Slow day

Mood: processing mode, feeling a bit disappointed about my evening
Stage notes: NIN playing

Jonathan (6 yrs old; speaks no English) took me on an adventure when I returned from school today. He asked Heike if I could take him on a bike ride, and she agreed. The bike I used was so large that I barely reached the pedals with my toes. Just in case one of us fell into a bloody heap on the pavement, I brought along a cell phone and first aid kit. Although for much of the 45 min. ride he did wild acrobatics on his bike, the bandages were not necessary. Thank heaven! Although I'm sure the Bonnets would understand, I really did not want to return Jonathan in damaged condition :). We went many places that I would never have thought to explore on my own. There are bike paths everywhere here, so we were able to traverse farmlands, quiet city streets, and along the railway.

After a quick nap, I got ready to go out again. I met a student with Jenny and Pete a couple of weeks ago, and he offered to teach me how to play billiards. Although I am not very good, luck was with me and I was able to hold my own. We met two guys at the pool hall, and they joined us for a couple of hours. Although they did not speak English and looked a bit rough around the edges, I enjoyed their company. I wish that I had been able to start some non-superficial conversation, but I did not find any good openings.

After saying farewell to my billiards partner, I went to a party hosted by CDC for international students. It felt a bit like a middle school dance, with the guys on one side of the room and the women on the other. I engaged in some light conversation with people, but felt bored and uncomfortable. Thankfully, on my way out I ran into some students I recognized and we labored through descriptions of how our days had been (they speak French and a little German, but no English). When I mentioned that I had just come from playing billiards, they asked if I would like to play with them Monday night.

Cultural note: One thing that I love about Köln is that there are street performers everywhere. Today I heard steel drums, classical and electric guitars, and a violin. Coming home on the S-bahn a man was playing what he called a long-handled lute. Very cool.