Oktoberfest

Before we left the US we knew Oktoberfest was something we had to do before we left Germany. It's a must. Obviously.

Looks like he agrees. Who wouldn't?

Before we even got into the 10K-person tent, which happened before 8:00am, it was decided that Oktoberfest is something everyone needs to see. Once.

You've never seen so much rule and order in your life. Not to mention sanitary conditions. Truly unbelievable!

Nine of us made our way to the Hofbrauhaus Tent on a very early, very rainy opening weekend morning. After sprinting through the tent, with pushing involved, to get a table, we waited. We waited for food. We waited for beer. We waited for anything to happen. Finally, at the crack of 12:00, the mayor tapped the first keg and the 177th Munich Oktoberfest was alive. American music, with the occasional German traditional song, filled the air, as did the loud singing from instantly over-beveraged folks hailing from anywhere but Deutschland. Inevitably, things got a big crazy. Our neighboring table was particularly excitable. Chicken bones were thrown, glasses were broken. It was a long day in the Hofbrau tent, and the pretzels proved to be a nice distraction. As was the people-watching.

We made the most of our outrageous Oktoberfest Day. We held on nearly twelve hours. When 8:00pm rolled around, we were satisfied, tired, and about as sad to say good bye as we were to say hello to our pillows.

Our long day was an absolute success. Lots of great photos, lots of great memories...and I'll hold onto them tightly because it's safe to say once in a lifetime is enough for me.

 

Oh, Hofbrauhaus, you trouble maker.

Back in Action

Any rational person that has ever stepped foot into a classroom can quickly appreciate the efforts of teachers. Through the chaos, it is clear that the planning, management, planning, and patience required to make sure the ship runs smoothly are enough to keep a teacher...well, swamped. As much as the work keeps us busy, the kids keep us happy. So, even though at the end of the day my shoulders are at my ears, I love coming back for more.

Becoming a part of Seedlings stands alone as the best choice I've made since our German journey began. I've seen our darling little school grow from eight students on opening day to having a waiting list two years out in just a year and a half. Our little learners have learned and improved their English, they understand early literacy concepts, and they know how to get on with others. They are caring, happy, and as cute as can be. They make all the efforts worth the effort, and they are the reason teachers are teachers.

Now that Seedlings is mine, I love it even more. I love handling admissions, leading tours, and greeting our new families. I even love the weekend emails and phone calls that come with the job. But mostly, I love love love the kiddos.

I'm sad to report that my blog became completely neglected once school started this year and Seedlings is 100% to blame. I've missed sharing with you the endless comedy that comes with living in a foreign country, and though I'm behind in sharing our adventures, I'm back and ready to write! And trust me, the comedy hasn't slowed down a bit. Thanks for asking about my blog, and as always, thanks for reading.

Oktoberfest is just as outrageous as one would expect. As aweseome as it was, once in a lifetime is more than enough.

The same can't be said for London. Once, twice, ten visits is never enough. We were happy to be back for a friend's wedding in September.

A visit to Copenhagen with my step-mom, Julie, was a highlight of 2011.

A trip to Koln, Germany in October with lots of sightseeing and shopping was a great last Euro trip of the year.

The Hamburg Christmas Markets never disappoint! The gluhwein flowed strong this year.

All German cities, big and small, boast darling Christmas Markets. Exploring markets by train outside of Hamburg was a great way to spend a freezing, rainy Sunday in December...

...with great friends and hot drinks.

Reg attended his first HSV soccer match. Good things HSV doesn't have to win for us to have fun.

Serving as the Activities Chairwoman was fun, busy, exciting, and BUSY. I got the chance to explore parts of Hamburg that I may not have taken the time to check out otherwise and have met and worked closely with inspirational women from all over the world. Together we planned heaps of events for our club, including a tour of a WWII bunker, three french cooking courses, a concert at the US Consulate, a Thanksgiving potluck, and a Christmas cookie exchange at the private residence of the US Consul General. We've had a great run. This year, I'm stepping down as Event Planner and will be serving as Vice President along with close friends Kate, Mary, Huong, and Tina. Look out, Hamburg!

While all these things have created some unforgettable memories, here's what who has taken up most of my time in 2011...

Lucky me. :)