A Cultural Exchange: This Post has been rated PG-13 (American) and G (German)

This week went by way way too fast, I can't believe that time is running out on me. Christmas is only 16 days away, new years 22 days and ~204 days until I start thinking of coming home. I found myself in a pretty bad predicament this week and have to say I'm really glad I have a host dad who is willing to "put foot to ass"when need be. With the cold setting in here, and even worse the Darkness, I find myself falling into a hibernative state. Now they had warned us, and then reminded us and then SCREAMED it at us; that the winters here where dark. That most former participants say that it is a depressive thing that happened during their stay. So this week I really didn't per-say accomplish much outside the house. I was content to stay inside this warm inviting atmosphere, and not have to face the cold.

Monday evening I headed down to a Cafè next to the A-Sea to meet with Anika & Johanna. Anika had ordered me the trial of a newspaper that helps you learn another language. We sat there and read them aloud, correcting each others pronunciation, and clarifying words/phrases.

They also surprised me with this awesome gift for my B-day. Locally brewed Beer, and it was delicious. I was beyond words, I never expected that. I guess now I can honestly call them friends....HEY I have German Friends. WHOOHOO

Tuesday I headed to an informational meeting at the Police Department. It was actually really boring. It talked over the different career options and how to achieve them, and then most of it was how to use the website. Staying awake and upright through the second half became a challenge, thankfully I managed. Update on my internship with the Police; There isn't much change. Since my meeting was canceled I was told to send my CV (Resumè) to the head of hiring. That went out the Thursday before our Thanksgiving and I haven't heard back yet. I think if I haven't heard anything by Thursday I'll wright an inquisitive E-mail.

Wednesday was an interesting day at the Geist schule. We spent the day working on a project that would benefit a charity. Although sadly I don't remember which one. Anyway my class would contribute by baking and selling Muffins. Seems easy right, we only have household science every week and cook. Of course not instead of doing it in groups we brought all 24 students, 2 interns (the third ran away) and F. Weber. We have 4 kitchen stations so we made 5 groups. 4 to cook and one to make the decorations.

So after a mishap with adding to much liquid in two groups, unfortunately the two I was suppose to watch. In my defence I was not only watching two route groups of boys but also being pulled in the direction by questions from others. I swore these guys knew the difference between a L and a CL. So we ended up doubling the recipes and worked out well.

Anyway after that period was over we still had muffins in the oven, F. Weber couldn't leave until the ovens were shut off. The problem came with she had a different class to go teach. So off I went to the Math class to start the day until she showed up. She had a very specific Idea of what I should do, such a great Idea. As you may know I at one point was really into attempting Origami and other Asian arts. I managed to perfect... well 1 the paper crane.

I've probably made enough of these to get my free wish (1000), and I'm still waiting on that magic bird. So when there is a fairly square piece of scrap paper set in front of me I just tend to start folding it, and out pops this crane. This is so bad I have even started doing it with the tags on tea bags.

You probably guessed that she had seen me do this, and then had me teach her. Her Idea was for me to teach the class to do so why we waited. Sure I can do that, so off with some square paper I went. Murphys Law I say Murphys Law!! I couldn't get these kids under control for the first 10 minutes of class. They were in the hallway and as I would bring one in the other left the room and went the other way. Finally another teacher came along and helped me out. It took a little longer than it should have to fold some cranes.... like 6x as long. But in the end we had a dozen cranes on a desk.

Thursday a pretty hefty storm was suppose to come through Münster so I planned to stay in. Decided to take advantage of the time and get most of my card writing done for the holidays. Thankfully I got all done and ready. So keep an eye out for a card in your mailbox my close friends (should be about a week)!!! All the cards I had. are pictured to the Right. I had more than I needed for my mailing list.

For those following the advent calendar what was Friday...... Nicolas Tag!!!!!

I awoke to a gift from the Jolly man. For those not here is some text.

a. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Germany as well as in other European countries. On the evening before the 6th, children place their newly cleaned shoes in front of the door in the hope that Nicolas might fill them with nuts, fruits, chocolate, and sweets. If the children have behaved well, their wishes will be fulfilled. Children who have caused mischief will receive only a switch, which symbolizes punishment for their bad deeds.
b. The adherents of the Catholic Counterreformation did not quietly accept the diminishment of their saint. They responded to the practices of the unorthodox Protestants by making Nicholas a figure who visited families' homes on his appointed day and stood in judgment over children. If the young ones could answer religious questions and said their bedtime prayers faithfully, they received a gift from the sack that Nicholas' companion, Knecht Ruprecht, had slung over his shoulder. Those that slacked in their religious commitments got the switch or were threatened with being hauled off in Ruprecht's sack.
c. Today children in all the German-speaking regions, regardless of religious denomination, celebrate Nicholas tag. Ruprecht, who typically carries a basket filled with edible goodies for the children (and also the switches for the naughty children), has become Nicholas' constant companion. In German-speaking Switzerland, Ruprecht is known as Schmutzli.

Saturday was gift shopping.

AND NOW YOU FEATURED POST

So I think I have said how OK with the topic of sex is here in Germany. A 4 year old can tell you exactly how it works here, trust me I've seen it! To an american this is strange, where almost taught that sex is a taboo thing. Everyone does it but no one talks about it. The stork is a completely unknown creature, along with the cabbage patch.

So let me go into some details; I've seen plenty of nudity on German family T.V., there where plenty of nude swimmers (mostly elderly woman [insert shiver]) at the lake in Constance and Radolfzell, I had a 4 year old explain sex. And to top it off.... well you'll see.

(at this point some of you are horrified and debating leaving the rest to your imagination)

The local natural History museum was open on Sunday evening, after a well needed "Foot to Ass"maneuver, Bri and me where on our way over there. I had missed a field trip with my class (luckily) here and knew that the current presentation was called "Sex and Evolution." I had not expected what I walked into. I think at this point I should require you to verify your age,...

...but I think well use German Standards. So if you were ever born, proceed. The following photos contain sexually explicit material (US standards) that are intended for educational purposes.

Exhibit 1- How Animals Have Sex.