Big Week for K and A

Pass - bestehen

Big week for Klara and me! First, we both passed our language tests.   We took the tests back in January. It was a long month until we were notified and our certificates arrived in the mail!  This was a big step for both.

For Klara - it means that she passed the language requirement needed to enter university. She had until this summer to do so - but now that is over, she can take a deep breath and continue with her plans to enroll in the fall semester at Universität Wien. She continues to take her German class everyday and will do so the month of August as well - just to keep pushing forward on fluency.

For Alicia - it means that I passed the requirement I need for my VISA. That is a big relief. However, just like Klara, I am striving for fluency. Klara (and Miriam) are way ahead of me, but I am now more comfortable with speaking and can read a lot more. Most nights, Stephan and I watch the news.  We both watch, I listen for words I recognize and he then summarizes. Sometimes, I get it - and sometimes I don't but I am not giving up. I expect to take the next language level in the fall - giving myself time to reboot.

The other bit of news for the two of us - we got to vote in the primary. We are voting absentee ballot, but still feeling empowered. It was Klara's first time. Looking forward to voting in the fall presidential election.

And for those wondering - yes, Coronavirus is a topic here. I am trying really hard to follow the way the locals are handling it. Staying calm, following the rules, not panicking and going about my daily routine. Though this reminded us to just wash our hands a few more times than we do (For example: every time we get off public transportation). Klara was suppose to take the train with friends to Milan the weekend things really escalated there. Fortunately, they did not go and opted for hiking nearby. That way, they were outdoors and away from people. There are new rules in place. For now, no gatherings of over 1000 allowed, which means Faschnacht (Carnival), Conferences and Expos have been cancelled and/or rescheduled. There are no visitors to senior centers, school trips/events are cancelled and they are encouraging people to skip the nightclub scene for now. (Yeah, the night club plans totally changed for Stephan and me!)

Bottomline - wash hands, hope for this to be contained soon, hope not too many folks get sick and remember if you have stocked up on food - consider making a donation to a local food pantry to help neighbors in need.