I had my first real introduction to the other side of the Rhine river. It's called KleinBasel (we're on the GrossBasel side) and I saw fewer tourists, more people of Color, and lots of Queer folks. Ahhh... home.
Wandering the city without reception or internet access has been the perfect way to integrate the city into my brain. Although, the downside is that I tend to keep going to the same places over and over again, especially with Rafi.
My new friend Rita and I went to the Kunstmuseum to see Kara Walker's exhibit. It was absolutely intense and chilling and brilliant. I feel so grateful to have made a friend. We play chess, we shoot the shit, we visit museums. I've introduced her to the enneagram, so we've been chatting about personality types a lot. (She's either a 9 or a 2 for those curious)...
There are so many things in limbo right now- bank account, cell phone, apartment, job, German class, and these are just a few that are on my mind these days. So much to keep track of!
Rafi and I took an exhilarating trip to Ikea (outside of the city center). Even though I did not frequent Ikea back in the States, it felt comfortable and home-y. Another moment of home was when I was in a grocery store and the musician Lizzo came on. Her american voice and familiar song was like a cool glass of water for my heart.
I make sure that Rafi and I leave the house everyday- whether it's an errand or a park day, and we've been practicing his fine motor skills with stickers and coloring on cardboard. His speech has improved so much, ironically. Recently he said a sentence so clearly, I felt inspired to write it down: "I don't see a flower." Rafi and I also had a playdate with Jenna's boss's spouse and child. It was so lovely to have a buddy and another child to interact with.
Rafi is speaking up about his needs more often (read: tantrums). While certain things like bedtime and other transitional moments have felt difficult, I keep reminding myself that for having his entire world disrupted, he's actually doing quite well.
I think we all are.
Bebbi Sagg continues to blow my mind- trash everywhere two nights a week, and then the streets are completely clean by the morning.
Chodesh Tov, dear ones!
Wandering the city without reception or internet access has been the perfect way to integrate the city into my brain. Although, the downside is that I tend to keep going to the same places over and over again, especially with Rafi.
My new friend Rita and I went to the Kunstmuseum to see Kara Walker's exhibit. It was absolutely intense and chilling and brilliant. I feel so grateful to have made a friend. We play chess, we shoot the shit, we visit museums. I've introduced her to the enneagram, so we've been chatting about personality types a lot. (She's either a 9 or a 2 for those curious)...
There are so many things in limbo right now- bank account, cell phone, apartment, job, German class, and these are just a few that are on my mind these days. So much to keep track of!
Rafi and I took an exhilarating trip to Ikea (outside of the city center). Even though I did not frequent Ikea back in the States, it felt comfortable and home-y. Another moment of home was when I was in a grocery store and the musician Lizzo came on. Her american voice and familiar song was like a cool glass of water for my heart.
I make sure that Rafi and I leave the house everyday- whether it's an errand or a park day, and we've been practicing his fine motor skills with stickers and coloring on cardboard. His speech has improved so much, ironically. Recently he said a sentence so clearly, I felt inspired to write it down: "I don't see a flower." Rafi and I also had a playdate with Jenna's boss's spouse and child. It was so lovely to have a buddy and another child to interact with.
Rafi is speaking up about his needs more often (read: tantrums). While certain things like bedtime and other transitional moments have felt difficult, I keep reminding myself that for having his entire world disrupted, he's actually doing quite well.
I think we all are.
Bebbi Sagg continues to blow my mind- trash everywhere two nights a week, and then the streets are completely clean by the morning.
Chodesh Tov, dear ones!
so nice to read about everything you are experiencing. What's Bebbi Sagg?
ReplyDeleteIt's the trash situation. Check out my previous post! :)
DeleteBebbi Sag! Bebbi Sag! Bebbi Sag! I'm going to get a dog and name it Bebbi Sag. I'm going to write a book and name it Bebbi Sag! I'm going to discover a new star and name it Bebbi Sag. The best name for the best service!
ReplyDeleteI think we all know that klein means small and gross means big -- wondering how that connects to the other side of the Rhine.
I've seen Kara Walker's work - very intense, yes, and disturbing at times. Pretty great that you get to see her stuff there. And I love that you have a chess-playing, enneagraphic friend! It feels like you are starting to find some community. I also love your generally positive attitude, considering all the uncertainty. and then the pandemic on top of that. If only it was a little more bebbi sag - someone just cleaning it all up.
I love how you felt at home at Ikea - hilarious. I've felt that too -- places I would never go to when I'm home, suddenly become "Ahhhh!" in another place.
Anyway, I'm prepping my classes now. I think I'll do a unit on Voter Suppression. And I am also getting ready for the high holy days... trying to make space, be present for the losses and the joys, floss. I don't see a flower.