was a big event and each concert goer dressed appropriately to the era and many wore full costumes. This was hands down the weirdest, but one of the most fun, concerts/ experiences of my life. The band played what would be considered classic German folk music, which was actually really dorky in my opinion. The crowd was so energetic that it didn't matter. Everyone was passing big buckets of beer over head and singing loudly and proudly, as well as dancing. It was so so fun! 

Carmens' sister-in-law and her daughters.

 Channeling my inner flower child.

 

  

 After the concert there was a "Silent Disco" inside the tented area at Kunst. This is the first time I've ever experienced this, let alone heard of it. Basically, each goer gets a pair of headphones that has two channel options which are connected to two live DJ's so you can choose which channel you want. The thing that struck me was when I first walked into the tent; it looked like a club scene, colorful lights, people dancing all over, and a stage with DJs...except there was no music. haha! It is so funny to observe this when you don't have the head phones on. One woman was even making her own music on a bucket drum and she could seriously play! Carmen loved it so much that we stayed until the music stopped at 2 am. Lucky for me I got to sleep in until 11 on Sunday morning and I didn't even miss breakfast :)

 Sunday breakfast on the terrace. This was before the meat and cheese board came onto the table as well.

 After breakfast I packed an apple along with my new book and some water and headed to a small beach on the Rhine. I spent hours laying on hot golden sand, reading in a silent breeze, and soaking in the sun. I don't know the last time I've been this relaxed- mind, body and soul. My view of these two castles were actually very close and much bigger than in the picture. My iphone zooms out on my subject and isn't true to size. Underneath the castles and all along the hill sides are vineyards. A beautiful view in every way. 

 Not a bad view to have for a couple hours with a great new book ;) I will definitely be coming back here on my Sunday's from here on out. It was a small and silent slice of heaven.

I love this life.