Wednesday, September 19, 2012
What is an Au Pair?
I think many people do not understand what an au pair actually is, so I will try to explain is as best I can. Remember that the program varies in different countries, and I am specifically talking about Germany.
In Germany, an au pair is a young man or woman between the ages of 18-24 (I turn 25 during my au pair year, but was 24 at the time I applied for my visa) that lives with a family for 1 year as a member of the family. The au pair helps take care of the children, does light housework (cooking, vacuuming, ironing, loading and emptying the dishwasher), for up to 30 hours per week. In exchange, the au pair receives room and board, as well as insurance, a tram pass, and enough free time to visit a language course. Of course the au pair receives a bit of money as well. This is not referred to as a salary, but "pocket money," as the au pair is not an employee, but a member of the family.
Now you know :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Changes
Changes I'm making, starting this week....
1) No charging ANYTHING on credit cards. There are always going to be "emergencies." If I cannot pay using a debit card or cash, I will save up for the item or *gasp* not buy it.
2) I will not buy any clothing or shoes that are of cheap quality, but rather will save up until I can afford their more expensive (and hopefully longer-lasting) counterparts.
3) I will save a percentage of my salary every month.
4) I will not spend more than the amount I have alotted myself unless I earn more money by freelancing.
5) I will NOT eat out more than 2x per week, unless I am on vacation and this is unavoidable.
1) No charging ANYTHING on credit cards. There are always going to be "emergencies." If I cannot pay using a debit card or cash, I will save up for the item or *gasp* not buy it.
2) I will not buy any clothing or shoes that are of cheap quality, but rather will save up until I can afford their more expensive (and hopefully longer-lasting) counterparts.
3) I will save a percentage of my salary every month.
4) I will not spend more than the amount I have alotted myself unless I earn more money by freelancing.
5) I will NOT eat out more than 2x per week, unless I am on vacation and this is unavoidable.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Gloria Steinem forgive me for saying this, but I think that all young women should become au pairs, and not just because it allows a young woman to see another part of the world, but because it teaches the young woman about being a mother. Chances are, if one is working as an au pair, it is generally in a 2-income household. These women are working either a part or a full-time job and are looking for a bit of extra help at home. Such is the case with the family I am living with (and working for in Freiburg). The mother is a professor at a teacher's college. In addition to working she is expected to be an engaged mother when at home. I've always thought that was a difficult task, but now I'm experiencing how difficult it truly is.
As a child I always thought, "Darn it! I have to go to school, and mom gets to stay home and watch Oprah all day! Where is the justice in this world?" Now I know that my mom likely had little time to watch Oprah. In between the cleaning, the ironing, the organization of driving this child here and that child there, I doubt my mother was watching much television or "sitting around."
Of course, since moving out of the house nearly 4 years ago I discovered that there was a lot more to running a household than I thought, but it's a completely different ball game when one is a mother, or in this case, an au pair. There are lots of dirty dishes, messy rooms, etc. As a child one thinks very little about throwing things on the floor. They don't realize that all of the little messes add up. Children are seemingly unaware of the fact that adults tend to like to keep their houses clean. For one, it gives the owner a sense of ease and comfort, and another, who knows when an unexpected guest could stop by! It's embarrassing if the house looks like a pigsty.
My job is very tiring, but I enjoy it very much. I'm living in a new country with a family I met through an au pair website, taking care of their kids and becoming a member of the family. Not to mention the fact that I'm improving my cooking skills (which were nearly non-existent before my arrival) immensely.
There is so much more to running a household than I ever knew....
Bye for now, Molly
As a child I always thought, "Darn it! I have to go to school, and mom gets to stay home and watch Oprah all day! Where is the justice in this world?" Now I know that my mom likely had little time to watch Oprah. In between the cleaning, the ironing, the organization of driving this child here and that child there, I doubt my mother was watching much television or "sitting around."
Of course, since moving out of the house nearly 4 years ago I discovered that there was a lot more to running a household than I thought, but it's a completely different ball game when one is a mother, or in this case, an au pair. There are lots of dirty dishes, messy rooms, etc. As a child one thinks very little about throwing things on the floor. They don't realize that all of the little messes add up. Children are seemingly unaware of the fact that adults tend to like to keep their houses clean. For one, it gives the owner a sense of ease and comfort, and another, who knows when an unexpected guest could stop by! It's embarrassing if the house looks like a pigsty.
My job is very tiring, but I enjoy it very much. I'm living in a new country with a family I met through an au pair website, taking care of their kids and becoming a member of the family. Not to mention the fact that I'm improving my cooking skills (which were nearly non-existent before my arrival) immensely.
There is so much more to running a household than I ever knew....
Bye for now, Molly
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Freiburg
A new city. A new family. A new house. A new room. A new life. Where is home? I don't know anymore. I've gone from being anxious about moving to being able to move from place to place, happy as long as I have a room with a bed. I have people around me, but I still feel alone. It's not an empty, forgotten feeling, but rather a sense that my decisions (and my life) are mine.
A new journey has begun. Where will it lead me? Only time will tell.
A new journey has begun. Where will it lead me? Only time will tell.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Back in Time
She's likely about 90 years old, with a hunched over walk and a toothless grin. She's the town's busybody, observing everyone and everything. Today, just like any other day, she chooses to pay Burg Wernfels and its visitors a visit. As I update my blog today she peers through the windowpane. I smile and acknowledge her presence while continuing to write, a hobby of mine that has been neglected of late.
Welcome to Wernfels, population 2. At least that's what it feels like. The town consists of a bakery, an ice cream shop, a restaurant, a sports field, and a farm. And, of course, the famous castle turned hostel, Burg Wernfels, the most popular youth hostel in Bavaria. This is where I've spent the past 2 weeks, working with young teens and trying to teach them English. I assume they learned a lot, but I've also learned so much about myself. This has been my opportunity to let go, be goofy and crazy, and make fun of myself a little bit; something that has always been difficult for me.
It's the weekend, the kids are gone, and now I'm back to my serious old self. Looking through the windowpane again, I notice that the old woman has disappeared.
Welcome to Wernfels, population 2. At least that's what it feels like. The town consists of a bakery, an ice cream shop, a restaurant, a sports field, and a farm. And, of course, the famous castle turned hostel, Burg Wernfels, the most popular youth hostel in Bavaria. This is where I've spent the past 2 weeks, working with young teens and trying to teach them English. I assume they learned a lot, but I've also learned so much about myself. This has been my opportunity to let go, be goofy and crazy, and make fun of myself a little bit; something that has always been difficult for me.
It's the weekend, the kids are gone, and now I'm back to my serious old self. Looking through the windowpane again, I notice that the old woman has disappeared.
You don't even have to try...it's always a good time
"Wollt ihr mitfeiern?" (Want to party with us?) As Becks (Australian), Aline (French) and myself headed back from the field where we'd just spent time relaxing, on our way to the castle, we turned and noticed a group of 20-somethings celebrating around a bonfire. I was surprised at the question and even wanted to hear them repeat it before I realized they were, indeed, speaking with us. This should've been abundently clear, as there was noone else in site, but I'm not used to Germans being that friendly to strangers. Perhaps it's because Wernfels, the village that where we are currently located, is so small that the population is likely about 100 people, that the group was eager for new company.
So, curious as we were, we walked over to join them for a moment, although we knew we should head back to the castle soon. As soon as we sat there we wanted to get up. They were clearly already very drunk, and Aline and Becks don't speak any German, so that would make for a boring evening. When it became clear to use that the guy next to us was smoking pot, we decided right then and there to say our farewells and head back to the castle. What would the children say if we came back smelling like pot? And, more importantly, what would they tell their parents? Everything we do tends to get back to our boss.
However, we all admitted that if we lived in Wernfels (essentially the middle of nowhere) we too would be getting drunk more than occasionally.
So, curious as we were, we walked over to join them for a moment, although we knew we should head back to the castle soon. As soon as we sat there we wanted to get up. They were clearly already very drunk, and Aline and Becks don't speak any German, so that would make for a boring evening. When it became clear to use that the guy next to us was smoking pot, we decided right then and there to say our farewells and head back to the castle. What would the children say if we came back smelling like pot? And, more importantly, what would they tell their parents? Everything we do tends to get back to our boss.
However, we all admitted that if we lived in Wernfels (essentially the middle of nowhere) we too would be getting drunk more than occasionally.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
What camp has taught me...
1) Being a parent is a 24/7 job and there is no on/off switch.
2) Children need rules. Things that are self-explanatory to adults are rarely to children.
3)Children will complain about anything, even about doing things they like. It seems as if their memory is extremely short-term.
4)All children want attention from adults, even if they act extremely passive.
5)Children think that adults know what they're doing, even if they don't.
and...
I just realized I'm starting to sound like my mother when disciplining children.
Ahh!
2) Children need rules. Things that are self-explanatory to adults are rarely to children.
3)Children will complain about anything, even about doing things they like. It seems as if their memory is extremely short-term.
4)All children want attention from adults, even if they act extremely passive.
5)Children think that adults know what they're doing, even if they don't.
and...
I just realized I'm starting to sound like my mother when disciplining children.
Ahh!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Train to Schlaitdorf
Saturday, August 4th, 2012
Jet-setting English native speaking counselors abound at LEO-Lingo Sprachcamps in Bavaria, Germany. I have found my niche-not in counseling, but in traveling, and I love that my fellow counselors share my love of jet-setting. It’s refreshing to be able to sit around and listen to crazy stories that start with “When I was in Panama” or “that summer in Greece,” etc… then I don’t sound like a braggart when I say “that time in Dubai, or that summer in the Netherlands." We understand each other in a way that others back home may not. We are young and have a lot to figure out about life and our place in it, but for now, we are finding ourselves by trying out different identities in different places. We aren’t perhaps following the most traditional of paths, but I’ve learned that life isn’t about fitting into a box. My life is what I want for myself. I want to take my last breath and think, “I lived.”
I will not lie. Working as a language camp counselor is a stressful job, one that, more often than not, involves 16-hour-days and less than enthusiastic children. But what makes it are the smiles you get from a kid that finally gets it, the goodbye hugs at the end of camp, and nights laughing with fellow counselors. I am in a constant state of exhaustion, but I never frown. I greet each and every child with a smile. I know that I am their caretaker, their role-model, and that if I look tired and sad, perhaps they will be inclined to feel tired and sad. My goal is to make the children feel well looked after here at camp. I am by no means a pushover. I tend to yell at them too much. But I’ve learned that kids need boundaries in order to feel secure and succeed. Let’s hope I can find a balance between fun and discipline this summer. Only time will tell.
This week was a short work week. The camp started on the evening of Tuesday, July 31st at 6pm and ended today at 5pm on Saturday, August 4th. Now I’m on a train on route to Stuttgart. Eventually (likely in the wee hours of the morning) I will arrive in Schlaitdorf. Why am I subjecting myself to such stressful travel when I have to be back to work on Monday? It’s because a certain German family that lives in the US is here for a visit, and it would be a shame not to see them. More than that, there are just certain people in my life that, no matter what the distance, I feel close to them. And whenever we happen to be anywhere near each other, I have an aching need to see them. Thus, I am making the 5 hour journey from Vorra to Schlaitdorf out of love for a family that has become almost blood related to me.
So with 2 more hours to go I sit here, exhausted, but with tears almost coming to my eyes because I feel like I will be, if only for a moment, coming home.
Jet-setting English native speaking counselors abound at LEO-Lingo Sprachcamps in Bavaria, Germany. I have found my niche-not in counseling, but in traveling, and I love that my fellow counselors share my love of jet-setting. It’s refreshing to be able to sit around and listen to crazy stories that start with “When I was in Panama” or “that summer in Greece,” etc… then I don’t sound like a braggart when I say “that time in Dubai, or that summer in the Netherlands." We understand each other in a way that others back home may not. We are young and have a lot to figure out about life and our place in it, but for now, we are finding ourselves by trying out different identities in different places. We aren’t perhaps following the most traditional of paths, but I’ve learned that life isn’t about fitting into a box. My life is what I want for myself. I want to take my last breath and think, “I lived.”
I will not lie. Working as a language camp counselor is a stressful job, one that, more often than not, involves 16-hour-days and less than enthusiastic children. But what makes it are the smiles you get from a kid that finally gets it, the goodbye hugs at the end of camp, and nights laughing with fellow counselors. I am in a constant state of exhaustion, but I never frown. I greet each and every child with a smile. I know that I am their caretaker, their role-model, and that if I look tired and sad, perhaps they will be inclined to feel tired and sad. My goal is to make the children feel well looked after here at camp. I am by no means a pushover. I tend to yell at them too much. But I’ve learned that kids need boundaries in order to feel secure and succeed. Let’s hope I can find a balance between fun and discipline this summer. Only time will tell.
This week was a short work week. The camp started on the evening of Tuesday, July 31st at 6pm and ended today at 5pm on Saturday, August 4th. Now I’m on a train on route to Stuttgart. Eventually (likely in the wee hours of the morning) I will arrive in Schlaitdorf. Why am I subjecting myself to such stressful travel when I have to be back to work on Monday? It’s because a certain German family that lives in the US is here for a visit, and it would be a shame not to see them. More than that, there are just certain people in my life that, no matter what the distance, I feel close to them. And whenever we happen to be anywhere near each other, I have an aching need to see them. Thus, I am making the 5 hour journey from Vorra to Schlaitdorf out of love for a family that has become almost blood related to me.
So with 2 more hours to go I sit here, exhausted, but with tears almost coming to my eyes because I feel like I will be, if only for a moment, coming home.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Camp in Vorra
This job is not what I expected. It's taking on responsibility for about 100 children 24 hours a day. Sure, the kids are in groups and we're each only responsible for 1 group for part of the day, but you can't just say "ok I'm done now." We help each other out, which means we're always on call.
Sitting with a home sick camper today while he called his parents brought back lots of memories for me (all bad). But it's a nice thing to be a relatively happy, stable adult who doesn't particularly give a shit that her 13-year-old self was a Weichei (wimp).
Time to plan for the morning...oh joy. Personally I'd rather sleep.
<3
Molly
Sitting with a home sick camper today while he called his parents brought back lots of memories for me (all bad). But it's a nice thing to be a relatively happy, stable adult who doesn't particularly give a shit that her 13-year-old self was a Weichei (wimp).
Time to plan for the morning...oh joy. Personally I'd rather sleep.
<3
Molly
Monday, July 30, 2012
Busy busy!
It's been quite a long time since I've last written, and with good reason: I've been very busy.
In Vienna I enjoyed staying with Angelika and her family, meeting up with Katie Johnston and her family, who happened to be in Vienna (we meet in the strangest of places), etc. After Vienna I took the train to Freiburg, where I met the family that I will work for this coming year. Their current au-pair, Ashley, showed me around and I was able to meet a lot of her friends. After Freiburg I headed to Augsburg, where I spent a week with Christine and her family. As always, I enjoyed visiting my German "family." The highlights were the Tim Bendzko concert and wine nights with Christine.
This past week has involved a week of training with LEO-Lingo. I lived with a host family and spent my days training at the school with the other counselors. Although the others are all younger than me, most studied/or are studying German, which is a fun thing to have in common with them. They are all native speakers from all over the world, and it's fun to talk about cultural differences with the Canadians, Irish, British, Austalians and Kiwis.
Now I am enjoying a day off in Munich at the Deukes.
Love,
Molly
In Vienna I enjoyed staying with Angelika and her family, meeting up with Katie Johnston and her family, who happened to be in Vienna (we meet in the strangest of places), etc. After Vienna I took the train to Freiburg, where I met the family that I will work for this coming year. Their current au-pair, Ashley, showed me around and I was able to meet a lot of her friends. After Freiburg I headed to Augsburg, where I spent a week with Christine and her family. As always, I enjoyed visiting my German "family." The highlights were the Tim Bendzko concert and wine nights with Christine.
This past week has involved a week of training with LEO-Lingo. I lived with a host family and spent my days training at the school with the other counselors. Although the others are all younger than me, most studied/or are studying German, which is a fun thing to have in common with them. They are all native speakers from all over the world, and it's fun to talk about cultural differences with the Canadians, Irish, British, Austalians and Kiwis.
Now I am enjoying a day off in Munich at the Deukes.
Love,
Molly
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Wanderlust
Wanderlust calls
She packs her bags
She flies here and there
She visits friends that are more like family
She walks down cobblestone streets
She visits museums
And coffee shops
She walks quickly
She almost runs
She looks straight ahead
Never connecting
Never sitting down to think
Never at ease with herself
Because deep down she knows
She's alone
-----
She walks quickly and with purpose
Her expression solum
She has places to go
And people to see
She smiles and pretends
When they are there
No questions need be asked
She's perfectly happy, she tells them
She smiles and pretends
She looks down, never connecting
Because deep down she knows
She's alone
She packs her bags
She flies here and there
She visits friends that are more like family
She walks down cobblestone streets
She visits museums
And coffee shops
She walks quickly
She almost runs
She looks straight ahead
Never connecting
Never sitting down to think
Never at ease with herself
Because deep down she knows
She's alone
-----
She walks quickly and with purpose
Her expression solum
She has places to go
And people to see
She smiles and pretends
When they are there
No questions need be asked
She's perfectly happy, she tells them
She smiles and pretends
She looks down, never connecting
Because deep down she knows
She's alone
Salzburg--->Vienna
On Friday, June 6th I spent my last full day in Salzburg packing, and meeting friends. Steffi and I had breakfast together at Cappomio, where she presented me with a bible in German as a going away gift :) This time I won't make the mistake of sending said bible home via the Austrian Postal Service. We all know how well that ended up working last time.
In the evening Andrea and I met up for dinner, and later Kerstin and her mother joined us. When I got home I spent time with Sonja and her sister, which involved quite the interesting conversations that won't be discussed on this blog. I will write them down somewhere else and have them be part of the book that I will write someday.
----
Since Saturday I have been in Vienna. I am enjoying being here very much, but a bit nervous about the coming weeks, as I will be working at a summer camp, which will be very hard work. I just hope that I'm up to the challenge.
LG, Molly
In the evening Andrea and I met up for dinner, and later Kerstin and her mother joined us. When I got home I spent time with Sonja and her sister, which involved quite the interesting conversations that won't be discussed on this blog. I will write them down somewhere else and have them be part of the book that I will write someday.
----
Since Saturday I have been in Vienna. I am enjoying being here very much, but a bit nervous about the coming weeks, as I will be working at a summer camp, which will be very hard work. I just hope that I'm up to the challenge.
LG, Molly
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Abschiedsfeier
Today was the last day of English lessons. It was bittersweet. The girls were sad but I kept telling them that by being sad, we were ruining our last day together. That helped them to shrug off the sadness and enjoy being together a little bit more.
This evening Sonja, Karl, the kids, and I all went out for dinner at a sushi restaurant to celebrate the 6 weeks we spent together. It was really nice, I had delicious food from the buffet and Sonja ordered us champagne. I especially enjoyed watching 6-year-old Amelie eat sushi. Sometimes I think that girl would eat anything. After devouring everything in sight, Amelie raised her glass of apple juice and said "To Molly" as we all clanked glasses. Karl said that I was more than welcome to come back anytime. It's a good feeling to have these connections with people around the world.
After dinner Karl gave us a tour of his business, Carbotech. It's actually an impressive story. He started the business in his parent's garage when he was 24. Now, nearly 20 years later, his company has 530 employees and makes parts for Porsche and other auto companies. He may not know the names of all of his employees, but he takes the time to greet each person he sees. They may have many advantages in life, but Karl is a self-made man and I've never met more humble and kind people.
Now it's with deep regret that I have to pack and soon say goodbye to a place that has become like home: Salzburg.
This evening Sonja, Karl, the kids, and I all went out for dinner at a sushi restaurant to celebrate the 6 weeks we spent together. It was really nice, I had delicious food from the buffet and Sonja ordered us champagne. I especially enjoyed watching 6-year-old Amelie eat sushi. Sometimes I think that girl would eat anything. After devouring everything in sight, Amelie raised her glass of apple juice and said "To Molly" as we all clanked glasses. Karl said that I was more than welcome to come back anytime. It's a good feeling to have these connections with people around the world.
After dinner Karl gave us a tour of his business, Carbotech. It's actually an impressive story. He started the business in his parent's garage when he was 24. Now, nearly 20 years later, his company has 530 employees and makes parts for Porsche and other auto companies. He may not know the names of all of his employees, but he takes the time to greet each person he sees. They may have many advantages in life, but Karl is a self-made man and I've never met more humble and kind people.
Now it's with deep regret that I have to pack and soon say goodbye to a place that has become like home: Salzburg.
Being Away
Days like the 4th of July are hard. Yes, I do realize at home I would likely be bored, watching that same parade for the 50th time and probably annoyed that my sister was telling me yet again that I need to wear more make-up or get a tan. I probably would've smacked my brother after he told me, yet again that I need to stop spending so much money. And I likely would be fighting with my mom about something. Still, that doesn't make be away any easier at times like these.
Which is why it's great having such an awesome American friend over here who understands what I'm going through! :)
Which is why it's great having such an awesome American friend over here who understands what I'm going through! :)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Last week in Salzburg!
I have my moments of what the hell am I doing here. They happen most often when I've had little sleep, or I'm in a new place, but mostly, I turn them around by looking around and realizing that I am indeed living my dream.
This is my last week in Salzburg. It's bittersweet. I love it here and have so enjoyed these past 6 weeks. On Monday I hung out with Andrea. She and I walked to the Volksgarten and drank some Radler. Later we walked to Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria Von Trapp was a nun. On Tuesday she and I ventured off to Innsbruck, Tirol, a 2 hour train ride from Salzburg. It was beautiful and I enjoyed walking along the quaint streets and enjoying Apfel Strudel for the first time since my arrival in Austria this year.
This day trip to Innsbruck marks the first time I left Salzburg since my arrival. Gut so. I have been so fortunate to have been able to enjoy the beauty of Austria once again!
<3
Molly
This is my last week in Salzburg. It's bittersweet. I love it here and have so enjoyed these past 6 weeks. On Monday I hung out with Andrea. She and I walked to the Volksgarten and drank some Radler. Later we walked to Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria Von Trapp was a nun. On Tuesday she and I ventured off to Innsbruck, Tirol, a 2 hour train ride from Salzburg. It was beautiful and I enjoyed walking along the quaint streets and enjoying Apfel Strudel for the first time since my arrival in Austria this year.
This day trip to Innsbruck marks the first time I left Salzburg since my arrival. Gut so. I have been so fortunate to have been able to enjoy the beauty of Austria once again!
<3
Molly
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Young and Wild and Free
I love being back here ;-) Clubbing on Friday night with Astrid was just what I needed. I just danced until 3am like there was no tomorrow, shrugging off the guys that I wasn't interested in, and just enjoyed feeling young and free ;-)
Friday, June 29, 2012
What being a 20 something means to me...
No words needed :)
(Picture of me on the Salzach, taken by Astrid Rizner)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Things I want to do before I leave Salzburg
There are still a few things I haven't checked off of my list.
1) Eat apple strudel!
2) Go to Schloss Leopoldskron
3) Go on a hike
4) Go see the nuns sing at Nonnberg Abbey
5) Bike down Linzer Gasse
6) Go and see Sound of Music Exhibit at the Salzburg Museum
7) Going away dinner with friends
<3
1) Eat apple strudel!
2) Go to Schloss Leopoldskron
3) Go on a hike
4) Go see the nuns sing at Nonnberg Abbey
5) Bike down Linzer Gasse
6) Go and see Sound of Music Exhibit at the Salzburg Museum
7) Going away dinner with friends
<3
Salzburg
Things have been going well. It's such a different feeling, being here with so much free time. There aren't classes to go to, exams to study for, or countries to travel to. It's just me, myself and I....and Salzburg. It does get lonely at times. Being here again makes me realize how American I am. But, in many ways, it's so rewarding and it feels good to be able to stand on my own two feet.
My weekend was very relaxing. On Friday night Andrea and I went to Augustiner for dinner, followed by Murphy's Law for beers and the soccer game: Germany vs. Greece. 4-2 for Germany! There wasn't much excitement at the bar. Austrian's aren't that into soccer: or the Germans. haha. On Saturday Kerstin, Andrea and I went shopping at Europark. They had a huge sale and I ended up buying perfume and high-heels from Espirt. After shopping we had the obligatory coffee at IKEA. On Sunday Andrea came over and we swam in the pool with the kids. It was so much fun. It's great having an American here that understands what I'm going through!
Yesterday I met up with Aimi, Mitch, and Maria at Afrocafe. I had waffles for dinner---yum!!! ;) Today Aimi and I hung out. We walked around Salzburg, went to a few cafes, and then went on the Stiegl Brewery Tour! The best part was the beer-sampling. You get to sample 3 beers (0,2 each). Awesome :)
I am absolutely exhausted from running around all day. Time for coffee and then a nap.
<3
My weekend was very relaxing. On Friday night Andrea and I went to Augustiner for dinner, followed by Murphy's Law for beers and the soccer game: Germany vs. Greece. 4-2 for Germany! There wasn't much excitement at the bar. Austrian's aren't that into soccer: or the Germans. haha. On Saturday Kerstin, Andrea and I went shopping at Europark. They had a huge sale and I ended up buying perfume and high-heels from Espirt. After shopping we had the obligatory coffee at IKEA. On Sunday Andrea came over and we swam in the pool with the kids. It was so much fun. It's great having an American here that understands what I'm going through!
Yesterday I met up with Aimi, Mitch, and Maria at Afrocafe. I had waffles for dinner---yum!!! ;) Today Aimi and I hung out. We walked around Salzburg, went to a few cafes, and then went on the Stiegl Brewery Tour! The best part was the beer-sampling. You get to sample 3 beers (0,2 each). Awesome :)
I am absolutely exhausted from running around all day. Time for coffee and then a nap.
<3
Monday, June 18, 2012
Salzburg
This year I will have a lot less money than I have during previous trips. During previous trips, I had scholarship money, money saved up from working, and money that my grandparents had given me as a child. I spent most of that during my year abroad in Salzburg, so now I am left with, well, very little money to spare. The money I am spending now is the money that I'm earning here. That means budgeting, much more than before. Welcome to the real world, right?
New rules:
1) Leave the credit card at home. My credit card will now only be used for emergency purchases. Including but not limited to: emergency plane ticket to get home to my family, meds when I'm sick... I would say that's about it.
2) Never buy clothing the first time I see it unless it is heavily discounted and I really want it. If something is full price, I will let the idea sit with me for a week to see if I really want it. And no matter what, I will never exceed the clothing allowance I've allowed for myself.
3) Speaking of "allowance." I will budget for everything. If it's not a part of my budget, I will not participate.
4) I will write everything down so that I see how much I spend.
5) I will enjoy life with less.
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The nice thing about Salzburg in general is that there are so many things one can do for free. The other day Andrea and I biked to Hellbrunn for a picnic. A couple of weeks ago she and I sat on a bench on the river and talked. Then there are cheap things to do like student discounted museums or going to coffee hour at my church. And of course, I'm taking a lot of pictures :)
Today I haven't done that much. I walked to the mall to send a b-day/father's day package to my dad, and this afternoon I went swimming in my host family's pool. At 30 degrees Celcius, the pool felt almost like a hot tub :)
LG, Molly
New rules:
1) Leave the credit card at home. My credit card will now only be used for emergency purchases. Including but not limited to: emergency plane ticket to get home to my family, meds when I'm sick... I would say that's about it.
2) Never buy clothing the first time I see it unless it is heavily discounted and I really want it. If something is full price, I will let the idea sit with me for a week to see if I really want it. And no matter what, I will never exceed the clothing allowance I've allowed for myself.
3) Speaking of "allowance." I will budget for everything. If it's not a part of my budget, I will not participate.
4) I will write everything down so that I see how much I spend.
5) I will enjoy life with less.
------------
The nice thing about Salzburg in general is that there are so many things one can do for free. The other day Andrea and I biked to Hellbrunn for a picnic. A couple of weeks ago she and I sat on a bench on the river and talked. Then there are cheap things to do like student discounted museums or going to coffee hour at my church. And of course, I'm taking a lot of pictures :)
Today I haven't done that much. I walked to the mall to send a b-day/father's day package to my dad, and this afternoon I went swimming in my host family's pool. At 30 degrees Celcius, the pool felt almost like a hot tub :)
LG, Molly
Friday, June 15, 2012
More Salzburg
I have been having such a wonderful time in Salzburg. Since arriving, I haven't left the area to travel anywhere else. I am just enjoying Salzburg and its surroundings, my host family, and my old and new friends :)
Teaching English has been a treat and has allowed me to spend lots of time exploring Salzburg's old town. In addition, I've been spending lots of time with Andrea, a good friend of mine who studied abroad in Austria before deciding to complete another bachelor's here. Then there's Kerstin, and my former roommate and friend, Astrid! And of course my friends from the church group I was involved in while studying here.
Just a couple of days ago I was also able to get together with Tina while she was in town. We drank coffee together on the rooftop of the new Uni Salzburg building. The view is just gorgeous!!!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Host Family
In a lovely Einfamilienhaus just outside of Salzburg's Altstadt lives a family consisting of a mother, a father, and two little girls. The father runs a business, the mother a household. The father works hard and has little time off, but does manage to spend as much time with his girls and wife as possible. The mother, the model wife, combines running the household with pursuing her own interests, and still manages to find time to attend those social/work functions with her husband that she finds to be such a bore. High society interests her almost as much as meat would interest a vegetarian.
The girls, 7 and 9, have the curiosity and vitality that suits their ages and gender. At such young ages their futures are already apparent. One will be practical when finding a husband, marry young, lead a good stable life, while the other will most likely scare her parents with tattooed motorcycle riding boyfriends before she finally manages to marry the right man. Only time will tell if these premonitions are correct.
I am living with this family to teach them English, but in fact, they are also teaching me a lot. About Austrian culture, about children, about life. Each family that I stay with teaches me something different.
There is so much more to every family than meets the eye. And I, on this adventure, with this family, have a chance to see it and experience it. One day, every single one of my Gastfamilien (names changed to protect the innocent, of course) will make it into the book that I write about my experiences abroad. (And no, I will not be revealing their secrets. I will be sharing what I have learned from being around them) Having lived with so many families, I've come to see that, despite the fact that they all seem perfect on the outside, all have their imperfections on the inside. Their imperfections, in fact, are what make them the most interesting.
Cheers, Molly
The girls, 7 and 9, have the curiosity and vitality that suits their ages and gender. At such young ages their futures are already apparent. One will be practical when finding a husband, marry young, lead a good stable life, while the other will most likely scare her parents with tattooed motorcycle riding boyfriends before she finally manages to marry the right man. Only time will tell if these premonitions are correct.
I am living with this family to teach them English, but in fact, they are also teaching me a lot. About Austrian culture, about children, about life. Each family that I stay with teaches me something different.
There is so much more to every family than meets the eye. And I, on this adventure, with this family, have a chance to see it and experience it. One day, every single one of my Gastfamilien (names changed to protect the innocent, of course) will make it into the book that I write about my experiences abroad. (And no, I will not be revealing their secrets. I will be sharing what I have learned from being around them) Having lived with so many families, I've come to see that, despite the fact that they all seem perfect on the outside, all have their imperfections on the inside. Their imperfections, in fact, are what make them the most interesting.
Cheers, Molly
Monday, June 4, 2012
Back with a bang...
It's a rarity for me to go so long without blogging after my arrival in Europe, but this time I just didn't have the time or energy until now. These past 2 and a half weeks have been a combination of "what the hell am I doing here," and "I'm so glad to be back." Add that to the fact that I'm working and well... Well, if one would actually call what I'm doing "work." But I suppose I should start at the beginning.
On May 16, 2012, a day that seems like 100 years ago but was really only just a few weeks ago, I hugged my family and friends goodbye and got on another plane to go on another adventure. My first stop: Munich, Germany, where Susanne picked me up at the airport and gave me that long awaited hug. It was so appropriate for her to be the one to pick me up, as she was the one who dropped me at the airport last year in July when I headed back home after a year of living abroad. Susanne has gone from a person that I vaguely knew to someone that I love and admire. Thankfully she'll never read this, but if she did, I know she'd say oh Molly, shake her head, and tell me I was stupid for writing something like this on the internet. But that's Susanne :)
I stayed with Susanne and her family for the first week after my arrival in order to relax and acclimate myself to my new surroundings. Another highlight was a barbecue with several of the families that had lived in Michigan as ex-pats. I always find it fun to be in Germany talking about Great Lakes Crossing or barbecue sauce. It's like having a part of home with me :-) Other than that, I simply played with the kids, helped in the kitchen, strolled through Munich, drank lattes, and tried not to regain any weight.
After one week with Susanne and her family, I headed to Salzburg, Austria, where my journey continues. On that Thursday I was, as usual, nervous about going to a new place. Okay, so Salzburg isn't exactly a new city to me; I lived her for 2 semesters when I studied abroad. However, change, as much as I thrive on it, scares the hell out of me. One great thing about me though, is that I am easy to please and end up getting used to my surroundings in a matter of days. This time it took just one day. Upon arriving at the train station in Salzburg I was greeted by Sonja, the mother of the children to whom I teach English. I taught her children English once a week while living in the Salzburg the first time. When I wrote to her several months ago about looking for a summer au pair position, she offered me the opportunity of living with her family (room and board included) and teaching her kids English 15 hours a week. As I had originally planned on visiting Salzburg this summer on my own dime, I jumped at the chance to live with her and her family. And here I was that first day, nervous about the whole thing. It's more of a reflex than anything else. I am a worrier.
I had little time to sit and think, which for me is a very good thing. That first day I was already "on duty," teaching one of the girls English for most of the day. I honestly had no idea how I was going to teach either of the girls English at that point, other than through speaking with them and playing games. Luckily recently that changed and I decided to start with the basics. After just 2 lessons with me both girls can say the alphabet in English and can spell words in English! Apparently their parents were a bit annoyed on their recent trip to Prague when the kids wouldn't stop singing the ABC song. I'm really proud of how much they are learning from me and I hope to be able to teach English to children in Austria or Germany full time.
Fifteen hour work weeks naturally leave a lot of free-time. I have had no problem occupying myself. Luckily, all of my old friends are still here! Kerstin, a German friend, and Andrea, an American friend, are both finishing up their bachelor's. The old gang from the college church is still there, too! I showed up during the coffee hour they have during lunch and everyone was so surprised and happy to see me. I definitely look different and since they didn't know I was coming, at first they just stared at me in disbelief. Now, having only been here a little over a week, I'm being invited to all of their parties again. It feels really good. Not to mention the fact that my old roommate, Astrid, is here! I love it here. I'm happy here ;-)
And I know that leaving here eventually will be difficult. But right now I'm not going to think about that. During this journey my motto is: enjoy the moment! I don't want to waste it planning the next one.
Goals:
-Trust my own instincts. Don't let others (no matter who they are) dictate the decisions that I make.
-Enjoy every moment!
-Lose 2 more kilos/5 pounds
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