Part of my rich gift loot at Christmas was funding for a ticket to Mexico. I was holding a ticket in my hand that leaves for Mexico City on February 23rd - and now all I had to do was make it through the semester without any major problems, and I would be able to brush off the stress with yet another trip. I am one lucky fucker. Well. The semester went by relatively well. I met some poeple, my classes became mildly interesting, and I would venture to say I may actually have learned something. I also managed to make a couple of social connections outside of school, and found another job as a crepe baker at street parties and festivals. I had my first go at it during the carnaval procession - it was fun but not too busy. The Germans try, but we don't really have what it takes to put on a serious carnaval party. Brazilians would shake their heads and wonder what all those stiffs were doing sitting still and straight on the benches on the floats, throwing the occasional bon bon. So, when I get back from my break, I hope to work weekends at the crepe stand and weeknights teaching English to cute little kids. Not a bad plan in my eyes - a good use of my diverse skills :o)
About two weeks ago I got some great news. My brother and his wife are having a baby! I am finally going to be an honest to goodness real aunt. Not that I don't allready have nephews and nieces by proxy to Rebecca for all these years - shout out to Ethan, Liam, Gavin, Emma and Anne! These are the kind of relationships with children that I really treasure - it's so many of the perks of parenthood, without actually having to give birth...and when you get tired, you can give them back. I have been spending a lot of time with my brother, but even more so with his wife, and allthough we are nothing alike, I must give her props. She is a strong woman, and has done a lot for me since I got here - probably more effort than any of my other family members. Anyway. I am tickled and will be looking forward to observing this process from up close. I am happy now, to be home to watch this all happen.
I am also becoming slowly more aquainted with my town and neighborhood. I have started to check out the little neighborhood cafes and bars, and spend a lot of time traversing the city. The other day, I took an insider tour of the Bundestag with a classmate who is a representative assistant there. The public can go to the Reichstag and climb up into the dome to catch a view of parliament and an awesome view of the city, but generally, there are no tours on the inside - at least none that you can just book at the entrance. I really had a good time strolling through one of the grand architectual novelties/historical sights in Berlin. We sat in one of the plenary rooms and enthusiastically seconded imaginary motions through the cute little microphones at the seats. We watched the crowd circle through the dome above our heads, and had a cup of coffee in the representative's office at my classmate's (whose name shall remain a secret since he's not supposed to give tours) desk. Our secrest guide was well versed in the history and intricacies of the building and peppered his little speeches with factoids from history, politics, art and architecture. Good job - I had fun. And... with so much gleaming glass surface involved in the modern architecture I could not suppress the images in my head of me taking a stick of butter to the walls and running with it! I would have had an army of fuming janitors after me within seconds, I bet.
On February 17th was my last day of school. I still have some things to finish, but it seems manageable. I found a couple of Australians who will watch my apartment for me, but more importantly, hopefully take good care of my cat while I'm gone. I don't know them well, but I am praying that they are charming, clean and cat loving folks. They make a decent first impression. Next semester is pretty much mapped out on paper, and it promises to be interesting - lots of pedagogy classes - just two main seminars.
Well. That's all the catch up I will play. I leave for Mexico the day after tomorrow and will be back on April 11th - just in time for the second day of school. I have been a little on edge the last couple of days, and am hoping that this trip will both relax and inspre me in some way. Out of the grey snow, and into the bright blue sunshiny sky.