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..