After a long, but uneventful trip, we arrived in Heidelberg yesterday afternoon. Alex was great on the plane, especially after he realized that the in-seat entertainment system included videos of Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam. We had about an hour in Iceland, which we used to complete one important task - pick out nice Icelandic mittens for our friend Daniel. They'll be in mail soon, my friend. Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we learned that our stroller was still in Iceland, but it will be delivered this afternoon.
Our dear and fabulous friends Sherry and Christian were waiting for us in the arrival area and it was so great to see them, and actually be able to give them a hug. It had been a long time. They came prepared with a huge station wagon for all our stuff, had a car seat for Alex, and even brought drinks and snacks for the one hour car ride to Heidelberg. Wow!
Our apartment here is wonderful. It has two spacious bedrooms (Alex's room has a bunk bed and he immediately chose the top bunk.), a nice living area, complete with balcony and view of the Neckar valley and the castle!
The apartment building is on the new part of campus that also includes various hospitals and so Alex can watch ambulances from our windows. From my bedroom window, I have a view of the German Cancer Research Center. Hmmm.
Sherry had generously appointed our apartment even before we got there. The kitchen was stocked with groceries, including many of my favorites (hazelnut yoghurt anyone?). She knows me well. Her daughter Annika had brought over a bunch of toys and even set up a whole play world with blocks and cars for Alex to play with. They gave us a brand new map of Heidelberg, some bus tickets, so we're ready to explore. Thanks, Sherry and Christian. You're the best!
After settling in, we set off to Sherry and Christian's place to hang out. Along the way, we stopped at a cafe to take out some fresh Kuchen (I am in heaven!) and sat around the Christmas tree where the Carrera racetrack was still set up. Alex mastered it pretty quickly and I enjoyed my capuccino and Käsekuchen catching up with my beautiful and talented god-daughter Nanina. Around 4:30, we came home, unpacked a few bags, played, and took a nice, long bath. Alex was in bed at 7pm and I at 8pm local time!
This morning we ventured outside a little bit. There is an Italian Restaurant, a cafe, a bank machine, and a bakery on the ground floor of our building!
Alex declared this morning that he loves our new house and I concur! It's great. As you can see, he's making the place his own, coloring batman pictures which we'll hang up as soon as I buy some tape.
What a great way to end 2012. Let the adventures begin
We wish you all the very best for a wonderful 2013.
