So Much to Tell!

So, yesterday, we went on a pottery tour of our region near Kiel.  We interviewed two potters, both of whom explained that in Germany, there are 3 distinct groups of potters:  There are ceramic artists, ceramic craftspeople and hobbyists.  There is apparently very little mixing among the groups.  What that means, is either you train as an artist at the kunsthochschule, or you work as an apprentice to a master craftsperson, or you can take a once per week class at the volkshochschule, with no studio hours other than the one hour class at the school.  Hmmm...  These are things that point out aspects of America that I really, really like, and often, take completely for granted.  Our lines are often blurred, allowing us to define ourselves in a much more fluid style.  That suits me, and  I miss that here.  Interestingly, the Germans themselves seem to find this an admirable quality in Americans.

We did find out that one can rent wheels for 60 euro per month.  I may just set up something here in the shed.  Still have hope!  Oh, and I have to thank Martin publicly for arranging this tour and not only recognizing how important this is for me, but also to set aside time to make it a priority.

Now, as for today's events, we went here:

http://www.holstentherme.de/pages/startseite/anfahrt.php

Follow the link.  I am telling you, it is something you need to see.  It is probably the closest I will get to the Carribean  getaway that I was initially promised....  it was great, great fun, though!  It is heartening to know that northern Germans have found a way to escape their winter 'wunderland'.

After floating around in the 32 degrees C pools, we drove over to Martin's sister's place, where we left the children to go feral with their cousins, while Martin and I hunted for Christmas spoils.  We were looking for candle holders for the christmas tree.  I was heartened when the cashier expressed great disbelief when Martin said that he intended to use real candles on the tree.  Very funny when something that was once 'so German' becomes really something that is just so 20th Century.

One more thing about the shopping trip.  We found yet another MEGA MEGA store.  It is the upscale IKEA, but they also have clothing and toys and other goodies.  It is called:

http://dodenhof.de/index.php

Again, the place is ginourmous, and the entire outside of the building is decorated in tiny, flashing, white christmas lights.  The elevator (glass walls, of course) is in the middle of the store (which is 4 or 5 stories).


Ok, It is time for me to watch some German TV now....