Day 3 was the day to hit our lasts stops on the list.
The Spanish Steps
Fontana della Barcaccia (the Fountain of the Old Boat)
I know it is just a bunch of steps but it is actually very pretty and a peaceful place to walk around and window shop.
I couldn’t get enough of the buildings there
The Pantheon
Rome was incredible and I would go back in a second. I still pinch myself in unbelief that I am able to be in Europe and have the opportunity to travel and see places like this.
Arrivederci Roma!!
Wed, March 9th 2011
Day 2was filled with a lot of walking, listening, and learning. So much history took place in this amazing place and it was so interesting to see!
The Colosseum
The Forum
Four Rivers Fountain
Pizza!
Wed, March 9th 2011
Rome was definitely one of the most amazing places I have seen. The architecture, history, and food was all so exciting. First stop, Vatican City…
St. Peter’s Basilica
Michelangelo’s Pieta
the view from the top of the basilica
next, the Vatican Museum
there was so much to see inside so I will just share my favorites with you.
Mummies
Tapastries
the map room
and finally, pasta for dinner
and gelato for dessert
and to end the day, a stroll to the Treve Fountain
Sat, March 5th 2011
Saturday was spent in Munich. My first trip on the train! It was an overcast day in Munich but was still most enjoyable. We met up with two other student teachers from Ansbach, Germany and took a 3 hour free walking tour to learn about the sights, sounds, and smells of Munich.
The New Town Hall in the Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square)
walking through the streets of Munich
Munich from the top of the Alten Peter (St. Peter’s Church)
and finally, the Hofbrauhaus House for dinner
Mon, February 14th 2011
One amazing castle! It took nineteen years to build and only 1/3rd of it is completed on the inside. Each room is filled with elaborate and extravagant decorations. They would not allow visitors to take pictures inside so you all should definitely look it up online. It was a great sight to see.
I was amazed at what man had built. I kept envisioning the King and others walking through the halls of the castle so many years ago. Below is the view from the back balcony. Though man’s work was incredible, nothing compared to God’s artwork of mountains and lakes. I am always in awe of His beauty.
Sun, February 13th 2011
Well I am finally over jet lag and completely settled in here at the base. Friday began with an authentic German breakfast with the staff at Garmisch Elementary/Middle School. This early morning feast consisted of homemade pretzels, sausage, fresh bread, cheese, Apfel Schorle (tastes similar to sparkling apple cider), and so much more. It was delicious!!
And after breakfast… a walk into town. The sun was shinning and all the mountains surrounding this incredible place were finally visible.
We took the scenic route into town, a snow covered path along the creek.
Once in town it was so fun to see people’s homes and experience a bit of the culture. We stopped at a bakery later for some fresh bread.
On Saturday a teacher invited us to join her for a day at the mall in Munich. We of course accepted her offer and after an hour and a half car ride we arrived. She had warned us that the mall on a Saturday was about the same as a mall on black friday in the states, and she was right, it was CROWDED! People were pushing and shoving. The Germans do not pride themselves on good customer service, manners, or respecting personal space. It was an eye opening experience to say the least.
This paragraph is for the ladies :) you know how we all tend to visit the restroom in groups of at least two maybe more. Well, not in Germany because everyone has to pay to go! Yep, there were two employees inside the restroom cleaning each stall after someone left and an employee outside the restroom collecting the money. I couldn’t believe it! So if you see this sign while at a mall in Germany… try to hold it until you can find somewhere free.
The visit to the mall was overall a great experience and lunch consisted of a chicken schnitzel sandwich and potato salad.
Sunday brought with it church and a nap. It was so cold outside so staying indoors was the best choice. I have been wearing 2 to 3 layers of clothing everyday since arriving but Sunday was the coldest it has been so far. School began Monday and the first day was great, I am really going to like my class. Stay posted for more to come :)
Tue, February 1st 2011
I have arrived in Germany! Yesterday was my fist day here but I didn’t do much because I was exhausted from the long trip which consisted of a flight from Phoenix to Philadelphia and then an 8 hour trip to Munich. I had to take a picture once we had arrived, it felt like such an accomplishment seeing the little plane finally at it’s destination!
My mentor teacher and her husband picked us up from the airport and it was then an hour and a half drive to Garmisch. I was introduced to the other teacher I will be student teaching under and got to meet some of the students I will get to know much better as time passes. After much needed rest last night Erin (another student teacher from NAU) and I decided to explore some of the town. The secretary of the school was nice enough to drive us around and give us a short tour. There are many places to hike and small shops and a couple of mountains right behind the base to enjoy some amazing snowboarding and skiing. Here is a beautiful mountain right outside my window.
Tonight we walked around downtown Garmisch. It was so fun to hear people speaking German, of course I didn’t understand anything but hopefully I will know a little bit as the months pass.
and of course McDonald’s, don’t worry I didn’t eat there.
Well that concludes my first couple days in Germany. I am so excited for what is to come in this beautiful place!
Thu, January 27th 2011
