I can't believe how fast this summer is going! We finally have summer(ish) weather here in Germany and I am realizing why this country is so great (I am also understanding why Germans are so sun obsessed). Sadly, I also know it will not last forever. So, we are making the most of the nice weather and trying to get out on the weekends. Since we are in Germany, there is a fest pretty much every day and we have been taking advantage of them.
Let's catch up on what's been going on here in the last few weeks:
I spent a long time getting our backyard in better condition since it is overgrown with weeds. Here are some before and after pictures:
BEFORE
AFTER
My Rose Bushes bloomed this month too:
There was a fest on July 3rd on base for Independence Day. There was food, rides, games and of course, fireworks. It was really fun and the fireworks were impressive.
On Friday after 4th of July, Mike took off from work so we drove 90 minutes to Burg Eltz which is a really cool Castle. It has been owned by the same family since it was built over 800 years ago and still has many of the original furnishings. We took a really nice tour through several of the rooms of the castle. Definitely somewhere we would return to when we have visitors.
This is the path you walk from the parking lot to the Castle, it is a nice 10-15 minute walk.
The first view of the castle.
The courtyard
The car ride had some crazy windy roads up and down the mountain that you can see here on the GPS. Mike was loving driving this road in his BMW, I was thankful for the slow truck ahead of us on the way back :).
Over this past weekend it was Sekt Fest in a town near us. Sekt is what the Germans call bubbly wine or Champagne. We had a few bottles and hung out with friends along the river, it was a good time.
This picture is of a woman who came to the fest via kayak and her dog is sitting in the kayak with her! So impressive especially on the Rhein river which moves very fast!
We enjoyed the fest.
In other news, all three animals have been having issues over the last several weeks. Both cats had UTIs and were on antibiotics and supplements and now special food for the rest of their lives. And, Misty had an infection from a bite she got at the kennel we had her in when we went to Croatia last month. Luckily, after 8 days of antibiotics and lots of bandages to keep her away from it, the sore is healed and Misty can run free in the stream again! We are glad to have all our pets healthy!
I have been working 3 days a week in the afternoons (its a pretty nice schedule) at the German clinic. I have an amazing variety of clients and I feel like I am becoming a "generalist". This is something odd for occupational therapists as of late, since we all seem to specialize in a certain area. I was a brain injury specialist and now I am seeing children and adults with all sorts of diagnoses. I am learning a lot and growing professionally for sure. I feel challenged and have very supportive bosses. It has been a great experience thus far!
In addition to working, I am also taking German lessons with a private teacher who specializes in medical terminology. I work with him twice a week for 90 minutes at a time. It has been super challenging to learn German and I have had my ups and downs with how I feel I am doing. Overall, I am definitely understanding more and while I can say a bit more in German, I freeze up when it comes to using it in public. I study several hours a day and I am trying to immerse myself in as much German language as possible.
Other than that, we have been good. We are getting ready to head to the states in a few weeks to see family and do some wedding preparation. We are definitely looking forward to seeing our families and getting a little taste of "home".
This weekend is BretzelFest (yes, a fest for pretzels), and I will take lots of pictures for you to enjoy!
Schönes Wochenende! (Have a nice weekend!)
~Katie (and Mike)
