Kitas!

Went to visit a couple of pre-schools today (kitas) with the kids and Linda. I was so glad to have her with me--don't quite know how non-Germans wade through the requirements to do simple things like register for pre-school. We've chosen a school that meets Greta's requirements: a good home area, lots of art time & nice teachers. She was off playing with a doll and some trucks from the minute we sat down. Now we have to get government permission to register for 7-9 hours at this school. Also have to get the work permit pushed through in order to know how much it will cost, but Linda thinks not more than $150/month. Greta's last school was $1500/month. After we complete the police registration on Monday we can begin the kita government application. Gads.

Also went to see another bi-lingual elementary school on the old American army base. Linda met her husband on base way back when and is clearly nostalgic for the good old days (her words). Must be hard to see the PX overgrown with weeds and the base bank boarded up. We'll go in for another English test at this school-Quentin Blake-on Monday. I think I like Nelson Mandela better, but we need to have a back up.

The kids are enjoying an afternoon off--no classes when we got back though we should technically be in German class right now. I'm re-organizing the kitchen cabinets and listening to NPR. Does it sound this dire back home? Can't watch tv--only channels in English are broadcasting the second coming. Maybe I should join the cat on the rug...there's sun today!