Ahhh....relaxing in Mainz, Germany with Wolfgang, my familys former exchange student and now a family member. It really feels like home! Yesterday was an interesting train ride as the travel surprises keep me on my feet, literally. Basically, Americans dont understand these complex European rail systems. Du Gare in Luxembourg- Im on platform 8 as I watch my train pull out of 10. Ok next train in 45. Finally on my way, now the first of 3 train changes. I get off one stop too early and am at a deserted train stop, not station. A couple miles later through German instructions, I am at the central station where I should have gotten off sweaty and tired. Anyway, im determined to get this train thing down and Im sure there are to be more problems mostly due to my error. My last day in Luxembourg was wonderful. Did I say already that I LOVE LUXEMBOURG! I wandered all over town, visited the National Art and History Museum, saw casemates which are old caves dug into the town used for war defense and military storage dating back to as early as 963. So cool and a little creepy. Definitely the best part of the day started with some afternoon yoga in the park. This attracted 4 little french boys who started mimicking my poses. We had only a few words in common- oui, non, Je m'apelle Brandi from me and yoga cool and fuck you from the boys. A couple hours later after games, races, and lots of yoga the sun was going down and our play date had ended. I miss the kids in Uganda so much more after that, but it really showed me that you can have a great time with anyone even if you dont share a common language. It seemed like such a minor issue to them and me. We just played, laughed, and gestured. I love it! Well just as I started to get comfortable with my simple french, the language has switched to German. Not my favorite. Also, I have not dropped the french so Bonjour and merci envelope my english and the Germans think im crazy. Well Wolfgang and I have a festival to visit so on the move again!
OMG, so excited for you. You are such a little world traveler. Much more brave than I. The rail system sounds like a bit of a bummer (learning it, that is), but you will pick it up quickly I am sure. Missing my bus and having to wait 45 minutes would probably ruin my whole day. But, it's all in your attitude, and you certainly have the right one. I'm so excited to hear from you. I've been waiting.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading a book called "Half the Sky," and I thought of you the entire time I was reading it. I am ready to sell everything I own and come to some foreign land to volunteer and help the needy. We are so spoiled here in America, it's sickening. If you have time while on your trip, you should try to find it and read it. I want to give it to everyone that I know.
Well, I best let you go. You have more exciting things to do than read email from me. Take GOOD CARE of yourself, and keep on bloggin! Love you,
Tracy