Wednesday, November 15, 2006

What is Going on Here?

So I'm home alone tonight (F is visiting his sister in Hamburg), and I'm actually watching a soccer match. Not because I have to, not because F is watching, but because I want to. Hmm. The match is Germany vs. Cyprus. And while I have my usual reasons for watching - Michael Ballack, David Odonkor, and now Clemens Fritz (yum) - I am also interested in the outcome.*

Oh, one of the players from the German national team is currently playing for a Bundesliga team that is close to our school, and his daughter is enrolled here - he was actually here for parent/teacher conferences yesterday. So...in my warped little brain, I am separated by one degree from Michael Ballack - the two of them still play together on the natl. team - maybe I have a chance after all? (Sorry F!)

OH! In other soccer-related news: I was recently made aware of the fact that many urinals in men's restrooms have a little something extra, a little something fun to occupy the boys while relieving themselves. Are you ready for this? The urinals are equipped with soccer goals. Some of them have an actual little soccer ball hanging that one can try to 'direct' into the goal; otherwise the goal is just to pee into the net. Now, lest you think I am joking, I have actually seen it with my own eyes. I don't even know what to say. Next time I'm taking a picture.

*Let's see if I actually make it through the match - I've become addicted to 'Grey's Anatomy', and have the whole 2nd season to get through...

Monday, November 13, 2006

Better Late Than Never...

So, I mentioned that we have had other visitors since I moved here. One of the many was Emily, who came last spring for a little over a week. I was off for spring break then, so was actually able to hang out. We travelled to Cologne, a must for anyone who comes to D'dorf - not only is it beautiful, you also get to visit the Chocolate Museum! Here she is enjoying her heavenly hot chocolate in the museum cafe.



We also took a trip to Amsterdam, where we stayed in the Garden Room of the lovely Hanna Penso bed & breakfast. The owner stocked our mini fridge with eggs, juice, milk, jam, butter; provided a coffee maker, water kettle, tea pot, coffee, egg cooker...hmm, what else? Oh yes, every morning she went to the bakery and got fresh rolls (whatever we wanted) and left them hanging on the doorknob for us to retrieve when we got up. The best part? Our little garden table outside, where we ate (even though it was a little chilly out).

We did lots of other stuff, wandered all over Amsterdam (and also some in Dusseldorf). I'll close with a pic of us in Vondelpark.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Panorama


Here's an amazing pic of Dusseldorf, taken from the observatory of the Rheinturn (Rhine tower). Photo credit goes to the Cape Horn House boys, Terry and Tom, who were here for a visit a couple of weeks ago. We were pretty lucky with the weather (as that is always a crap shoot here), and were able to walk around the city the first day. Here are the boys enjoying a glass (or two) of Alt at the the Uerige, one of the oldest breweries in Dusseldorf.


Florian was home all week, so he was able to play tour guide. While I was at work, the boys took a trip to Cologne, and also to Zons, a well-preserved medieval walled city about 20 mins away from D'dorf.

We had a really great time having you here - thanks again for visiting!

P.S. I also have to give props to all the wonderful friends who have already come to visit: Karin, Thomas & Emily. And of course, my mom! I am truly a lucky person to have had all these visitors.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Out of the mouths of babes...

...come embarrassing comments.

I was reading a story to the class today. As I was lifting my arm to turn the page of the book, one of the girls raises her hand. Thinking that she had a question about the story, I called on her. What does she say?

'Ms. Millan, it's wet under your arm.'

Mortified, I look down, and sure enough, there's the proof that the deo is not working overtime (and it was only 11:20am!). And as if that wasn't bad enough, a few of the students started wondering out loud, 'but how did it get wet there?'. Oy vey. TGIF. That's all I've got to say.