Prost!!

There are 1000 other things I should be doing. Lesson planning, laundry, sleeping, exercising, unpacking, writing emails, the list continues. All I want to do is peacefully position myself so that I can mold into the leather sofa, hot lemon tea in hand, and not have to think about a thing.

So, I will.

There is so much to articulate but my attempt is failing, I suppose I’ll just start blurting and hope it all makes sense. My current mood is: weary.

With good reasons, I sit here exhausted with a sore throat, missing one of my favorite boots, and a heavy burdened heart.

First off, last week was an excellent week. I finally felt like myself again, which was a very freeing sensation. After weeks of feeling defeated, I need to get back on my feet. I’m feeling much more comfortable in the classroom, beginning to build routines, and best of all, constructing relationships. Additionally, Luke finally got a job! He was really stressing and I’m thankful to see his spirits raised a bit. Also, we left on Friday for Munich! We have placed a map on our kitchen wall and have been meticulously tracking our adventures thus far. The scribbles and markings are beginning to look like a finished word search puzzle, and we constantly wonder how the heck we have been so blessed! Adding Munich to the map felt great but bringing back the memories feels even better. To say it bluntly, we had a fricken blast.

We left super early Friday morning to catch the train to Dublin. The journey was about 3 hours and was actually very enjoyable. I was excited to have a weekend away and had butterflies in my belly. We had to wait at the Dublin airport for hours but we sipped some coffee, chatted with fellow travelers, played cards, and people watched. It was not a problem at all, we both agreed.

Our hotel was better than we were expecting! Considering we booked late, it was the last weekend of Oktoberfest, and the price was reasonable, we weren’t expecting much. Upon check in I was greeted with a pretzel, and a mini beer. Need I say more?

We woke the next morning EARLY. We were told that we had to get to Oktoberfest super early in order to get a seat in the tent. So, we took it seriously and that annoying voice on the wake up call broke my slumber while being way to cheerful in the process. Yet, I was ready for the festivities that day. We planned our outfits that week and I must say, for 10 euro, we pulled it off pretty good.

We eagerly boarded the train, and laughed at all the other traditional German clothing. It was no joke that people dressed up! I was feeling a little silly at first but we were so happy we dressed up after all. By 8 am the place was PACKED. I couldn’t believe the amount of people ready to party so early in the morning. We got in line for the Hofbrauhaus tent, and literally charged our way through the crowd. Luke took off to find a spot while I patiently waiting for him to call me in order to reduce my chances of being run over. Our plan worked we were seated by these awesome Australian people who made our whole experiences so much better. We instantly made friends while toasting with a liter of beer, performing dance moves on benches, and loudly singing along with the live music. With thousands of people from all over the world in one tent, singing, chanting, laughing, and drinking, it was electric and oh so much fun. The day continued, literally all day. We met up with some friends from back home, rode some rides, attempted to see more tents but there was so room, and simply enjoyed the festival that has been highlighted on our bucket list for far too long. I consumed far too many calories and still feel like I’m digesting my intake, but it was so worth it. I will admit, I think I’ve had enough beer, bratwurst, and Lederhosen to last me for quite some time…

Sunday morning felt a little slower. I was obviously “worn out” from the festivities the day before but I wasn’t gonna let it stop me from exploring the vivacious city of Munich. Luke had been asking for a while to see a concentration camp so we made our way to Dachau Concentration Camp just out side of Munich.

Wow.

As we entered the memorial site, I didn’t know how to feel. We walked in, and all we could do was squeeze each other’s hands. Words just never came. It was hard to fathom that I was standing on the grounds were nearly 200,000 people were violently tortured, starved, and murdered. Watching movies and documentaries are helpful and educational, but nothing could have prepared me to witness this. My heart was heavy and burdened, and my stomach was unwell.

While standing in the authentic gas chambers and oven crematorium, I grew angry, confused, and helpless. I prayed. I just didn’t know what else to do. I was a spectator of a place in which history, trauma, agony, and fear was too real. It wasn’t just in my 11 grade history book, this was evidence.

I brought pictures to my students today and we briefly discussed the camp. They had so many questions and were so interested. It was an honor to bring back such an experience and nearly 24 hours later, my heart and head is still troubled. I don’t consider that overwhelming feeling will ever disappear. God Bless those who ever entered Dachau, and those who never returned to life outside the prison gates.

Here’s the memorial site if your interested:
http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html

After the numbness faded, we enjoyed dinner at a traditional German restaurant. I must say, Germany was pretty amazing. My dad was born in Germany and my family relations are still existent there. I thought about my Dad, a lot. That same day, he completed his first triathlon. I am such a proud daughter and so very thankful for my family and our admiration for each other. My Dad is the best man I know…

Yeah yeah, I have lumpy throat all right. I miss my family!!

Anyway, our journey home was so long. I was so wiped from the busy weekend and stressed because I knew I had to be at work in a matter of hours. We made it home at 3 am this morning, and my alarm went off at 7. Hence, my weariness.

Overall the weekend was one to remember. It felt good to see a new place, have fun, and learn. This entire journey continues to leave me thankful, blessed, and hopefully, wiser.

<><
k.

ps:
My missing boot fell out of my purse, somewhere in a heap of leftover Oktoberfest chaos. RIP.