Our Students!

Yes, we have students here. And we love them. They arrived after dark on September 6th weary, hungry and unshowered after being up almost all night and having a slightly delayed flight, and had to bring their two suitcases (max 70 pounds) and carry ons up the 71 steps. Did I mention it was cold and had been raining earlier?

What to do.

(A) Help them

(B) Pretend not to be home

(C) Pelt them with the readily available Kastagne und Nacktschnecken (chestnuts and slugs)

(D) Stand at the top and holler encouraging words while taking pictures openly glad it's not you this time.

As tempting as C was (and still is, just for the fun of it) we took the Christian pick of D. And I fondly call it the Student Parade. This is a rite of passage moment - they are Heidelbergers now.

Cam, Jared and Taylor B. making their way up.And here is the damage for the luggage. From one end of the library....

to the other...out the door....and into the entry way.It was an awe-inspiring sight!

We crowded into the Fruhstueck Zimmer (Breakfast Room) for the students to be greeted by Herr Daugherty and meet Ulla, Christian Seres, us, and to eat some pizza.

Ian posing with Natalie and Kristen. The students aren't the only tired ones!

That first weekend was an intensive orientation to the program, the House, the rules, and each other. It was softened by a beautiful ride on a ferry boat up the Neckar River to the nearby town of Neckarsteinach to enjoy the ride, see castles, eat food, and get acquainted.

Amanda, Stephanie, and Ian checking out some pictures.

Jon, Dominic and Shannon deep in conversation.

Taking pictures and taking in the view.

Talking and hanging out while waiting for the boat to rise in a lock. Don't touch the black funk on the side, it sticks on your fingers. Just ask Dominic. Eww.The towns on the Neckar are really beautiful.Chelsea C, Christina, Laura and Meagan hanging out below deck.Royce, Sebastian (aka, "Sea Bass"), and Matt Y enjoying the ride.

Say cheese!Mark, David and Zach B. on the front row, with Andrew, Susan, Taylor G, Adam and the top of Lex' head in the second row.

Ooh, castle. It's very cool that these things are here.

Fun on the ground at the Spielplatz. Meagan and Dominic swinging.

Lisa Daughterty above the fray as Dominic and Ian display some brotherly love.

That's more than enough for now. More later!

Love, Stacy, Steve, Dominic, and Ian