Rachel teasing Ralf
Michael's new friend, Dennis
Martina (neighbour) and Beate
Michael in the Oktoberfest mood
Ralf showing us Phantasialand
Friday:
Well, the day has arrived that we must pack up and say 'Auf wiedersehen' to all our friends in Wuppertal. We had a mini afternoon tea and dinner party last night to say 'tschüß' to Ralf, Shaun, Frau Köller, Beate, Carstan, Jan, Marlte, Petra and Dennis. It has been wonderful getting to reestablish friendships and making new ones. The children, especially Michael, are already thinking about becoming exchange students and staying with Ralf. Michael would rather do it sooner than later as he is asking questions of age and other requirments. Rachel has taken a shine to Ralf too and teases him as much as he teases her. If I don't sound my usual self when I return, that might be because Beate wants to swap places. I don't think the transition with work and family would be all that seamless, but I know all our friends would welcome her. I think last night it was organised that Beate and Rachel come home with Andrew and Marlte (a younger not older brother for Rachel and a daughter for Beate!) and Michael and I stay here.
We had a treat day yesterday, Thursday. We didn't go to any old churches ('just more dead people' as Michael would say) or castles but instead had a slow start and a brunch of Scottish origin: haggis, blood sausage, bacon and baked beans. We then started packing and removing our rubbish and later went to Beate's where she took Rachel and Michael with her to pick up her sons from school and preschool. So the children did go to school in Germany after all! We then went to the town centre of Schwelm and had a fantastic afternoon tea of very special icecreams. There were at least 5 menus of icecreams to choose from, including desserts made to look like spaghetti and lasagne! Beate then helped me shop for the dinner itmes I wanted for making my thank you meal. It was tricky knowing how much to buy as each time I spoke to Ralf he said so and so may be coming too!! Anyway, it all got made and in time for Shaun to go to waterpolo training, and some extra for Frau Köller to try the Aussie's cooking, 'what no dressing on the salad??' Another late night followed with the grownups watching Ralf's 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' collection and the kid's swapping rooms with Ralf to try the 'cubby hole' he had built as a spare room. So, this morning we breakfast and pack and fly off to Heathrow. I wonder what delay there will be on the flight this trip?
4 comments:
Wow you have certainly seemed to have had a busy and fun time.Thanks for the explanation of Phantasialand. It must be difficuilt having to say good bye. So when is Ralph coming to visit you? Hope all travels home go smoothly, the last plane that had a problem wasn't even Qantas! Have fun, be safe enjoy!
It is said that all good things come to an end, but it needn't - England and germany are only a 24 hour flight away, and no doubt there will be further visits. It may take years, but certainly it will happen
Looking forward to seeing you and your photos!
I'll miss the TV at John and Nikki's house, a huge Sky (which is like Foxtel) Samsung TV. he he he
Rachel!
I forgot to mention this in my last post, but the seamonkeys are also doing well - one of the ones in the purple tank is expecting, so you may have a lot more seamonkeys when you arrive back!
Hope you have safe and not-delayed flights!
Anna
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