June 27, 2012- In Deutschland, there is a saying for when somebody has completed half of a journey.  ”They’ve gone over the hill.”  Symbolically I guess that does make sense, the hill could represent a journey, and reaching the pinnacle may represent some sort of achievement.  The reason I’m talking about this is because yesterday, I pointed out that I was over halfway done with my stay.  Immediately, almost in unison, my host family remarked that I was over the hill.  Not sure why I’m sharing this, just thought it was interesting.

Secondly, I’ve gotten really into the local sports here in Ronnenberg.  The schools do not have teams, so most athletics are done recreationally.  In my opinion, it makes it better, kids can just have fun and not worry about coaches or games.

I played soccer with the neighborhood kids, being an American, it wasn’t exactly my forte.  Soccer is one of my favorite sports, and I have played it for most of my childhood.  Yet, there was no way I could prepare for these kids.  Sixth graders were probably better than I was, everybody seemed to effortlessly handle the ball and play there position.  I just tried to stay out of the way, but I did get in a goal at the end.

In a few hours I’m supposed to play basketball with some kids, I don’t really know what to expect.  I’m better at basketball than soccer, definitely.  Just hope I don’t come across the next Dirk Nowitzki .  (Famous German basketball player.)

-JP