All posts filed under: Blog

Roughin’ It

Published by Sula H.

So, you see, the one thing I like about where I live now is the fact that it’s actually warm in the summer (well, maybe too warm once we get into June, July, August – admitted!). So, when I got off that airplane the other day, I was very surprised to find that – late in the evening – the temperature back home was pretty much the same as the temperature at where I’d gotten onto the plane. Big surprise here. And that first night home, nothing ever cooled off. But then, I was way too early to celebrate the fact that Germany can actually be nice and warm in the summer. Ever since that storm we had the other day, I’m feeling back in refrigerating land. Brrr. This is not what summer means to me. (And if it stays this cold, maybe the cherries won’t be ready til I have to leave this place again later this week … big sigh there now!)

Through the Window

Published by Sula H.

Home is … enjoying chocolate spread and cheese, all in one day! Home is … watching the cherries on the cherry tree turn red and hoping that I’ll be there to pick them. Home is … feeling chilled even on an afternoon in late June. Home is … looking at the sky and finding a piece of blue between the clouds. Home is … actually seeing clouds. Home is … hearing the birds sing in the trees. Home is … not having to worry that my shoes will get all filthy as soon as I step out of the door. Home is … surfing online without waiting for a page to open. Home is … being able to go the bank, and when you look out of the window you get to see this:  

An Emergency Rescue

Published by Sula H.

We had an emergency rescue just the other day. Except that, we didn’t really need an emergency rescue. But look what happened: here I was sitting in a book store, reading, when all of a sudden two firefighters showed up at the door, full gear and all, crawling on all fours into the room. Sounds scary? Except that suddenly I remembered a fact: we were having a block party and our town’s firefighters had been invited to join the party. They were just having a bit of fun showing off, and I guess I was being rather amused!

A Friendly Recommendation

Published by Sula H.

Guess what happened the first day after I arrived at home? Yes, we got stuck in a storm. Now, I don’t usually mind storms. But this one not only dropped the temperature down to what I consider uncomfortable measures of cold, it also blocked our road on the way home. A friendly firefighter who was on the scene even kindly recommended to us (though not demanding it) to not take the road underneath the bridge because it was flooded and other cars had gotten stuck in the water, so we took a little detour to a store. And by the time we were done shopping, fortunately, the water was gone! Yay for newly renovated bridges that can’t handle a bit of rain, but drain the water quickly afterwards!

Ready for Take-Off

Published by Sula H.

After a crazy busy day yesterday, I was finally ready for take-off today. Not quite looking forward to a 30-hour journey, but at least I’m going to be rewarded with a summer among family and friends. A summer enjoying cheese and chocolate spread, and all the things you can’t easily get while away. I’ll keep you posted with what’s going on this summer. But for now I’m up up and away!

Ready for a Summer at Home

Published by Sula H.

I’m excited because things are getting quite ready for the summer. Like, I actually managed to get my passport back in time. Like, I managed to get my suitcase packed. Like I managed to squeeze in a picnic with friends for lunch and a big dinner with another set of friends in the evening. Like, I managed to get spare keys and give instructions for those who’ll take over my place for the summer. Like, I managed to finish my last load of laundry, and make sure my place is somewhat clean for those who’ll be here this summer. Oh, and like I managed to even clean my bike so I can have it stored in my apartment for while I’m gone. And after all the late night visits and so, now I’m actually ready for a summer at home!

The Drama with the Leaky Hole

Published by Sula H.

You’ve been following along the drama of the leaky hole in my bathroom as I’ve been keeping you updated on all that’s going on there. The bad news is that still nothing’s been fixed. So, I need to find someone who’ll stay in my apartment for while I’m gone, so they can keep the A/C running (yep, I agree that it sounds like quite the waste of energy, but if no A/C is running, my apartment will be covered in a layer of mold in no time; I know for sure, because I’ve seen it happen with someone else’s place). This means that today I’ve been running around, talking to our housing manager, talking to friends, introducing the housing manager to my friends, giving instructions, etc. etc. – all of that to make sure that someone will take care of my leaky hole for while I’m gone. Fortunately, I’m not friendless, and now everything is solved to such a degree that I can look forward to a summer at home with family, while on this …

Passports And Such Necessities

Published by Sula H.

I’m excited! Because I’m about to get my passport back. Usually, that shouldn’t be an event any more exciting than spreading butter on a slice of bread. But in this case (with all the drama we’ve had), it’s actually really exciting! Esp. considering the fact that come Wednesday, I’m on my way out of the country, and you know how last minute things can often turn into a nightmare. Not this time, though. This time I’m happy to report that the drama is over (at least on the passport side of things), and my summer travels may commence. Yay for that!

Fascination Fruit Salad

Published by Sula H.

 Today I learned that fruit salad can be a very fascinating thing. You don’t think so? Well, I didn’t either. But my visitors (for whom I had made the salad) were thinking quite along those lines, because as soon as the salad was ready they all snatched their cameras, gathered around the bowl with the salad, and snapped away. And I? I grabbed my camera as well. Not because of the fruit salad. But to take a picture of them taking pictures. So, you see, fruit salad can be a very fascinating thing indeed!