The Return.....

I told you so!

No matter which class you are in..   the last thing I said to you was "Ill be back soon, do don't do anything stupid!"


Well, I'm coming back!

Basically, those of you who know me well, will know that I am now back at Uni ..  I have SUFFERED 2 German lessons..  and I have decided that Its not as good as where I was, so i have to come back to speak more German!

Well, When I decided to come back. there were 3 major issues..

1) How am I going to get there?
2) When am I going to go?
3) How many German Lectures can I avoid in one go

Well, the answers are as follows

1)  KLM..  no other option really...  hopefully, they will remember my bag this time

2) When?? There is only one option really..  KALTERMARKT!
3) this is only a guess, but experts seem to think about 6


I have missed germany since leaving. I have had a hell of a summer that meant that I have not had much time to miss it, but there were times when I was all up for flogging my xbox and selling my brother to go back again. though that would only make me about £100 and the xbox is worth £99.   Still, It seems like every day at some point I think "what was i doing 1 year ago?"  or telling someone about what I did in germany - even if they don't seem to care!

After a lot of thinking - I decided that I deserve it. I worked hard over the summer and I am desperate for a break. So this is it. Admittedly, I want to put everything else on hold until it happens, but it gives me a chance to get over and have a real break


The best part so far, is that with all of my KLM miles..   It has only cost me £86 return!!





IMMA COMING SCHLÜCHTERN!!





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgu6EeyAz1Q

It was going to happen Eventually...

That time has come. In 72 Hours, Ill be back in the UK.

This time, it isn't for a trip to Sunderland, its not for a Football match, or over the Christmas Holidays... This time, its more permanent that that.

I have been here, in Germany now for 9 Months, and I knew that this time would come. My God, its tough.

Thinking back, If i tried to talk to myself from 9 months ago, I would probably think I was an idiot. My German has flown along. I can remember having to describe a bowl to a woman in a shop. That was a fail. (its Schüssel, by the way!)

When I was about to leave, I didn't imagine that I would get up to much really.   I was wrong, that's for sure.    Just through reading my old blog posts, I can see that I have done plenty, and half the stuff isn't even there!

Its been an Adventure.   I have done, seen and experienced things that some people can only dream of. I have lived in what is actually a fabulous country with people who are just as kind, friendly, funny, helpful and genuine and any other person possible could be .

Whilst being here, I have gained experience, knowledge of German, social skills, skills in other areas, laughs, cries, memories and friends.

A small town, that I had to Google not so long ago, a town with more Doctors in it than London has, a town with 2 swimming pools, 3 schools and everything else and a town that has now, whether it likes it or not become a very big part of my life.

A School, in this town, a school that thousands of people have passed through, and thousands more will pass through, of which, I am one of them has not become a place where I can go should I ever need anything, and I can be sure that someone, somewhere will be able to help me, somehow.

Though Thousands have passed, and thousands will come, I was lucky enough to pass through myself in this year. With these teachers and these students.  I don't think, that if I had hand-picked the people myself, i could have chosen a better group of people.

I have laughed every single day, I have smiles every single minute, and never would I have been able to do that without the amazing people that I have sent my time with, here in Schlüchtern.


I don't think I will ever live such an amazing academic year ever again. It has been a year that I dreaded, right up until the moment that I got here, and it has been the best year of my life.

I want to thank those who have made this year so special.  They can sit and be modest and say that they did nothing, but simply by being there have they made this experience totally amazing..

Though this may be a goodbye, its not goodbye forever. I will be back and It wont just be the once. There is too much here for me to only come back once.

I hope that my legacy here wont be forgotten. I hope that whatever I have done here has helped in some way, if it has changed the lives of someone for the better, and that the laughs I have shared with the people here, can be shared with those thousand, due to pass through too.  I hope that I am not forgotten, because I will never forget you.



So Germany: Its time for me to go, and for you to stay. Thank you for the Adventure, now go have a new one.

Wegen Des Wetters...

Schlüchtern in the Snow

I have been told since before I got here, that Germany gets snow.
The UK gets snow... in some places quite a lot.

Here in Hessen, The snow is Very unpredictable. IM pretty sure that the weather has been right every time in that they forecast it. But wrong in the amount that comes down.

Last week, It began to snow on Saturday night. It was about 11PM, and I was just getting ready to go to bed when I noticed it. I wasn't fussed really Im kinda used to what we have in the UK, where it soon melts, and even if it did come down a fair bit, I knew that when I woke up, it was going to be Sunday, so there would be no point in going anywhere anyway.

well, for some unknown reason, I woke up at about 4:30 am. It takes effort for me to look out the window, as the only window I really have is in the roof and no where near the Bed.
I looked out the window. It reminded me that it had snowed (you know that stage where you are awake but your eyes don't work?   well.. that!)

It was about 3 minutes later , after I had got back into bed, that I decided to have another look. My eyes were working, and they could CLEARLY see that we had had about 3 inches.  Possible the third most snow I have ever seen, after Sunderland in first year Uni in second, but being *slightly* beaten by the time I was in Finland in December.

There was a lot and for the first time in a while, I was excited by the snow. So excited that I decided , whilst sober!, to go outside and draw boobs in the snow..

I am an Adult by the way....

This is , obviously, a Very adult thing to do. What would have been more adult, would have been to rub it out...

The tree in Schlüchtern

after the excitement, I went back to bed
between 4:30am and 12PM, it must have snowed more. The boobs were not gone, but emphasized...., and my little town was in a completely different light.. It was covered in snow!

I don't do mornings, I barely do the daytime and only really come into my own during the evening, so (despite my previous adventure outside) I was not getting up, getting dressed straight away, and going to build a snowman!  NO!

I had a cuppa, worked out hoe cold it was, and then decided to go out.  Germany made this decision for me.
If this was the UK, I would not be going out to take pictures. I would be staying in, hugging the radiator, hands firmly around the Xbox controller and a constant supply of Tea!

It was, however, very nice. The snow was deep in places, looked great on what it had landed on and made everything look nice and wintery.

Trees across the road from my flat

The Small garden near my flat

It was nice and there is some still here too! Though I will admit that I am slightly worried, as I have a flight to catch in a few weeks, with more forecast!
But it has been cold for the last few weeks now..  you can feel it at night when you have to put the radiator up a few clicks.  It is also proven when you leave your window open over night and wake up to this!

an Icicle on my window

Germany deals well though.  Everyone has to have winter tires by law, so there there are fewer crashes . The snowploughs are out as soon as the snow hits the floor, gritting and, well.. ploughing and there is a mini tractor that does the same for the paths too..  so no one is caught out!
the trains all still ran, and there were no more delays or cancellations at Frankfurt airport than usual, apart form to the airports that couldn't cope! (I am checking, yes!)   basically they cope..  and (in another area) beat the UK. I have seen messages on Facebook and twitter about it.. here - the school was open, and I have been told that when they got 8 inches 3 years ago, it stayed open too! No lie in for me, but a serious achievement!

The little Tractor :D

That is all about the Snow for now. More about Germany and the run up to Christmas. Well, it is Christmas market time and there is currently one in Schlüchtern. It isn't very big, so I have decided to miss it for now, Just because I am off to one in Bayern tomorrow! So 2 new experiences there (see previous blog!)   I'll be taking the camera and getting some snaps!
The Lights are also going up in Schlüchtern. It looks nice! nothing too major..

Christmas Lights in Schlüchtern

It is also the time when the staff room at work begins to smell of homemade Christmas Biscuits and Cake. I was even given some , very generously, by some Members of staff, which were awesome!
I have managed to get some in Tegut to take home with me soon.. I just hope I don't eat them!

Also, last Wednesday, I went to Fulda with 150 other students and Staff from work to see a performance in English!  it was good! there were a few acting points, but considering what they had done with the few props and things that they has it was good.    The new head of English asked me if I understood everything as a joke, to which my reply was "there are a few words I don't understand!"      ...  I guess you had to be there! Even still. Some of the students that I teacher were there from class 9.  Everyone else there was yr 11,12 and 13. They said that they understood everything, so Im proud of you class 9!

Anyway, here are some more snowy pics for you to enjoy!  
catch you soon!

From the Balcony

Getting Dark.. Whats left today

A week of Expereinces

Before I Start, I would like to say Hello to the lovely students of mine that read this !!   HI! :D
Anyway...
Nearly a week an a half ago days ago, on Thursday 1st November, I was on my was to Frankfurt Airport to pick up a friend who was arriving from England.  I got their pretty much as his flight took off, so I had a fair while to wait whilst I was waiting for him to arrive.

His flight was on the board.. but the 2 hour flight from Heathrow seemed to be taking a long time!

I had a few beers, a coffee, a sandwich and still had about an hour left to wait. But then, at that moment - it got much more exciting, with the arrival of a coach load of Police.

Yes, a coach dropped them off. blue lights, sirens and a whole heap of noise. But they got off calmly, more like a load of pensioners at Llandudno and then walked into the terminal.

They walked in  line, to a part of the terminal, turned around and then one police officer (with 3 start on his shoulder) Shouted "ladies and gentlemen, please leave the building immediately"  (but in German first)

there was a pause.. people who were waiting for friends, loved ones or colleges just ..stared...  and questioned..  I half expected a man to appear from nowhere with the phrase "yeah, right!"

The policeman rolled his eyes, and with the look of a guy about to give up yelled (in very clear English)
"There could be a bomb, get out!"

The Cordon

People understood that!  but this is Germany.. there was no running, screaming or tripping over, no crying children that had been separated from their mother - NO. Everyone, as if they were now walking to the shops shrugged their shoulders and began to walk silently away from the cordoned off area. The shops along the side of the airport started to roll their shutters down and we were out of the 'effected area' within seconds.

There was of course the odd person who argued the case, but the police soon taught them the meaning of the words "bomb scare" and soon 'assisted' them into the safe area!

We stood, watched and waited...  no news was coming through, no radio communications from the police, just about 400 sets of eyes watching to see what was going to happen

What  did happen?

A thumb up...

The airport was open again..   and that was it ..   after 15 minutes of a scene that would only be in the 'deleted scenes' of an action movie, everything was back to normal in seconds.

This happened twice. The second time, was conveniently as my friend was coming through the arrival gate:

"Welcome to Germany: We have a Bomb scare"

Anyway, I picked him up, we headed to the trains, and to be fair - it was like the last time we had seen each other was yesterday...

There was a race on (so I thought) to catch the last train from Frankfurt to Schlüchtern - as I was not willing to spend a night in a shitty hotel in Frankfurt..  anyway, it turns out that we had enough time to get a Mcdonalds! Win!

Friday (so exactly a week ago) we went to Frankfurt.  This was odd..   Not for any other reason, but that for all the touristy things I had been doing not 6 weeks ago, I was now the tour guide to a bloke who had never set foot in Germany...

We did the typical...
Main Tower

Town Hall

The boat ride was not running, annoying - because if you have read my previous blogs, you will know how much I liked it!

Shopped a tad

Food

Sightseeing.

The Daytime Main Tower View - Richtung: Hauptbahnhof

It was a good day - the only slight issue was the weather.  But - as people from the UK, we could manage a bit of crappy weather! It was howevera goo day.With another citizen of the UK being won over by Germany. I was pleased that my freind felt this way!

Throughout the previous week however, My little hometown was being destroyed by Pikeys, turning up with their funfairs and sweet-selling stalls, causing road closures and keeping the shops open late. But, at the same time.. they were creating one of the biggest events in Schlüchtern's Year

Kaltermarkt.

Basically, the cold market - and I wouldn't call it a market, but the chance to eat every possible food going, get hammered and then throw it up on the fair!

Still. It turns Schlüchtern into a nice place, with all the lights, sounds and smells of a typical market!

Kaltermarkt in the dark

Kaltermarkt

The Fair at Kaltermarkt

Me and my Friend went on the Saturday. 

Well, it was pretty good!  When I say "pretty good" , I mean i liked it - but im conscious that for those who go every year, its just the same thing.. over and over again...

Well, my friend speaks no German - he can say a few words, but only because I forced him to! so we were sampling the wears of the market, everything from the food, to the beer to to chocolate! We met up with 2 colleges  and had a chat etc etc  and it was all very enjoyable!

I am an Air rifle instructor. I earned this title about a year and a half ago. So I am now pretty well practiced.

There was, at the fair, an air rifle stand, and of course, I wanted a go.

I had 61 shots over the weekend..  I hit all of them... accept 1.  I was gutted! (and still am, as my mate will tell you!)  But, never the less - I won some Fish (they are stuffed ones, not real ones!)  At the bottom is a video of me hitting 15 of the targets...

Me on the rifle range!

Fireworks

So much so that we ended up going on Sunday too! Sunday had a slight difference, however - which was the firework display! 

The kaltermarkt was handy..  especially because we could go at any time. This meant that we could watch the Formula 1 too! :D 

Anyway, all too soon, Monday came around, and it was the day when I had to take my friend back to the airport...

It took the usual amount of time and I saw him off (more to make sure he had gone! :P) and got home at the ripe old time of 3PM, where I bumped into some of the teachers from the school

I ended up in the Handball tent.. downing pints of beer...  

and that..  is what I remember of Kaltermarkt..

Anyway, a week past at work, as per..   On tuesday, I inadvertently managed to accept an invitation to a 'class meeting'.  Again, Germans know the meaning of a "meeting"

We has steak. Argentinian, to be exact  and it was big enough to hang off the plate!  Cooked to perfection "englisch"style (or Medium rare to english folk) it was awesome. The chips and everything were bliss!
I had:
A steak that hung off the plate
A huge pile of chips
Salad
2 Beers

Total:  €16.80...
BOOM!   Germans can do steak too,it seems!


Now, though Friday's steak adventure was great, and Saturday was a (well needed, though I say so myself) rest. Sunday was a day of peculiarity.

Sunday was 11\11\12 - or Remembrance Day in the UK

As a Scout, I have spent the last 15 years getting up early, ironing my trousers and my shirt, and heading out to church.
This was not the case.
Germans do have a day of remembered, but its in March, as is not on the scale that it is in the UK.

I had to remember the time difference, so actually  my 2 minutes were going to happen at 12 which was the first odd thing. But the second was when I actually did the silence.

I had the TV off..   But I could here:

- Next doors TV

- a car alarm

- people talking walking the dog

- Police sirens

- a man on the phone

- someone coming up the stairs

Though I am fully aware that it is not the day Germany has set aside for this event, It was very strange, realising that a whole country, frozen for 2 minutes of reflection, with people pulling over in cars, people standing up from a seated position, and hundreds of war veterans from every generation were standing, paused in thought, whereas the other - went about its business ..

I don't really know my true feelings .. I guess that Germany's view on the whole period is different to the UK's.. but I cant get my head around it...  and .. somehow   don't think I ever will..

On a different note: My time here.

- I am beginning to 'gear up' for the wind down to Christmas. Though it pains me to say that word in November!

I see statuses on Facebook and Twitter about Christmas songs and the Coke advert and Im kinda glad that Germany's attitude isn't so materialistic, so we don't have a toys'R'us advert every 2 minutes, or the next cheap wifey offering me some shite that Iceland are selling..

What I am realising, is that 80 days ago today, I was spending my last night in an English bed, and that since then I have managed to survive pretty well.

I am in (as near as) full time work here, I have a flat and friends, and most of all,I am doing the job that I want to do in the future.

It has made me realise, that I am absolutely pig sick, of being a student.

Every year, just by signing on to the uni, I spend near enough 4K, and then there is grants and loans as well.  Its not hard work, but at times, it can appear pointless work.
I constantly have to battle with exams and stuff, when here I know that my German has improved, a damn sight faster that it would have done if I have spend the 3 months at uni. Its not free..  But it wont land me in student debt!

Ill be honest, getting back to Sunderland will be bitter-sweet. I like Sunderland  don't get me wrong, but I enjoy working too much to go back to studying. At least it will be my last year before I actually start my full course on teacher stuff. I hope, that by doing the teaching course, I can find some enthusiasm to carry on.

Though oddly, being here has made me realise that I really do waste time in the UK. German can* be learned from a textbook.  What that also means is that , as long as I have the textbook, I can probably use the time in front of the TV to revise grammar.. It takes minutes..   Writing out is a different matter.. but , you don't have to write it out all the time!

*can - one has the ability to - im not commenting on quality,mind

 I am fully aware that I "wont get these years back" and all that Jazz... and I am not going to let all enthusiasm die because I have decided Im fed up of it all...  I just think that when I get back to Sunderland, I need to find a new attitude to it all, especially as it is the final year.

So.. this entry is a mixed basket of Eggs...

nevertheless, Christmas is less than 7 weeks away for me!  Im sure its going to be great fun flying home on the 20th December!  but we shall see!!


below is my Kaltermartk Rifle video....    Enjoy!

They say 'time flies when you are having fun', but this is ridiculous!

So. Im now towards the end of my seconds month!

This month has been quiet to say the least.  The first 2 weeks were in school, the second 2 are holidays.

Well, I had loads of plans for the 2 weeks - travel to Berlin, head to Hamburg.. but then at the start of the holidays, I had a 'brainwave' to pay 2 months rent in one go.
Next month will be great. This month, NO!!

Don't get me wrong, I haven't been left tight, just not enough to survive and go to Berlin and buy food - which, sadly, I still need!

So I am making it up by planning a larger trip during the 1st week in Easter/ But for now, its under wraps until its DEFINITELY happening, and its all completely confirmed!


But anyway, what have I been doing over the last few weeks, that have not cost very much?
Well, I try to make sure that I go for a walk once a day.  The weather here is great at the moment, so I may as well make the most of it - after all, its getting colder, and it could be my last chance before I have to go out wearing EVERYTHING I own (people who know me will know what I'm like with the cold..  It can be 30 degrees, if the wind blows at 29, I feel it!)

I was also asked to go to a park Its in Schlüchtern,but its pretty hidden.
Well, its a nice place to be ..

There is a playing field, a small play area.. Oh, and deer!   VERY TAME Deer..

 To make it perfectly clear..  The Deer are fenced.. yes but ..   the Humans have less space than they do!!  


It was pretty tough to get a photo, because they kept moving, and I kept getting a picture of their arse..  until one of the members of staff that I had gone with went all doctor dolittle on them, and made noises..!

  This guy followed us all the way around!

This was one of the younger ones.















Anyway it was nice! and good to see Human beings too!

Before the holidays, I had my 'big spend' of the month. (apart from the 2 months rent...)
I say 'big spend' .. It wasn't , but considering I had almost 3 weeks left before being paid..  I had to consider the future a bit!

Some of my students invited me to their (and I quote).. "school disco"
Now, despite being the DJ that the kids at my old high school still ask for in the hope that I am not at uni on that date because I (supposed to be) the best... (its always nice for a positive review!!)    I still expect a school disco to be terrible music, awful lights a DJ enjoying himself more than any of the guests and teenagers dancing with members of the opposite gender, but look like they are shifting a wardrobe!
So.. kinda like this..

Well .. it wasn't..

It was a HUGE rig...   about 600 people, and went from 9pm - 5am!  beer was flowing, spirits were flowing faster and, after being there for just 2 hours.. I ended up doing what I do best (and the answer isn't partying!)

DJ-ing!
well, not being the DJ, there was this kidda doing that who clearly had taken a disliking to me!  there was a word for him..   and it rhymes with 'Bosser'
Moving on..

One of my students was in charge of lighting. (which I do anyway..)  so, it ended up that we kinda shared the workload! :D

So, to be fair..
This type of thing would never happen in UK schools. EVER.. but they are stupid.. because this made SO MUCH MONEY!    They have asked me to DJ at the Christmas Disco..   er   YE!


There was another Major Event over the last week..  (notice the capital letters...)
to say its the best thing to happen so far, it a bit far..  but it is us there..
There was a special arrival to Schlüchtern the other day...

Yorkshire Tea makes Mike happy!

A colleague went to England (Whenever I say Colleague, I should probably point out that it is usually one of 4.. the rest are nice, but I don't have much to do with them , so its now worth writing about!)   but a colleague went to England.  She was there for 4 days and , as an English teacher, loved it. She even managed to catch the good weather that was about for a few days.

But, when I started here, she asked me what I miss the most about the UK..  my answer was 'Yorkshire tea'

well, she remembered.. and when she came back we met up.  I walked through the door, and she presented me with this 80 bag box of Yorkshire tea.  Well.. since then, I have been the happiest person in Germany !  its lovely.
I should probably also explain. that German 'tea' or what they pathetically refer to as 'tea' is like dishwater. dishwater that has been left overnight, warmed up by candles and had milk that is on the turn poured into is ..    its GRIM.
This was an awesome day.. until I took them home and realized that I had no milk, nor sugar and the shops were shut..    Im quite surprised that you couldn't hear me yell "BUGGAR" from where ever you are right now!

Just realized I have spent about 20 minutes talking about tea..  I definitely am British eh?



More news!  (This has been a month of little money, but news!)

(despite him running away during out early high school years) The one who remains my best friend SAM is coming over in April!   a couple of days after my birthday!   Well, I haven't seen him now in .. 3 years..  so to say that I am excited is a slight understatement!

German Culture - A Week of the Arts!

This week has definitely been a week of  Culture for myself. I have done things this week that I would normally never choose to do, but have had the opportunity through school, as it was free.

On Tuesdays, I work with the teacher that organizes the theater trips for the students. The German government is pretty supportive of culture, so if you apply, you can get tickets (costing usually about EUR50) for just 5, which includes train travel!

Well, as staff, I go for free (if invited) so when I was, I grabbed the opportunity to with both hands, Using three excuses
1) When in Rome..
2) Its free!
3) Gets me out of the flat for a free night out!

My week's Tickets!

Both productions are in the same place,so im pretty well practiced at getting to the theater now! Which is a nice place:

Frankfurt Shauspielhaus

Thursday was "Faust",


Before the performance , we made use of the time and headed to the Staedel Museum to see "Schwarze Romantic", which is an art exhibition of paintings depicting the dark side of romance. Again, never my first choice (in fact, ever) but it was interesting to see them all. The Museum also plays host to Goethe's most famous painting (which all I know about it, is that he has 2 left feet!)

Goethe in the Roman Campagna

"Faust" is a very old German play, which tells the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil in order to gain ultimate knowledge but renders him eternally dammed. (in sort)
It is all spoken in INCREDIBLY old German, making it difficult for , not just me but also the students to follow..  all in all though, it was a good performance.
I found it tough to keep up..  so much so that I tended to zone out at times and just watch with the background noise!

Friday this week , I worked.   Not that it was a bother, but one of the members of staff were off, and I offered to go in to her older groups and do something useful instead of leaving them trusted.. (cause it never works!)

It was a good day, and I made use of the free coffee in the staff room! :D    It gets me out of the flat for an hour or so and  get some fresh air!

Saturday was the day of the Opera.   I had never been before, so m expectations were all over the place. Those of you that had seen my Facebook will know that I put the status"

"ooohh. Opera tomorrow - a very cultural week.. cant wait for the fat viking lady to show her lungs off! :D"

Well, It wasn't like that. It was different .. the tickets that we had got us brilliant seats, that normally cost about EUR70, without the train..  (not my picture, but definitely taken from where we were sat!)

Frankfurt Opera House

It was, however, a typical Opera.   

Man meets Woman
Woman meets Man
They fall in love

She spends 25 minutes dying...

Standard

I enjoyed it - there were German over titles to translate the Italian, s which made it easier to understand!  So from a language point of view, pretty good!

Saturday was , before the Opera,  a day to rest. I was tired this week, more so than usual - but I think its because I am settled in, enjoying it, and grabbing opportunities Left, right and center!


Aside from that - I hear that the UK is once again enjoying the joys of the weather there..  If you need a swimming kit - there is a spare one at my house- help yourself..  I don't need it here ! :D

Auf Englisch, "Buggered"

Also, I would like to use this opportunity to shout out to the 3 German police officers who gave me 3 hours of entertainment last Monday.  The two for crashing the car into the ditch (baring in mind I live on a dead end I i don't know what they were doing, let alone with the blues on...:/)


So that was my week!!   
Pretty different, Id say...

Till Next time

Mike

Looking ahead, by looking backwards

Exactly this time last month, I was at work, helping children to dip candles, having the prospect of moving to a new country in 3 days weighing me down for the entire shift.

They say that "a lot can happen in a month". Personally, I do not need any more proof that this saying is true.

I personally believe that I haven't been this happy for a fair time - and that's not to say I haven't been happy, just not this happy!  (:D smiley face to prove the point...)

Though it hasn't been long since I last updated my Blog, I thought I would update it today anyway!

Last week at school was brilliant! I think it was because I have found my feet, know where everything is , I have visited all of my classes now and I am beginning to have friends that I don't think I will ever lose contact with.

Monday was the same old - I have 2 lessons on a Monday - and one of them is with the teacher I stayed with for the few days, so it is always good! The other is with the 9th Grade - who are MENTAL - but in a good way!

Tuesday, my busiest day is always good - there is one lesson particularly that I look forward to, for no other reason but there is one lesson that is always a learning experience!  its mental - and the other staff that I am friendly always laugh (both hysterically and awkwardly) when I tell them about it - but I think it is great - because it is always different! (both meanings of the word!)
Wednesdays are good to - I have my own class that i teach - they don't know it yet but we are watching the Simpsons in English next week!

I enjoy Thursdays because I teach the FCE class - who tend to be very good, but lack confidence! - so i bribe them to talk with sweets!
This Thursday in particular enjoyed too - I went to a colleagues' house for a bit of a social night - we had a few beers, played some games and had a great chat!!   I had a brilliant night - and it was a great chance to learn more about the school and the systems in Germany!

Friday, I do nothing usually. Its my day off, so I normally use it to prepare for the week ahead , because then I have the weekend free! I went to get my bank card and PIN though this week - and since then keep repeating my pin under my breath so I don't forget it when I got o change it! (cause I will!)

Then, Yesterday...   Yesterday!
Its the start of the Oktoberfest season here - so everything turn Bayerisch for the period - EVERYTHING!
typical Bayerisch music, typical Bayerisch food and of course, Typical Bayerisch Beer!*

*German beer is deceptive - the bottle may say 5%, yes - but its a German 5% - which can be anything up to 3x the strength of the UK 5%, depending on which beer you buy!

I was in Fulda during the day with 2 other FSAs - we had a nice day just walking around - and I appreciated the time to speak English! - After that, I met up with 4 other of the Younger Colleagues from school, for a night that was described as "a few drinks"

well - first - they taught me about German beer - not that I am complaining - it was really interesting, and now i know what I will be ordering , and can sample some of the other wears here - instead of "eine Flasche Becks, bitte!"  I started with a bottle of becks and one of the members of staff looked at me , apused and shook his head.  He said "Eugh, you're definitely English aren't you!"(in a jokey way)  and then declared it was his round...



OH..  Dear...

It was the size of my Face and it could, on hot days, be used as a swimming pool!

and to give you the full picture...

This was that member of staff!

For someone who doesn't drink much this was an adventure...and remember the point about percentages..  this was a , quote from the bar lady:- "Timid"  12% - by German standards!   FAIL!

The other great thing was that these members of staff did not teach English, so I had to go the whole night Speaking German - and as EVERY person learning a language will know  - its always "better"  (NOT)  when you have had a few ...  

Finally - we ended up in a nightclub in Schlüchtern. - yes, there is a nightclub here..

If you can define it as that - its a basement club with about 2 lights that flash alternately, and the DJ is one of the bar staff that has nothing to do - quite good though, you can order a pint and a song!

We were the only people really dancing. and we only really danced to the English songs so DJ barlady was playing to our liking!!  awesome!

One thing that hit me though is that - not a single person seemed drunk- which was nice!  sure - everyone had  had a bevvy or two - but nothing like the collapsing sacks of shit you get in the English night clubs - no vomit to slip in , nothing!


So the last week has been great - and if the last few weeks set the tone for the entire trip - I really will have a great year this year!

got to head off now though - im off to top my week off with a daily dose for Formula 1!

Typical Tourism!

Moin Moin!

Well, I thought I would update you all since the last few days have been pretty busy!

Well, Friday I was invited on a school trip with the 7th Grade to Frankfurt Zoo!   It is the second oldest Zoo in Germany and has a serious breeding program for rare and endangered animals.

There are some odd things about it..     1st - it is right slap bang in the middle of the city center. it is really odd looking at a rare frog or flamingo and finding that the ICE train to Berlin is flying past next to you! the second is that - there are very few fences!  some animals obviously need it - bird etc - but for most, they just have a moat between you and them - weird!!

The animals all seem happy though and they interact with the guests really well, like these little guys...

The monkey chasing a finger

The new Baby seal playing against the window

The zoo was a really good day - German children are the most difficult to understand because they talk fast, and with loads of colloquial words in their language too...it meant that I could really get to know the class - and everyday German!!     it ended up with the German kids telling me the words in German, and then me telling them in English!!
apart from that - it gave me the chance to see Frankfurt - and it is BIG.

But that was Friday - Saturday i got up and decided to go to Fulda on a day trip.  Armed with my camera I left at 9:30 and was there for 10 - I had a look around, took 3 pics and was on the train back to Frankfurt by 13:30.   I had decided to go and scope the place out - having enjoyed it on Friday - and it is HUGE!

I walked down the main shopping street - which if you don't know what you are looking for and where it is can take you about 3 days anyway! or a full calendar month for ladies!
I found (but didn't do this time) a skyscraper with a viewing platform at 200 Storys - so , one for the future.

Frankfurt has the label of being a very financial and ugly city, but it is very much a city of two halves..
I went see the Rathaus - which is really nice - it is like walking from a massive modern city into a typical German town. all around one square, umpa band, leather trousers..you know the drill..  the Rathaus is impressive anyhow...

Rathaus Frankfurt

The Rathaus is in a square, near to loads of churches and a cathedral.  Its actually a really great place and there are loads of resteurants around it with outdoor seating too!

German Band, Leather Trouders!

Having eaten an Ice cream and loved the Umpa band, I headed towards a shopping center that had a viewing gallery...   didn't want shopping, just wanted this...

Frankfurt Skyline

 Its pretty Special..
So it pretty much has everything.

The highlight of the day for me came at about 5:30PM, when i bit the bullet and went on the boat trip.

EUR 6 for 50 mins,  EUR 8 for 100mins..  cheap as chips!
the 100 mins wasn't running, due to the time of day, but the 50 mins I has were brilliant!

It gives you an opportunity to see the city from the river, and get pictures like this...

The Frankfurt Skyline and a Setting Sun

 yeah, im pretty impressed with that photo!
these were also boats like these (left)  they are like dinghies but they have an umbrella, a small motor and a BBQ in the middle - you can rent them!

I want one!!  :D





on the way home I bumped into an Irish bad - I 'Fell' inside and had a nice chat with an Irish bloke Called Anthony - cheers for the Pint, mate!

So - that was my weekend!!  awesome!!

today I have spend chilling, and eating eggy soldiers !
Bliss!!

anyway...

In a bit, Beef!

Where did the weeks go... ?

I have now been in Germany for nearly 2 weeks!

It is flying by!

I have had a great week this week. I have been teaching and chilling on an almost perfect balance! :D
some of the lessons weren't running because they pupils were away on a trip, so I got to relax in the staff room and learn the ropes of the Cambridge English exams!

It is easy to tell that I both new and only here for a year. Some of the staff have take to me to bitch about others and tell me all the staff room secrets!      Im never going to repeat them, but my god some of them are funny!  
There are some lovely members of staff, constantly looking for a way to help me or and excuse to take me to the next restaurant. I sometimes feel a bit odd though - cause they always sneak off and pay, and when i offer them my part of the bill they run off..!!   it does mean i have eaten some seriously nice food though!

Monday was an interesting day too. My first full day in the school and I was invited to Lehrersport.  I think i have mentioned this before... but to summarize and emphasize - it was odd.  I went along for a nice chilled game of volleyball...  it WASN'T   it was waaay too serious..   I t was almost like the games we played were world cup qualifiers!  they even kept saying "i saw this move in the Olympics, so i want to try"   or /"i saw that in the Olympics, its wrong!"    I watched the Volleyball in the olympics too..  but it was brasil vs spain in the womens.. and somehow.. the game wasn't the most important thing in my life! :D     don't think that argument would work here!!

This is now a banned sport

to prove to you how bad it was - i didn't serve properly the first time (it didn't make the net) and i was MADE to practice against the wall for 10 minutes..

NO VOLLEYBALL NEXT WEEK!

Today though.. today is a good day..
apart from mulling over an invitation to go skiing in January with the school, I am really excited - because my TV guide comes into date today!
I bought the thing last week - got it home and then realized that it is was for the next week..   so that is one amazing feature of today!
The other is that i am going to head into Schlüchtern and get some snaps to show the 'rents back home.  its a nice place, but there are no tourists really..  so i cant buy a bloody postcard anywhere!!   it been impossible!

Apart from that - it is F1 day!!  (free to view - unlike the UK!)    and tomorrow I am off to a birthday party!
not the type of birthday party that i can go have a beer at though - its a 8th Birthday party!        when I stayed at the collegues house last week, the lad made me promise that i would go..  so Im going..   Its in a forest, so for a scout, no bother!

Speaking of Scouts - im beginning to miss Monday night madness!!    The nearest registered scout group near here is about 1/2 hour away by train..    which is a little bit too far and too expensive for me to do...     so im gonna leave it!

The beer garden on Schlüchtern High Street

This weekend is 28 deg. C   .. so im going to go sit in the pub's beer garden and enjoy the sun!

turrah all!!

Schlüchtern, and all that comes with it!

The school building in Schlüchtern

So ...
I have been here now for a fair few days.I know my way around and its becoming more like home!
the weather is awesome at the moment, and I would love to go the the Freibad (or outdoor pool) but i still need to get some decent swimming shorts!

Anyway - as i said - im now in my accommodation. Its best described as "everything I need"     not that it is bad  its clean, tidy and quiet .   It is typical German 'its meant for living in and nothing else'   so i have added a few things and I can now happily call it home! :D

Working at the school is great. My classes are all easy and all seem to think quite highly of me - with one quote from a boy yesterday being "you and your lessons are way better than our boring ones!"   which was nice - I have however so far managed to do 12 lessons of introducing myself, explaining what i do and where i am from and why i am in Germany...

Never mind!

I asked an 8th grade class what the best thing to do in Schlüchtern would be.

Well - according to the course it would be difficult to get some classes to talk -i hadn't had this problem until i asked this question - when they all looked at each other, paused and almost simultaneously shrugged their shoulders.   Then a lad perked up some courage and said

 "if you get the 95 bus there is a Mcdonalds"

My response was "thank you for the suggestion!"   which i though was a suitably subtle and very British was of saying .. "no"

The staff are of mixed sorts.
some are really friendly- they help in any way possible
some are not friendly - and don't even say hello!

All of the English staff that i have encountered though are great.
Friendly , helpful and always willing to help me with my German as well as the students with their English.
I have played Simon says, talked about football in Germany and practically understood to kill a mockingbird! brilliant!
I go to Lehrsport - which is basically sport for teachers - its in the evening and it helps to make friends and get to know people

My German is definitely improving..  i can hold incredibly long conversations now before i have to ask a word or i am corrected- which is great . the TV has loads of English programs with a voice over . There is also an annoying burger king advert ..     its just..  annoying!     but for those of you in Germany - its the one where it goes   "mit großen Pommes und großen soft drink"       argh!

anyway - enough babbling for now!

Turrah!