Update from the bus

Update from the bus

Well, I'm in Nuremberg. I'm staying with a friend of a friend and it has been such a blessing, seeing as I'm fresh out of money. (okay, not really fresh out... I've been out if money for awhile) anyway, the family. The parents are the only ones who speak English and they have been feeding me like i'm one of their own... There are 3 kids and they all learn English in school, but like most Germans are too shy/scared to use it. I've played with the youngest (Simon,10) quite a bit... we can do things without talking much and body language gets us by when words do not! I will however say... Playing monopoly (a game I am less than fond of) in a language you don't speak with a child who doesn't speak your language is quite a challenge. He could have played me a fool and I'd never have known (nor would i have cared, it being monopoly and all...) As a matter of fact, he did win... Regardless, it was fun and quite the learning experience. We taught each other how to say things like, "your turn" and really high numbers (generally the money I was owing him...) in our own language. And when all else failed... We brought dad in to translate!

On Thursday, I went into town with Eva. I am insanely jealous of her beautiful 45 minute bike ride to work which happens to go through the forest. It was wonderful! She "dropped me off" at the town square where there is an information office around 8:15. The office didn't open until 9, so I sat on a bench reading a book and watching all the people set up the market. I eventually went to the toy museum and did a walking tour of the city. THEN... Rode 45 minutes home. Good thing I'm in pretty good shape!

That night I went with the family to Anna's(oldest) school concert. She goes to a musical highschool here and they were having their end of the year show. (kids here still have 2 weeks of school left...) it was such a blast! They surprisingly sang/performed quite a few songs in English. I had so many thoughts and feelings about the show, I couldn't wait to talk about it. But when we got in the car, the discussion happened in German-- of course. It was strange to not be able to express your appreciation and excitement with anyone. I found myself in that moment very sad I don't speak German.

On that note, I feel like my German is getting better. I can pick up on words, context and body language so sometimes I actually know what is going on. When Eva (mom) translates for me and I already knew what was going on I get so excited!!

Today (Saturday) I went to the nazi rally grounds. It was a very sobering experience. Back up... Bus ride. Some event was going on at the stadium right by the grounds so the bus only hook me halfway to the museum. So I walked. In the rain. And I had no clue where I was going. I had asked the bus driver, but seeing as he didn't speak English, he wasn't much help except to tell me by walking his fingers along the desk my feet were clearly my transportation. There were alot of people walking one direction... So I followed them. I thought if I didn't end up where I wanted to be, at least I'd end up with alot of people! (this was a terrible way of thinking, i know) I kept walking... In the rain. Good thing I was smart and took my rainjacket, eh? (yes... Except, while it keeps all water out, it also keeps all water in-- i.e. My sweat... The inside of my coat was like a sauna!) I eventually saw the congress building hitler built that the tour guide from yesterday pointed out. I still wasn't sure how to get there seeing as there was a large lake between it and me. Regardless, it was a photo op. Eventually I made it. (Did i mention it was raining. Pouring, actually) And like I said, it was very sobering. A stark realization before my eyes of things I had only read about. It stirred up quite a bit of anger and sadness within me. The story is just horrific. When I left and set out on my trek back to the bus station, I saw that I had walked straight through so much of the grounds without knowing it on my way in. Pictures soon....

Note to everyone about audio guides: you have one in your language, I have one in mine. There's a reason for that... So we all understand. But you see... I can't hear mine even though it's pressed against my ear when yours is on loud enough you can hear it from its resting place on your lap. Catch my drift?

After weeks of traveling, trains and hostels it's been nice to be part of a normal family for a few days. Tomorrow I leave for Brussels to meet back up with kels. I'm ready to be rooted somewhere for awhile. Home in 4 days.