Sächsische Schweiz

October 6, 2013

This week I had my first cold in Germany. For several days tissues were almost as important as the air I breathed. I confined myself mostly to my room and entertained myself with books and TV shows before retiring early. After three days I couldn’t stand to be in my room any longer. I ventured out into the sunshine once again to take a few laps around the Schwannenteich.

It really is a beautiful lake. There is also a small collection of birds and goats at one point along the trail. On one hand, the animals are adorable. I want to slow down and watch them play. But on the other hand, they stink especially after it rains, and I can’t walk by fast enough.

I am in the middle of a very long weekend right now. Thursday was the Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Or German Unity Day) so schools were closed. My school was also off on Friday and Mondays are my usual day off that all adds up to a 5 day weekend! At first I thought I would travel during this time, but my cold made that less attractive and I’m saying my money for big adventures over Fall Break, which is only two weeks away.

Beginning and End of our hike. 

On Thursday night I attended another movie night. It was even better than the first. We started at 20:00 instead of 22:00, and I got to meet several lovely people. J We had an interesting conversation comparing German, American, and French educational systems after watching Die Kirche Bleibt im Dorf (The Church stays in the Village). Did you know that in France all you need to teach Elementary School (up to 5^th grade) is a bachelors in anything. That’s right, anything. So whether you study fitness or physiology, you are deemed qualified to education young minds upon graduation.

Narrow staircases were found all along the trail.
They would never be deemed safe in the States.

View from the top.

We could see people rock climbing on these walls.

Friday I hoped on the train, met up with 5 other people at various points along the track, crossed a ferry, and hiked in the Sachsische Schweiz (The Switzerland of Saxony). The fresh air, sunshine, and beauty of nature brought a smile to my face and lightness to my steps. The company was also exceptional.

Hiking Buddies!

On my way to the theater Saturday evening, I bounced down the cobbled streets thinking about how lucky and happy I am to be in Germany. Not two minutes into Wie im Himmel? I had to leave the theater. I spent the next half hour getting acquainted with the bathroom. I don’t know why I got so sick all of the sudden. Mrs. Runst and Marie were leaving to look for me as I was coming back in. They were so concerned. We spent the next twenty minutes in the lobby before returning to the 3-hour production. I enjoyed what I saw.

Right now I’m using the Internet at Ms. RaLi’s house and tea is about to be served so until next time!