A tour of the city

Last night, I returned from a day-long workshop in Denkendorf (near Stuttgart) for Scottish Country Dancing. Daphne was the instructor, and there were about 40 people in attendance. I had never done such a workshop, but memories of my previous time as a Scottish Highland Dancer came whirling back. I had a very good time. We focused on difficult dances that we would never perfect, but that would instead be a challenge to us. Challenging they were.
I was struck by how many folks were dressed in some sort of Scottish attire, and also how many couples were in attendance. Everyone was very kind and patient if someone didn't catch on right away, so it made for a good atmosphere.

When I returned to Salzburg, I met my new roommate for the year, Chloe. She comes from England, from a city near Birmingham, and is a very nice and interesting person. I breathed a sigh of relief she wasn't someone high-maintenance or nutty. She is also precisely the age I was when I first studied abroad, so I feel a kinship with her in that regard--I know she'll go through moments of loneliness this year, through moments of joy, anxiety, excitement. For me it was a year of being brave, leaving my comfort zone, and falling in love with a city and its people. I wish her the same.

Today, George and I took Chloe on a simplified tour of the city, where we showed her the Altstadt, Mirabelplatz, Mönchsberg, Stieglkeller, Augustinerbräu and many small sights in between. It was a great day, but my leg muscles may never forgive me for the double whammy.

Article about origin of the surname "Dietemann"

About a month ago, I received an article from John Dietemann, a somewhat distant relation, through my aunt, Donna Dietemann, about the rather unclear origins of this surname. I took to translating it and have finished the translation today. The original article was written by Herbert Fritsche as part of a lecture for the Historical Societies in Eschwege, Germany.


I'll do my best to get the article loaded up or linked on the blog soon.For anyone with this last name--or anyone who's curious about the Dietemann Figurine in the artisan clock in Eschwege, it could be an interesting read.

Starting the blog

A lot has changed since I was in Austria last (2009-2010). The popular hair color is bleach blonde and you can now purchase Brownie mix in the corner grocery store.

Settling back in to life in Salzburg has been exceedingly stressful, mostly due to the spiral of worry I lock myself into. I'm reminded, however, just by looking out the window or taking a quick walk what an immense privilege it is to be here, and how much fun this year will be.

I have a small place to stay with George in Salzburg and a room of my own in Tamsweg. The latter room looks out onto a church-topped hill and a lonely train track. I'll move in in early October.