Exam Season has just finished here in Germany. It has been a long time coming for the students, who by the end really just wanted to sit their Exam.
Pre-exam season here is strange. Teachers are asking the students what they want to do. We would never have this in England, we would be told that we had to learn Grammar for the 200th time, and revise topics and stuff..
Im absolutely certain that one class I had, was helped by my idea of forced revision... We watched a movie! :P
Emperor's New Groove!
I was invited to go and see the Exam questions during the exam. This confused me from the off, because teachers are not allowed in out exams in the UK. Here, there are no exam invigilators, the teacher do it. So I guess it must be ok for me!
The English questions were ok. out of the 3, I would have chosen the second set, but there were some that chose other ones too! (great for me, who has to mark some of them - its not as boring! :P)
I walked into the exam, and was baffled totally...
The exams are about 4 hours long- that may be crucial, before we get started!
Each student has their own table.
They all bring their own entire picnic of goodies and things to eat and drink. Cakes, Sweets, Fruit, Coke, Water.. everything.They just sit, do the exam and munch away! IN the UK, we have to take the label off the bottle of water we are allowed!! Here, they just eat!
Second, they are very allowed to get up and strut around the room. They have access to information which is at the front, so they are up, and off to go and have a look! We would be killed for this!
AND - they can go to the toilet alone! we have some creepy 70 year old guy follow us! but these guys here just get up and they are off!!! (so, arrange to meet people! its aparantly, very easy! :P)
Its now Easter Holidays. 2 friends are heading to Germany right now. One comes today and will be here for a fair while, and the other comes on the 4th and is visiting me for a few days! :D I plan to see the other one at some point in May: He is living in Koblenz!
Right. I think its best to do a better one later, when I have more to say!
After Easter! :D
Frankfurt in the Evening
Taken from the boat, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Time really does only go forward....
Today, I looked in my diary at school.
I do it every day, so that I can write down what I have done with each class and what we are doing next lesson.
I love my diary, it keeps me organised, and it also helps me to remember what I have done whilst I have been here!
It usually brings good news: Things that I look forward to and things that I have thoroughly enjoyed in the months that I have now spend here.
However, today, It only brought bad news..
Its only 2 weeks until Easter. This news is so bad, that the start of the F1 season in 10 days, was scarcely a consolation.
To understand why this is such bad news, you will need to know that my last day at work here in Germany, is the 30th May. This means that from the start of the Easter Holidays, I only have 70 days left in Germany and, due to the holidays, only 41 days left in school, after taking away the weekends and Fridays that I don't work.
It got me thinking. I have spent a long time here, doing a job I really enjoy in a country I will never forget, in a town that will always be special to me and with people that I hope I will never lose contact with.
This kinda makes this the most relevant blog post for anyone who is planning year abroad.
I can remember March last year. I was in Sunderland, going to lectures and trying my best to get as much information as I could about this year abroad.
I can remember even more prominently, June onwards, when I really had to plan this trip. I was stressed out and at one point, simply declared that I wasn't going to do it, specifically using the Facebook status
"This trip to Germany can fuck off now"
As im sure you can guess. I feel pretty stupid for putting that right now.
I began to realise, that Germany has been good to me, and not just from an educational point of view.
Linguistically , it has been amazing. My German has come on 10 fold and I really enjoy speaking German in Germany. Knowing that I rely on it forces me to speak it, because there are times that you simply don't have the option to speak English and THAT is how you learn
In terms of Experience; It really has provided. I have lived by myself now for a fair few months. It is great at times. Peace, quite and the ability to have thing how you want, when you want and what you want is great. It gives some freedom in the sense that there is no one here to moan If I don't tidy up, forget to turn the light off, or don't put my mug in the wash. I have learned to manage without an Oven, and with only basic cooking utensils and managing a budget for food and I have very much learnt to manage money for my rent.
The negative side to this , is that living alone is precisely that. Alone. The silence is, at times, unbearable and I really feel for my best mate at home who can, at times be relentlessly pestered by me - apologies mate!
but i suppose it brings out the creativity in you! its amazing how exciting German grammar can be when you are bored!
Aside from that, this year has pretty much set my future in stone. I now cannot wait to be a teacher, and the experience I have gained will be invaluable when applying for my PGCE. I love this job. yes, i moan at times about the early mornings and suchlike... but I think ill find, that its what 'working' is all about!!
And then, there is the.. well... its kinda.. basically,
Its everything I have seen, Everything I have done, Everything I have heard, Everything I have tasted, Everything I have felt and Everything I have said.. Germany has really provided this year, and im sure that the last 70 days will keep on giving it. Nothing will rival this, and it have been made all the more special when I think that I was about to give up on it a few weeks before I came here.
Above all, the people here that I have met, whether teacher, Student, fellow Fremdsprachenassistent or just that man that says hello to me every single morning - they have made it for me..
Im not going to say my thank-yous yet. I do still have a few weeks left, but looking through that diary today has really been a hit home.
If you are a Language student, im sure that you can see how fantastic a year abroad can be. The last few posts I put on here will be the ones for you guys.. as well as the usual antics! :P
I do it every day, so that I can write down what I have done with each class and what we are doing next lesson.
I love my diary, it keeps me organised, and it also helps me to remember what I have done whilst I have been here!
It usually brings good news: Things that I look forward to and things that I have thoroughly enjoyed in the months that I have now spend here.
However, today, It only brought bad news..
Its only 2 weeks until Easter. This news is so bad, that the start of the F1 season in 10 days, was scarcely a consolation.
To understand why this is such bad news, you will need to know that my last day at work here in Germany, is the 30th May. This means that from the start of the Easter Holidays, I only have 70 days left in Germany and, due to the holidays, only 41 days left in school, after taking away the weekends and Fridays that I don't work.
It got me thinking. I have spent a long time here, doing a job I really enjoy in a country I will never forget, in a town that will always be special to me and with people that I hope I will never lose contact with.
This kinda makes this the most relevant blog post for anyone who is planning year abroad.
I can remember March last year. I was in Sunderland, going to lectures and trying my best to get as much information as I could about this year abroad.
I can remember even more prominently, June onwards, when I really had to plan this trip. I was stressed out and at one point, simply declared that I wasn't going to do it, specifically using the Facebook status
"This trip to Germany can fuck off now"
As im sure you can guess. I feel pretty stupid for putting that right now.
I began to realise, that Germany has been good to me, and not just from an educational point of view.
Linguistically , it has been amazing. My German has come on 10 fold and I really enjoy speaking German in Germany. Knowing that I rely on it forces me to speak it, because there are times that you simply don't have the option to speak English and THAT is how you learn
In terms of Experience; It really has provided. I have lived by myself now for a fair few months. It is great at times. Peace, quite and the ability to have thing how you want, when you want and what you want is great. It gives some freedom in the sense that there is no one here to moan If I don't tidy up, forget to turn the light off, or don't put my mug in the wash. I have learned to manage without an Oven, and with only basic cooking utensils and managing a budget for food and I have very much learnt to manage money for my rent.
The negative side to this , is that living alone is precisely that. Alone. The silence is, at times, unbearable and I really feel for my best mate at home who can, at times be relentlessly pestered by me - apologies mate!
but i suppose it brings out the creativity in you! its amazing how exciting German grammar can be when you are bored!
Aside from that, this year has pretty much set my future in stone. I now cannot wait to be a teacher, and the experience I have gained will be invaluable when applying for my PGCE. I love this job. yes, i moan at times about the early mornings and suchlike... but I think ill find, that its what 'working' is all about!!
And then, there is the.. well... its kinda.. basically,
Its everything I have seen, Everything I have done, Everything I have heard, Everything I have tasted, Everything I have felt and Everything I have said.. Germany has really provided this year, and im sure that the last 70 days will keep on giving it. Nothing will rival this, and it have been made all the more special when I think that I was about to give up on it a few weeks before I came here.
Above all, the people here that I have met, whether teacher, Student, fellow Fremdsprachenassistent or just that man that says hello to me every single morning - they have made it for me..
Im not going to say my thank-yous yet. I do still have a few weeks left, but looking through that diary today has really been a hit home.
If you are a Language student, im sure that you can see how fantastic a year abroad can be. The last few posts I put on here will be the ones for you guys.. as well as the usual antics! :P
Sunday, 17 February 2013
faschings.. its weird!
Faschings.. Its a celebration that happens every year in Germany. It is to say goodbye to the cold dark winter (and take it from me.. it was very dark and stupidly cold at times) and to welcome in the Spring.
If someone told you that, without knowing what goes in during 'Faschings' im sure there are many ways you could think of to celebrate this period in the year.
I first though, of maybe a dinner with the family, a firework display or even..a day of work!
The last one was about the closest I got.We did get a day off school (some people even got 2!) and why did we get monday off school..
so that we could all go an be part of a parade! (if you didn't get that... you must be feeling pretty stupid!)
Yes. Faschings happens ever year here (fitting, as so does spring) The Germans welcome Spring with parades, loud music, dancing, sweets , days off work, and of course.. Beer!!
There are some rules, that all those going must (and it is a must) abide by.
1) be horrendously drunk.. if you are not drunk.. you will suffer the same issue as I did (which I will clear up later)
2) though you may be drunk.. drink more.. because this will clearly make things better
3) yell "HELAU" to everyone you see.. no matter what they may be doing
4) dance in the middle of the road
5) find the most stupid costume you can.. something that you wouldn't be seen dead in.. and wear it
Yes.. you have to do these things.. and , for someone who had never heard of it before January (bad really!) It was completely bizarre.
I live :
- 20 minutes from Fulda
- 60 minutes from Frankfurt
- 90 minutes from Mainz (the biggest Faschings in Germany)
Where.. with all of these places did I decide to go.. I hear you ask
Steinau -_-
Yes.. Steinau.. located just 10 minutes away from my town. I went to Steinau.. and encountered many of my students in states that I would never usually see them in.. (that is a nice way of saying that they were drunk!)
I encountered English students dressed as Pirates, Mexicans, police officers and everything in between.. in the UK.. this would be way to over the top..
Well the parade was great. It basically consists of local groups of ... things.. who have mobbed local farmers for the use of a tractor and trailer.. they then proceed to choose a theme, and decorate the trailer as such. They then attach speakers and play VERY cheesy music through it whilst driving through the center of some town whilst lobbing sweets and various other things at small and unsuspecting children - probably dressed as a gorilla or something.
Although strange.. it is in fact a really good time, and for families it must be great. It is however odd.. watching children dressed as an Argos catalogue or whatever scurrying along the floor picking up sweets - especially when I bet any amount of money that for the rest of the year, the parents tell their kids off for it!! I took plenty of pics too...
Ill add pics soon.. please check back!! :D
After all of this.. one of the colleagues that I was with decided that it was time for what he referred to as "kaltentanz" ( he was already sloshed.. so he could have meant anything) we were then frogmarched (awkward word? being in Germany?? im gonna use it..) to a square in front of the main castle in Steinau.
This square is usually.. a really nice place to be.. especially when the sun is out and there are very few people. there is a lovely castle, its very quiet and you can take your time time appreciate the lovely and historical surrounding of the place where the brothers Grimm (as in the load of stories) were born and grew up.
This time.. I arrived to what could only be called "alcohol-related devastation"
There was a whole Shrewdness (that's the collective noun usually used for Apes) of individuals of all ages who were hammered.. and were, upon my arrival.. going GANGNAM STYLE...
my life has taken me in some odd directions.. but this was well up there...
As I said before.. I was reasonably sober. I had drunk.. but was still in the frame of mind to think logically.. and walk in a straight line - as well as be able to tell what imbeciles everyone else looked.
I really wanted to have a drink.. but I had been (and still was at the time) full of cold. Through many reasons.. my body does not react well to having a cold (and one of those reasons is not that I am a bloke!., well ok it is.. but not the main reason..)
I decided that it was time to take stock of the situation.
I was in Steinau, dressed as a robber, in the middle of Hessen, Germany. I was with about 1000 other german people who were very drunk, attempting to do Gangnam style with varying amounts of success, shivering so much that the British thought I was trying to send Morse code and It was beginning to go dark. I had also just had an encounter with a gorilla that was slightly too close for comfort.
I decided, that due to the lack of a coffee stand, It was time to go. Had there had been coffee.. i would have stayed.. but the cold was pretty dire at this point.. and Beer was not going to help that.. no matter how much I had. I had kinda hoped to stay longer.. but not in that frame of mind..
So .. I boarded the next train home (still dressed as a robber!) and went back to the Flat
I will celebrate Faschings properly at some point.. it is now on my bucket list.. but this year was not the year..
more to come soon!
If someone told you that, without knowing what goes in during 'Faschings' im sure there are many ways you could think of to celebrate this period in the year.
I first though, of maybe a dinner with the family, a firework display or even..a day of work!
The last one was about the closest I got.We did get a day off school (some people even got 2!) and why did we get monday off school..
so that we could all go an be part of a parade! (if you didn't get that... you must be feeling pretty stupid!)
Yes. Faschings happens ever year here (fitting, as so does spring) The Germans welcome Spring with parades, loud music, dancing, sweets , days off work, and of course.. Beer!!
There are some rules, that all those going must (and it is a must) abide by.
1) be horrendously drunk.. if you are not drunk.. you will suffer the same issue as I did (which I will clear up later)
2) though you may be drunk.. drink more.. because this will clearly make things better
3) yell "HELAU" to everyone you see.. no matter what they may be doing
4) dance in the middle of the road
5) find the most stupid costume you can.. something that you wouldn't be seen dead in.. and wear it
Yes.. you have to do these things.. and , for someone who had never heard of it before January (bad really!) It was completely bizarre.
I live :
- 20 minutes from Fulda
- 60 minutes from Frankfurt
- 90 minutes from Mainz (the biggest Faschings in Germany)
Where.. with all of these places did I decide to go.. I hear you ask
Steinau -_-
Yes.. Steinau.. located just 10 minutes away from my town. I went to Steinau.. and encountered many of my students in states that I would never usually see them in.. (that is a nice way of saying that they were drunk!)
I encountered English students dressed as Pirates, Mexicans, police officers and everything in between.. in the UK.. this would be way to over the top..
Well the parade was great. It basically consists of local groups of ... things.. who have mobbed local farmers for the use of a tractor and trailer.. they then proceed to choose a theme, and decorate the trailer as such. They then attach speakers and play VERY cheesy music through it whilst driving through the center of some town whilst lobbing sweets and various other things at small and unsuspecting children - probably dressed as a gorilla or something.
Although strange.. it is in fact a really good time, and for families it must be great. It is however odd.. watching children dressed as an Argos catalogue or whatever scurrying along the floor picking up sweets - especially when I bet any amount of money that for the rest of the year, the parents tell their kids off for it!! I took plenty of pics too...
Ill add pics soon.. please check back!! :D
After all of this.. one of the colleagues that I was with decided that it was time for what he referred to as "kaltentanz" ( he was already sloshed.. so he could have meant anything) we were then frogmarched (awkward word? being in Germany?? im gonna use it..) to a square in front of the main castle in Steinau.
This square is usually.. a really nice place to be.. especially when the sun is out and there are very few people. there is a lovely castle, its very quiet and you can take your time time appreciate the lovely and historical surrounding of the place where the brothers Grimm (as in the load of stories) were born and grew up.
This time.. I arrived to what could only be called "alcohol-related devastation"
There was a whole Shrewdness (that's the collective noun usually used for Apes) of individuals of all ages who were hammered.. and were, upon my arrival.. going GANGNAM STYLE...
my life has taken me in some odd directions.. but this was well up there...
As I said before.. I was reasonably sober. I had drunk.. but was still in the frame of mind to think logically.. and walk in a straight line - as well as be able to tell what imbeciles everyone else looked.
I really wanted to have a drink.. but I had been (and still was at the time) full of cold. Through many reasons.. my body does not react well to having a cold (and one of those reasons is not that I am a bloke!., well ok it is.. but not the main reason..)
I decided that it was time to take stock of the situation.
I was in Steinau, dressed as a robber, in the middle of Hessen, Germany. I was with about 1000 other german people who were very drunk, attempting to do Gangnam style with varying amounts of success, shivering so much that the British thought I was trying to send Morse code and It was beginning to go dark. I had also just had an encounter with a gorilla that was slightly too close for comfort.
I decided, that due to the lack of a coffee stand, It was time to go. Had there had been coffee.. i would have stayed.. but the cold was pretty dire at this point.. and Beer was not going to help that.. no matter how much I had. I had kinda hoped to stay longer.. but not in that frame of mind..
So .. I boarded the next train home (still dressed as a robber!) and went back to the Flat
I will celebrate Faschings properly at some point.. it is now on my bucket list.. but this year was not the year..
more to come soon!
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
long time, lots to tell!
So first, I guess I have to apologies that I haven't posed for a while. I have been busy, and it has taken a while to find the time to post anything!
Once again, we have snow! That is all im saying on that.. cause im sure its as boring for you ho hear about as it is for me to have here!
I was in Sunderland last week for a multitude of reasons ! Great weekend , so cheers mate! and thanks for your help!
Work has been the usual. It was very easy to come back after Christmas, settling into the routine like it was only a weekend that I was away for, and although we have now started the second "Halb Jahr" or half year, my timetable is unchanged, so I don't have to learn new names or have to introduce myself again!
The other weekend, I was in Gelnhausen. Its only a 20 minute ride on the train away, but its a nice sized town with some good things to see
Gelnhausen was a good day trip. not to tiring and nice to see the other Language Assistants. we had some nice food and managed to catch up after the Christmas Holidays. and not too expensive either!! there was, of course also the token beer! :D
Once again, we have snow! That is all im saying on that.. cause im sure its as boring for you ho hear about as it is for me to have here!
I was in Sunderland last week for a multitude of reasons ! Great weekend , so cheers mate! and thanks for your help!
Work has been the usual. It was very easy to come back after Christmas, settling into the routine like it was only a weekend that I was away for, and although we have now started the second "Halb Jahr" or half year, my timetable is unchanged, so I don't have to learn new names or have to introduce myself again!
The other weekend, I was in Gelnhausen. Its only a 20 minute ride on the train away, but its a nice sized town with some good things to see
 |
| Church Lit up at night |
 |
| Main square |
Gelnhausen was a good day trip. not to tiring and nice to see the other Language Assistants. we had some nice food and managed to catch up after the Christmas Holidays. and not too expensive either!! there was, of course also the token beer! :D
Few weeks later, I went for a night out in a suburb of Frankfurt called Groß-Gerau. Interesting night! very different to a night in Schlüchtern. They gave you cards and everything was paid for on that, afterwards, you paid at the door when you left!! DANGEROUS!! luckily, it only came to 15 Euros.
I have also planned to go to Mainz for the festival Season. There will be a post on that soon, which is why this is so short!
so, I will be posting in the next week or so!
Monday, 14 January 2013
Finally.. I have come back!
Christmas this year was very interesting.. I spent plenty of time away from home, seeing my mates, my dad and stepmum and the rest of the family too.. so all was good!!
I am now back in Germany.. and - apart from everyone wishing me a "Happy New Year!" , its pretty much like I have never really been away! The town's Christmas Decorations are gone, the sales are over and the only real sign that it is (near) Christmas is that there is a slight dusting of snow on the floor right now.
This makes me realise that I was actually really comfortable here.. I put that partially down to the people of the school and local area.. but it was really nice to come back and slip in as if nothing had happened.
The three weeks of Christmas flew by in one respect, and dragged in another. I was really happy to be going home for so many reasons. The break was great and the lie ins were awesome! I managed to see most of the family and even travel to London to see (one of my two) best mate(s) for new years Eve! it was the first time for a few years that I didn't work for it ! so I could also afford the odd drink!
The Christmas period was typical. .. the usual stuff that every family tends to do (and some things that other families just don't do.. especially this year...) and it as the same in that we got all excited for something that is the same every time!!
It was the first Christmas that I noticed the change since turning 18..and not being a kid anymore.
Christmas eve was spent in the Indian - very sophisticated- with Prosecco and curry!
the run up to me coming back to Germany was slightly rocky.. I had other things on that were unavoidable and due to this, I didn't actually manage to pack properly.. and - I would say that the two things I forgot were some of the most important .. like... towels.. and my bed sheets.. dammit!!
The day that I was flying came and I was waiting at the door like a dog for my dad to pick me up.. it was definitly time to get back to what has now become normality with some great colleges and some great friends now too! I enjoyed seeing everyone.. but the time to go back was the right time!!
I am now here till may.. I may have the odd adventure here and there.. but only the one planned so far.. .. I cant see it being difficult to stay here for a solid 5 months..
sorry that this entry is a tad on the "mopey Christmas" side and very little to do with my "adventures in germany" but , I thought it was time for an update.. and to let you all know that I am enjoying this year abroad so much, that I was actually desperate to come back !!
cheers!
I am now back in Germany.. and - apart from everyone wishing me a "Happy New Year!" , its pretty much like I have never really been away! The town's Christmas Decorations are gone, the sales are over and the only real sign that it is (near) Christmas is that there is a slight dusting of snow on the floor right now.
This makes me realise that I was actually really comfortable here.. I put that partially down to the people of the school and local area.. but it was really nice to come back and slip in as if nothing had happened.
The three weeks of Christmas flew by in one respect, and dragged in another. I was really happy to be going home for so many reasons. The break was great and the lie ins were awesome! I managed to see most of the family and even travel to London to see (one of my two) best mate(s) for new years Eve! it was the first time for a few years that I didn't work for it ! so I could also afford the odd drink!
The Christmas period was typical. .. the usual stuff that every family tends to do (and some things that other families just don't do.. especially this year...) and it as the same in that we got all excited for something that is the same every time!!
It was the first Christmas that I noticed the change since turning 18..and not being a kid anymore.
Christmas eve was spent in the Indian - very sophisticated- with Prosecco and curry!
the run up to me coming back to Germany was slightly rocky.. I had other things on that were unavoidable and due to this, I didn't actually manage to pack properly.. and - I would say that the two things I forgot were some of the most important .. like... towels.. and my bed sheets.. dammit!!
The day that I was flying came and I was waiting at the door like a dog for my dad to pick me up.. it was definitly time to get back to what has now become normality with some great colleges and some great friends now too! I enjoyed seeing everyone.. but the time to go back was the right time!!
I am now here till may.. I may have the odd adventure here and there.. but only the one planned so far.. .. I cant see it being difficult to stay here for a solid 5 months..
sorry that this entry is a tad on the "mopey Christmas" side and very little to do with my "adventures in germany" but , I thought it was time for an update.. and to let you all know that I am enjoying this year abroad so much, that I was actually desperate to come back !!
cheers!
Monday, 17 December 2012
There is no place like it... Home
Home. There are lots of different definitions of it, but I usually use the on that is "Wherever you feel at home",
I have a few places that I consider Home. Sunderland is my second Home. I have made some amazing mares there.
but the other one is that place I grew up in. Where my parents are. and , In less than 75 hours. That is exactly where I will be!
I had a small taste of it last weekend, I flew to Sunderland to see one of the two people I call my "Best Mates" . The weekend was one I will never forget for a lot of reasons. But one of the main reasons was the sheer Horror that I had with Public Transport.
Being clever, I decided to choose the cheapest. This was with KLM and it was from Frankfurt to Newcastle with a change of flight in Amsterdam.
As a lot of people will tell you , I plan everything down to the last second. It will be followed to this plan, and If it goes astray, then, the world may aswell end.
I knew that this was especially important here, because of the change over in Amsterdam, which I had less than an hour for.
The way there was not too bad. Big Shout out the the "best mate" I was visiting who told me to sit at the back of the plane. Cheers mare ! We were swapped onto a rear- engined plane... it was awful! But , in true mate style.. he found this Hilarious!
I got to Amsterdam with the constant ring of D# in my ears.. Then, I had to go for it .
- Check in to next flight
- Passport control
- Security Check
- the 7km (well, that is what it always feels like!) walk to gate D24
sorted! got to the flight in time, and made it to Sunderland.
Typical LADS weekend really:
- Beer, Steak, Football, Half of Batman (inside joke!) and buying DVDs that are on the 2 for £10 at HMV
(although, that can be baffling at times, too.. ) (another inside joke!)
I Enjoyed the weekend. Seeing my mate, and being back 'home' was night. I did speak German to people and I forgot that the cars come from the other Direction.. but apart from that.. fine!
It was on the way back.
Dear god.
I think I lost about 10 years off my like due to this trip.
Set off from Newcastle, Slightly late (don't know how, only about 4 planes go there) and Arrived in Amsterdam late too. Had 50 mins to get to my next flight...
GO!
- Check-in was terrible.. machine was very slow and took about 5 attempts -_-
- Passport control: some advice - if there are well over 500 people queuing to have their passoort checked.. maybe it worth opening a second line?? just a thought
- Security.... well.. do I have to say anything?? I chose the one queue where no matter how much they checked.. that guy still sets the scanner off.. annoying..
then.. Gate..
E89 .. I was like Basil Fawlty!
"Well, that is just perfect!"
Off I went.. and got to the plane late.. the plane held 100 poeple.. I had 99 of them starting at me..and then an announcement..
"Sorry ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be delayed slightly, as we have a passenger from Newcastle who's bag needs to be loaded on"
THAT WAS ME!
got to Frankfurt late, Schedule was Ballsed and I really needed to get home. I was pleased with KLM. None of the delays were their fault, I was late in and they waited for one passenger. I would recommend then to anyone!
I got on the train from the Airport to the main station, I got the platform and could have Waved goodbye to the driver. SHIT.. missed it..
Double Shit... Last train of the night...
triple shit.. what the hell do I do now...
I was a minute too late.
I, being smart, went to the pub! It had Wifi and I could form a plan!
Wifi was broke.. luckily the pump wasn't - I could have drunk it dry. partially for missing the train, partially for doing that thing that Mr Bean does on "Mr Bean's Holiday" when he did the same.
Well, I had no choice, I was stuck.. I was going to spend the night there, but how and where?
there were 3 options
1- the 24hr Mcdonalds
2- sit in the station and listen to music
3- find a hostel.
I went with number 3. Reluctantly. After being in the pub it was now 1 am and the first train was at 5:26 am. But I was tired, slightly fed up, and it had begun to rain.
I found one, and got my head down for a few hours kip. Caught my first train, and managed to do a day of work too.. How.. I dunno.. well.. I do.. I had Irn Bru from the UK!
But anyway. Though my ell with public transport makes me want to walk home, My flight is at a good time, I will be on the first train I can be after work so I definitely don't miss the flight, and the flight is a direct Lufthansa flight. So - hopefully, no issues!
I cant wait to go home. There are some aspects that I can wait for - and not always the ones that are always there, but I need a break, and I need to say hello to the Family. It has been the same amount of time as it would have been at University, but taking in all that I have, from the sights, sounds and smells of Germany, to the Culture, Language and routine. I am tired. I am pleased that I had a visitor halfway through, cause It broke it up and Im always happy to see a good mate :)
I feel weird about it. Im looking forward to it (my suitcase is already packed) but I know that I could stay here If I needed to, easily. I guess after the tough weekend of transport before, and the taste of the UK.. I am pretty ready to head back to the family.
So. I hope this week goes fast, I hope that I can get home and Enjoy a beer with my dad and see my brothers again. I have a small trip planned for Xmas, but the plans need to be finalized there.
I don't know when this will next be updated.. but If I don't see you, or write another one... then Have a good Christmas.. and all the best, for 2013
2013 is set to bring a lot. F1, more Germany, the start of my final Uni year and some other stuff that I am very excited about too. It is gonna be hard at times.. but - if its easy, where is the point?
till next time!
I have a few places that I consider Home. Sunderland is my second Home. I have made some amazing mares there.
but the other one is that place I grew up in. Where my parents are. and , In less than 75 hours. That is exactly where I will be!
I had a small taste of it last weekend, I flew to Sunderland to see one of the two people I call my "Best Mates" . The weekend was one I will never forget for a lot of reasons. But one of the main reasons was the sheer Horror that I had with Public Transport.
Being clever, I decided to choose the cheapest. This was with KLM and it was from Frankfurt to Newcastle with a change of flight in Amsterdam.
As a lot of people will tell you , I plan everything down to the last second. It will be followed to this plan, and If it goes astray, then, the world may aswell end.
I knew that this was especially important here, because of the change over in Amsterdam, which I had less than an hour for.
The way there was not too bad. Big Shout out the the "best mate" I was visiting who told me to sit at the back of the plane. Cheers mare ! We were swapped onto a rear- engined plane... it was awful! But , in true mate style.. he found this Hilarious!
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| My 'Window' is hidden.. its behind the engine... -_- |
I got to Amsterdam with the constant ring of D# in my ears.. Then, I had to go for it .
- Check in to next flight
- Passport control
- Security Check
- the 7km (well, that is what it always feels like!) walk to gate D24
sorted! got to the flight in time, and made it to Sunderland.
Typical LADS weekend really:
- Beer, Steak, Football, Half of Batman (inside joke!) and buying DVDs that are on the 2 for £10 at HMV
(although, that can be baffling at times, too.. ) (another inside joke!)
I Enjoyed the weekend. Seeing my mate, and being back 'home' was night. I did speak German to people and I forgot that the cars come from the other Direction.. but apart from that.. fine!
It was on the way back.
Dear god.
I think I lost about 10 years off my like due to this trip.
Set off from Newcastle, Slightly late (don't know how, only about 4 planes go there) and Arrived in Amsterdam late too. Had 50 mins to get to my next flight...
GO!
- Check-in was terrible.. machine was very slow and took about 5 attempts -_-
- Passport control: some advice - if there are well over 500 people queuing to have their passoort checked.. maybe it worth opening a second line?? just a thought
- Security.... well.. do I have to say anything?? I chose the one queue where no matter how much they checked.. that guy still sets the scanner off.. annoying..
then.. Gate..
E89 .. I was like Basil Fawlty!
"Well, that is just perfect!"
Off I went.. and got to the plane late.. the plane held 100 poeple.. I had 99 of them starting at me..and then an announcement..
"Sorry ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be delayed slightly, as we have a passenger from Newcastle who's bag needs to be loaded on"
THAT WAS ME!
got to Frankfurt late, Schedule was Ballsed and I really needed to get home. I was pleased with KLM. None of the delays were their fault, I was late in and they waited for one passenger. I would recommend then to anyone!
I got on the train from the Airport to the main station, I got the platform and could have Waved goodbye to the driver. SHIT.. missed it..
Double Shit... Last train of the night...
triple shit.. what the hell do I do now...
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| see... no train.... :/ |
I was a minute too late.
I, being smart, went to the pub! It had Wifi and I could form a plan!
Wifi was broke.. luckily the pump wasn't - I could have drunk it dry. partially for missing the train, partially for doing that thing that Mr Bean does on "Mr Bean's Holiday" when he did the same.
Well, I had no choice, I was stuck.. I was going to spend the night there, but how and where?
there were 3 options
1- the 24hr Mcdonalds
2- sit in the station and listen to music
3- find a hostel.
I went with number 3. Reluctantly. After being in the pub it was now 1 am and the first train was at 5:26 am. But I was tired, slightly fed up, and it had begun to rain.
I found one, and got my head down for a few hours kip. Caught my first train, and managed to do a day of work too.. How.. I dunno.. well.. I do.. I had Irn Bru from the UK!
But anyway. Though my ell with public transport makes me want to walk home, My flight is at a good time, I will be on the first train I can be after work so I definitely don't miss the flight, and the flight is a direct Lufthansa flight. So - hopefully, no issues!
I cant wait to go home. There are some aspects that I can wait for - and not always the ones that are always there, but I need a break, and I need to say hello to the Family. It has been the same amount of time as it would have been at University, but taking in all that I have, from the sights, sounds and smells of Germany, to the Culture, Language and routine. I am tired. I am pleased that I had a visitor halfway through, cause It broke it up and Im always happy to see a good mate :)
I feel weird about it. Im looking forward to it (my suitcase is already packed) but I know that I could stay here If I needed to, easily. I guess after the tough weekend of transport before, and the taste of the UK.. I am pretty ready to head back to the family.
So. I hope this week goes fast, I hope that I can get home and Enjoy a beer with my dad and see my brothers again. I have a small trip planned for Xmas, but the plans need to be finalized there.
I don't know when this will next be updated.. but If I don't see you, or write another one... then Have a good Christmas.. and all the best, for 2013
2013 is set to bring a lot. F1, more Germany, the start of my final Uni year and some other stuff that I am very excited about too. It is gonna be hard at times.. but - if its easy, where is the point?
till next time!
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| Its the start of a 365 page book.. When you write it, make it a good one... |
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Wegen Des Wetters...
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| Schlüchtern in the 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..
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| I am an Adult by the way.... |
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| The tree in Schlüchtern |
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.
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| Trees across the road from my flat |
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| 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!
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| an Icicle on my window |
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!
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| The little Tractor :D |
The Lights are also going up in Schlüchtern. It looks nice! nothing too major..
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| Christmas Lights in Schlüchtern |
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!
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| From the Balcony |
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| Getting Dark.. Whats left today |
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