The Simple Life

Last night I had the chance to meet up with a few old friends in the local student bar. I was very lucky that everything came together as well as it did, because most of my friends have since moved out of Halberstadt to pursue other interests; however, last night many had returned for the weekend and—like me—had decided to visit the old haunts of our youth. I was speaking with one of my friends, who was extremely surprised about my return, and he asked my why, of all places, I wanted to come back to Germany—and especially Halberstadt. I told him that everything moves slower here, which I find ideal. After a few years of working several jobs and navigating my way through college, it was nice to return to a place where people could still step back and enjoy the moment. Not to say, of course, that I was never able to relax at home, but where I only did so when I had complete free time, here there is an actual effort to take time to allow life to catch up.

This morning was exactly such a time, when the boyfriend of my host sister, Rike—who is presently studying medicine in Lithuania—stopped by for brunch. Granted, our brunch did not begin until noon, but it was simply a morning (afternoon) dedicated to enjoying our present company. We had prepared a delicious spread of cold cuts, coffee, various cheeses and breads, cakes, and even a little bit of champagne; and for the next four and a half hours we sat and told stories, completed crossword puzzles, looked at photo books, and made plans for future engagements. Through our conversation I shared my projected plans of my project, and Christian—Rike’s boyfriend, who comes from Thale in the Harz—suggested a few places we might go hiking together next week. He also mentioned a few books he owns, which discuss the Harz Legends, that he would be willing to lend me.

Needless to say, it was a very enjoyable afternoon, and such an event that is likely to occur often here at my home in Halberstadt. When I spoke of a slower life, this is precisely what I meant, and it reminds me of a simpler time when we were not so distracted with pressing issues and could breath and understand our surroundings. Such a setting is prime for storytelling, and such a setting is where I believe I will learn the most about the Legends of the Harz.