I know that we have not updated our blog in a bit, but there has not been too much to update on. It is still cold and dark here in Germany. It has been the darkest winter on record here. Our German friends tell us that we might just skip Spring all together at the rate we are going. Slowly, it has started to get warmer and there is supposed to be sun on Sunday!!! That has probably been the hardest part about this winter, the lack of light is just terrible.
Anyway, right now it is Spring Break for me (Katie) because the schools are out so that means no work for this week. I have a big to-do list that I am trying to work on over the week. Mike has been really busy with work. And prior to this week, I have been working almost every day at the schools. The teachers are starting to realize that I am an occupational therapist and are hoping I take a job as a special education aide next year. Right now there are no prospects of an occupational therapist job where we live. And with the government budget cuts, I doubt they would create a position for me. That leaves me with an aide position at the school or maybe commuting 3 hours a day to the largest military hospital in Germany. So, I have been doing a lot of soul searching about this. I love being a therapist but the commute would kill me. I do not want to move us - it is too difficult, we are just starting to feel settled and we would be living far away from all of our friends. I haven't made any firm decisions yet, but I have lots to think about over the next few months.
In other news, I am starting to pick up more clients at the clinic on base where I am volunteering my OT services. It is hard balancing a volunteer position and paid work at the school. Right now I have been able to work a full day at the school and then see two patients one afternoon after work. But, as my caseload grows that will not be feasible anymore. It will get figured out, it is just nice to be doing some therapy again.
Mike and I did want to get away for a weekend during this break, but it didn't work out. We were able to get out to Strasbourg, France on Sunday. It was actually sunny and we had lunch outside. The waiter thought we were crazy, it being only about 48-50 degrees, but we couldn't resist with the sun being out! Strasbourg is only about 2 hours away from our house, so it was a nice day trip. The city is surrounded by rivers and we took a boat cruise which taught us about the history of the city and allowed us to see a lot more in the 70 minute boat ride than we would have just walking around. We also climbed tiny little spiral stairs up 66 meters to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral where the views were amazing! At the end of our trip we stopped at a chocolate museum which sounded awesome on the brochure, but was a big letdown of 1980s animatronics and unsanitary conditions. (Don't worry, we won't take our visitors there).
Here are some pictures from our day trip:
Yay! We made it to France!
On the boat cruise - sorry for the glare on all the pictures (we'll have to go back when it is warm enough for the boat to be uncovered). We went under these tiny bridges that were just tall enough for the boat to fit under. One bridge actually pivoted away on one side to let us go through.
We were in a lock at one part and the water slowly rose over 5 minutes to allow us to go through - pretty cool!
The town is really cute and has lots of old, traditional houses.
This is the oldest tree in Strasbourg.
Covered bridges were common in the 18th century, I believe. I can't remember why...I guess I'll have to go back and hear it again! :)
You can see holes at the lower part of the wall here where they used to shoot at people to protect the city.
A pretty church on the river bank.
Such a beautiful day! Did you know that the European Union parliament is located in Strasbourg?!
A perfect sunny day!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Climbing to the top!
Getting closer!
At the top of where visitors could climb to, but the building keeps going up!
The view overlooking Strasbourg to the south (I think).
The view to the north (I think).
Back down we go!
Inside - stained glass from the 12th and 14th centuries
The square outside the cathedral.
The chocolate museum - enough said!
We'll that's all for now! Miss you!
~Katie and Mike
