The German Connection

I have always felt some kind of affinity with Germany and never knew why. My mothers side were English and Irish, also from New Zealand. My fathers family (who later turns out to be a step father) were immigrants from Latvia - so I thought that may have been it.

I think it is Sinchronicity that our primary school had German as a second language for grade 6 and 7. Other schools in our area did Spanish or Japanese. So I learnt German, and as one of the best students in my classes, the teachers took a shine to me. I continued with German in High School, breezing through the subject until grade 11 when it became really challenging. I ended up failing it in year 12, but when my results were calculated, I passed overall!

I ended up studying German at Uni, not really sure why, but I thought it would be easier than some other subjects, and I still really wanted to travel. I was 18, the world was my oyster, anything was possible :) I went on exchange in 2001, the year I turned 20. This was only possible because my Mum paid for it. I think it cost her upwards of $15000-$20000. She had had a serious car accident when I was 12, and it came out of her compo money. It was a dream come true for me, and something I'll remember forever :)

I was on a train, backpacking, travelling from Freiburg to Frankfurt, or somewhere thereabouts. The train was travelling through the Black Forest. I did want to go there, but I hadnt put enough emphasis on looking for accommodation there and wouldnt have known where to go. I think it was cheaper not to.. I was sitting on the train, and overcome by a sense of peace.

I had been there before. I knew it. I felt happy - and like I was home. Couldnt explain it. Why there?

Another signifcant moment was 1 May 2001.  I was riding my bike, alone, through the forest next to the Universitaet Lueneburg, up and down trails. It was quiet, peaceful and I felt relaxed and joy. I imagined the kind of people walking through there over the last 1000 years. Of fairy tales - Hansel and Gretal. I thought of my family, and home. I wanted to stay. I must've been doing it for about an hour at least. That night I saw 'Traffic' with friends. The next day Mum called me to tell me Nanna had died. I think of me, on that bike, feeling peace in that forest in Lueneburg, and my Nanna dying. They would have been so close in time, since Australia is only about 9 hours difference. I still dont know the official date of her death, but for me it is that day - Because Mum had to wait at least 12 hours to call me. She wanted to let me sleep . 

And now, I have found the beginnings of the german connection on paper - through researching my Family Tree. It appears that they a from Mecklenburg- Pommern, North East Germany. Prussia's Pomerania. Before Germany was born. That doesnt mean there wasn't someone from Southern Germany :) That will be the next surprise.

As a side note, I have had the opportunity to go to Germany again since then. All expenses paid internship through Uni - in Essen, Germany. A real chance to live in the infamous Ruhrgebiet, or Ruhr Valley. It was from the end of November 2004 to mid February 2005.

Another one of those synchro-destiny things.

Schwerin would be the closest I came to Rostock and the border of Germany and Poland. I'll post some photos from there one day. The above photo is the only one I have in digital format for now :) From the huge yellow castle in Schwerin. I've always liked the strong, silent type :)