My German Anniversary!!!

Well, I have officially been living in Germany for a year now, and what a year it's been. I've learned a lot, grown in my profession, met some incredible people and made a few awesome friends. I've visited a bit of Europe and am looking forward to new adventures!

I apologize for abandoning my blog and losing contact at the beginning of this year. My world was quite a bit crazy and it's taken this long to get back on my feet. I'll try to sum it up for you.  Just after the new year, when I was happily teaching my adorable 2nd graders English, math & science, as well as math and science to my wonderful 5th & 6th grade, one of my colleagues was inexplicably let go. It was unfortunate for MANY reasons, one of which was when I was asked to take over his upper classes: 7th-10th science & 9-10th math.  I was hesitant, as half of those classes are outside my certification; but I love math & science, I wanted to be a team player, and I was promised assistance. Sadly, it required that I no longer teach 2nd grade. Instead I devoted ALL my energy to my new classes. Well, it didn't progress as smoothly as hoped. I spent many long hours trying to serve my students' needs, but to be honest I was not the right person for the task.  I did my job to the best of my ability, and spread myself too thin doing so.  Additionally, the school lost other amazing teachers and was operating on a skeleton crew - less than optimal learning conditions.  Due to some additional challenges, I had to move out of the teacher house I had been renting a room at on fairly short notice.  Fortunately the FABULOUS friends I've made came to my rescue, helped me move, and patiently waited until the perfect opportunity landed at my feet thanks to the networking of my cousins. I was happy in Heidelberg for the final 3 months of my last contract, despite the hectic hours coordinating classes at school.

I am happy to report that, through an incredible stroke of luck, I landed my dream job! I am now living in Wiesbaden, teaching 5th grade Language, Science, Social Studies and Maths at Frankfurt International School's Wiesbaden campus in Naurod. This is such a spectacular opportunity for me because the school teaches the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program curriculum, which aligns closely with my personal teaching philosophy! The instructors are every bit as high caliber as my colleagues at my last school.  The bonus is that this school has a wealth of resources and support.  I am impressed and delighted each day as I learn and grow; my students are about to finish our first week together and I am looking forward to an epic year with them.  I count my blessings everyday.    
I am grateful for your love and support! I would not feel successful, and indeed may not have survived this past year without the enduring encouragement I have received from those special people in my life.  I hope you know who you are, but just in case, here's a shout out to some of you whom I appreciate more than I can express (in no particular order): Kyle, Angela, Eric, Greg, Suzanne, Harper, Illia, Sina, Sebastian, Catherine, Kathryn, Melek, Ingvar, Alicia, Jeremy, Chris, Trek, Sean, Bogdan, Louise, Charlie, Trish, Mike, Andrea, Michael, Michale, Isaac, Bridget, Patrick, Casey, Chase, Justin, Marci, Angie, and Israel. This is in no way a comprehensive list, and many more helped me through this year, but to the ones listed, I am most grateful.  I always love you and if you ever need anything from me, I hope you never hesitate to ask!

New Year Adventures!

Happy new year, friends and loved ones!  I hope your holiday was marvelous.  Mine was a wonderful adventure!  Israel and I had initially intended to welcome the new year in Paris, but due to the staggering costs of visiting that city during the holidays, we opted for a different locale.  My super smart cousin Kyle told me that he'd read Amsterdam was the place to be December 31st.

So we chose to travel north on his recommendation, and are so glad we did!  As Israel works the night shift, and we wanted to get an early start, I drove and he rested.  We arrived at the Ibis Hotel West just before dinner.  We had a snack, then he slept while I ventured down town to pick up our I AMsterdam passes.

This little red card was a wonderful investment - if you are planning to travel to Amsterdam, I highly recommend it!  http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/deals/i-amsterdam-city-card  We opted for the 48hr pass, which allowed us free access to public transportation and admittance to most museums for a free or reduced rate, and random freebies around the city for 48 hours!

When I returned to the Ibis, we went for dinner and then headed downtown to explore. There was so much to see!  When midnight came, we were near the docks and watched a fantastic fireworks display.  But that wasn't all.  As we continued to wander, fireworks were lighting off all over the city.  Over the red light district there was a dueling display, as if two separate parties were competing for the best show - spectacular!

Sadly, our phones ran out of juice, so we were unable to record our own footage, but this is a taste of what we witnessed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqgqrusHxpk  So, if you're wondering where to go next year, try the Netherlands!

Because we covered a lot of ground, a sleeping injury in Israel's foot was aggravated, to the point that he could not put any weight on it the next day.  I left him resting as I ventured out to find him ibuprofen (he had already consumed the last of his supply), and see a bit of the city for myself!  I was on a mission to find a sweater that looked cute on me.  Sadly, my mission failed, but I still saw interesting things.

The day off did the trick for Israel, and with the next day we were able to see some sights!  After a hearty breakfast, we set out for the Hermitage Amsterdam, a satellite of the original Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.  It was very interesting!  My favorite exhibit was one about how astronauts returning from space develop an interesting propensity for creating art.

We then were total tourists, taking photos with the giant I AMsterdam display, wandered through another museum (literally, the street goes right through it), and learned about distillation at the House of Bols.  We intended to take a night canal cruise ride, but the line was over an hour long so we put it off in favor of taking in more sights.

Our final day in Amsterdam was a bit gray and drizzly, but that didn't slow us down!  We visited the Van Gogh Museum, and through the art scavenger hunt (admittedly designed for children), I deepened my appreciation for the Dutch artist's work.

My favorite exhibit here, was actually the restoration and authentication exhibit, where electron microscopes were set up to get a VERY close view of Van Gogh's work - super interesting.  I guess that's the nerd in me coming out!

We were impressed by the Heineken experience - up close and personal with beer brewing experts.  We were even able to 'help the brewer', which was of course my favorite part.  Oh - bonus: I earned an extra sample of beer by answering a question from our beer tasting instructor!

The Heineken Experience was MUCH larger than we thought it would be, and we were famished as well as exhausted by the end, so after a quick Chinese dinner, we headed back to Germany!

School started back up with a brand new schedule which I really appreciate!  I teach math or science first thing in the morning.  There is also plenty of time to coordinate with other teachers, and one morning or afternoon devoted to just planning for each teacher.  

I am starting a letter/pen pal unit with my students and need examples to show them. Please send me letters, post cards, etc. My address is: Adolf-Loos-Weg 55, 68519 Viernheim Germany.  You may also send me a letter at the school: Walter-Gropius-Allee 3, 68519 Viernheim  Germany. Not only would I LOVE to hear from you, but you'd be REALLY helping me out and I PROMISE you will receive a letter back!   There it is, you are all caught up on my year so far.  Tune in later for more updates!  Tchuss!

Thankful! (The missing blog post - found! But no pictures...)

Hello again, dear friends and family!  It's been far too long since my last post, but I have been very busy with school and extracurricular activities.  So... let me see if I can catch you up on my adventures.  One of my professors from the HU105 program, Susie Bollinger visited her son Zach for Thanksgiving here in Germany.  Not ONLY did I get to visit with her, which was wonderful, but she brought me presents in the form of books to help me nurture academic growth in my students, and her family invited me to join them for a lovely and delicious Thanksgiving feast!  Since our International school has quite a few American students, we were able to enjoy a long weekend, as well as an international pre-Thanksgiving dinner for the staff the weekend before.  I brought Israel, and he was able to finally meet many of the people from my stories about school.

After Thanksgiving weekend, which was a nice little fall break, we headed full throttle into the Christmas Season!  I have had the opportunity to visit several Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas Markets in English.  These are wonderful open air markets that serve traditional German winter foods, including the ever popular Gluhwein (a hot spiced wine), wurst, crepes, and flammkuchen (a thin crust pizza).  Nearly every market is beautifully decorated with lights, has a nativity, and large beautiful Weihnachtspyramide, large wooden carousel structures with propellers that rotate, causing the scene within to spin.  The Market vendors sell locally made as well as more exotic wares.  I did purchase myself a pair of finger-less furry gloves that I adore!  Tomorrow the entire school will be visiting Mannheim's Weihnachtsmarkt - it should be a lot of fun!

I broke down and purchased a new pair of ice skates.  Our school is next door to an ice arena, and during the first three weeks of December I get to take my 2nd graders ice skating every Wednesday morning!  There is an ammateur hockey league that plays, and after expressing my interest to join at the local pro-shop, I was given a great deal on my new Eastons.  I'm breaking them in, but it feels SOOOO good to be back on the ice! Now I just need to acquire some gently used hockey gear, and I'll be set!

Three more exciting things happened:  I received an early Christmas gift: a FABULOUS bike.  A beautiful silvery blue, complete with front lights, back lights, and a bell (all required by German law), and bonus LED lights on the wheels and a WORD lock.  How cool is that?!?  Thank-you, Israel! Next: I FINALLY have a cell phone to use while in Germany!  I will work on linking a US number to my German number so you can easily and inexpensively reach me.  In the meantime, if you would like my German number simply message me.  I also use Viber, Skype, and WhatsAp!  And finally - it started snowing!  Briefly, and it didn't stick, but it made me happy none-the-less!

I will continue to post, and hopefully more frequently.  I love and miss you!  Tschuss!!!

Where, Oh Where, Has My Last Post Gone? November ReCap and December in Deutschland

Dearest friends and family, it would seem that my last post never actually posted!  You may have been wondering why I have been so quit, as much too much time has passed since I have written.  So, here is a quick recap of what you would have read, had the post not vanished:

November was wonderful!  I attended a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at the beautiful home of our school directors in Heidelberg.  It was delicious, and Israel was able to meet most of my colleagues and their loved ones, as well as two of my loved ones: Kyle & Angela. 

I was very fortunate to see one of my professors here in Germany, as she was visiting her son and daughter-in-law for Thanksgiving.  Not only did Susie Bollinger give me presents (excellent texts I can use in my teaching over here), but her family invited me to Thanksgiving Dinner which was so yummy! 

To wrap up the month I received an early Christmas present – a beautiful new bike (thanks, mein Liebling)!

 December was full of activity! Germany is famous for it’s Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas Markets.  They are fun and festive, with lots of opportunities to buy classic or unique gifts for you loved ones as well as enjoy traditional fare such as Glühwein (hot mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.  The first one I experienced was in Kaiserslautern with Israel.  It was small and crowded, but we enjoyed the Glühwein, nativity, and bonfire.  We had embarked with the intention of purchasing Christmas gifts, but were a wee bit disappointed in the selection.  However, it was the first week of December, and perhaps not all the venders were ready with their wares.  I visited the Landstuhl Weihnachtsmarkt the next night solo.  I was relieved to find many more booths and handmade craft items!  Then I visited the two in Viernheim, one with my friend and colleague Alicia and the other on my own.  I visited the three Mannheim Weihnachtsmarkts with my students – it is an annual tradition for the school!  Mainz & Trier I experienced with Israel while also visiting UNESCO sites, then strolled through the Heidelberg market with my friends Suzanne, Greg, and their two sweet children.  My final Weihnachtsmarkt adventure was in Essen with Kyle and Angela.  I now feel an overwhelming urge to drink hot wine and eat currywurst whenever I think of these holiday markets!

Mannheim

Heidelberg

Kaiserslautern

Mainz

Trier - look closely, it a symbol from Carcasonne!

UNESCO Site in Trier

Another memorable December activity was ice skating with my 2^nd graders.  For three Wednesdays in December we went skating, I in my new Easton ice skates.  It was so fun, and oh how I miss playing hockey.  Let’s see if the new year finds me again in pads, shooting the puck with my hockey stick!  It’s entirely possible, as the local EisSportHalle is next door to my school, less than a 10minute walk away!!! 

I spent Christmas with my cousin Kyle, his beautiful Angela, and her loving family in Essen, Germany.  I learned to make tamales, which were fabulous, and saw an enormous cathedral in Köln, explored the outskirts of Essen and discovered a hidden well café, where I ate my first German cupcake!  Of course, being the gamer that I am, I may have spread my love of board games around with Christmas gifts of Munchkin & the Settlers of Catan (both in German) to Angela’s two brothers, but they seem to enjoy playing, so I am very content!  I also played Dixit for the first time – quite an interesting and fun little game.  It’s like Balderdash, only with art instead of words.

One more thing I need to mention – I went dancing twice with colleagues at Zapattos, a salsa club in the Mannheim train station!  I look forward to getting my groove on there again, as it was tremendously fun!  I am very blessed to have the wonderful friends, colleagues, and family that support me on my adventures.  Thank-you to you all, I am happier because you are in my life.  Good luck in the New Year! (I will be welcoming it in Amsterdam!)  Tschuss!!!

Clever Students Stick Together & Other Adventures!

Wow, it's been nearly 3 weeks since I've last posted - and what a busy 3 weeks they were!  Our school had it's first two week holiday, but every teacher gets to teach a 'camp' for one week during holiday, and the last week of October was mine!  I had planned to teach a duct tape camp with my good friend and colleague Suzanne, but she was moved to another camp, so my flat mate Amos assisted me.  What creative and interesting campers we had!  They crafted so many things from duct tape: wallets, purses, hats, masks, even bats, dragons and models of famous structures!  I was very impressed.  A special thank-you to Israel, who brought us reserve duct tape in our hour of need (the students went through it much faster than I had anticipated) and even organized a game of kick ball with the campers!

  
I was lucky enough to see TWO double rainbows!  Both days were very lucky for me!

We also visited the beautiful and historic city of Nuremberg.  We walked around the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), shopped in the old town, ate some of the famous Nuremburg sausages, visited the Speilzugmuseum (toy museum), the Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelande (Documentation Cetnre Party Rally Grounds) and St. Sebalds, a reconstructed cathedral.  It was an amazing trip, full of interesting sights and good company!

  

Finally, I participated in my very first St Martin's Day lantern parade.  I had my own lantern with a lit candle!  We marched around school and then enjoyed bread men and warm punch!  It is a fun winter tradition.

Oktober Continues!

Hello friends and family!  It's been nearly two weeks since I've posted, and the coolest thing to happen in that time is the Halloween party at school.  I helped my friend and former flat mate Suzanne, our school's Spanish teacher, with the Dia de Los Muertos celebration.  We made pan de muerto and bright paper flowers.  She painted us both as sugar skulls, and as my friend said, very calavera (referring to artistic representation of skulls).  The students all dressed up, as did the teachers.  It was very fun!  Then we have been on break for the past week.

Dress rehearsal - Suzanne is SO Talented!

2nd Grade All dressed up for Halloween

Preperamos pan de muerto.

Serious about bread making!

The Skeletons of 2nd Grade!

Unfortunately, due to limited funds and large quantities of planning, I have not gone on any adventures, other than a trip to Ikea and a night on the town in Mannheim!  Next week I will be conducting a 'Duct Tape Construction Camp' at school.  That should prove interesting!  I will keep you posted!

Oktoberfest and Other Awesome Adventures!

Well, loved ones, I made it to Oktoberfest.  I didn't think I would this year...  I wasn't sure if I would have the time or the funds, but the opportunity presented itself and I went.  It was wicked fun!  We didn't have reservations, as it was sort of a last minute decision, but thanks to my charm we still managed to participate.

 We were allowed to sit on the porch of a 'beer tent', but were told it was impossible for us to sit inside without reservations, as it was the last week of the year.  So we sat at the wooden bench and table, ordered beer and chicken, and watched the craziness around us.  The chicken, kraut, and potato dumplings were delicious, and the beer was epic. I do not believe I have EVER consumed a beer quite as large as this one, but my goal was to finish it, and I succeeded.  It was as big as my face!

While we were enjoying our food and beverage, a couple sat down at our table.  We started speaking in German, but quickly realized we were all from the USA, and quickly switched to English!  The husband had recently retired from the army and was teaching at a military school near Stuttgart.  They had lived in Germany for several years and gave us many great suggestions of places to go and things to do!  By the time I finally finished my beer, I decided to visit the toiltte, so I wandered nonchalantly into the beer garden.  When I came back out, Israel had gone in to do the same, so when he returned, we just decided to join the party inside!

I may have consumed another beer while inside the tent...  And made quite a few friends!  Since we didn't have reservations, we did not have seats at tables. However, lots of people mill about, and we just wandered up to a table at a corner near the music.  Me, being the outgoing person that I am, introduced myself and met a group that were there for a work function - how cool is that?! They were all IT types, so much of what they did was difficult for me to understand, but we all enjoyed singing 'Sweet Caroline' at the top of our lungs, and the language barrier was only a minor inconvenience!

But Oktoberfest hasn't been my only adventure this month!  Last weekend I traveled with my flat-mates Suzanne & Greg, along with their two children to Speyer, where our colleague Catherine lives.  She plays professional basketball and is one of the star players for the Speyer Towers.  She was fantastic!  She made a three point shot in the last 13 seconds of the game to make the score 100 to 58!  Before her game, she 

showed us around her town and took us to a super cool museum of automotive history and technology! There were submarines, motorcycles, a space shuttle, helicopters, and jets - even a nifty lego StarWars model. Several of the airplanes were suspended in the air with giant tubes to slide down.  So fun!

Oh and a park, where the jungle gym was a spider, so children can climb up and wander through, learning about what happens on the inside - so neat!!!  The buildings in the town were beautiful, too!  I am excited to visit Speyer again!  Well, I need to get back to lesson planning.  Stay in touch - I miss you!