FYI...

On behalf of Kaley and myself, I would like to share some interesting facts that we have observed about Germanz thus far.

Disclaimer: Facts do not appear in order of importance, significance, level of stress/trauma, level of humour....not do they appear chronologicallz.

Fact: In Germanz, the z and the y are switched on the kezboard. We refuse to change our kezboarding skills.

Fact: There is a bike lane on everz German street which is prettz much indistinguishable from the pedestrian walk until zou hear a big loud bell and almost get run over. Zou must alwazs remember to check zour blindspot before crossing from the sidewalk to the bike lane.

Fact: It is easier and much more natural to say 'Hamburger' than 'Hamburg'.

Fact: It takes 509 steps to reach the top of the Dom in Koln.

Fact: Approximately 1 in 3 males in Germany looks like Dan Janzen and may quite possibly be a relative.

Fact: Lubeck, contrary to popular belief is not on the coast.....but the lovelz town of Travemund is.

Fact: It is next to impossible for both Kalez and Rachel to staz awake on a train or bus.

Fact: The train ride from Frankfurt to Koln is beautiful.

Fact: Irish men are insane and may actually be leprachauns.

Fact: Every German town does NOT in fact have a street named EinbahnstaBe, but in fact has 'one way streets' marked very well.

Fact: We are currentlz in Hamburg and leave tomorrow for the Harz Mountains then on to Berlin.

Fact: We miss zou all. If zou don't know who zou are, zou will soon find out.


Feel free to email for anz further details or clarifications cause weäd love to hear from zou!!

Rachel and Kaley

ps. zou will have to wait for pics. hopefullz coming soon.

Well...

Unfortunately, the fact that it is Monday means this is my last blog from the UK. Today, I fly to Germany where I will meet my dear friend Kaley to begin my travels.

Let me tell you, the past few weeks have been absolutely insane. Apart from frantically running around ordering rail passes, cancelling standing orders, paying bills, and meeting everyone for one last cup of tea or pint, I have been experiencing the entire spectrum of emotions. Pretty much I think it hit me how much I care about people, and have been really feeling how much people have come to care about me. I don't think I had realized the attachment I have to many people that I know here in Brum. Which is a good thing, and a bad thing. I feel very much like I am torn in two, (yes, like the song). I feel that it is time to come home, to re-enter life, routines, and reconnect with my friends and family at home. On the other hand, it feels extremely unnatural to sever ties with those here who have become my friends and family here. I am really of the opinion that relationships are not meant to be broken or in this case, chopped off like a limb...relationships I think are meant to grow closer, deeper and to continue, not to stop. It will definitely be a struggle for me to learn how to let go of people, and to learn how to continue friendships in different, long distance, more effort sort of ways.

It is safe to say that although teaching here has been an unbelievable challenge and experience, it is far down on the list of things I will miss most about England. The last three weeks have been very trying, and I am happy to take a break from teaching. I am very anxious to see how I react to the differences I see in schools when I come back home. Nothing is like the kids and schools here in Birmingham...trust me.

Well...I think I shall leave it at that and say my last words from Birmingham. I intend (note the choice of vocabulary) to post every once in a while during my travels, assuming all cameras and computers cooperate so be on the lookout for new posts and pics. Sorry I couldn't post Ireland, it just didn't happen. Oh...and there is still time to come and join me in Europe if anyone needs the extra push :).

R