Overdue for an Update

I've been horribly lax, and I even have quite a bit to talk (er, type) about. Lustig, wie das geht. In this entry, I shall talk about the most immediate story that comes to mind, and then I will backtrack from there with the results of my parents' visit. To make your lovely reading experience easier to digest, I shall chop this up into small morsels--because, damn, this is a long post.


Herding Small Children

As I walked into the teacher's lounge this morning, I noticed some of the teachers buzzing about because of a class trip to the Schlosstheater. I had earlier gleaned from the bulletin board that 2a and 2c were going to see Sinbad, der kleine Seefahrer, and I thought little more of it. As I was going over animals in 1b, Frau Doehrmann stepped in and asked to talk with me outside. She told me that one of the students was ill and unable to go to the play, and she asked me if I would like to accompany them to the theatre. Vaguely suspecting that this actually meant, "I need another hand to herd these small children to the theatre," I readily consented.

As has become the norm, the children from both classes were very glad to discover that I was going with them and proceeded to climb all over me to be my "partner" for the walk to the Schloss (which takes about half an hour when acting as Child Shepherd). I ended up walking between the two classes, right in front of Dylan (Minion #2) and Thorben, and I had to hold Dylan's hand almost the entire time because I knew that he was going to trip over his untied shoelaces. I will, by the way, profile Dylan quite soon. Regardless, we made it to the theatre in one piece, with only one fall.

The play itself was cute, and the actors did quite well. Since it is aimed for children, the humor is thus downgraded to suit a child's fancy, but the play was charming for adults, too. With these expectations in mind, I really have no complaints except for the one actress I couldn't hear whenever she came out during scene changes. But, being in the audience with the children, there may have been no other way around it. I am, however, quite impressed with the actors' versatility, as the secondary characters played multiple parts with definite success. I also got to sit in the same box as Julia, a child in 2a whom I haven't seen in ages. Maybe she just doesn't have English, but she was quite excited to see me again. And I her, actually.

After our return to the school, with three quite exhausted teachers, I walked Meerit home, since Andrea had to work today (since Niclas had been sick the other day). It was quite nice talking with Meerit, as I don't really interact too much with the family. Mainly, we talked about instruments, but it was nice to see her show a bit of concern for her brother's health. She's a good kid.

Overall, today has been good. I was surprised that a few of the 4c-ers asked whether I'd be in class today, as I missed last week to walk my parents to the bus stop. I wasn't there today, either, since I saw the play. Maybe they're not such a "bad" class, after all.


The Statons Pay a Visit, Part I: My Ability to Boil Water

As aforementioned (tee-hee, I love that word), my parents visited me the 6th-16th of November. I am glad to say that they have made it safely to the States and are relaxing in their home. However, their visit was very nice...though, it being typical November weather in Germany, it rained almost the entire time. Way to go, weather. Way to go.

Still, my parents enjoyed their stay in Celle. We didn't do too terribly much, mainly because they wanted to relax and I had to work. On Monday, I showed them my grocery store, Neukauf, which doesn't sound like much unless you've never seen a non-American grocery store...which still isn't saying much. Afterward, though, we walked to my flat, chatted, and I cooked a dinner of prepared tortellini and grilled vegetables tomato sauce. Hooray for my stellar ability of boiling water! Overall, I think my parents were impressed by my living arrangements, which put them at ease about my stay here in general...even though I'd been saying that life here is pretty damn good.


The Statons Pay a Visit, Part II: 2a Remains Awesome

Wednesday was the most important day for me, since my parents came to my school. I managed to take the bus to the Altstadt and back during my break between classes, and we waited in the teacher's lounge before my class with 2a. During this time, Silke and Barco talked with us (in English, which they had never done with me) about Niedersachsen and German schools, and Susanne, peppery as always, showed us her remedial math class and talked to us about such programs here (which was very interesting, not least because of the way these students are talked about...). I recognized all of the students (there were only five), all in the third class, and Susanne mentioned that these students came from lower class families... I'll just end it by saying that I didn't find the class itself unusual, but...the reasons behind why there were in this class. I'm certain this makes sense.

Anyway, after the Pause, my parents observed me at my finest: TA-ing the ickle 2a-ers. This went off without a hitch, honestly. The kids were very well behaved and performed their parts perfectly, starting with the barrage of hugs and squeals, then with me reading Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle, playing the "Hokey Kokey" (rather than "Hokey Pokey" in American English), and ending with Dad and me handing out space ice cream from NASA that Dad had brought with him (which the children LOVED and almost attacked me for more). (I don't remember whether I told the parents this, but Emily saved some for her brother.) I really can't thank Frau Doehrmann enough for her hospitality.


The Parents Pay a Visit, Part III: The St. Marienkirche Tower of DOOM

Thursday was an interesting day, to say the least. I once again headed to the Altstadt to meet the parents after work, and I suggested, it being merely overcast and not raining, that we venture up the St. Marienkirche tower. My coworkers had insisted that we climb this, since at the top one can see the entire Altstadt. We three proceeded to climb this seemingly innocent tower, but poor Mum had to stop after the second flight of spiraling stairs. It is understandable why, too; one particular flight of stairs wound around in a very open space, making looking down somewhat frightening. So, Dad and I continued on (...I almost typed "weiter"), stopping at each landing only to reach more spiraling stairs. And more. And...more. If this wasn't a bonding experience, then dammit, I don't know what would be.

However, my coworkers were right: the view from atop really is beautiful. We saw the beautiful red-tiled rooftops of the buildings and took many pictures as proof that we made it past the awkward submarine capsule-esque doorway to the top of the church tower.

Did I mention the bells? Yeah, the bells ring every fifteen minutes. I know this because Dad asked me to translate a sign that stated that very thing as we were descending...right as we approached the bells. So, just so you know, the bells ring every fifteen minutes.


The Statons Pay a Visit, Part IV: The Very Friendly Hannover Taxi Driver

So, during this time I was nauseous. On Friday morning, I just couldn't bring myself to go to work, 1.) because I was sick and 2.) because I was stressed enough as it was because my parents and I were traveling to Hannover that day. So, with an unstable stomach and a bundle of nerves, I set off with Mum and Dad to that city of Hannover, whereupon we took a taxi (I know, I know) from the Hauptbahnhof to the medical district, where our hotel was.

(Side note: S-bahns become crowded on Friday afternoons.)

As I am the only one of the three who speaks decent German, I sat in the front seat with the taxi driver. This was a middle-aged man, tall, just-above shoulder length brown hair, and light eyes. He appeared friendly enough just from his demeanor and the fact that he actually smiled. But, hey, guess what? I had a fifteen-minute conversation with this man, in German, about Niedersachsen, what I'm doing here, the condition of Hannover, and other places to go in Germany. The really awesome thing about all of this? I hardly messed up. You don't know how frickin' awesome this is. I think I also confounded my parents with this awesomeness, from the looks they gave me. I can impress laymen!

Anyway, the taxi driver got us to the hotel Mercure without cheating us too much, which thus concluded our arrival to Hannover.


The Statons Pay a Visit, Part V: Hannover, Conclusion, and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome for Our Narrator

My weekend in Hannover with the parents was generally quite enjoyable. On Saturday, I gave them a semi-random tour of the major parts of the city, including the Marktkirche. Outside the church was a bookcase full of, what d'you know, books, and I ventured there to have a look as my parents were busy being good tourists and taking pictures. Some random woman shoved books into my hands, saying that this particular author was spectacular, and so was this one, usw. Evidently, these bookcases are scattered about Hannover, and one can take and give books at will and at no cost. I deemed this quite awesome and stowed away the books that the woman forced upon me.

Upon entering the Marktkirche, I wandered about as Mum and Dad took pictures and spotted a small gathering of people around the candles. They were placing lit candles either on the stand or at the foot of it, and there were also flowers placed on the ground. It was a memorial to Robert Enke, the German soccer player who had committed suicide. It was very interesting to see how people were emotionally involved in this.

After leaving the Martkirche, I took the 'rents to the Flohmarkt, viewed the Nannas by Nikki St. de Phalle, toured the Neues Rathaus, and went to the Landesmuseum so that they could say that they've seen a Rubens (and Monet, and Renoir, etc., etc.). Yay for culture-fying my parents!

Sunday was much of the same, only we went to the Sprengel Museum of modern art. While I like only the modern art before 1960 and was thus disappointed with the first exhibit, I very much enjoyed the downstairs gallery, with such works by Picasso (naturally), Dix, Mueller, Kirchner (how I love thee), and Marc. I was impressed by its Blaue Reiter collection and was thrilled that I managed to view those works. Sigh, art museums...you are my weakness.

After a jaunt through the park right behind the Neues Rathaus, a dinner of pumpkin risotto at Mowenpick, and a walk with accordion accompaniment, we trekked back to the hotel to pack. And, on Monday morning, I bade farewell to my parents and returned to Celle...to sleep.

I'm proud of my parents for traveling an ocean away from their home to visit me. I know it shouldn't be surprising, but it is. Yay for visitors!

Okay, I'm tired now. Time for a break.


Addendum: List of minions to describe in later posts:
Nils - 1a
Dylan - 2a
Celia - 2c
Lara - 1b
Martha, Lila, Lea--oh Hell, the entire class of 2a
Kubra - 4c
Nicole - 1b
Vivian - 4a
Julia - 2a
Little red-haired boy in 2b (edit: Jan)
Bennett - 4c

And Now, Your Moment of Jen

My homie, Martin Luther, and I say: You're welcome.

So, the parents are on their way home as I type. I have much to talk about, but, being slightly ill and somewhat tired from our excursion to Hannover, I will have to save the stories for my next (long) post. Stay tuned, duckies!

"We Could Get Along, But We Never Did Belong"

I feel good today; it appears that a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I'm not entirely sure why. It has nothing to do with anything or anyone in particular, but today seems good. Yesterday evening was much the same. I'm at peace.

Good luck making that last. But, hey, I can have a sublimely silly day every once in a while.

So, I attended the Hannover Staatsoper Saturday night for Puccini's La Boheme. It was, quite simply, lovely. Hannover has a strong cast, and the sets, costumes (for the most part), and the sound were very good. Though the orchestra tended to drown out the singers at times, this could have been only from where I was sitting--which was a really good seat, albeit on the left side. My favorite voices were Marcello's and Colline's, though Rodolfo's tenor was smooth and strong (mostly). Musetta brought some pep to the crew, which was a nice touch to the ensemble's diverse personalities. Mimi, however, was a little underwhelming, but only in acting--her voice, to me, was lovely. My only quip is that she was a bit too stiff in movement, which provided no real umph to her personality. Regardless, I liked this Mimi, and I would certainly see this cast again in another piece. Added bonus: I went to the opera on Halloween!

As it was late upon the return to Celle, I managed to try out the AnrufsSammelTaxi service that is offered when the buses don't run for the usual bus fare (which is so much cheaper than an actual taxi). It was a good experience, particularly since the taxi driver was very polite (most taxi drivers around here are not) and struck up conversation while he was driving me to the flat. This is helpful for future reference, as I expect to use this service a lot during my stay here...because Celle has a ridiculous bus schedule.

It's also helpful because my parents are arriving Friday evening. Hey, did I mention that? They're arriving Friday.

But, my mind is preoccupied with other things right now, such as--gasp!--using my oven for the first time since I've moved here. I roasted pumpkin seeds today, with reasonable success. Still a little tough, but they taste good. So, I call that a success. I didn't burn down the flat, and that is what counts. I have high standards for myself, don't 'cha know.

Let's see how the rest of this week goes.

My Life is Good.

Really, it is. If I can say, "Oh, I'm not doing much today. I'm just going to hop on a train to Bremen," then I can't justifiably say that life is anything but good.

Hey, look! I've been mentioned in my department's blog! Take a look here: UAH History News.

This is going to be another one of those sectioned off posts, seeing as I have much to talk about: my travels to Hannover and Bremen over the course of two days. I will save some reflections about my stay overall for a post later today. So, stay tuned.

This is going to be a very long post.


Hannover

So, I took a trip with Maryle and her university friend, Sarah, to Hannover Tuesday. To give a bit of background, Sarah is traveling through Europe at this very moment, and she stopped by Celle to visit Maryle. In addition to this, I have two (actually, three, but we'll get to that) friends from the Fulbright orientation who live in Hannover, and we had been planning for awhile to meet up. So, it naturally made sense to have all of us meet in Hannover for a free tour of the pretty parts of the city.

And this is how the day went. (I'm not going to leave you hanging; it went very well.)

I arrived at the (rather dingy) Celle Bahnhof rather early, since I'm entirely too punctual when planning trips and whatnot. I called Maryle to notify her of my arrival, and she informed me that she and Sarah were on their way and would be at the station in twenty-five minutes. So, I waited around for that allotted amount of time and started wondering why they were late. I got a call from Maryle...and the poor women missed their bus. So, they literally power-walked to the station, which takes about roughly forty minutes from Maryle's place to this particular destination. We missed our desired train, but, as there are many trains that go through Celle to Hannover, we managed to catch a train not long after their Power Walk 2009.

Upon our arrival at Hannover, we set about finding our way to Ernst Augustus Platz, which is where my friend, Bill, had said he would meet us "unter dem Schwanz," or under the tail, of the Ernst Augustus statue. Notice that I said "he," as in one solitary person. I suppose you can imagine my surprise when not one, but three, people were there (after I had, you know, looked right at Sara and passed them). That's right; Bill, Sara (my roommate in Altenberg), and Patrick (another Fulbrighter whom I had passingly known at orientation) were our tour guides for the afternoon. This is rife with awesome.

So, we six travelers traipsed about Hannover, viewing mostly the Altstadt of the city, which, along with almost everything else in Hannover, had been reconstructed after World War II because of the British bombings. We toured the Marktkirche, viewed in a professional manner some mildly suggestive statues in the park bordering the Altstadt, procured some lunch at the Markthalle (an American-type mall), and ended our six-person tour at the Neues Rathaus. I received a really neat history lesson of Hannover from Bill at the Rathaus, with the four large models of the city on the courthouse's ground floor. The difference between the 1939 and the 1945 models is striking.

As I desired to go to the Niedersaesisches Landesmuseum Hannover, Maryle and Sarah split off from the group to go a-wandering, and my Hannoverian comrades walked with me to the art museum. On the way, my tour guides showed me the St.-Aegidienkirche, which had also been obliterated by British bombing. However, as a memorial, the church was left in shambles, which provides a stark contrast to the rest of the city. This was one of my favorite landmarks that my tour guides showed me. After going to the wrong museum, we found our way to my desired destination, and I left my benevolent friends in pursuit of high Aht.

Now, I must make a digression here because I love art museums. During my trip to Germany last year, my main activity was literally perusing art museums. "Hey, let's do fun stuff!" "No, I'd rather fill my lungs with the dust of dead people's masterpieces." I was not disappointed with Hannover's collection, though I will say that when the museum proudly proclaims to house such works as Monet, Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Rubens (and Renoir! A lovely surprise), it usually means that there is one of each, and not famous ones, at that. But, hey, I'm not complaining. There was also an impressive collection of Caspar David Friedrich and Max Liebermann. That was really cool.

(We're almost done here, kids.) Upon meeting Maryle and Sarah, we three, two Cellers and a world traveler, jaunted down to the Hannover "Oktoberfest," otherwise known as the German State Fair. It was amusing to view the different attractions, though the two most interesting ones involved a horrid airbrushed illustration of Chuck "WTF" Norris and a mechanized contraption that I dubbed the Child Molester Crocodile With the Beer Gut and the Long "Tail." So, after snapping a few photos of the oddities of Oktoberfest, our weary souls and our weary...soles returned to Celle for the night.

Since Hannover is a short jog from Celle, my adventures in this city are far from over, I imagine. However, this trip was a nice introduction to the city of the Georges.


Bremen

Ah, Bremen! So many adventures and misadventures! Bremen, I love you. Thursday!

Oh, you'll get the reference when you read the story.

The send off to Bremen went a lot more smoothly than to Hannover, since buses weren't early and trains were on time. The two and a half hours of travel passed uneventfully, and we arrived in Bremen around 11:40, giving us much time to go a-wandering about the city on a Wednesday, a day all of us had assumed would be a grand time for tours and whatnot.

Have I mentioned that things like tours are not offered on Wednesday, but on Thursday? I didn't? Well, imagine that.

Maryle, Sarah, and I had planned on taking the Beck's brewery tour. That was closed until Thursday. Then Maryle noticed that there was also a Mercendes-Benz tour. Hey, guess what? That was also closed until Thursday. So, we three, standing in the rain and wondering what to do (and laughing pretty much the entire time), headed over to the Bremen Altstadt with no particular agenda. This actually turned out to be a very nice time, with our own improvised tour of the flashy things that Bremen has to offer its tourists.

Marktplatz is a rather impressive center of a German Altstadt. Despite the constant rain, the layout and the attractions of Marktplatz were admittedly quite beautiful. We strolled about the Altes Rathaus, viewed the Roland statue, walked around inside the St. Petri Dom (one of my favorite cathedrals of my stay so far), found the famous Bremer Stadtmusikanten statue (smaller than I had anticipated, but really cool nonetheless), and wandered inside the Unser Lieben Frauen Kirche. At this point, we had lunch at the German fast food place called Nordsee, where Maryle retold the story of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten in the vivid way that only Maryle can. This is a good thing, by the way.

During the events mentioned above, we three naturally took photos. While Maryle was taking a picture of us, she said "Thursday!" instead of the standard "Cheese!" that has become ingrained in American culture. So, that is how a new catchphrase has entered into my life. However, it must be uttered only on Wednesday.

After lunch, we set off to find the Kunsthalle, an art museum that both Maryle and I had dearly wanted to view. So, as is the norm with travelers, we three trekked through a very beautiful park, the Wallanlagen, and stumbled upon the Theatersgarten, which is a memorial for the Theater that once stood there before its destruction in World War II. Then, we made our way to the Kunsthalle.

It was closed. For renovations. For two years.

I think this is when we realized that, in a fit of laughter, that we just needed a beer and to sit down and chat. So, upon our tour through Schnoor, the fifteenth- and sixteenth-century art/blacksmith/shopping district of Bremen, we sat down at a restaurant (with a closed kitchen, by the way) and had our Beck's.

I believe that, during the rest of our trip, we realized just how cool it was that we three had been traveling together for two days. As Sarah and I had talked about before our train to Bremen, we had known that we are incredibly lucky to be making our way through Europe at such a young age. But, I think Sarah summed it up quite nicely when she said, "Guys, thanks so much for being awesome and traveling with me these two days" as we walked up to a random Bremen windmill...because, really, I had a great time traveling with Maryle and Sarah, particularly on our misadventures in Bremen. So, upon bidding farewell to Sarah at her hostel, Maryle and I returned to Celle.

Celle, a town that has the crappiest bus schedule in the history of mankind. This is a bit of an exaggeration, but I'll leave it at that. Suffice to say, Maryle and I managed to return to our homes.

Hannover and Bremen in two days. Who would have thought?