weather

this beautiful picture of the castle in Karlsruhe (I'm sure that I've posted pictures before, but its still there and still beautiful!) is suprisingly illustrative of the rediculously fickle weather here lately. The bad news: its mostly pretty much freezing. The good news: the frost has killed off 99% of the huge, disgusting brown slugs that plage the pathways all summer long. I wish I could say 100%, but as I was jogging (ha! yes, jogging!) yesterday, I commited once again the gross error of stepping on one of these slugs...eew. Stepping on these slugs is pretty much unavoidable...it happens sooner or later (they really are everywhere) but it grosses me out every time. So, yay for entering a slugless season. Other positives of winter: they started putting up the Christmas lights today. Come December 1, all of the main streets of Karlsruhe will be lit with white Christmas lights. This is something that makes the darkest part of the year bearable. Also, daylight savings ended early this morning, so I got an extra hour of sleep and I don't have to get ready and leave in the pitch dark anymore! (at least until the days get really short...) ~love~

living in the library

Yes, folks, this is in fact the library at my university. (have I mentioned that the University was founded in 1386?!) Fun facts include the following: 1) the section of the library that contains books that can be checked out is arranged according to the year that the university purchased the book...I miss the good ol' Dewey Decimal System. 2) you are not allowed to bring bags anywhere (basically). no bags, no food, no fun. the exception to this rule is a cool room in the cellar where pretty much everything but talking is allowed. 3)I spend a large majority of my time in this building. I print articles, I read, I update my blog. The good news is that I am farily productive whithin these walls. That concludes our "non tourist information on the library" section of this post. I hope you enjoyed it. Any questions?

In other news, we have skipped fall here. It was warm, then it was freezing. Every winter I remember what a sissy I am...I really just prefer warm weather, in spite of being from Colorado. Go figure. As you are probably realizing, there's not a whole lot going on here. I am reading a lot, trying to learn Spanish, and spending my free time either sleeping or hanging out with friends. I miss and love you all. I never cease to be unspeakably greatful for all of the support and I love I continually receive in spite of picking up and leaving the country! From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ~love~

Begin

The semester has officially begun and I am so excited for this semester! I'm not going to lie, its going to be a lot of work. Really a lot of work. It takes me twice as long to read documents in German as it does in English...so kiss those days of quickly skimming 300 pages of history reading in a couple days. This is legit. And its wonderful! I am in two large seminars/lectures in which I basically just have to come prepared and observe (soak up the intelligence of others). Those two are about the beginning of the Cold War in Europe, and the culture during that time (1945-1961) and the other is a history of nature and environmentalism in European politics in the 19th and 20th centuries. (this class wasn't my first choice, but it was the only one that fit...more to come on that) I am in one advanced seminar which is probably going to kick my butt (I have to do a long oral presentation and write a long research paper) but the topic is the history of chronology and time conceptions, which I am really excited about. Finally, I am in two small seminars (about 10 people in each) that cover alternative movements and cultures in Germany during the 1970s and representations of the Holocaust and Holocaust memory in film. So, here I am at the beginning of yet another year of school, and I feel nothing short of awe when I think of the path that brought me here. Sometimes I want to pinch myself as I walk around this historic campus and take part in these incredible seminars...is this real? I will be receiving my masters degree in the year in which the University celebrates its 625 anniversary! So, thank you for standing by me as I cross the threshold of yet another beginning in my life. I am speechless with gratitude and love. Here's to another adventure in which to thrive and survive! ~love~

identity

To keep up with the picture/post goal, I decided to post one more today. (In all fairness, I've been keeping up with the picture taking, just not with the posting/blogging resolution...its a work in progress)

This is a picture of one of the figures in the courtyard that is enclosed by the history building on campus. I just love this little courtyard (I am pretty sure I fell in love with the university the day I walked out of the back door and into this lovely little courtyard...since I first heard the story as a little girl, I've never stopped looking for my own personal secret garden) Overlooking this area is the "witches tower", a remnant of a (I think) 15th century building which housed thieves and witches...Fun fact for the day: the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386! Enjoy. ~love~

Begin

In honor of classes starting this week, I thought I'd post this picture of one of the buildings on campus. Up until this point, I have spent most of my time at the University in this building, however, from this point on I will be spending most of my time elsewhere. This building houses the international office and has been helpful in helping orient and introduce me to life as a student at the university of Heidelberg. After orientation last week, I am extraordinarily excited to start classes on Tuesday (I don't have any classes on Mondays). Everyone I have met in the history department has been simply wonderful and I am excited about the classes that I will be taking this fall. I also got to get to know a few people at orientation...always fun to make new friends! More on my life in HD to come! ~love~

color

Every year I dread the coming of fall, and every year it dazzles me with its beauty. I love the crisp, fresh air, and the beautiful colors. The green of summer gives way to golds and reds as the trees shed their leaves in anticipation for the winter. In spite of my dislike of the cold, I can't help but find the crisp air and invigorating compliment to the crisp leaves falling from the trees. I am secretly in love with fall. ~love~

carnival

So, something that I really love is the fact that practically every other day and at least every weekend, I accidentally stumble upon a festival, carnival or celebration of some sort. This one was after the Karlsruhe-Baden marathon came through Karlsruhe that Sunday morning. (truthfully, this picture is from something like 2 weeks ago...) The prayer during church was suddenly interrupted by loud rumbling and music...it was the festival and marathon outside, don't even worry about it! Another day, there was a kids carnival/festival outside the theater - complete with cool costumes, theater-related games, music and of course food! All over the city, and especially in the greenest areas (castle park) there is always fun to be found. I love the way it feels like walking into a surprise party every time I hear the music and see the tents in the distance...what a fun life! ~love~