still on break

It's spring break week two here in Frankfurt, and things seem to have settled down for the time being. Brenda began rehearsals for Don Giovanni yesterday, and so far she's been having a good time. Her castmates are friendly (she knew most of them already but the new ones have also been very nice) and she's already enjoying working with the director. The production rehearses for seven weeks before it opens, so we'll be sure to give you regular updates on how the rehearsal process is going.

It's been twelve days since my last class before spring break, and I've almost completely forgotten that I'm still in school. Don't get me wrong, I've been spending a good chunk of time everyday getting work done (i.e. writing papers), but for some reason I haven't been associating that work with school. When I write to you next week, however, break will be over and I will be back in class.

Just to make sure you don't get the impression that we're shut-ins (I actually am a bit of a shut-in) who only study music (or law), I've included a couple of pictures from trips last week that took us outside of our apartment. The first is from our trip to Ikea. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, as you can see, and we enjoyed spending it indoors looking at inexpensive yet stylish furniture. Our visits to Ikea have traditionally included a long train ride followed by an endless, nausea inducing bus ride. A friend of ours, however, recently told us about a mythical road to Ikea that didn't involve a bus. Instead, you simply take the train a couple stops further and then walk. Our friend was right, and we had the best trip to Ikea that we've ever had (the weather helped).

Is it an oasis or is it actually Ikea?

 On our way back from Ikea we met up with our friends Barb and Michael and enjoyed a delicious dinner at a vegan restaurant in Frankfurt.

When Brenda is not working on Don Giovanni, she is studying music for an upcoming recital with her friend and colleague, Paula. It's not a high-profile gig (even though it has top notch singers), so Brenda and Paula were surprised to see their pictures on a poster advertising the concert.

 Whoever put the poster together chose a picture from Così fan tutte. Brenda and Paula both wish they had picked a different one. Here is one possible alternative:

This picture would not only have advertised Paula and Brenda but would also have served as a public service announcement that encouraged people to do more squats. 

Well, that's all I've got for this week. I hope you are having a wonderful week, and we'll talk to you next Tuesday!