Koeln

Koeln from the top of the Dom (Cathedral)

Since Friday evening I have been in Koeln visiting my friend Tim Berkenhoff.  Tim has come to Tampa a few times to visit Horst, who's father was a prisoner with Tim's grandfather during WWII.  He really spent some time and effort treating me like a King!  On Saturday we went to the House of German History in Bonn, where we saw exhibits on the History of Germany from World War II until today.  It was really very interesting.  Saturday night we went to a dance party and on Sunday stayed in, it was raining and we were tired.  On Monday we went to Schloss Burg which is an enchanting fairy-tale sort of castle begun in the 13th century.  We also went to see the tallest Iron Work Bridge at 107meters high.  Tuesday we spent at the Dom and German Roman History Museum, and walked around the city center where we met Tim's cousin.  We really had a great time. Photos on Picasa.  Unfortunately Tim had to leave today to go for training for his new job, so I took the train to Hannover.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanover 

Last Day of Class A2

Today we finished level A2!  It was a really fun day, all the students in my class and the other A2 class mad a brunch item that is typical for their homeland.  Katje (Russia) made Crepes with Marmelade, Ely and Giselle (Mexico) made Guacamole with Pita, Ka Lee and Koon Yin (Hong Kong) Made Pot Stickers, Federico (Italy) Homemade Bread with Butter and Nutella, and I (USA) made Deviled Eggs.  Our teacher Nisreen (Jordan) made Hummus and Beans with Cheese and Olive Oil.
I'm not sure who made what from the other class, but everything was good and we had a great time!  Really an international Meal.  It was really sad to see everyone planning to go home to continue their studies.  Tomorrow I am going to Cologne to visit Horst's cousin Tim.  I will be there for a week, until he has to end his vacation and go to training for his new job.

Dresdens Hot Air Baloons

Every morning and evening there are Baloons hanging over Dresden.  This was the first time I was able to get a good picture of them.  My Gasthaus is the building in the lower left corner.

Sunshine Hostel

Since the beginning of this school session I have been staying at the Sunshine Hostel.  It is a nice place on the west side of town.   But you would think that in a country that brought us the Mercedes and BMW airconditioning or at least window screens, would be available in its buildings.  We have been in a heatwave for the last two weeks, and every place is boiling.  I have to have my windows wide open all the time.  My room is the one on the top floor in the corner with the bay. 

The first course is finished!

I should have posted this a week ago, but I finished my first course in school and got a certificate for German Level A2.  Not that that means much, but I start the next course today and will have a B1 when I finish it.
I am also moving from the university guesthouse tomorrow.  They had reservations for this term before I came here, so there is no room at the inn.  I will be moving to the Sunshine Hostel Dresden which is closer to the school.  I will stay there until the 23rd of July, then go to Cologne to visit Horst's cousin Tim.