Meet Oma, my host dad's mother. One of the sweetest and loving person I have met. I was a little nervous for Oma and Opa to come stay with me, just me... because I imagined communicating was going to be tough. Guess they thought the same because they brought a huge English-German dictionary with them. Despite the little amount of German I can converse with and the little English she can, we found ourselves having deep conversations about family, culture, Canada, Germany even while on the tram without the use of the dictionary. People gave us funny stares wondering how we were communicating but it just worked. We understood each other. Most of the time I forget that we were speaking different languages...

What I have learned from this experience is that there is no such thing as 'language barrier' so stop using that as an excuse. If two people really want to communication, they will find a way to do so.

Though, do not get me wrong... when living abroad it is important to learn the primary language. Put in a little effort to learn the basics at the very least, it will take you a long way. Don't be so narrow minded and think everyone should speak English.

 

Unlike Canada, where there is a need of a holiday call 'family day'... Sundays here in Deutschland is family day, nothing is open for business besides selected cafés/bars/restaurants. A little hard to adjust cause for myself I was used to shops and streets being just as busy as any other days during the week. However, I think it is nice to dedicate one day out of a busy work week to spend time with the family. Most of us get too caught up with work that we forget the people around us and it is sad that is the social norm, 9-5 jobs. To see people enjoying nature rather than having city centers all packed, it's a change and good one. Well my point is, instead of doing unnecessary shopping which, I probably would have done in Neustadt if shops were open... I went on a hiking adventure.

oh yes, that saying April showers bring May flowers. April thus far, has to be one of the most beautiful month I have seen in a while. Birds chirping, flowers blooming, trees are getting greener as the days past and with temperature of 20 degrees+ for many consecutive days.

For my fellow Canadians, you know how our spring is like... we bust out our spring clothing and stash those winter coats in the closet the moment it is +1 degree out. 

Found my favorite dessert, a dresdener eierschecke. Who would have thought, the first baked good I pick up from the bakery would be a Saxony specialty. I initially thought I bought cheesecake but long and behold, I was about to bite in the most delicious dessert ever.. custard cake goodness.

 

Time to enjoy some sun, gluten tag!

As the sun sets across the Elbe river. I am on my way over to a bonfire with the family. They have been more than welcoming, took me in as their own and their friends are just as lovely. Very open and social, couldn't have been a better fit. I have learned so much in these short few weeks and slowly meeting new people. I am definitely getting more accustomed to the change that I have been anticipated for the past few months.