Things I have learnt so far : Part 1

1. When posed with the question "Would you like to join," the answer should be yes. You may end up in a parade of children with lanterns, with no feeling in your toes, but, there may just be gluhwein at the end of it. (St Maartins). Unless there is anything PG25 in the mix, go along with it. Experience life as a Muenchner (name I have given people living in Munich/Muenchen). You can defrost at a later stage.
2. It is very hard to wake up early when you don't have to. And no, swimming/jogging/yoga is not something I HAVE to do. At least not right at this very snuggly moment.
3. There is a dust monster that sprinkles dust over our apartment while we're sleeping. That is the only possible source of all this dust. I will catch it someday.
4. Sometimes the train will mysteriously arrive a few seconds early, and you will still be at the bike rack, locking your suddenly unlockable bike lock, and have to dash down stairs, through the station and up some more stairs. In this instance you will not be able to breath for at least 3 stops after, and will wish furiously that you had woken up earlier to jog. In this instance, the train will also not leave the station until a few minutes later. This time it would have taken you to walk.
5. No matter how many towards-the-train dashes you do, it will not make you 'fitter' or less likely to sound like you're having an asthma attack after. And people will stare.
6. Boots and all. It's not just a rugby program, it's a fact of life. There are boots, and there are BOOTS. Winter in Europe requires the latter. And woolen stockings, and woolen innersoles. The Great Boot Search will take at least an entire Saturday, if not two. By the end of which you will be tired, grumpy, broke, and in need of TEA.
7. Once your feet are cold, it's all over. Not even tea can help you now. Unless the tea is in the form of a foot bath.
8. The are a lot of leaves. No really, you can rake and rake and rake and they just keep on coming. Where they come from, no body knows.
9. Raking makes for a fun, outdoor activity for your charges. Until the 3 seconds are over and they are bored / find a swing.
10. Washing is over rated. Until you have NO socks left. Then something must be done.
11. Tea and a cookie will ALWAYS warm you up / dry your tears / ease your troubles.
12. Wine will ALWAYS warm you up / dry your tears / ease your troubles.