Au Pair, Oh My!

Monday, October 7, 2013

Castle Neuschwanstein

A few weeks ago, Kaitlyn (my family's previous au pair), Sierra and I drove my host family's car an hour and a half south to Schloss Neuschwanstein. This castle is just at the beginning of the Alps, near the Austrian border. The surrounding lakes and valleys make for a breathtaking view from the castle and its surrounding grounds.

We drove down for the day and got there roughly four hours before our tour time. You have to schedule a reservation time in advance, and pick up your tickets once you arrive. The extra time before gave us room to explore all over the area. We took our time on the drive down, taking pictures along the way, and then walked around the lake beneath the castle. The lake was crystal clear, and you can rent little rowboats to paddle across. We passed on that opportunity this trip, but enjoyed some 1 euro ice cream along the lake.

Neuschwanstein was a vacation home for the last King of Germany, Mad King Ludwig, but his family's vacation home is just across the small valley and overlooks the same lake. We didn't tour that castle, Hohenswangau on this trip, but I look forward to returning and seeing both of the castles draped in snow during winter time!

So what do you think, is Ludwig's castle better than Walt Disney's version?

Enjoy Today!

Some days are easier than others. This weekend, I got food poisoning right in the middle of my only day off. Not only was it my day off, but it was the last day I was able to go to the Oktoberfest. Thank goodness I wasn't there yet, because being as sick as I was in a Wies'n bathroom would have topped the list of worst things ever to happen to me. Thankfully, I was at Marcella's dorm, so she took care of me as best she could.

Coming back to the family that night was nice, my host mom made me tea and urged me to drink fluids and get lots of rest, but the next day they had a Wies'n reservation - so unless I was still vomiting I would be on childcare duty.

I absolutely felt like crap, but managed to pull my life together by noon to help out with the kids for the day. Then of course, S and G threw huge tantrums during dinner and bath time. Apparently I was not the only tired and cranky one. By the end of the night I was feeling really emotionally exhausted, and I continue to have these momentary thoughts of good god what have I gotten myself into. Whenever these thoughts come to me, I continue to remind myself of the awesome experiences I have already had. My trip to Spain, multiple days at Oktoberfest, a day trip to a castle near the Alps, one too many drinks at my new favorite bar with new friends - these are the reasons why I have come to Germany. No matter how tough some days may be, the good days always come as well. I am reminding myself to live inside the moment and have as much fun as I can during this year. Not all days will be beer and castle tours and I need to remember to enjoy today.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Oktoberfest with Kinderlein

This Thursday was Tag der Deutschen Einheit in Deutschland. Which in English, is the day of reunification for Germany's Eastern and Western parts. Since it was a national holiday the kindergarten and businesses were closed, and my host family decided to go to the Wies'n. It was my sixth day at Oktoberfest, but let me tell you - Oktoberfest is entirely different with kids.

Because of the holiday, it was very crowded. The children still had a blast though, and my host mom worked her magic as usual and got us all a place to sit at a reserved table inside of the Oschenbratzerei. This tent serves hendl (roasted chicken), brezn and masses of bier just like the other tents, but it also has roasted ox which was so delicious. After a nice little family meal and some time with the kids, my host family allowed my friend Marcella and I to have the afternoon to ourselves at Oktoberfest - debauchery ensued. I love Oktoberfest!