Is it still snowing???

One thing has remained constant since we arrived in Goettingen: stuff keeps falling from the sky. As the temperatures have dropped, the stuff has turned from rain to snow. Now snow is a lot more fun than rain, and we have even discovered new uses. We built an igloo with our Finnish neighbor, for instance, which provided daytime enjoyment. Then we added a snow bar and a snow table, where we met for Glühwein (hot mulled wine) in the evening while the kids sled down the unplowed street. (Riding our bikes to the University has turned into an extreme sport.)

Socializing in the winter here normally involves standing around in the cold drinking alcohol, and so we have acquired some long underwear to partake in the festivities. One highlight is the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas market), a large outdoor market with many food stands and a few stands selling ornaments, hats, scarves, etc. There is even a small ferris wheel for those who really want to freeze their buts off. We stayed on the ground and consumed our fair share of sausages and chocolate-
filled crepes.

In addition to end-of-the-year tests, the kids in school prepared a Christmas presentation. Nora's class recited a poem-- different groups memorized different verses, and the whole thing came off quite well. Nora was quite tickled to have recited two verses of "Das Renntier" ("The Reindeer") in her now very good German. Oliver's class read a Christmas story and some children played musical instruments. Oliver read his part with great dramatic expression.



We are staying put for Christmas, and will travel to Paris on Dec. 26th. The "Weinachtsman" (Santa Claus") arrives on Christmas-Eve here, and we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him emerging throught the forest, though sadly after the kids had gone to bed.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.