London

Well, what can I say? London is AMAZING!!! It's my final night here and I've finally found time to write up a blog but unfortunately I can't post any pictures right now. I don't know where to start so much has happened...

To begin with I was almost denied entry into the country. Fantastic start, I know. I had no address at which I was staying at nor did I have Michelles number to ask. Didn't go down so well. Got even better when I didn't have a ticket out of the country as mum had it. I was shaking like a leaf, so sure I was going to be taken to the 'small room'. The lady made sure I felt horrible but let me in and I soon met up with Michelle. Made it to the pub, so cute, then sometime in the early morning fell asleep.

Woke up just a few hours later to pick mum and soph up from heathrow. Things looked so different in the morning and the sun was shining (like it has the whole time here). We got to the airport a bit late but I still managed to sneak up on Mum to surprise her. It's great to be with them again. We found the hotel then after a quick brekkie we travelled underground to Westminster. I must say, Big Ben is smaller than I imagined, though it still makes an impression. We continued walking around, saw the Change of Guards at Buckingham Palace. The next part was luck on all levels. We kept walking up this street near the palace and some policemen were halting pedestrians from crossing a drive way. We were told it was a member of the royal family but they couldn't say who. It was Charles. Could not believe it! In London and saw a member of the royal family, not the best but still! Trafalgar square was next followed by Piccadilly Circus which was a disappointment because most was covered in Scaffolding. After this HUGE day it was time to head back to the hotel after we stopped at the pub to pick up my luggage. To get to the hotel we walked through Hyde Park where we saw the Peter Pan statue (out of Winning London for those who might know). Sophie and Mum crashed while I explored the neighbourhood a bit more.

The next day we were on our own without Michelle. Together we perfected the Underground and saw Westminster Abbey which was so great as well. Seeing the burial sites of the royals and all. After this we took a ride on the London Eye which was fantastic, including the 4D film beforehand. It was also perfect because we pre-brought tickets so we didn't have to wait long. It was back on the train after this to go into the city and see Saint Paul's Cathedral, where Lady Di was married. We were even able to go up into the dome. Then we mad out way across the Millennium Bridge, saw The Globe Theatre and found Kings Cross. Kate, I gotta say it, I was disappointed. Platform 9 3/4 wasn't even between platforms 9 and 10!! It's kind of off to the side near platforms 1 to 8. We got the photo anyway. We decided it was then time to go back to the hotel and prepare for Priscilla Queen of the Desert down at Piccadilly. This too was good and we got to take a typical London cab home. Magical Cabbie!

Today Michelle joined us again and we fast tracked our way through the line to Madame Tussuad's. The wax models were so life like! I never relised how small some people were. After we made our way from Bakers Street (Sherlock Holmes) to the city to see Tower Bridge. Once again luck struck and we got to see the bridge open. After lunch we went back across the Thames to The London Tower where Anne Boleyn was murdered. AND for all those who studied Richard 3rd last year, I saw the tower and room where the princes were murdered. I really liked it actually. Finally it was time to shop so we went to Harrods and only brought from the gift shop even though it was Sale time. The whole store was packed out and had everything, unbelievable.

Now I'm here. I realise it's probably not a good a post as previous but just a quick run down of events is all I can offer at the moment, sorry. Tomorrow we leave London and head to York stopping at Cambridge along the way. I'm glad to get out of expensive London and see the countryside but I'm so glad about the time we've had and the weather being so hot and sunny. We've had luck every single day and I could not have asked for more.

Heathrow

How I imagine tomorrow morning to be...

LDN

I have roughly 31 hours left here in Germany. I can't believe the months living here full time are finished. And as it would be, it's completely sunny outside for the first time in ages. It's warmer in London though, I checked. I really can't express how happy I am to be going to a country that speaks English. The people I walk past will be speaking English and that they will have a British accent is just a billion extra brownie points! It's hard to explain what it's like to be in country that doesn't speak your language all the time. When speaking English you normally speak before thinking for another language it's like think... think some more, then speak. Of course I'm excited to see Mum again. However the thing I'm most excited for is seeing the Harry Potter sites! I mean c'mon, how often do you get a chance to sit in The Great Hall or see platform 9 3/4?

So these are the places we're visiting: London, Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Stratford upon Avon (Shakespeare's hood), Bath, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice and then Paris. For all of the UK we're hiring a car and driving around ourselves so we'll see all the places in between which will be great. Anywho, just a short post today, I'm off to figure what I need to take. See you in England!

Good life

This song really makes me excited for the next part of my trip that starts in less than one week! The first line of the song is 'Woke up in London yesterday' - this will be Mum, Soph and I next week!!

Prüfung

Today, my second last day at work, was the day when we would see if a lot of hard work would transform into success. Today was the student I tutors oral exam. In Germany the scores range from 1 to 6, with 1 being the best and 6 the worst. 3 months ago everyone was expecting my student to get a 6 (if he didn't walk out of the exam that is). He had received a 2 in his written exam already which I could not have been more happy more. I also gave him a 2 for his overall class grade. We practised writing for weeks on weeks along with listening tasks and reading comprehension. Finally it had all worked out. To his surprise he actually wrote 214 words in the creative writing part where he was only required to write 150.

However today was the big one. I had sat in on some earlier oral exams just to see how it worked. Steffi asked the questions and did the conversation. Another teacher wrote down points. Then there was an official examiner and then me. Together we all sat around a table with the student, creating a calm setting. Though I don't think it made the students any calmer. If it were me I'd be freaked out too. Finally 12pm came around and it was my students turn. I went into the prep room with him where I wasn't allowed to say much. I had to ask if he felt ill and he said yes but I said I don't care you're doing this anyway. After 20 minutes we went to the examination room and I was so nervous. There wasn't much to worry about though, he read the required paragraph perfectly. All those pages of articles from the Internet I made him read were worth it. I could tell he was nervous as well and that he could have said a lot more. When the time was up I think he was a bit stunned, not believing that it had gone so fast. We sent him out for 2 minutes and everyone agreed he deserved a 1! It was so great, we called him back in and told him and he really didn't believe it there was this funny little laugh and then he just took some lollies from the plate on the table, still unable to believe it. Everyone was so happy and proud. I went down to the staff room afterwards and everyone congratulating me on how far I got him. I'm proud on myself but in the end it's the student that does the test and the talking, not me. It is weird to think though that I went to the school to help teach some English and learn German along the way but I never thought I would fully teach someone English. From nothing to really something. It's great to look back on the progress made, every time I got angry and yelled at him, every time he would get 100% in a paper I created. For two hours 3 days a week and 1 hour every other day for about 3 months we spoke complete English, wrote in complete English and read in complete English, which all lead to complete success. And finally tomorrow I can get my umbrella and Mary Poppins away, my work there, is done.

p.s. Prüfung means exams in German. I have heard this word one too many times in the last month due to Steffens exams and the exams at school. Prüfung prüfung prüfung.

Graduation.

Yesterday Steffen graduated and is no longer an apprentice at Hotel Waitz. And of course there is a good story to go with it all. I arrived home from work at 1 to find Marco and Steffen cooking this huge meal and already into the wine. A few minutes later our friend Chantelle "Chucky the killer puppy" walked in with all her Honduras gear on including a flag and was going to watch the Honduras vs Chile game. So here we were, a German supporter, an Italian supporter, a Honduras supporter and an Australian supporter all eating this huge meal around the tv with an electrician working on the side. We tried to get him have some champagne with us but no.

After lunch we were just sitting around watching the game and Steffen wouldn't stop with his Vuvuzela, finally found out the name to those things. So I broke it into its 3 parts and one by one through them out the window. Needless to say Steffen ran straight out to save his vuvuzela and only 2 parts could be found in the garden. It was so funny to see him searching for the last piece and we still haven't found it.

I brought him back inside after taking some photos from the window and we started to get ready for the graduation. Marco had to go to work then as well and Chantelle went home to get ready as well. It was a huge rush as we had about 45 minutes to prepare before the bus came. Steffen got my make-up all on his new Hugo Boss suit somehow and Chantelle and I were running around trying to figure out how to fit our heels into my bag so we could wear flats on way. Everything was a bit crazy but we did make the bus and train without a problem.
We finally made it to the venue after walking for what felt like ages. My dress wasn't entirely walker friendly. After standing outside for awhile waiting for more friends to come we went inside and the ceremony began. It was so boring. Steffen said he couldn't put up with the rubbish the teachers were talking so he went to the toilet. And here's where the typical graduation mistake happens. When Steffen was gone his name was called out along with about 14 other peoples. After all the names were called the students then went up onto the stage to receive their certificates. Well, Steffen still wasn't there was he. No way was I going to let him miss out on this time, especially since I dealt with him complaining about the school once every month when he had to go. So after our friend Jenny called and received no answer I got up and walked really quickly between the back section of seats and the front section. Tap tap tap tap bang. I fell onto my butt and right side extremely loudly and the hall went silent. I called a little es ist ok and tap tap taped on. Steffen, of course, was just walking slowly up the stairs from the toilets. I was so angry at this point. I said "You just graduated!" and he ran inside in time and I walked semi composed in front of everyone I just fell in front it. As soon as I had taken the photos I realised how much I actually hurt myself. I have a huge bruise on my right arm and knee which still hurt a day later.
Steffen came back to his seat and wasn't impressed that the mark in the certificate book wasn't the same as on the Internet. "This is what I got" and said to me showing the book and I just glared at him, raised my arm so he could see and said "This is what 'I' got!" and explained the situation. We decided to leave the hall soon after and began getting into the champagne provided. The girls and I had a great time outside, they all got a bit drunk, so funny, while Steffen talked to all his friends. This went on for a few hours and eventually we called Steffen's brother, Björn, to take us home.

Jenny and I

The girls

Chantelle and I, (and Vanessa).

Steffen, Marika, Robert and Alex. Other graduates from the Waitz.

Australia vs Germany

So, here it is, the Australia vs Germany post. Possibly one of the worst experiences of my time over here. As usual and as people usually do, I'll start from the start. From the beginning of the day I was hyped and twitching with nerves. Steffen and I dressed up in our gear. Him in his German shirt with 'Kunze 86' on the back and me with my Socceroo scarf and shirt. We rode our bikes around town a bit and the stares were already coming my way but I was proud. I must say, we would have been an awkward site. An Australian and a German riding and walking together. How dare they! But all was good. After awhile we parked our bikes at the train station and caught the train into Frankfurt. There was people dressed up everywhere. I had never seen so many German flags and people in German colours before. And here was me, in green and gold. As we made our way to maccas, for a quick bite before heading onto the Frankfurt Stadium, this middle aged couple ran up to me with big smiles. They asked where we were watching the game and I immediately picked up on their accents. AUSSIES! It was so nice and calming to meet them. The lady said she hoped Australia would win but me and the man just looked at each other and were like 'Nooo'. I for the first time really didn't want us to win and I knew I had nothing to worry about. I predicted a 3-1. So we had our lunch and walked back to the main station where even more fans were running around. There was people selling flags and scarfs, extra security, people blowing into their tri-coloured trumpets and then just common people wanting to just get out of all the commotion. I stuck close to Steffen the whole time and told him, quite seriously, to never leave me alone for the entire time.

We arrived at the stadium and landed perfect seats right in front of the big screen. 1 Australian, 40,000 Germans. Well, there were some other people dressed as Aussies but they were actually from America and England. Pretenders. I also saw another Australian flag on the other side of the stadium but that didn't help. The German anthem was played and the stadium goes crazy. The Australian anthem is played and I go crazy. Steffen helped me hold up my flag though so that was nice. The person sitting next to Steffen tried to put a German flag on my face like Steffen has above but I proudly kept my face clean. First goal is scored by Germany. Well, I have never received so many looks in my life. I didn't mind though, it was a good goal and I can respect that. Besides, there was plenty of time for Australia to score. Yeah, right. Germany scored again. To me, that was Schwarzer's fault, he shouldn't have come so far out of the box. Still it was OK, my 3-1 prediction was still possible.

We get to half time and I begin talking to my surrounding Germans. I assure them all that Australia is still the better country no matter what and that I just want Australia to score one goal. Just one dammit. The man next to Marco also wanted us to score because if his prediction came true (4-1) his wife would make him breakfast in bed for a year. Good luck with that one. Second half begins. Surely our time was now. Germany gets a few close ones and everyone in the stadium stands up cheers (Germany misses) they all sit down. This is when I'd jump up and cheer, making some fun of them. Tim Cahill gets his red card. To me, as soon as he is out, Australia is out. Of the whole World Cup, that is. Steffen agreed that it was really harsh and I said anything from now on will be unfair. The ref only got worse along with the score. Germany scored again and I just buried my head in my flag while everyone around me is jumping and patting my head. So ok, 3-1, still possible. I told the people around me Germany isn't allowed to score again, it was our turn! It wasn't. Good ole Deutschland strikes again, and that my friends, was bad. I spent the whole time wrapped in my flag, my head in my hands and elbows on knees, waiting for something heaven sent. At 88 minutes Steffen makes the decision to start walking to the train and I agree.

We were outside the stadium when it finished and all you could see were bright lights flashing and hear people cheering. I wish Australia could make such a win so we could celebrate that much one day. The Germans were so jubilant. Believe me, unless you are in Germany at the same time as a similar occasion you will never see so many happy Germans in the one place like I have. In a way that is sad. 4-0 was a severe loss and I can't say I was happy about it, but Germany is the better team, everyone knows and that's ok. But what happened next, in my point of view, was uncalled for. We were walking towards the train with 1000's of other people and then a group behind me start singing, 'AUSTRALIA IST SCHEIßE'!! over and over. Then it was 'SHIT ON KOALA'S' and I had people laughing in my directing. I had never been in such a situation. A place where I have so many people shouting that the thing I am most proud of is shit. I couldn't help but take it all personally. It required a lot of self control to keep quiet and keep walking. The only thing I did say was 'At least I'm not German!' I wasn't going to go further because then I would be like them. I was holding the tears back as we boarded the train and things kept going. I have no problem with people celebrating. Germany has a fantastic team, they should be celebrating, jumping up and down, blowing into their incredibly annoying trumpets. But leave Australia alone. Steffen put on his Australia shirt to help me out a bit so I wouldn't feel so alone and it also shut some people up on the train. But still it's not what you're wearing on the outside. It's who you are on the inside, and that's Australian.

Finally the train journey ended and we got to our bikes. Steffen suggested we go to the centre of Offenbach to see the party. Ha ha, no. I just wanted to get inside and the sooner the better. Without waiting for Marco and Steffen I jumped on my bike and speedy gonzala-ed home. The little light from my bike leading the way through the dark park. I got home in record time that night. Steffen and I got inside and I just burst, incredibly shaken from the new and never again experience. I got Mum on skype and she calmed me down. By 1am things were better and Steffen and I talked about it all more so we could understand both sides. Naturally at times during the evening I wasn't too impressed with him but that's just emotions from the game. Afterwards we just talked about the actual game, something that is a blur and hadn't been focused on. Eventually sometime past 2am I fell asleep.

And now I've come home from work and Steffen arrived soon after with a jar of Vegemite for me. All is well.

Farewell Dinner

Last night I went out to a little but crazy Mexican restaurant with Dave, Steffi, Renate and her husband. I really can't remember the last time I laughed so much for so long! Everything was so random. We arrived and the whole place was packed due to the game between Mexico and South Africa. There was live Mexican music and lots of people dressed up running around, a real little fiesta. We sat outside which was a nice thing to do finally now that the weather is warm enough. While the service was a bit questionable the food was really good (when it came). However it was the conversation and the company that really made the night. Like making up websites that would have Dave's face pop up in the corner with a speech bubble saying "that's crass" (he says it all the time). It was a fantastic 5 hours and one of the best farewells I've ever had. I'm really going to miss these kids, I don't think I'll find another group of people like them. I guess this is a part of travelling I'm going to have to get use to from now on. Saying goodbye to people and knowing you either won't see them for a long time or you won't see them again at all. Odd.


Dave and I, he was the first person I was introduced to and we've worked as a little team in the English classes. He knows pretty much everything about ancient history, it's really impressive. If I had the best memory and remembered everything he told me, man, I'd be so smart. Dave and I also were the little 'Anglo-Saxon ' team, he made fun of me about being so young and not knowing the bands he talks about and I make fun of him for his age and listening to triple J when he was in Australia.
This is Steffi, she's awesome. The first Friday I had had at the school wasn't so great and I was thinking maybe I shouldn't work here but then she came on Monday after being sick and I decided to stay. She is so friendly and chirpy, I love it. I think she is more outgoing and crazier than me, going to concerts and all. It's always fun to be around her.
And this was my drink for the night, 'Coconut Lips' or 'Coconut Dream' I can't remember but it had strawberry stuff in it with tequila. Sooo incredibly nice.

Iceland

Why be afraid of Volcanoes in Iceland when there's this? I love it.

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

The Burn

And this ladies and gentlemen is the place where I learnt a valuable lesson. Which is, that just because you're not in Australia anymore doesn't mean that the sun can't hurt you. Because it can, and it did. Today I laid in a direct line with every UV ray that burning thing in the sky had.

We should start from the start. Firstly I got up and did some kickboxing then some pilates on excercisetv then I had my Special K with yoghurt and a banana, the sun was shining and it was a grand 30°C out. Steffen had to work till 4 which was when he would have a break, so I decided to go to the Beach Club (remember, the place with the bad 'sand') for 3 hours till then. I parked my bum in a Bacardi deck chair and read my backpacking for girls book thinking I'd get a slight burn which would just be a tan tomorrow. Ok, enough of the book after an hour so I collapsed the chair and laid on it so my back could get some sun. Thankfully, my back has super sun repellent powers and nothing happened. After a while I set the chair up and began looking around at the people sympathising that this was all they had for a 'beach'. Then the frustration of getting really hot and not being able to jump into the water got to me so I decided it was time to leave and rode my bike home. But not before buying a watermelon!

Steffen was already home and his reaction made me realise how bad things were. We went inside and as he cut my watermelon I studied what had become of myself in the mirror. Never, ever, in my whole life, can I remember being this red! It's now half past 9 and it has only gotton worse. I've frozen myself to death 3 times over in the shower, my moisturiser is now living in the fridge so when I put it on its cold (for 10 seconds) and I'm drinking loads of water to keep hydrated. So I just sit here waiting for the cold sun stroke chills to kick in and hope I won't wake up tonight sick.

Just because you're not in Australia anymore doesn't mean the sun can't hurt you. Slip Slop Slap (and wrap!) goes for all nations. End of story.