So the Easter Holidays are finally here! And they couldn't have come soon enough. It has been one hell of a long slog since Christmas - I am considering writing to the council and recommending the introduction of February half term...
It's been a good last week of the term all in all. Last weekend, we were at Nico's grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. I didn't really know what to expect as celebrations are a little different here (sweeping the church steps at 30 and speeches and singing at 70th birthday parties) but anniversary celebrations are changing too apparently. More couples are deciding to go back to the church they were married for a special mass, and this is how last Saturday started for us. The service was lovely the couple sat by the alter while the priest told the congregation of all the ups and downs they had experienced over the last 50 years and carried out his service. They were presented with various gifts and certificates from the church, the diocese and the council.
Afterwards, there was a champagne reception at a little venue in the town followed by a three course meal, which similar to the 70th birthday party we went to earlier in the year, was full of speeches, songs and even a little sketch. The day was absolutely beautiful and we had several walks around the village in between meals to enjoy the sunshine. After dinner there was some dancing (which only served to remind me how I need to get some lessons - ballroom dancing is much more popular here and I haven't a clue where to start!) followed by a gorgeous buffet in the evening.
The whole day got me to thinking what an amazing achievement 50 years of marriage is. When I tried to think of couples in my family who have achieved this feat, I could only think of one, my great-grandparents who I wasn't lucky enough to know properly (they passed away the same year I was born within days of each other). I asked my Gran how they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and discovered that it wasn't really celebrated in a big way. I think it's something we should be celebrating more - if we're lucky enough to see more couples get to 50 years!
After that indulgent start to the week, I was motivated to be very good this week and it paid off as I have lost three pounds! We have tried a few new recipes and I am compiling a few photos to share with you. I haven't upped the exercise as much as planned (with the exception of all that walking last Saturday) but I did invest in some badminton and tennis sets this week so if the weather agrees, we can make the most of those over the next two weeks, especially as Dad is arriving for a visit this afternoon and will no doubt want to make the most of the outdoors and walk our feet off around Bremen over the next few days!
Other highlights of the week include the Spring Concert yesterday where two of my favourite classes were among those performing. I was very impressed with their English. They sang some songs, the lyrics of which I have never understood when listening to the normal bands who sing them and now I finally know what they mean (Blur - Song 2 was one example). The staff band also deserves a mention for the very professional performances of Sex on Fire and Purple Rain. Anyone with the guts to get up on stage in front of people and sing has my ultimate respect.
No comments:
Post a Comment