All posts filed under: Blog

Weihnachtsstollen and Other Sad Things

Published by Sula H.

It was supposed to be the cause for great happiness – the Weihnachtsstollen, a Christmas treat I had brought from home this summer for the sole purpose of enjoying it during the Christmas season. You see, living in a country that doesn’t celebrate Christmas except for like two hours on Christmas Eve, also means you can’t have any of those specially delicious treats many of us from so-called Western nations take for granted during this season. At least in my home country, we have tons of all sorts of Christmas goodies that contribute to everyone gaining so much weight this time of year. So, for me having a few of those things exported here, makes Christmas just a tidbit more special. It got really “special” today, when I finally decided to break into my precious little Weihnachtsstollen. So special, in fact, that I’ll probably remember it for some years to come. Well, I had consumed one full piece already, and I was happily munching on the next one when I realized something tasted rather odd! …

Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow

Published by Sula H.

Guess what very exciting thing happened today! Yes, of course, you’re right (because the title and photo gave it away, duh!): it snowed.   Or at least it tried to snow. A little trial run of snow, I’d say. Probably because winter wanted to see whether it’s still in the business of being able to produce big white flakes of fluff! And in fact, winter hasn’t forgotten a thing! Except, maybe, how to make the snow actually stick to the ground. But again, this year, winter’s still pretty young, so there’s still plenty of time to get things right! At least I hope it will, because I do love me some big white fluffy stuff to cover everything and turn the world into a beautiful winter wonderland. Maybe, if I’d be more deliberate about reminding winter of its duties … So, off to sing … Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow …

Getting Ready for the Season

Published by Sula H.

I’ve been busy as of late. Busy for many reasons. The biggest factor to blame in all of it is the season, of course. The Christmas season. But I can’t really blame it all too much, because (as you’ve probably been able to find out by now) I love Christmas, and everything that comes with it. So, yes, I’ve been busy. Busy decorating my home. Busy making presents to give to those I care for. Busy also, making cards for Christmas, which I’ll send to far far away lands, to people of my own kin and country! But in all the busyness, I’m mostly busy enjoying myself in this season – together with my friends and students. So, to everyone who cares I wish a happy merry Christmas season!

Sweet Season

Published by Sula H.

I’m excited! Because today I got to fill my advent calendar again. This year it’s filled with special goodies that I brought with me from Germany, specifically for this season. And now I don’t only have the pleasure of a few pieces of good chocolate every day, but also a sweet taste of home in a season when family and loved ones (who matter more this time of year) are far out of reach. Sweet greetings for the season, everyone!

Christmas Time Is Here …

Published by Sula H.

… and for me, that’s the happiest season of the year! After all, I get to invite my students and have them help me decorate my home. They get all excited about doing something they’ve never done in their whole lives, and I get to have the pleasure of enjoying their excitement as they examine the Christmas ornaments and learn about some of our various Christmas customs, and about the fact that Christmas apples, in fact, are a Chinese Christmas custom (not a Western custom as they assume).

Chasing My Fridge

Published by Sula H.

It broke the day I had to turn it off to prepare for my travels this past summer: my refrigerator. It didn’t cool anymore, and so I knew that this was going to be on the list of things to do after I got back: Getting it fixed. Getting it fixed, however, was quite the adventure. First, I didn’t know where to start looking for someone who’d be able to fix a refrigerator. There’s no such thing as the Yellow Pages around here, and most local businesses like that wouldn’t have any internet representation. Then, after I finally managed to find someone who could hook me up with a contact, I needed someone else eloquent enough to communicate in Chinese to help me negotiate things. Which again took a couple of weeks. (You see, things around here often take time and a lot of patience.) Today, however, I finally managed to have an appointment set up and have someone come and look at my fridge. That’s when they decided they needed to take it to …

Happy Autumn Day

Published by Sula H.

  Yes, autumn has not quite left us yet, and so today, we decided to give it another shot and try playing in whatever capacity of leaves we may get. Remember those devious tree shakers I told you about last year, who always try to make chasing autumn leaves as little fun as possible? Anyhow, we found ourselves that favorite spot again, where chances of finding leaves are at least existent (though small), and where last year we’d had a blast with our autumn photo shoot. And it seemed like we were lucky yet once more. Of course, the wind found that place, too, and decided to share it generously with us and the dust it whirled around. But we didn’t care. We love leaves. And we love leaves in fall. And so we enjoyed a very happy autumn day!

And Now Winter May Come …

Published by Sula H.

The other day I told you I had brought my down coat to the cleaner, and today, I picked it up again. Not quite as clean as I had expected it to be, but it certainly will keep me warm. And now that I have finished washing all my other warm winter stuff, I’m ready to face whatever cold may come. Of course, I hope that this winter that cold may also bring lots of snow, since we hadn’t had a really snowy winter in a long time. But only time can tell what will happen. Until then I’m content with knowing that this winter at least I’ll be warm and cozy!