There were really 3 parts to my day. Part 1 started at 7:30 a.m. when I met Stefanie in front of the house and we tried again to get my visa. There was again some consternation about my status. They finally decided that I was a "scientist" and while there was some thought the visa would be free, naturally that didn't work out---it cost me 50 euros!! They only needed 1 of the 4 biometric pictures, but Stefanie told me I'd gotten a good price on the pictures anyway. Maybe I can use the extras for my next passport!
After that process, which took 1 1/2 hours, mainly waiting, Stefanie showed me the older shopping district of Bielefeld, which seems to be about 2 blocks parallel from the newer section. I treated her to a muffin and coffee. I REALLY liked this area. She also took me up to see the view in a nice restaurant. We saw lots of nice restaurants that appeared reasonablly priced; I'll go back and scout these out!
I came back home, rested a bit and had lunch, and then Brandi and I went shopping again. She trots at high speed on the way there, which is at least 20 minutes of walking. I bought house slippers, a sweater, and a black blazer. I had bought a houseplant this morning with Stefanie, so it's been a big-purchase day, especially with 50 euros for the visa. We came back home, much slower! Brandi just trots along like she owns the sidewalk, I'll tell you, and observes the goings-on in stores from the safety of my arms. People here are just almost horrified that she cannot shop at home. You'd almost think they're taking this personally on her part or something! Yes, Linda, there are lots of dogs in stores, mainly medium-sized liked cocker spaniels, or smaller. I've seen larger dogs walking outside in the shopping district, but haven't happened to see any in stores. And no, I haven't seen any cats shopping!!
Anyway, we came home, I rested a bit and changed clothes, and then went to the university for a reception for the international students. There are about 17. Unfortunately, I found out tonight that there are only 3 with no German whatsoever---Dana and Nicole from NMU, some other girl, and that's that. Riza, the international director of the business programs, asked on my behalf about my taking German classes. They have put me into this very beginning class for tomorrow, from 8:30 to 2:00. Good grief--- I am not a true beginner, and that is a longish day! However, I will go and see what happens. Riza also inquired whether I can go to Berlin with this group of studnts. They are leaving on a bus on Friday at 8 a.m. and will get back Sunday evening at 9. There will be several tours---on a boat (ein Schiff), a tour of Berlin including "Checkpoint Charlie", a theater presentation at a very important theater (says Henrich who read the brochure), a tour of Parliament, a stop at the gardens in Potsdam, etc. The only issue is that Henrich and Ulli are busy this weekend and cannot take care of Brandi!! Henrich thinks that Brandi should go with me, so I've written Riza to inquire. This is something that will work, I'd rather not do it, but Rainer is not back from Florida and I don't want to take Brandi to someone she doesn't know at all for them to care for her. So, we'll see tomorrow how that goes. I've e-mailed Riza, as he requested, and said that Henrich will give references for Brandi. While I was goe this evening, with my permission, Henrich came up here to work more on the problem with the satellite TV receiver. He evidently couldn't fix the receiver but spent an hour feeding Brandi little bits of cheese!! He is her friend for sure now!!
Well, Brandi has put herself to bed, and I'm not far behind her. I hope that everyone is enjoying their weeks (I hear the weather is better now that I've left!). If you would care to comment on whether you'd rather have larger pictures on the white background, or smaller pictures to the right on the green, please let me know. You may reply to posts if you'd like and I won't post individual comments unless you ask me to, or you may e-mail me. There are evidently two ways to do this picture business, and I'm not sure which I like better. The picture I'm including was taken with my camera by an engineering prof who does research every year in Ames, Iowa at the university. Dana is on the left in the picture, me, and then Nicole----the NMU contingent in Bielefeld!! We were all happy to see each other this evening. Evidently they won't have computer access until school starts in two weeks. They're going to come visit some time this week, and I'll let them use my computer. We'll also go shopping so they can see what the city area is like!!
So, gute Nacht!!
0 comments:
Post a Comment