I'm very sorry this post is even more delayed than usual. I found out last weekend that my grandfather passed away and I haven't really been in a blogging mood.
But I hope you'll enjoy this entry while I work on some newer entries.
Because I'm massively behind on blogging, I'm doing a round-up (aka a list, aka a summary of my life) with the exception of one journey/adventure and it will be quite clear why.
Also, warning this post is both long and image heavy!!
1. 10 Fulbrighters, 2 Countries, and 1....Professional Polish Basketball Game?
Properly armed with a Sachsen Ticket, you can do amazing things.
Like get 10 American Fulbrighters together to visit Görlitz and Zgorzelec!
Now, if you said to yourself, Zgorzelec doesn't sound German name, give yourself a pat on the back, because you're right. It's Polish.
Görlitz and Zgorzelec were once one city, divided by a river, which kept constantly being pulled back and forth between Germanic and Polish wars like a dog's chew toy until 1945, when the Allies put their foot (or should I say feet? Confusing.) down, saying they weren't going to let any more Germans start any more wars over what should or shouldn't be theirs.
So the town was separated by its natural barrier, one side becoming German, the other Polish. Although Görlitz and Zgorzelec both fell under Soviet rule during the Cold War, Görlitz has done pretty well for itself in recent years, because has the best examples of nearly every type of historical architecture. (See below!)
Görlitz's charming architecture has made it a popular spot for films needing a German/European setting and Görlitz has been dubbed "Görlywood" by many of the Germans.
Case in point, this charming romantic comedy filled with intense detail on historical facts was filmed here...
Pilgrims today can still follow a set of Stations of the Cross through the town, with the last three stations ending by the replica of the Holy Sepulchre. There is a small chapel, divided into two floors. The ground floor symbolizes Calvary in Jerusalem, the first floor is the Golgatha chapel.
Leaving the chapel, you walk to the replica of the Holy Sepulchre.
All in all, the experience was a little strange, but cool. I'm glad Philip pushed us to find it. We headed back to the border to meet up with the other Americans!
Properly armed with a Sachsen Ticket, you can do amazing things.
Like get 10 American Fulbrighters together to visit Görlitz and Zgorzelec!
 |
| SO MANY AMERICANS. From left to right: Monika, Joe, Tom, Melody, Kitty, Dave, Alex, Cathy, Yours Truly, and Chelsea. (Photo Credit to Philip, who being the tallest person, got to take the the photo.) |
Now, if you said to yourself, Zgorzelec doesn't sound German name, give yourself a pat on the back, because you're right. It's Polish.
Görlitz and Zgorzelec were once one city, divided by a river, which kept constantly being pulled back and forth between Germanic and Polish wars like a dog's chew toy until 1945, when the Allies put their foot (or should I say feet? Confusing.) down, saying they weren't going to let any more Germans start any more wars over what should or shouldn't be theirs.
So the town was separated by its natural barrier, one side becoming German, the other Polish. Although Görlitz and Zgorzelec both fell under Soviet rule during the Cold War, Görlitz has done pretty well for itself in recent years, because has the best examples of nearly every type of historical architecture. (See below!)
Görlitz's charming architecture has made it a popular spot for films needing a German/European setting and Görlitz has been dubbed "Görlywood" by many of the Germans.
Case in point, this charming romantic comedy filled with intense detail on historical facts was filmed here...
Oh wait, I meant to say a blood and gore filled
AND IT'S NOT EVEN SET IN GERMANY.
Anyway, if Görlitz is cute enough to be in Tarantino movie, it must be worth seeing right? Well, you can judge for yourself...
We got ourselves a guidebook and happily wandered through Görlitz, marveling at the mixture of historical architecture nestled next to each other. We also went into a lot of the churches, which were very cool on the inside, but alas, they charged you to take photos inside. (Which is crap.) So no photos for anyone!
After amusing ourselves by hopping over the border, the group split up for lunch and the afternoon's activities. My group (Kitty, Melody, Cathy, Dave, Philip, and Chelsea) bummed around Görlitz a bit more...
We got ourselves a guidebook and happily wandered through Görlitz, marveling at the mixture of historical architecture nestled next to each other. We also went into a lot of the churches, which were very cool on the inside, but alas, they charged you to take photos inside. (Which is crap.) So no photos for anyone!
 |
| Fun fact: The orange building is a popular hotel where Napoleon stayed. |
 |
| A store that only sells mustard. True story. |
 |
| The entrance to the the town hall. |
 |
| I spy...lots of Americans. |
 |
| Although you can't really see it, this trader's guild building has the emblems of all the neighboring towns. Of course, Görlitz's emblem is located at the very top of the building. |
 |
| "The Whispering Arch" One person can whisper to someone on the other side of the doorway. None of us were sure why this was very useful, but it provided a great entertainment value. |
 |
| Sometimes, I led the tour! Photo Credit to Kitty, who was resting from reading at this stop. |
 |
| Our first view of the border! |
 |
| POLAND! |
 |
| There is a dotted line on the bridge that marks when you cross. Other than that, no one else is keeping track. |
 |
| The eye-catching building with a face is now a multi-story club. |
 |
| Poland to the left, Germany to the right. |
 |
| A look back at Germany. |
 |
| Unsurprisingly, shenanigans ensued. (Can you spot Yours Truly?!) Photo credit to Kitty, who was above this and also enabled the group-hug. |
But our real quest was to find where Jesus was buried.
Yes, dear friends, it's true!
Don't have the money, time, or desire to fly yourself all the way to Israel?
No worries, friend, you can see a tinier replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Görlitz!
If you're confused as to why a replica of a holy sight is in a small town in the middle of Europe, join the club.
The story goes like this:
Once upon a time, in the late 1400s, Georg Emmerich had a problem. And by that, I mean, he knocked up his girlfriend/the-girl-next-door. Instead of forcing him to get married and face his obligations, his family conveniently shipped him off to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. During his time there, he found God, joined the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, and successfully avoided paying child support for nearly 20 years. He eventually returned to Görlitz, where he became mayor, got married twice (neither time to his baby-mama), and produced another 11 children.
I was going to make a joke about the patriarchy, but I rolled my eyes too hard and forgot was I was going to say.
Anyway, inspired by his second chance at life, he decided that he should build a smaller, to-scale version of the Holy Sepulchre for all those other pilgrims (who weren't hardcore enough to go to the Holy Land).
Pilgrims today can still follow a set of Stations of the Cross through the town, with the last three stations ending by the replica of the Holy Sepulchre. There is a small chapel, divided into two floors. The ground floor symbolizes Calvary in Jerusalem, the first floor is the Golgatha chapel.
 |
| The Golgatha Chapel is sparsely decorated to promote prayerful reflection. |
 |
| You encounter a Pietà on your way. |
 |
| A look back to the twin chapel. |
 |
| A view to the Holy Sepulchre. Not my photo. |
 |
| Old school graffiti. |
 |
| Inside, an angel beckons you to see the spot where Jesus' body was placed. |
 |
| For size reference, here's Philip. |
As the sun set, we crossed the border to Poland and we changed our Euros for Polish złotys. We explored Zgorzelec and did our best to order some Polish food. (There was some pointing and miming involved.)
Then, we finally reached our destination! The stadium for the Turóws! Which for those you, who don't keep track of professional Polish basketball teams, is Zgorzelec's team. I'm still not sure how or why Kitty got us all tickets, but once we got there, it was a surreal experience.
It was all the same sounds and atmosphere as a typical American basketball game, except with 100% more team scarves and vuvuzelas (those things should not be allowed inside, fyi).
Although some of the cheers were in Polish, many of the familiar chants were in English ("DE-FENSE") and we happily participated! It was hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the game and we all had a lot of fun!
 |
| Dedicated fans show their support. And their scarves. |
We left Görlitz and Zgorzelec as victorious fans of the Turóws - Go Turóws! - and Kitty has already planned for us to return during championship season...
2. Pop Culture Weekend (Plus, a surprise trip to the American Store!)
Now, during this trip to Görlitz and Zgorzelec, Kitty and I bonded over our mutual love of well written, dystopian Young Adult literature.
If you haven't read the Hunger Games, stop what you're doing and go read them. (That's what school breaks are for, right?)
Also, if you've already read the books and seen the new movie, I highly recommend this article, which is just wonderful, turning a review of pop culture into a discussion about gender norms, how Hollywood handles romantic plots, and Katniss being awesome. Oh, and Peeta is the best and I love him.
Anyway, Kitty and I hatched a plan to somehow, someway see Catching Fire in English. After much research and swearing, we discovered that a theater in Dresden was showing it undubbed. So we got together a merry band of Kitty, Cathy, Alex, and I and we headed off to Dresden.
Not only was the film great, but we had a really good time. (Also, you can drink in German movie theaters - we popped open the baby bottles of wine and copious amounts of chocolate for the showing.)
By the time the movie ended, it was too late for trains to take us back to our homes, so we pestered Philip and were able to stay at his house. The usual offering of dark chocolates was made as our "hostel" payment.
The next day, we headed into Dresden (the Neustadt, which is so adorable!) to visit "Beyond the Pond", which has to be the best store in existence. Mostly because the owner is a very friendly American woman who just knows what an American abroad would be craving.
My purchases included: Frank's Red Hot buffalo sauce, Toll House chocolate chips, Hidden Valley ranch dressing, and a packet of Reese's cups.
We returned back to Philip's house, where we all chipped in to make "Arnsdorf Curry", which will one day be an entry into the annals of Delicious Food You Learn How to Cook Post-Grad (Because Otherwise You'd Starve).
The team split up, but Cathy and I met up with David in Chemnitz to imbibe more pop culture:
3. I Have A Favorite Soccer Team Now!
Here's the good thing about having friends from England - they are usually soccer/football fanatics. The British ETA, who name is Sam, is a huge football fan. (Her team is Arsenal, for those inquiring minds.)
Anyway, she got her hands onto a couple of tickets to see Chemnitz's team - the Chemnitzer Himmelblauen (the Chemnitz Blue Skies, which is especially ironic because I haven't seen the sun or a blue sky since October).
Now, Chemnitz isn't that great of a team. They're in the 3rd league of the Bundeslinga and they were (at the time of the game we went to) ranked 17th in the league. They were set to play against a team ranked 10th, so our expectations weren't high, but I was still excited to see my first ever professional soccer game!
Although we got lost trying to find the stadium, we came to the game at just the right time - slightly before half-time and the score was still 0:0!
Right after we arrived, Chemnitz scored their first goal! Although we didn't know the cheers and chants, we quickly caught onto the chant the Himmelblauen recite when they score a goal and it's real darn cute!
Now, during this trip to Görlitz and Zgorzelec, Kitty and I bonded over our mutual love of well written, dystopian Young Adult literature.
Also, if you've already read the books and seen the new movie, I highly recommend this article, which is just wonderful, turning a review of pop culture into a discussion about gender norms, how Hollywood handles romantic plots, and Katniss being awesome. Oh, and Peeta is the best and I love him.
Anyway, Kitty and I hatched a plan to somehow, someway see Catching Fire in English. After much research and swearing, we discovered that a theater in Dresden was showing it undubbed. So we got together a merry band of Kitty, Cathy, Alex, and I and we headed off to Dresden.
Not only was the film great, but we had a really good time. (Also, you can drink in German movie theaters - we popped open the baby bottles of wine and copious amounts of chocolate for the showing.)
By the time the movie ended, it was too late for trains to take us back to our homes, so we pestered Philip and were able to stay at his house. The usual offering of dark chocolates was made as our "hostel" payment.
The next day, we headed into Dresden (the Neustadt, which is so adorable!) to visit "Beyond the Pond", which has to be the best store in existence. Mostly because the owner is a very friendly American woman who just knows what an American abroad would be craving.
My purchases included: Frank's Red Hot buffalo sauce, Toll House chocolate chips, Hidden Valley ranch dressing, and a packet of Reese's cups.
 |
| Say what you will about Gossip Girl, but Blair Waldorf has the best clothes and quotes ever. |
The team split up, but Cathy and I met up with David in Chemnitz to imbibe more pop culture:
 |
| 50th Anniversary! |
We had a good time, but I won't reveal more, because, you know, spoilers.
3. I Have A Favorite Soccer Team Now!
Here's the good thing about having friends from England - they are usually soccer/football fanatics. The British ETA, who name is Sam, is a huge football fan. (Her team is Arsenal, for those inquiring minds.)
Anyway, she got her hands onto a couple of tickets to see Chemnitz's team - the Chemnitzer Himmelblauen (the Chemnitz Blue Skies, which is especially ironic because I haven't seen the sun or a blue sky since October).
Now, Chemnitz isn't that great of a team. They're in the 3rd league of the Bundeslinga and they were (at the time of the game we went to) ranked 17th in the league. They were set to play against a team ranked 10th, so our expectations weren't high, but I was still excited to see my first ever professional soccer game!
Although we got lost trying to find the stadium, we came to the game at just the right time - slightly before half-time and the score was still 0:0!
 |
| The superfan section. |
 |
| "Tradition Never Dies: Karl Marx City Soccer Club Since1966" |
It goes a little something like this:
Announcer: Goal was scored by.... [Player's first name]
Fans: [Player's last name]!
Announcer: The score is...Chemnitz?
Fans: [Chemnitz's score]!
Announcer: And the opponents?
Fans: [Opponent's score]!
Announcer: Danke!
Fans: Bitte!
 |
| Going in for a goal. |
 |
| WE WIN! 2 to 0! |
4. Then I Got Sick.
I was really sick and was miserable for about a week.
Thank goodness I brought a collection of NyQuil and DayQuil or else I wouldn't have survived.
I was really sick and was miserable for about a week.
Thank goodness I brought a collection of NyQuil and DayQuil or else I wouldn't have survived.
5. Weihnachtsmarkts! (Or if You're Properly Pluralizing, Weihnachtsmärkte)
Germany does Christmas well and Christmas markets are some of the best things about Germany.
Saxony is known as "Christmasland" in Germany, because so many of the traditions we associate with German Christmas come from this region and its mining culture.
Needless to say, the month of December was spent going to Christmas markets. I visited the Chemnitz Christmas market almost everyday after school, since my school is so near the center of town.
My favorite part of the Christmas market was the medieval market, which took up a street of the market. Unlike the unimpressive medieval market that I saw two years ago, the Chemnitz one was actual very well done and filled with tasty treats.
Germany does Christmas well and Christmas markets are some of the best things about Germany.
Saxony is known as "Christmasland" in Germany, because so many of the traditions we associate with German Christmas come from this region and its mining culture.
Needless to say, the month of December was spent going to Christmas markets. I visited the Chemnitz Christmas market almost everyday after school, since my school is so near the center of town.
 |
| Nighttime at the Chemnitz Christmas market! |
 |
| Instagram? More like Insta-awesome. |
 |
| Also merry minstrels. |
I went to the Dresden Weihnachtsmarkt with Melody, her college friend Courtney, and her German friend Christine. It was quite cold the evening we went!
All of the photos below were taken by Melody!
 |
| Stollen? It's Germany's version of Christmas fruitcake and just as universally hated. Or at least, all my students hate it. |
 |
| Christina, Courtney, and I...looking cold and shivery. |
 |
| Herrnhuter Sterne, which are typical for the Christmas season and hung above doors. |
 |
| Brrr! It's cold! |
 |
| Glühwein anyone? |
 |
| No Christmas market is complete without a Christmas pyramid. |
But first, we took a visit to the Terra Mineralia, Freiberg's famous mineral museum located in the old city castle (where else?). Although I'm hardly the connoisseur of rocks and minerals, I do love all things sparkly and shiny. The museum was beautifully laid out and overall, it was a nice break from the rain!
 |
| Ooooo shiny. |
 |
| A beautiful opal. |
 |
| Some quartz with amazing colors. |
 |
| My coworker also did the typically German thing: "Oh, you're hungry? Well, I'll feed you! Here's a 1/2 meter bratwurst! Enjoy!" Let me tell you, eating the thing was a struggle. |
 |
| Above the courthouse, the image of the head of a villainous highwayman who attempted to kidnap the duke's children and was later promptly beheaded, remains there as a warning for all future evildoers. |
 |
| The "Russian" stand at the Christmas market. Elaborately carved elk horns and fluffy Russian hats abounded. |
 |
| A miner's house, adorned with a mining cart and two Bergmänner. |
6. My Students Are Real Darn Cute, Guys.
On my last week at school, my 6th graders gave me a Christmas gift and my 5th graders sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", which they had practiced diligently in secret so it would be a surprise for me! It was totally precious. Mostly because it sounded like "Ve vish you a merry chreeessmas."
My school also put on a Christmas show (which was really more like a Christmas-themed talent show), which was really cute. Also, my students are incredibly talented.
Not to brag.
But they're pretty awesome.
7. In other news, I forgot the words "power strip" and "crosswalk" during conversations. I am losing my mind.
My English is going. And possibly my mind.
Apparently, I'm supposed to be the expert on English?!
Uh-oh.
8. Most importantly... I visited Tübingen!!!
 |
| Get excited. |
Since my reunion with Tübingen (and Reutlingen) was a pretty emotional and fun time, that post will be coming soon!
Lots of Love,
Your Humble Blogger
No comments:
Post a Comment