Welcome Oktober!

Hello Friends & Family!  Herbst (Autumn) has arrived in Germany!  The days are getting shorter, gusty and occasionally rainy weather, and the need for lots of layers, scarves, and a desire to wear bold colors (as well as caramel apple ciders & pumpkiny baked goods)!  Yesterday we celebrated our first German holiday Tag der Deutschen Einheit, or The Day of German Unity, commemorating the anniversary of German's reunification in 1990.  On Wednesday my house, recently dubbed 'The Hacienda', hosted a BBQ to which we invited our colleagues.  We ate, we imbibed, we talked, we danced.  It was wonderful! Then I went with Israel to visit Heidelberg.  It was beautiful!  We went on a tour of the castle and saw the Apothecary museum which was fascinating.  Next time we visit Heidelberg I hope to catch up with my cousins, but they were at a birthday party this time around.

Beautiful facades inside the castle.

The biggest wine barrel in the world!

Overlooking Old Heidelberg from the castle.

Looking out on the old bridge in Heidelberg.

   

One reason I have fallen in love with teaching in Germany is I am finally popular for my singing!  Believe it or not, I was actually asked to do a solo in front of the whole school!!! True story - here's how it came about: Our school has a very strong foundation in music, as one of the school's founders, Bernhardt Bentgens is a musician.  I was walking down the stairs when he was working with the Gynasium (or middle school/high school) students on three part harmony with the song 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' in our school's foyer.  I stopped to watch, and when he asked for the 4th part, or the solo, no one volunteered.  Well, you know me - I volunteer for EVERYTHING, and this was no exception!  Besides, I felt that if the students saw me put it out there, they might not be so nervous. So, when the time for the 4th part came, I belted it out.  It was awesome!  Not my singing, just getting to sing a solo!  The kids LOVED it.  I received so many compliments, and when someone suggested the Gynasium students sing the song for the whole school, I was invited to do the solo part again.  Not only that, but I got to sing the Eye of the Tiger while leading my 2nd graders in the dance.  I learned quite quickly, however, that it is very challenging to sing the song AND dance to it.  But we still had fun! Well, that's all the news I have for now.  Stay tuned!