Freiburg, Hannover and Frauenstag

ALOT has happened since I last wrote on my blog which I will admit has been a fair while.

Well after being in Bonn Uni I managed to pass all of exams. I still had a problem trying to get everything done but oh well it is too late now because I have moved on to my new humble abode.

2 weeks ago I undertook my first car sharing experience which was great. Unfortunately the snow was still bad and it snowed most of the way down the motorway so we stopped about 6 to 7 times. Got to Freiburg after 6 hours in the car I have never been so glad to be somewhere. I met Babsi and Leon at the train station and Leon was a little bit confused. It was great to be with Leon and Chiara again because both of them have changed so much. Chiara is becoming a GREAT older sister and those sibling fights were something to witness I tell you - yelling at each other over who is the greatest pirate and who should have the pirate sword! OH IT WAS GREAT. Since it was Rosen montag which is a part of the Karneval celebrations I went to see how they celebrate it. We didn't stay too long because it was freezing but after a while it was a little bit samey-same. The parade people throw sweets at everyone and everyone yells to one another. I some how think it was different from the parade up in Cologne which was all over the news reports. Oh well there will be other years where I can go to the Karneval in Cologne.

This time in Freiburg - we drove up into the mountains and did something I have never done before - sledging. It was really hard and to be honest I didn't want to die by going over the edge. So I was being a careful sledder much to the annoyance of Chiara who wanted to go as fast as possible. Leon was a little bit scared and cried for most of the journey. In the end it was me who had the most fun I have never laughed/ screamed so much in my life.

That evening my auntie and uncle came to visit because it had been Leon's 3rd birthday on the Saturday so they had come to see my sister for a bit. They stayed for dinner and my sister cooked the best Lasagne ever....it's massive and is just so delicious.

I car shared back to Bonn on the following Wednesday and this time it only took us 4 hours because there was no snow and the traffic wasn't too bad either.

The weekend after Freiburg I went to Berlin with a rented car. stayed in a lovely Ferienwohnung right next to the Ku'Damm. Did a little sight seeing around Berlin (even though I have done it a million times before) went to Spandau to see where my family orginates from, went to most of the Platz's and also I went to the Russian soldier memorial where I have actually NEVER been before. Have been passed it loads of times but never actually went close up to it.

I had two weeks in Bonn before heading here to Stendal so I tried to abuse it as much as possible. Tried to meet up with people but it didn't always work I just have no idea where the time went. Had a night drinking with Bernie Boy, Ilya, Thomas and BOY SCHMIDT!!!! Was very good fun and lots of beer was drunk.

Packing to leave Bonn was geniuly very sad(can't spell!) because am leaving behind ALOT of good things ;-) We also happened to pick the best day to leave because the Xynthia storm hit Germany. Trees were falling down everywhere and as mum put her foot down in the car on the autobahn you could feel the wind pushing the car over the lanes. There were a few close calls I can tell you that. Also when we got to our guest house we had a power cut :-( eventually the electricity came back on.

SOOOO am now in Stendal - it's not too big probably about the size of childwall and wavertree but there is a macdonalds and burger king so I consider them signs of life. Today is international womans day which was celebrated in the former GDR and is still kind of celebrated in the eastern bundeslands. So my new landlady, Kerstin, took us to the theatre to see a musical comedy which was free but was taking donations for the women's shelter. It was tough for Dottie to understand but I thought that it was HILARIOUS. It was a one-woman show, she had a guitarist and also there were 2 signers on the stage because a group of deaf people had come to see the show. The interaction was great.

Apparently next week 'I love you, you're perfect now change' is on so I think that me and Kerstin will go and see that together. Oh and at some point I have to become a teacher in the school and start to think about my Year Abroad essay.

My how time moves on!

Return to the German

Well have been back now for at least 2 weeks and the time has flown. It took me a good while to get back settled in though I will admit - so it has been a crazy two weeks.

University is actually beginning to become challenging because my exams are coming up. Most of them are speaking ones but still makes me pretty nervous because it means I have to speak to teachers. Also am actually trying to revise hard which is very unsual - the German speaking is getting easier. I have noticed I am using it more and more everyday even though I am still majorly speaking in English which well probably isn't very good.

It was Patrick's birthday on Friday so it meant only one thing 'Tabu2 Bar' - not exactly the most raving of places but after a few beers is ok. Met Czilla there and we had a good gab - I know Czilla though my speaking course and I think she is Hungarian(if I remember rightly). Also spoke lots to Ms Christine - AKA lady of Bernie boy, which was nice - as she can't speak English then I have to speak german which is AWESOME!

In a quest to develop further my cultural understanding of the German nation - I yesterday went to a football game. Borussia Dortmund Vs Hamburg SV - even though Hamburg is my old city I was routing for Dortmund to win. It was also an important game as I think it determines 4th place and Dortmund really want to be back in the Champions League again. The fans were very entertaining to watch and it was extremely similar to Liverpool - they sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before the game starts and the home stand looked amazing when everyone was jumping up and down. Also got myself a beer and a currywurst - just to be extra German. It was very good fun. Dortmund won in the end so everyone was very happy - I took a couple of videos so I will post them up on Facebook when I get the chance.

For now it's back to the revision board.

stop the snow! stop the snow! stop the snow!

Well after a few lazy days and a very good night out with Catriona Lewis to celebrate her birthday it was time to think about coming back to Bonn.

Of course with me flying is always something to worry about - especially when you are actually in the air and the plane suddenly starts to go down for no apparent reason. That feeling in you stomach as if you just left it in the terminal building which you just departed from. Oh I'm sorry here I am going on about flying as if it happened a few days ago - well it didn't. Due to the MASSIVe/utterly catastrophic snow across the country, which I will admit for the first few hours was fun.

We stayed over in a hotel near to Manchester hoping that we would avoid the majority of the snow and the ungritted roads. Instead we awoke to find a large pile of fresh snow outside the window and the airport bus struggling to get through the car park. Into the terminal for 8.30am.

Meanwhile it was still snowing and it appeared some flights were going as they were checking in people. Of course we had seen the news which said Manchester airport was closed and flights were suspended until 12pm due to runway clearance. After checking in we were informed the 10.10am flight to Cologne/Bonn would be delayed until 14.55 and we would have to sit and wait. So I went for a wonder around the airport to pass the time and ran into Dave who was likewise flying on the same flight. So we gathered in a small corner to start our little conversations/snoozes/crosswords etc. 14.55 comes - plane delayed further. 16.00 - plane delayed until 18.05. 18.00 comes plane delayed until 19.30. 20.00 nearly 12 hours after we arrived and the flight was cancelled.

Supposed to be flying back tomorrow and hopefully we will get there in one piece from A - B with little or no delay!

Am looking forward to coming back to Bonn - I have to admit I really have missed not being there!

Must try and sleep now

Flying home for Christmas

So am sat at home now and it is the day after Boxing Day - just watching Carol Vorderman's 'Who Do You Think You Are?' having watched Eastenders AGAIN and also most of Chicken Run even though I have already seen it lots and still own it on video.

I haven't been well since I got home - am struggling with the flu but I think it is the reaction to flying home again. I wasn't so good on the flight from Amsterdam and got really freaked out but then in the end I was ~(as usual) ok. I loved Amsterdam especially covered in snow. I didn't get the chance to go to any musuems because they were too expensive or couldn't hold the luggage I was carrying. So I spent most of the day in the airport watching the snow come down.

My suitcase came out first on the conveyor belt and I was straight out through passport control. Mum was waiting there and we headed home in the car. It was nice to travel in a car and not a tram or a train for a change. We went straight to Penny Lane to pick up some chips from Lucy. I have never eaten so quickly in my entire life. When I came home I went straight up to my bed and jumped on it....my double bed that isn't broken - also Stella was sitting waiting in my bed and I think she was very happy to see me. It felt so good to come home.

The next few days where spent getting ready for Christmas day. Went to the cathedral to see the Messiah by Handel - the music was amazing but the cathedral was so cold. If we go next time then definately take blankets and hot water bottles. Also went to spend an evening with Mrs Lewis and a curry too - Catie was in work but I saw her on Christmas day. I tried to go to Crumpet Eve celebrations but due to being in the dark ages with no mobile phone I can't get hold of anyone and so after my long walk headed home.

Christmas day was lazy - headed to the Lewis's for morning/afternoon drinks. I was still feeling sick so I couldn't eat anything. I waited for the turkey mum had cooked(first time in years we have had turkey on Christmas day) and ate all the dinner including sprouts. Divine! got some lovely presents and Gareth was here too. Just a nice quiet family christmas.

It is strange but while I was in Bonn I thought so much about coming home and now I am here I keep thinking about being back in Bonn again. I miss my little room with all my things in it and I miss my boys and my gals as well too. Anyways before I get too sentimental I shall head off to make some food.

Der Zug endet hier. Bitte alle Fahrgaeste aussteigen :-)

WHAT A FEW DAYS:-)

It began on Thursday with the arrival of Ms Emily Ford to the country which you know can only mean endless laughter oh and potential falling asleep on trains. Had to go to Anna's to pick up a blow up mattress/bouncy castle which just about fitted into my room but very fun to jump up and down on:-) So off I went to Cologne/Bonn airport to pick up the Emily one with a very scary/road-raged bus driver. SERIOUSLY I know he was on the motorway but that is no excuse to drive like a maniac...felt like I was an extra in the film for SPEED or something.

Anyhoo Emily arrived safely in one piece and we returned to the beautiful Tannenbusch(I don't see where any of the problems in the area are in the slightest!!!). Ended up watching 'Up' as Emilylein was a little sleepy from flying and probably the severe lack of Coffee pushing through her veins. GOT TO LOVE KEVIN!!!!!(Kevin's a girl?)

Friday morning was unfortunately lecture at 10am and I didn't get out of bed until about 9.20! OH WELL! Normally the lecture is quite boring but we got to watch the beginning of SCREAM so it was ok. Met up with Emily and we went to Cafe Blau with the girlies for some essen and trinken but no Heiss Schoko was had unfortunately. Knowing we were going to meet Chloe later on in Cologne for a good old fashioned Liverpool Uni Rendevouz - we had a 'little' afternoon nap, which turned into the rest of the afternoon.

Got ready and headed to Cologne to meet the Chloe one - also met her two mates Julie and Ani(sorry if I spelt it wrong). After looking for somewhere to eat eventually found somewhere(this wasn't before a drunk yelled "HAESSLICH" numerous times and a fight began outside a pub with one hell of a bitch slap). Food was grand and the cocktails delicious. Then on to a Kareoke Bar which contained a massive group of Polish people who were EXTREMELY drunk but very funny. Of course not wanting to miss out on the fun tried to get up and sing but the mean kareoke lady would only let us sing 'It's raining men'. Tired of kareoke it was onto a club on the Hohenzoller ring(think that is how you spell it) - there was LOTS of dancing to be had, fair bit of drinking and plenty of photographs to be taken - am awaiting their arrival on Facebook:-)

Getting home from Cologne proved a little difficult but 2 taxi's and a train ride later we made it back around 4.30am.

Yesterday we got up late and decided to head to Aachen which was beautiful but very very cold. The Christmas market was crowded with people - quite a fair few French/Belgians but then again when you see how close the border is to the city it sort of makes sense. Also had a few Gluehwein at the Hexenhof which was brilliant but claustraphobic. We also went into Der Dom were Charlemagne's remains are supposed to be and probably explains why the cathedral itself was so beautiful. Not as big as Cologne I don't think but the interior made up for the size. I will try to find a few pictures. After getting back from Aachen we were pretty whacked and so couldn't make it to Monja's party unfortunately. I also missed out on Bernie Boy's birthday celebrations too. OH WELL!!!!

Now Emily will be up in the sky with Germanwings and I am back in Tannenbusch about to potentially begin some work/reading

Christmas Time...the girls and Gluhwein

Hey all,

Has been a few weeks since I have written on here and lots has been going on.

On Academicus Tag on Wednesday me, Anna, Ramona and Susie went off to Munster. Of course it takes like 3 hours to get there by train. The in-train entertainment was hilarious; Guess Who is a GREAT game if not sometimes hard. Some of the people were interesting too; Amy WineHouse, Jesus, Elvis, Richard Armitage, Lady Gaga, Keira Knightly and Richard Armitage to name a few - all very funny indeed.

Got to Munster and it was really pretty. As Susie warned me - this really is the Bike capital of Germany where bikes rule the way and they do. I have never seen so many bikes except when I was in Freiburg. We wandered around the many Christmas markets and also met up with Susie's sister to go for some food.

Also discovered I have my own church St Lamberti in Munster...the problem is that anabaptists used to be tortured there in the 15th century and their torture cages now hang off the side of the church(thank you wikipedia)..lovely thing to see! Also visted the Dom which was HUGE but as Ramona pointed out no where near as big as the Anglican Cathedrale in Liddypool.

Of course to commemorate our day out - we decided to buy something. So we came across some minature ducks and each bought one.

Name deciding was tough but eventually; George Michael, Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Elvis were welcomed into the world. All very silly indeed. also there may have been some purchasing of Christmas antlers for next weeks Christmas party:-) SO excited.

I can't believe it is less than 2 weeks until I am going home. Am very excited to be going back home but am not spending enough time there I think. I wish I could stay for a month!!! But unfortunately it is not to be as the Uni will be starting up - need to email some tutors now!

From Bonn - lots of love

Steffi x

Back in the Day...

Sometimes it is always good to go to see older relatives and hear the stories of the 'good old days'. Today I went off to Troisdorf which is sort of midway between Bonn and Cologne to visit my great-uncle and his lady friend Micki(who is ACTUALLY named after Micki Mouse because she was born in the same year!). Had to take a few trains to get there but eventually arrived.

We went for a lovely meal in a restaurant which is attached to the church that Micki and my uncle go to at Christmas time for the service. The food was GORGEOUS and I had some chicken schnitzel which was covered in sauce with onions and peppers. Also I tried my very best to sprechen the Deutsch - which amazingly I did:-) Showed some old pictures of my daddy from when he must of been about 16 or 17 as Onkel Rudi sent me a picture from when I was 18 months old in Denmark so decided to show him some of the photos I have.

We then drove back to Micki's house in Troisdorf where she had cake ready for us to eat - I have never eaten so much! IT IS RIDICULOUS but the cake was gorgeous. Then the conversation turned to many random things and also saying certain sayings in German and English....my uncle taught himself English and can also speak Norwegian fluently!

Then it was time to come home - had the intention of going out but now may just stay in and watch a film or listen to some James Brown! Also discovered a better way of sleeping which is to put the mattress on the floor under the window because the lights from the stairwell shine right in my eyes when I try to sleep....so last night I actually felt like I slept despite going to bed at around 3.30am!

Was at the Christmas market yesterday and it was great - a few Gluhwein too many made me really really sleepy though which was bad but I will definately be having some more very soon.