Brinkmann's BBQ

With less than two weeks left in Germany, Alex and I are squeezing in as many Deutschland activities as possible. From now until the day we leave, we have some type of event or obligation planned, and that will make time go by faster than it already is. I've already said goodbye to two of my classes this past week with a cutthroat game of Taboo... Germans are very competitive. Our American Film Group is only meeting one more time, which blows my mind. We showed them 13 Going on 30 last Friday. The ultimate chick flick... it was probably torture for the one and only boy who came, but then... we was sitting among all girls. Maybe he planned it that way, and if so... not a bad gig. For our final film, we'll screen The Sixth Sense. Nightmares for everyone.

About a fortnight ago, Klaus Brinkmann invited us to his house for a farewell BBQ with him and his wife. I've noticed that Alex and I have been hanging out with people three times our age recently, but in Melle, you're either hanging with little kids or old farts. I guess I'll take the latter... besides, Klaus has been like our German grandfather this year. He really took us under his wing at the school and brought us to his hometown to see the Christmas Market with his family. Honestly, it's been solacing to know that we've had such a wonderful friend abroad.

All I've ever known were the classic 4th of July American BBQ's with hot dogs and hamburgers, so I was really looking forward to our double date with the Brinkmann's. They picked us up and brought us to Bad Laer's Historischer Markt, which was only a few minutes away from their house. One thing I will miss about Germany are the constant festivals and markets found in all of the cities. There is always something to celebrate here.

This festival was filled with tourists. Not quite like the shoobies and bennies we get down by the Jersey Shore, but they were notably from other parts of Germany, according to Klaus. The day was filled with dancing, old-time costumes, and ax throwing... Alex and Klaus both hit their targets.... and no, it wasn't me or Mrs. Brinkmann!

Mrs. Brinkmann was able to use her connections to get us an exclusive tour of the Catholic Church, Saint Antonius Remsede, first built in 700. It was my first time to ever be inside a bell tower, and I was lucky enough to be there for one bell to chime at a quarter past the hour. It's way more startling when you're standing next to the bells...

Rain showers were intermittent, but we were able eat dinner outside. My first German BBQ included cooked bratwursts wrapped in bacon and filled with cheese, chicken, steak, homemade potato salad, and vegetables. Alex and I brought a cake with us, but it was left untouched since we were utterly stuffed by the end of the night. Mrs. Brinkmann cut flowers from her beautiful garden for us to bring home, and then Klaus drove us back to Melle.

On the drive back, Klaus made a point to tell us what a unique experience we've granted his students and how much he and his wife have enjoyed spending time with us this year. It shocked me to learn that his English is self-taught, and he never spent any time abroad in an English speaking country. I would venture to say that his English is one of the best out of our colleagues, and his students are certainly lucky to have him as a teacher.

We were also very lucky to have him in our lives this year. The Brinkmanns offered us a room anytime we wanted to come and visit, so we hope to take him up on that offer one day. He promised to come to New York City to run the marathon after his retirement next year. I know he'll actually do it, too... and I'll be waiting at the finish line cheering him on because there is no way I'm running a marathon! I'm glad we haven't seen the last of Klaus. It will be nice to show him our neck of the woods one day.