Oh the places you'll go..

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.