Germany Week 24 Passau, travel plans, an emergency cord and a money pouch

Germany Week 24 Passau, travel plans, an emergency cord and a money pouch

Dear all:

Success with getting our gas rations limit raised so now we can go on lots of trips. And speaking of trips we have made our reservations for Venice/ Verona when Amanda comes for her Spring Break and Paris and Barcelona for our spring break. YEA!!!

Gregg substituted at my school this week for three days.   I have a funny story.  He went to the bathroom early one morning doing his business and saw a red cord hanging in the stall.  He thought it was for a vent so he thought he would be nice and vent the room.  He said that he took his time and then washed his hands, etc.  As he exited the room there were the Principals’ secretary and another person standing there looking very concerned.  They asked if he was okay to which he replied “Well I am now.”  lol He is such a comedian. Anyway they informed him that he had pulled the emergency  “I’m in trouble cord” so they were there to help him.  Needless to say a good laugh was had by all.

This week I finally finished editing and sent my next book, "Blood Stone Legacy," to the publisher so I am ready to start my next novel which I have already completely storied out.  Also, I have had some time to read this weekend after a very long night with basketball Friday.  It's nice to have a little down time.

It has been unbelievably cold here--Below zero some days and two degrees Fahrenheit most days to be exact.  I asked some of the teachers why it didn’t snow they told me it was too cold to snow.  I had never heard that.  It did snow a little bit Saturday morning but once again it was a different kind of snow.  Ash snow—it was like ashes from a fire. 

We went to Passau with lots of layers of clothes on.  It is a German town on the Czech border and an easy, cheap,  and relatively short train ride from here.  See the pictures below.  They are all of Passau except the last one which is a picture from the train showing the countryside. Passau is a town of three rivers—blue Danube, black llz and green Inn. It was a gorgeous town and very easy to get around.  There were lots of quaint shops, a few castles, suspension bridges, and stone walls.  I loved it.  I will probably make another trip back there when the weather is a bit better.  They were kind of a seasonal town and the sightseeing trips weren’t running and you know how I love those sightseeing trips.  You really learn the history of the town.  Here's another story--We went on the city bus to get around the town and were talking to the bus driver about where we should go next and I had pulled 2 Euros out and laid my money pouch with my Euros and dollars in – about $1500 to be exact—on the bus driver’s counter to discuss.  She told us to catch another bus.  Anyway I took my 2  Euros and we got off the bus.  The bus circled a couple of times and we walked down the street looking for our next stop.  A young boy about fifteen started running after us full stride and handed me my money pouch with all money intact.  I had left it on the bus and the bus driver couldn’t get back to me since she had to continue on her route.  Needless to say, I rewarded the boy.  I love it when people are so honest.  And  that's one thing I have to say about the people over here.  They are an honest people—even in the school you can leave things out and they will not be taken.  Heartwarming!!  J

Just a note- Dad is doing much better and although he has a bit of leg pain still; he has resumed his weekly schedule at the senior center of card playing and art class. A good sign--we are hoping for a full recovery.

With that, I will close.

Have a great week.

Hugs from Germany,

Susan