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.