When I first decided to go to Copenhagen, it was really a last minute decision. Three days before I left for the Danish capital I booked my train and hostel, not knowing what I would do or where I would go. I had only heard from others that it's great. The previous weekend I was in Amsterdam, a complete disaster. A beautiful city, don't get me wrong. But a complete disaster of a trip. Let's just say some people don't travel well together and leave it with that. My only student on Friday cancelled, and there was a bank holiday on the following Monday, so I had 4 days to either bum around Kiel not feeling so great or take advantage of the time. Money was tight, but I needed to be revived. Enter: Denmark. Best ... read more

There's a strange identity crisis in Germany. Many students and acquaintences of mine, mostly from Northern Germany, seem to think Bavaria, and all things Bavarian, is not German. It is its own entity with its own language and culture that they don't seem to be very keen on. I thought this was quite juvenile, to be perfecly honest. There are differences in every country, depending on region. I disliked seeing my usually kind students and acquaintences scoff at part of their country like that. Bavaria has a rich history and culture, unique just like the rest of Germany. I live in Kiel which, though a good city to live in, is not exactly the center of culture and excitement. And the German language in general is not a world favorite to begin with, let alone the ... read more

If someone had told me a year ago that I would be living in Germany in a few short months I would have looked at this person and said "Really? Awesome." I had been looking for work abroad for some months and it was about time something came up! Anywho, my move to Northern Germany was swift. I was interviewed, offered a position and relocated in about a month and a half. It was my first "real job," I had very little experience and I had not spoken a work of German in my life. I had never even heard of Kiel until I got an e-mail asking for an interview. I hadn't even remembered I had applied for a position there! But here I am, doing what I've always wanted. I have wonderful students, I've ... read more

A continuation of a beautiful weekend spent in Venice during my summer study abroad session in Ireland. Europe has infected me. I cannot stop wanting more and more of this place. :-)... read more

What an enjoyable weekend. I planned on getting some homework done (but isn't that always the case?), but it was such a beautiful day who could stay in doing homework? Anna and I went the dock behind the apartment to watch the day go by. We took some books out with us and relaxed by the water for a few hours, reading, talking and daydreaming. Later that afternoon, I went over to Erin's apartment to watch the big Galway vs. Clare hurling match. Ten minutes into the game we were screaming at the television, cheering for Galway. They lost, unfortunately, but it was the first hurling game I had ever watched. Surprising how quickly we got sucked into the madness of that sport! Afterwards Lauren came down with her violin and played some tunes for us. ... read more