German Stufe 4

Well, one day into the new course and I am so glad I stuck to it. Most of our Level 3 class continued with 4 new additions. One of the teachers stayed on as well (the one I like the most, so that is a big plus!). The new team teacher is very good; she has a great sense of humor which will make the bitter pill go down easier!
Class will be over just in time for Christmas holidays.

Is this really worth it?

I am now in week 4 of my intensive German course. I had been saying for 12-14 years, "just let me retire and I will take German and learn it this time" [I have taken 3 entry level courses over the last 18 years!] My 2 teachers are really good in Level 3 where I ended up. I tried level 4 for the first week, and by Friday, my eyesballs were literally rolling in my head! so I asked to go down to level 3. Good Idea!!! This week we are studying articles and personal pronouns and their often incomprehensible cases: nominative, accusative and dative, when modifying a noun which also have the three cases!
Get the picture? Me neither.. but I WILL PERSERVERE.

First snow

The fog became thicker as we approached the Hoherodskopf in the Vogelsberg yesterday. The temperatures have dropped daily since the first of the week and snow had fallen above 700 meters on Thursday.

We have made a many walks around the top of this old volcanic mountain over the last 15 years, so we know the sites we usually see. This time however, only the close trees on the edge of the path were visible and the silence one encounters with heavy fog was deep. Most of the birds have migrated already and the deer kept hidden in the fog. Few walkers were out and about but as we neared the midpoint of our walk, we encountered hunters so had to bypass one of our favorite spot, the Taufstein - a small peak with the dried up remains of a spring where Bonifacious performed baptisms.

Hunting is very rigidly structured in Germany and done under the direction of the Forester (Forest ranger to USA folks). The area is closed off and monitored by officials to prevent accidental shootings. As this is a protected area, the forester has the right to determine when and how many of the wild animals will be taken every year.

After a brisk 90 minute hike, we had lunch in our favorite restaurant on the mountainside. It is very gemutlich (full of atmosphere) complete with open fireplace and old beams. Jürgen had Pfifferlinger (special mushrooms found in the area) and noodles whilst I feasted on Wildschweinegoulash (wild pig cooked in a rich hunter sauce). As we waddled our way to the top of the mountain (we must ALWAYS make the top), I struggled over the black basalt path dreaming of a cup of coffee!

On the way back home we stopped at another favorite coffee place in a small spa village, Bad Salzhausen, and enjoyed yummy cake. Not so many guests as usual. Jürgen says not many folk take Kur in November.

Speaking of wildlife and such, Friday I saw thousands of geese in multiple Vs heading south. What a glorious sight and the accompanying calls added to the breathtaking view. I stood on the street watching them for 1/2 hour, almost being late for my German class!

Jürgen starts his new Airport job on Monday and we both look forward to a normal routine again. He looks quite smart in his Security guard uniform. He will be posted at the english speaking security sites such as the special one setup for all flights to the US. More on this later.