Sorry that it's been so long and I still haven't put photos up...
The past few weeks have been pretty hectic and as the title would suggest pretty unexpected too. I'm writing this blog from the computer room at UUC, (aka Coleraine N.I.!) after getting an early flight back last Friday instead of this Thursday as planned. Sadly my Granny passes away suddenly last wednesday so after a number of phonecalls and a very supportive boyfriend, I got sorted with a flight and made my way home. I arrived in Larne at 2am, the funeral was in 12hours time.
Thank you to everyone for your support and messages. It wasn't the most ideal way to come home but I'm glad I made it.
Before the family situation occurred I had been gallavanting around Germany. Evan had a weeks holidays and so came to see Bad Bergzabern and stay for a week. We headed off to Oktoberfest on Sat 27th a little too early in the morning and had a cracker day, when we managed to find it... (You think it would be big enough to stumble across, or that there would be signs, we didn't see anything until we asked a local!) But when we got there the rides and the beer were top notch. It turned into a great wee day.
Sun 28th was my birthday and so (thanks to Royal Mail all my post was late and didn't arrive til the Tues! Deutsche Post is much mroe efficient) Joanna, Kerry Evan and Me decided we would pop to France for a birthday lunch! From where I live, France is a twenty minute bus journey6 that costs 2euros. Fantastic or what?
We got the bus to Wissembourg where we frantically realised that our French was disappearing (most trips needed me thinks) but also enjoyed a lovely typically Alsacien meal - Flammkuchen/Tartes flambee.
On the way back, we got off the bus in Schweigen, which is the village right on the border so we dandered through all the lovely vineyards, eat a few grapes, bought Neuer Wein (bit too easy to drink!) and took photos at the border. It was lovely and it was awesome, however I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday with friends and family this weekend.
The rest of the week went reasonably well, Maria came round for dinner on Tuesday, when we discovered that Germans have two types of spud. Yes two! Apparently one does not lend itself well to mashing... And we successfully took the Minis and the Maxis Youth clubs on Wednesday afternoon. I spent the Monday night at the Hauskreis of Martin and Kerstin (who I had met the week before and had dinner with). They're recently married and Markus is like a youth pastor in Bad Bergzabern. They are lovely people and I get on quite well with them. The Hauskreis was like a small Bible study which I was keen to join as I tend to be travelling most sundays and haven't made it to church. It was difficult to follow at times but I did it, I got something from it and I know my German is better for it too!
It was Wednesday evening when my Granny passed away so the rest of the week was a little of a blur. I joined the teachers on the Thursday afternoon, the last day of school, for more Flammkuchen (which I can almost make myself!) and also to wish Jessica all the best as she was getting married. The rest of the day, and the following were spent packing frantically and getting to the airport.
Friday 3rd was Deutsche Einheitstag which meant that EVERYTHING was closed. Nothing was open but the only celebrations going on were in Berlin. Which in a way makes sense as Berlin was the most divided of all. However, I am quite glad to say over here in Ulster we use every excuse for a good knees up!
Since I got home, it's been pretty crazy and there's been a lot going on but I'm up in Portstewart for a few days with Joel to get my head cleared and have some fun. It is truly great to see my family and friends again. It really is, but I am really enjoying myslef in Germany and am looking forward to the challenges and experiences when I head back in just over a weeks time.
Oh, and my internet should be working by then too!
Till then, bis dann
Dani