Instant Community in Munich

After a 12 hour flight and 5 hours navigating the DB train system (train delays and cancellations and all), the last thing I wanted was to be a guest at a friend's house for the night.  I am normally a zombie after so much travel and the idea of having to be a gracious houseguest seemed like a lot.  Turns out, I was completely wrong.  The quick visit was amazing and a good reminder as to why I love our school and our overall community. 

Martin picked me up at the closest train station in the suburbs of Munich and we made it back to the Schroeder's house just before 7pm.  After hugs all around, and introductions to their newest baby Carla, I hopped in the shower and emerged feeling like a new person…I was ready to hit up the local beer garden for dinner.  

We rolled into the beer garden like we owned the place: 4 Breuers, 6 Schroeders and the family of Nico and Lena (who also happened to be in Munich for the night) rounded out our group to 15. And while it was fully packed with the Saturday night crowd, we managed to find two tables and made ourselves at home.  It truly felt like we picked up our expat life in San Francisco and moved it to Munich…well, expats for everyone else in San Francisco and then me becoming the expat once again in Munich.   

And even better, while I typically become more quiet around the German community (I feel incredibly guilty making people speak English and always feel like an ugly American who can’t speak multiple languages), I had a bit more confidence with the group… especially while talking about how great the German community is in San Francisco and how special the overall city can be. 

We left Sunday morning for the drive to Sonklarhof, but I have started envisioning the life of an expat again…

Best Summer Camp Ever

This year we only needed three weeks of summer camps to get us through the break (as compared to the seven last year). The kids once again had a week at Harry Potter Camp and they both attended Mt Tam Mountain Bike Camp to prepare them for the planned European adventures later in the summer. But the best summer camp they attended, and the one they still talk about, was “summer camp” at Pillsbury with Grandma and Grandpa.  It had everything they could hope for: a week at the Lake with freedom to roam, play in the dirt, exert some independence and gain some confidence.

There was jewelry making with Auntie Dana

Crocheting with Grandma

Kayaking and SUP

Kneeboarding with Grandpa and Biking and "lifeguarding" 

And, of course, popsies 

After five nights of pure freedom and summer joy, I showed up to round out the week. It truly was a special week for them… and for me as well since they got to experience a little bit of my own childhood in the process. Thank you mom and dad for giving them this experience. The kids had a blast and hopefully they will be invited back next summer for another week of fun at the Lake.