A German Birthday Party

Hi! Today we celebrated Pauline’s 6th birthday party with 12 of her friends at a sort of petting zoo type place about 20 minutes from home. It was an exhausting day, but a fun one. We also went to Pauline’s kindergarten on Saturday where she and all of her classmates had had a sleepover and performed a show for us in the morning. It was adorable. Through a combination of body language and facial expressions I am quickly picking up what people are talking about, especially at the kindergaten performance, because children are so expressive. 

Back to the birthday party. There were a few adults at the soiree but I decided to stick with the kids as they went on a treasure hunt around the farm, and eventually found the booty filled with boxes of food to feed the farm animals with. It was a hilarious ending to a very detailed treasure hunt. The funniest part of the day was the kids realizing that I didn’t yet speak any German and speaking it to me anyways. Like I said earlier though, through a combination of body language and with help from some of the other kids, I understood fairly well what they were saying to me. The kids ate sausages and we fed animals and opened presents, and I ended the day by shopping with Esther (the kids’ mother) for fresh fruit and flowers from the farm’s store.

I start my language course tomorrow evening in Koln which I am super excited for. I can’t wait to meet some friends and explore the beautiful city some more. For now, it’s time to hit the hay and recharge for another exciting day tomorrow. 

Pauline’s Kindergarten show, complete with professional magician

Found a little bit of home at the “English Store” in Cologne. Check out the prices- 40 Euros + a bottle deposit for a 12-pack of Sam Adams!

 

 

The kids receiving the treasure map.

This one’s for you, Danny!

First few days

It is 11 am on my third day in Deutschland, and I’ve decided to talk about my first few adventures! I also wanted to share a few of the pictures I have taken thus far, including ones of my new home, room, and neighborhood. Today I had an appointment at the bank to set up my “cash card” (essentially a debit card) but I couldn’t find the bank… oops! Anyways, I just returned from walking Amelie and I must say I am still in awe at where the Hornig’s live. Their town, called Frechen, is more of a neighborhood that directly borders the major city of Cologne. Their subdivision is made up of gorgeous single family homes that are all impeccably maintained. However, not more than 2 blocks away are beautiful and open potato and beet fields, where the locals go running and walk their dogs. To have a place so peaceful so nearby is wonderful. The fields have many pathways that connect to different neighborhoods, but they are quite a ways away. It is simply beautiful.

The family I am living with is also wonderful. I must say, I was nervous to meet the kids for the reason that I wasn’t sure how well I’d be able to communicate with them. After saying a few introductory words to them, they both looked at me and spoke almost perfect English back to me. I was so happy! They actually speak English a little better than their parents! They are adorable and we have had a blast getting acquainted and playing. I also brought them a few pounds of candy from Ferrara Pan which they loved and ate entirely by the first night. I will post some more detailed descriptions later on but for now, it’s off the explore the area some more. Tschuss! 

 

 

“To travel is to live.” -Hans Christian Andersen

I’ve always wanted to travel, for as long as I can remember. Growing up with a brother living in Asia only intensified that desire. Once graduation came near, I saw my opportunity. No debts, no career, no significant other- nothing was holding me back from experiencing other countries. After boatloads of research and finding the perfect family, it was settled. I would move to Germany for 12 months and aupair for the Hornigs in Frechen, Germany. I had never been more excited for an adventure in my life. So here I am on my second day in Deutschland, and I can already tell that this is going to be an amazing year. So far there has been a lot of assimilating and running around, but I couldn’t be happier. More details about my first couple of days in the next post. But for now- the important stuff, aka, picking up Pauline from school and not getting lost, and making my first trip to the supermarket and SURVIVING! I’ll explain that more later though. For now, it’s off to bed for me. Another fun, busy day lies ahead of me tomorrow. Tschüss! 

Part of my welcoming committee at the airport, 8 year-old boxer Amelie! We’re best friends already.