Lazin' About on a Sunday Afternoon...

...and loving it, actually.

Back in Alabama, I hated being lazy on the weekend, despite the fact that I was most of the time. I suppose that, during the college semester, my weekends were devoted entirely to my studies...and, particularly during that last semester, weekends were draining. This past summer also saw me loathing laziness on the weekends, as the standard ennui of being a lethargic young adult kept growing on me like a...well, like a rather lethargic tumor. Of course, that was also because I was unemployed, had a degree, and spent my time with friends almost constantly because I knew I wouldn't be able to for ten months (which was nice). But, now that I have a job that requires me running after German kiddies--and in a language I hardly know, at that--, I find that being lazy on a Sunday is very pleasant. It's also an ample opportunity to drink far too much coffee and tea.

Let's travel into one of my digressions that was triggered because of my mention of tea. Every Saturday (and apparently every Wednesday), the Altstadt hosts a fresh market in the morning and early afternoon. This causes me much happiness, as one can purchase practically everything one needs for delicious sustenance for the week: cheese, meat, rolls, honey, jam, and...TEA. Like, loose tea. Like, leaves that have been dried from a home-grown plant tea. There's this one stand at the fresh market, Dudel Wuerzt, that sells spices and bags of tea at around 3.50 euros a pop, sometimes more expensive. Being the total tea dork that I am, I purchased a bag of peppermint and apple tea, respectively. I've never seen tea leaves look that fresh, but this is because I'm usually cheap and buy the tea bags (i.e., sawdust) or the Harney & Sons loose tea. Anyway, I tried the peppermint tea upon my return home after a jaunt in the Franzoesischer Garten, and...yum. This makes me happy.

Needless to say, these past two weekends have been rather nice, overall. Last Saturday brought about the visit of one Abby, a friend I had made at orientation. She lives in Wolfsburg, a new city a bit south from here. I was super-excited that she made a trip to Celle, and we had much fun stomping around the Altstadt, visiting the castle (der Schloss) and eating at an "American" restaurant, the Grand Canyon. Good schnitzel and beer there, ironically enough. This Friday, the other teaching assistant, Maryle, and I went a-shopping for shoes that proved unsuccessful, yet quite fun. Also, lunch at a particular Indian restaurant is only about 6.00 euros on Fridays.

Why am I mentioning the food? Oh, right. Because they're the only meals I've had that are nice and hot. I take care of myself so well. (I do, actually.)

It's still a bit surreal to be here and to be getting into a steady routine. To actually start having a "career" and a "real life" (though, I'm sure that both can and will be debated). To start wondering why in the world I didn't travel more in North America, especially since I have friends in very interesting parts of the world, like Montreal, Los Angeles, and Tampa. We'll see what I can do when I return... Right now, I need to see where I will go in the magical land of Germany and the rest of Europe.

One step at a time. Ready? Steady? Go!