ich hiesse justine. und du?

On Thursday last week I attended my sheep gathering/market. It was nice to see all the sheep, and goats, and chickens and rabbits... but sad to see them all caged up and somewhat sad looking. It was quite tempting to buy one, all cute and cuddly, but I would have no where to put it. There were also all of these stands selling things, quite a large event for how out in the country it was (about 45 minute by bike then 30 minutes on bus). Most of the stuff for sale was life filler, but there were some nice things with sheep wool and some tastey gingerbread (not like gingerbread cookies, much different, but good). They had a stand with a lady spinning wool to yarn, and apparently they have a whole farm where they raise sheep and make yarn.... someplace I am hoping to get to check out at some point while i am here...

Then Friday pretty standard... worked, but at night watched a movie with some people and then had a long conversation with the neighbor man about my lack of geographical education. Apparently in Europe most of the children are taught where almost all the countries of the world are located and facts about them, and perhaps i just missed that class, but I don't think most americans know that much... I'm just confused as to how we go to school more in a day, yet can only speak english (the majority) and seem to know less worldly information (unless thats just me). We also discussed fixing a broken vase with some screws and nails (they were sitting next to each other on his table) and how I could probably make millions by creating this piece of art, but then we decided we were both too lazy to invest the time.
Saturday I biked to bern, train to thun. Thun is a city located on lake thun, a large and BEAUTIFUL lake in switzerland. It is surrounded by mountains, and the water is teal from the glacial water running into it and filling it. Thun was also very cute, lots of houses stacked close together with beautiful gardens. I had to spend 2 hours walking around to find some fruit, so I saw a decent amount of the town. I then got on a large boat that took people from town to town along the lake, and after an hour and a half I arrived at Merligen, my chosen destination. This town wasn't anything exciting, maybe 10 or so houses, but it is where my hike began. From there I followed the yellow wanderweg (hiking) signs to Interlaken, total a 4 hour hike. I was sweaty, tired, and hungry. I hopped on a train and headed to Bern and then to Mittelhausern, leaving my bike in Bern for I was too lazy/tired.

Sunday- Went with the family to the Historical Museum in Bern. Not a huge museum person myself but it was nice and I learned a little about Einstein (he lived in Bern after Munich for a while before the US) the history of Bern and some other stuff.... and then biked home... but apparently the 3 CHF helmet I had purchased at the flea market wasn't worth much, for it fell 4 feet and cracked in two.

I started my german class this week. A very nice teacher and the other people in the class are very nice, although most are a bit older (than me at least). I think it will be nice to learn some german, although I'm not sure if I will learn enough to really be able to have a good conversation with people before I leave.

This weekend shall be a bit more bland I feel, although the neighbor lady is having a birthday party tonight with a band... and susanne's mother is coming today until friday.... something I am not looking forward to. Apparently she is a very religious person and tries to figure out everything you believe and if you don't agree, then convert you. I also don't like the idea of not having an empty house at all this week, but oh well.