Kraxel Maxel, Bourtange

Moin, moin!

Well, the weather continues to be a problem.  Luckily, we have had one nice day in the last week and we had a great time in the forest!!  Check out the pictures.  The kids enjoyed testing our strength and agility.  Some of the kids really surprised me with their willingness to attempt "dangerous" moves.

Yesterday we were in Bourtange (a 400 year old fortress that looks like a ninja star when viewed from above).  Then we drove to a Groningen in the Netherlands.  Groningen is a really beautiful city with an amazing city center.  I know some of the kids bought some interesting things there.  I saw bracelets, food, a green jacket...  Anyway, the kids had a lot of fun.

The Wattwanderung was canceled due to rain so there will be no mud fight pictures this year. This is our last weekend in Aurich.  I know the kids will be sad to leave but they are also excited about the trip to Berlin.

In less than a week you will have your kids back!!  I know you cannot wait to see them.


Herr Saba

Kloster Ihlow and BBQ

Moin, moin!  Seems as though the kids had a really fun weekend.  Most went to an amusement park called Heidepark.  Strangely, the weather held out and they did not get rained on.  Yesterday, instead of the bike tour to Ihlow and its monastery from the middle ages that had been torn down, we all drove there .  The skeleton of the tower and the walls have been reconstructed to show the outline of what used it used to look like.  It was fun walking through the forest with the kids to get back to the cars.  All seemed to be in good spirits.

Today we have a canoe trip planned.  The weather is nice now but as we have learned, the weather can change really quickly.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Today is also the last day of presentations.  I know the kids will be so disappointed!!!  Tomorrow we have rescheduled the Kletterpark so we should get some great pictures of that.

Keep sending us comments on email!  We like hearing from you.  Six more days and then off to Berlin.

Herr Saba

First Week

We made it safe and sound to Germany on Friday afternoon.  It was a long trip but the kids seemed to take it all in stride.  The first five days we had really nice weather.  On Wednesday when we were about to all climb trees in the forest at the Kletterpark, a rather powerful storm took us by surprise and we had to cancel.  The kids were really looking forward to it.  As you can see in the pictures, we were all pretty wet but the kids were troopers and did not complain one bit.

As far as I can tell and from what the kids have been telling me, they are having a great time.  They love the fact that they can be independent here with their bikes and they really love the food!!  Yesterday, we visited the Aurich city museum and they finished their presentations for the week.  Just one more day to go before they are done.  So far they have only had to present once in German and they were all happy about that.  Little Punks!!!

I know the kids are happy about the weekend and the "time off".  I believe most of them are going to an amusement park today and we hope the weather improves.  We really are spoiled in SoCal.  Next week we have a lot planned.  Meeting with the mayor, canoe trip, bus ride to the Netherlands, and one more day of presentations.

More pictures to come next week.  Your children are doing awesome and we are very proud of them!!!

Herr Saba

Das Ökowerk

 "I feel like an elf is gonna pop out of somewhere!" - Megan Daley
... and Megan Daley was right! The Ökowerk looked like it was taken right out of a fairy tale! As the group and I walked down each of the pathways, I couldn't help but get mesmerized by it all. Being able to take in the fresh smells of the plants and the not so fresh smells of the animals was so fascinating. This nature park was a real sight to see.

Day 4: Breakfast mit Blaskapelle

After a weekend with their host families, our students had the chance to experience what school in Germany is like. On the second school day, we had a breakfast with all the German and American exchange participants, where the Americans were welcomed by both the school's principal and a fifth-grade brass band!