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Hello Blog reader(s),

So today I took a nice walk along the Necker (pronounced Necka) river here in Eberbach. I took some lovely pictures of the river and some houses and buildings in the neighborhood. It was nice to get some fresh air and exercise! I’ve been a bit cooped up. On the other hand, on Saturday we went out to the city and I actually got my chance to see ‘Fastnacht’ or ‘Fasching’. It’s basically a German tradition that they celebrate every year from sometime in January until Ash Wednesday in February. It began as a religious celebration having to do with good Friday or Ash Wednesday or something like that.. Anyways it’s really cool and people dress up in funny costumes and dance funny dances and of course, drink beer. There are performances and dancers and it seems to get pretty crazy! Its like a really cultural German thing and I’m glad I got a chance to see it.

Other than that I’ve been laying low in Eberbach.. but tomorrow I’ll be headed to some small local towns to meet Matthias’ grandparents on both sides. Not sure how much fun it will really be b/c his grandparents don’t speak any English. Actually it seems that I’m put in that situation quite often. Sometimes I think it’s rude—at others I understand. During dinner here most of the conversations are in German.. and I quietly eat my food and/or stare into space and drift off mentally. When I’m with his friends it can be even worse because we’re hanging out and I feel so BORED! I can’t participate, I can’t understand.. Even when I strike up a conversation in English, if a silent moment comes about, the conversation quickly converts back to German and it’s hard to shift it again. I’m becoming relieved that I did not choose to stay in Germany and study German for 6 months. How I may have lasted.. I have no clue! In the same line of thought, I’m really looking forward to being back in America! I will be able to read everything, understand everything and everyone, and talk to anyone I want! WOOO!!!

On another note.. I’ve noticed one really big difference between where I lived in the Netherlands and where I’m at now, in Southern Germany. In the Netherlands, pretty much no one, ever, closes their window shades, or blinds. You can watch people sitting on their couch in the evening.. or eating super.. or playing with the kids etc. But in Germany, every house has external shutters which are closed in the evening. Its like, a prison! Kinda weird really… I think I like the American way best! ;) If you feel like closing the shades you can, or feel free to leave them open! If you shut them, no one can see in- but you can still get a little bit of light!

The other day we went into the city to the local farmers market to get some meats and veggies and what not. I was talking with D’s Mom and she said that when she first moved here, there were 5 butcher shops, now there are 2 after one recently closed. Instead of going to these small family owned businesses, people are now going to the ‘Big supermarket’. It’s such a pity really. Very sad to hear—I mean it seems like such a European thing how they have all of these delicious shops which sell homemade sandwiches and breads and yummy cakes.. and butcher shops with special made sausages and what not… but that culture is dying and its becoming more and more closer to American culture. Where instead of driving your car to the local shopping street, getting out and walking from shop to shop… people drive their cars to the supermarkets and shopping malls.

Just some small things I’ve recently noticed and thought I would share. I mean there are so many small cultural things that are different that you just need to come and experience for yourself.

Got a request to share the NetherJen France link again—perhaps some problems reviewing?

Here it is..Click this.

Also, check out this new slideshow of Eberbach. Where I’ve been spending the last 1.5 weeks. Click right here.

Thanks for reading!

~Jen~