Since all the fun things are not allowed right now - no sitting in cafes pontificating with a friend, no gyms, no swimming pools, no venues like ZAKK that organises fun events like Anja's Singabend, no cinemas...you get the idea - since they're all shut, libraries have become a major source of my entertainment - besides reading.
On Thursday, I traipsed to the English Library in town to exchange some books and enjoy a 6 km round walk, which I extended by walking along the Rhine in search of a glühwein. There was one place selling some drinks on the Rhine, but the queue!!! Forget it.
On Friday, I had had enough of work after performing a few linguistic miracles during the week (some larger texts done in double-quick time, plus a few minnows). I therefore made an executive decision to give myself the afternoon off. After dropping into the post office along the way, I spent a relaxing 3 hours (3 hours!!!) reading German journals. At least I get into a large airy room with a lot of like-minded people, even if we are spaced apart.
On Saturday, I walked into town to pick up a few small things, and was mostly unsuccessful. On the way back home, therefore, I dropped into the main library again for another hour with the newspapers, including The Financial Times, which is more interesting than you might think. It's not all about finance.
And now today, Sunday, I decided to give myself the goal of a nice long walk with the university library at the furthest end of it so that I could return my last 'Trollope of the Month'. Mission accomplished. I have now achieved 13,000 steps and can veg out for the rest of the day (literally - just fruit and veg on the menu today).
I'll probably manage another half-hour in the library tomorrow on my way to my Monday evening course. As it's going to be my last lesson with the VHS until February, the libraries in town are going to play a very important role in keeping me sane - after having spent all day at home slaving over a hot keyboard from 8 in the morning.
Long live libraries!
Libraries are not just about books.
ReplyDeleteAnd the coffee machine is now working again!