RAWRRRR

!!!!!!!!

I biked to Germany and back today.

!!!!!!!!

The original plan was just to go to Strasbourg, but once I got there I figured I might as well "go to Germany." This proved more difficult then I had hoped, and I had to ask several people for directions on how to get back to the 'trail.' It was a gorgeous day, and the nicely paved (and flat!) trail followed a canal for most of the way.

I didn't feel like lugging my camera with me, even for you. But I've marked on a map the route I took.

I am so tired! We'll see if I can walk tomorrow.

Une semaine dans La Bresse

I'm back! I spent a week in the gorgeous Southern Vosges Mountains, specifically La Bresse, with a local school group. I was with a bunch of kids, ages 6~12, who spoke no english and wanted to communicate with me (and I with them). The adults there also spoke little to no english. It was difficult adjusting at first (compounded by the fact that it rained every single day), but overall was an awesome experience. I feel like my french definitely improved...I learned lots of words in the general category of "advance/hurry up/take your shower/go to bed." It was really nice to get into nature, especially those rare instances (twice to be exact...and less than 2 hours total) when I was able to explore by myself. I also ate lots of really good cheese.

On our way there, we passed through Colmar, the town were the statue of liberty was made. They have miniature version.

I took close to 600 photos, and am having a really hard time narrowing them down for you. Here are a few :-)

The kids I was with most of the time (~10 years old)


Exploring flora and fauna

The Vosgien Venus Flytrap: La Drosera (i think...?)

Swampmoss

The Arnica Flower

Vosgien Fungi:

Cheese:

I will live either there....or there:


That white spot is a person
scouting out the lynx

7 of them: 5 adults and 2 babies


apres-midi repas

La Boom (getting down with a bunch of french people screaming along to YMCA, Billy Jean and Life Is Nice)

The techtonik
An outstanding performance of Billy Jean

Une Spectacle du Cirque (par les petits):



and there's more where those came from...

Wissembourg

Last weekend Viviane had a flute gig with her band in the north of Alsace. Right on the border of Germany, it was in a town called Wissembourg. There were festivities celebrating the Pentecost such as vendors, traditional regional dances, and a parade.

Sorry for the blur of the dancers!





Yes, that huge round in the picture on the left is real cheese.


In the right half of the picture, Viviane is the first flutist on the left (behind the red music stand).


~Micaela

P.S.
Today I went to Mannheim, Germany to have brunch with an old friend of Viviane's. Unfortunately, I didn't get to explore. The brunch itself was very fascinating though: the common language was English. I kept wanting to answer everyone in French (I am used to having something explained to me in English, and then making myself answer in French), but then kept realizing that they probably didn't speak French. Very confusing for me feeble brain I must say.
It was so inspiring!!! I want to learn every language I possibly can. I guess first I must concentrate on the basics of French though.

Also, tomorrow I depart for La Bresse mountains with a local school. I will be surrounding by tons of little kids for an entire week! No English! This will be very good. À plus tard!...(will take pics)...