June 30, 2010

Sunshine, Swimming Pools, and Lazy Days

So, far this au pair thing is pretty cool. I spent most of Monday afternoon lazing about in the Englischer Gartens. I rode my bike from the house to one of the lawns and set up camp under a shady tree. Half in the shade, half out. I brought a book, my crossword puzzles, and some snacks. And I just laid out and enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. I tried to tan but most everyone knows my body isn’t very receptive to kind coloring. Usually I just burn red. But that didn’t happen either. Slow goes it, I guess! After doing this all day, I returned back to the house for work and was quickly barreled out of the house to go to the pool with the Frau and Die Kinder.

The pool is part of the BayernLB Sportarena, kind of like a members-only sports club. Technically I wasn’t allowed to be there seeing as I’m not a member but they snuck me in. The girls and I went swimming for almost three hours. It was glorious. I love swimming pools and water, especially on hot muggy days which is pretty much every day here. It was funny being at the pool because NO ONE spoke English and all of the families or kid surrounding us stared me all crazy whenever I talked and played with Die Kinder. I got a few points and some second glances. And it was pretty much just moms and their small children. I think I saw one dad there. Just one. And all of the little kids were running around naked. Well, not all of them but compared to the number of nakie kids at an American swimming pool, it was a lot.

Later in the evening, after I’d put the girls to sleep, Helen helped me fix my bed! Well, she kind of helped. Mostly she just laughed at my misfortune and doubted it’s hold but together, we managed to make it work. Here are a series of pictures showing our good efforts:

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To celebrate our hard work I borrowed the DVD player from the Frau and Helen and I laid around in my room and watched a movie. On Tuesday, I went out to lunch with a fellow au pair (also named Heather) that I had met through  Toy Town and we kind of just wandered through the city and enjoyed the warm weather and Munich’s best flavors from a delicious gelateria. It was nice to have someone to spend time with during the day seeing as I’m usually off by myself adventuring and seeing the sights. She was also very helpful in the ordering of food. Although I’m getting better at it everyday! She also showed me where there is an English-only book store. Also, after accidentally buying a huge bottle of sparkling water, I’ve decided that the Germans are crazy and sparkling water is GROSS. But Heather was right when she advised me to drink some anyway. My hands and feet were all bloated again from the weather and it was comforting to actually hydrate myself. Overall, the outing was a success. I look forward to spending more time with her, especially since she’s leaving at the end of the summer.

Last night (Tuesday), I decided to go to the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) biergartens to meet up with some people from Toy Town but, unfortunately, I couldn’t find them. I didn’t have any credit left on my phone and there were a million people there. So I just waited by the bus stop for Jessica and when she showed up, we got some bier, pommes, and meat and went to town. They give you these huge pitchers of bier – just for one person! Needless to say, I got drunk. Who wouldn’t after drinking ONE LITER of bier? Fortunately, I was sober enough to be able to ride my bike home (sort of difficult, my light kept turning off) and pass out in my bed about an hour later.

DSC03289 Ein maß weißbier!

Today is Wednesday and as of this week and last, I’ve officially dubbed Mittwoch my lazy day. I went for a half-ass jog through the Englischer Garten, did my laundry, hung it out to dry (oh, how I miss dryer sheets), cleaned and organized my room, worked on writing and addressing my pile of postcards, and ran an errand to the store down the street. It was such a small errand but such a cool experience. None of the ladies there speak English so I just had to show them my list and squeeze my fingers together and say, “Little Deutsche.”  I don’t know why I didn’t just say, “EEK SPRECKA KINE DOY-TCH!” Ha. I’m getting really good at that one! But I was able to get the three things that I needed – coffee, fresh parsley, and garlic powder. Now I can make parmesean noodles for the girls for dinner and the Frau can have her coffee. Job well done.

I know that I should feel bad for wasting a sunny day inside but I don’t. It’s so hot and humid and I didn’t get paid until about 2 this afternoon, anyway, so it really doesn’t bother me. Plus, I have so many more days to explore and adventure and enjoy this city so I don’t regret my decision at all. Beside, every once in a while it just feels good to stop going and sit down for a day.

Oh, and you know what I forgot? This morning I woke up at 6:30 am to the sound of thunder outside my window. Loud, angry thunder that seemed to shake the skies. And the rain, torrents of rain. Hot, humid, muggy rain. Even though I fell back asleep, it was a great sound to wake up to. I wasn’t even annoyed.

For the rest of the week, I am ready for anything. Babysitting tonight, Toy Town tomorrow, BBQs and more babysitting over the weekend. Another Deutschland football game. Going out with Helen and meeting some of her friends (finally!). Even though the last two weeks have gone by so quickly, I can’t wait to enjoy the rest. I absolutely love being here. Have I said that lately?

Oh, I have? Well, it’s true. :)

Now for the end of this post, enjoy some more pictures:

DSC03284 Weiner Schnitzel, boiled potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a salad. Oh, and bier.

DSC03281 Marienplatz in the fading daylight.

DSC03285 A weird Michael Jackson shrine in the city.

DSCN2598 Postcards

DSCN2603 Joshua Heather Orange (J-Ho) and Veva: the comforts of home, all the way in Germany

DSCN2545 New German Girl enjoying a sunshine Saturday

4 comments:

McGriddle Pants said...

OHHH how I miss Germany! I studied abroad there and LOVED IT! Isn't the weather insane though? I had a bloating problem too with the heat and humidity. Your friend is right... water water WATER! Even "wasser mit gas" is refreshing on a hot day. :) I even learned to like it.

Have you thought about a German language class? Maybe on a day off? At the beginning of our study abroad we had a very short one, about 4 hours a day for 2 weeks. We didn't learn a ton, but it really helped with shopping and eating out. (since all our classes were in english we didn't have a language requirement to study there) Just a thought.

Love the blog and your posts! Have fun!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I love your posts, too. And I REALLY HOPE that one of those postcards is addressed to me! ;o)
Love you! ....Debbie

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Wow love your blog and reading all this. Hope you have a glorious weekend!

Unknown said...

Great blog! I want to come to Germany so bad. Adopted by US military parents in Stuttgart and back to Munich in 1962. Wayne in Virginia USA

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