So, here I am in Oldenburg. I can't say that I know much about the town yet, because I just arrived on Saturday (very late in the day to boot, because I missed my connection in Munich). On Sunday, of course, nothing was open--and we've been in rehearsals since Monday. In my few free waking hours, I've walked around a bit, found the Fussgaengerzone (pedestrian area), opened my first German bank account, done some grocery shopping, and spent considerable hours cuddling up with my Rosetta Stone software. I've been pretty industrious, so far. The weather has been crisp and VERY windy--which is, I suppose a direct result of Oledenburg's proximity to the North Sea. I have not had a good hair day since I arrived.
I'm staying in a Ferienwohnung (vacation rental) that was generously provided by the opera. I am tempted to ask why anyone would vacation in Oldenburg...but I won't. At any rate, my little apartment is very well-appointed. It's just a little studio--really nothing fancy--but since it resembles my own place (at least in size) in Philadelphia, I am quite comfortable here. Here are a few pictures (taken with my Blackberry, since I--shocker!--forgot to pack my camera):
View from the bed. Perfect for watching TV, except that I don't understand a word of what's going on yet. I have a feeling I'll be reading my kindle a bunch these next few weeks...
My bed. I hope this picture adequately illustrates for you that for some unknown reason I have a twin comforter for a double bed. This decorating choice by my otherwise very accomodating landlord remains a mystery. I am seriously considering an IKEA run to remedy this situation.
My kitchen. Nothing special, really, but pretty large considering the size of the apartment. I have an oven, too! I'm considering having a dinner party so that I'll have an excuse to cook a pork roast. Something about Germany in winter makes me crave pork.
The BEST part of my apartment are the automatic roller shades. All I have to do is press a button and metal screens magically (and silently!) unroll outside, directly in front of each window. Sunlight (or lamplight) is blocked completely. I slept for 14 hours the night I arrived, and it wasn't just the jet-lag that did it! I think I've found yet another element for my dream apartment...
So, here I am. Now you can imagine me, perpetually windblown and frizzy as can be, holed up in my little apartment: drinking hot tea and eating ritter chocolate, nursing my German language-induced headache, and trying to keep both ends warm under my ridiculous little comforter.
Wish you were here.
