Three
wonderful months drew to an end but not without several exciting events
occurring. Our last two weeks in Dorf
Tirol were busy with workdays, classes, Thanksgiving, outings with the family
and a delightful, delicious Farewell Dinner.
Also, one last adventure in Munich, Germany was a highlight for the
group.
Tony, Amber,
Ramsey and I headed to Merano on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day to shop for
dinner. What an interesting
experience! We bought vegetables, turkey
breast, ham, etc. Thank goodness for our
translation books and the German we learned in Michi’s class. We headed back to the castle in time for
lunch with our backpacks full. Around
3:00 , Amber and I started some of the cooking.
Amber worked on deviled eggs. While
the students attended Sizzo’s class, I fixed the turkey and ham. Ramsey made chocolate banana nut muffins and
garlic mashed potatoes while I made dressing and gravy. Tony set up the computer so the guys could
watch football. What fun! Everyone had a great time and we all were truly
thankful.
The weekend
prior to the last week was spent relaxing and packing. The students were busy studying for their
final exams and we had our last Sunday tea with Mary. The week began with Tony and I enjoying
dinner with the family in Merano on Monday night. The pizza was so good! Rainy weather prevented us from having a
workday the last week other than cleaning the croft and our apartment. Exams went well. Everyone was excited about the farewell
dinner in Sizzo and Brigette’s apartment.
Brigitte out did herself with the meal.
Everyone’s plate was clean and hardly any scraps for the animals.
Tony had
Mike, Danny and Sebastian share with the group a slide presentation they had
made of the full three months abroad.
Sizzo thanked the group and Nik, of course, brought out the wine the
students made and gave each of us some to take home.
Everyone
headed to finish packing and prepare for our trip to Munich and home. We awoke to snowflakes but not enough to keep
our bus from coming down the hill to pick us up. Goodbyes were said by all and off to Munich
and good ol’ USA.
Saturday and
Sunday were spent exploring Munich.
Temperatures were chilly but the Christmas markets were beautiful. We all were getting excited. Monday, December 3 has finally arrived along
with several inches of snow. Not enough
to stop us from getting to the airport and boarding our plane to London and on
to Raleigh-Durham Airport. After 9 long
hours we touched down. Everyone was on
pins and needles. Will we be in customs
a while and will suitcases arrive intact?
No problems. Amber’s family is
waiting for her and our ride is also there.
Tim and Kay have the van ready to go.
It’s 73 degrees here. We left 35
degrees or less. Sebastian and Danny
head out to catch their flights to their homes.
Mike, Ramsey, Megan, Tony and I head out in the van while Amber leaves
with her family.
We are home
safe and sound. What a WONDERFUL
experience! Hope all of you have enjoyed
our journey. We had an amazing group and
THANKS to Mary, Sizzo, Brigitte, Michi, and Nik for opening your home to
us. Most of all, thank you St. Andrews
University for allowing this opportunity to your students and to the both of us.
Written by: Gloria Cates
