Not a professional blogger

I guess i should apologize for being so absent for the past week +, but then i'm really not.  I said in my first post this whole blogging this was not a hobby of mine. I honestly forget i even have a blog. I'll try my best to get better.

After spending a week in Berlin I've spent my last week or so actually settling into my new home for the next year: getting to know the town and family.  I will say the biggest thing i have had to get used to, is a twin bed.  I have had a queen bed for the past 5+ years and to go from queen to twin is very difficult. My body is finally adjusting, but i actually had bruises on my knee right in the beginning because i kept hitting the wall.
Also: the food, i really need to start exercising.  I'm not sure if its because i wasn't eating a lot of meat at home from being a vegetarian for so long, but geeze louise i'm always hungry here. Its all just so delicious i can never say no (for anyone who knows me: cheese is a huge thing here). I need to turn over a new leaf.. already and start balancing out my food intake. crap.

The Education system is soo different here than in the states.  One its like "part time school" for all ages. Antonia most days is home by 1; which is so weird for me to grasp.

Pia started her first FIRST day of school (1st grade) which is a very big celebration; so precious.  For the most part all children gather with their families at church in the morning followed by a play put on by the older kids of the school.
All children have what is called a Schultüte or a "school cone," decorated by their mothers or fathers and filled with mostly candy but some little games as well. It has been a tradition for many years and treated  as a very special occasion. I couldn't understand the play, but i recognized the music which was cool!


Along with being part of Pias first day of school, i was also part of Greta learning to ride a two-wheeler!

Greta for the first time on a two-wheeler (i let go very soon after this)!

Pia with her Schultüte, Greta, Mema and I on Pia's first day of school!

Coming up:

1. Stuttgarts Oktoberfest: Wasen

2. Munich Oktoberfest.

--->good thing im a 'beer girl'

Brandenburger Tor and Parliament!

like a New York City, but obvs better!

I've spent the last few days visiting the city of Berlin, home of the great wall and a lot of history to say the least.  Its a shame to admit this, but my camera died 2 days into the 5 day trip because i was taking so many pictures, were they good? probably not. but hey keep sake.

We stayed in a family friends flat right in Berlin, falling asleep to the party goers every night, relaxing or just envious i shall never know.  It was like a New York City, i always think/thought i knew where i was and then ended up in a new spot.  The whole time i thought of my dad, yes dad you were on my mind the whole time.  Not only because i miss you (and mom and kristen) but because this city is full of war history and i know how much you love reading about it. The remnants of the Berlin Wall consisted of organized graffiti, if you know what i mean.  Blocks of sayings like "peace and love," and picture of famous people etc. We ate at restaurants that were to die for, as well as restaurants with famous people of parliament, news channels and for Antonia the TV star of 'Germanys MTV.'

On the third day of our mini vacation i found myself sitting in on a parliament speech. AKA if i was in america id be sitting in the white house listening to barack.  I couldn't understand a thing, but come on still really cool, ive been in the white house of Germany.

German Language:  I'd like to think i'm recognizing words or phrases.  With Pia and Greta i know the essentials

1. " Im thirsty"
2. "lets face paint"
3. "Read Twinkle Twinkle to me"
4.' i want chewing gum'

it's a start to say the least, but even listening to the parliament speech i could recognize words and phrases, which for me i get really excited about.  I told Antonia, i just want to wake up one day and know german... so cool... she laughed like i had 5 heads.

(Matt if youre reading this, dont think im copying you).
European Keyboards SUCK.  I didn't have internet in Berlin, so i found myself in a little internet cafe every few nights checking mail and staying in contact with friends and family who should know i was still alive. For starters the first night the computer wouldn't even turn on, and of course they didn't speak english.  I need to work on communicating with my hands. the question mark and the shift key, why the fuck would you put it where it was.  Until i read Matt's blog i had yet to figure out where the question mark was (so thanks, matt- glad someone else is struggling with this too). I found myself writing an email and typing (question) at the end, desperate much?

For mom:  Germany has hills.  Driving back from Berlin i found myself hitting shuffle on my iPod and looking out the window... it reminded me of 88 going to Ithaca, which was bittersweet.  The only part that was fascinating, there would be rolling hills of green and farm then every so often a little cute town with white house and chalk-like roofs (88 doesn't have that).

Im currently looking at a baby lizard crawling on my floor. I didn't think i was in Aruba. Im gonna go take care of that.
Next stop: Paris, i hope!

ps. just a reminder i DO NOT re over this so i apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes.

Germany: where you drive a bike and ride a car

After a long day (night) of traveling i finally arrived in Stuttgart, Germany where i was greeted with kisses, hugs, pictures and minnie mouse ears at the train station!  My journey over here was easy for the most part, except i will never travel alone with two big suitcases and a big golf bag again... but then again I would hope not every airport doesn't have ANY elevator working! I must have screamed American, with my big backpack, alone and a cart piled with luggage.

note to all future travelers:  airport luggage carts are not meant to be used on escalators, just elevators.  And if you have to resort to a cart on an escalator- you better be strong and hang on tight!

I arrived at 10:00am, 4:00am at home:  I know i was too excited to even think of being tired and i just wanted to keep active so it wouldn't hit me! My first say was overwhelming and exciting.  Had to fill out paperwork etc then went to a family friends house.  I CAN NOT wait to know the language, i feel like i just sit there staring at everyone.  I recognize some words, but not even close to understanding what they are saying!

The second day we ate at Steffi's brewery/old restaurant then i explored town with Antonia.  She is my saving grace, she translates everything for me.. and i hope i'm helping her learn more english too!

my first picture in Ludwigsburg.  A chapel in their market!

Pia and I: my little buddy:)

terms thus far:

ice= ice cream

ein paar bier= a few beers

halb voll= half full ( for Apo (Grandpa, in relation to wine))

I'm glad I'm not a vegetarian anymore, i would be screwed! every meal has some sort of meat and if you don't like the meat you are starving as there is not much more to go with it!  Cheese and bread are all always part of a meal aka im in love aka i need to start exercising!

Blogs will be ended abruptly.  

Tschuss for now!