HALLE back youngin

Audry and I got back from Berlin last Saturday. Since we had only been in Halle for one day before we left we had A LOT of exploring to do. Sunday and Monday were pretty relaxing days for us. Almost everything in the city was closed for Easter so all we could really do was figure out the city. We began our adventure not knowing where we were going, but as we walked we came across many interesting places and things. There are so many beautiful buildings and parks all around the city. As we continued our journey we ended up downtown in the marketplace. There are tons of little shops and restaurants that all revolve around the main circle.
Next day we decided to continue our exploration of the city but in the opposite direction.


We headed to the Burg where we were going to try and get into the studio to poke around a bit, but it was locked so we had to settle for a stroll by the river. The Burg rests on a cliff above the Saale River. All along the river there is basically nothing but beautiful green space and paths to ride bikes or walk along. It was a beautiful day and we walked for quite a while. We found that there is an “island” in Halle where there is an outdoor amphitheater, playgrounds, and a little childrens train that we, of course, took a ride on. I had a great time, but I think Audry might have been in heaven!






When Tuesday came along Audry and I finally got to work in the studio. We each have our own space to work. Susan, one of the professoren, gave us each a bucket (I think mine used to belong to Boomer?) Haha. But we got to work, and after only a few days we have gotten off to a pretty good start. I think we are going to have a pretty productive few weeks here in Halle.

One of the highlights of the week…
Heidi Grew (the former OU graduate student who we met in Berlin) and Jessica Knapp came to the Burg to do artist lectures. It was sooo nice to see them again. They came to the studio before hand and we all got to chat a bit before they gave their talks. Afterwards we were invited to have our first German beers with them and the professors. It was really nice to go out with everyone and socialize a bit after a long day. Adrian, Jessica’s husband taught me how to order a beer in German, which apparently is a necessity when you live here. Jessica’s mother was also with them; she had arrived in Berlin just the day before. She reminded me a little bit of my mom, so it was kind of comforting to talk with her. The next day, they all came back to the Burg to get a tour of all of the studios. We tagged along as well since we hadn’t really gotten to see much of the castle yet.




We got to see the printmaking studio, figure sculpture, bookmaking, and jewelry. In the jewelry studio we met another American, her name was Angela and she was from Indianapolis.
She has been studying in Germany for about two and a half years, and she will be at the Burg for another two and a half years. It was really nice to meet her, and know that there is a fellow American close by.
After the tour, we all went up to the top of the Burg (which in German translates to “fort”) to see the ruins. Heidi


explained to me that the large fort was built in the 12th century and the smaller one about three hundred years later. On top of the fort is where the castle was built, but was burned down hundreds of years ago and never rebuilt. You can still see the foundation and the layout of the different sections of the castle, not to mention that the view is spectacular. I love how there is so much history in such a small section of the city, and I am lucky enough to spend almost every day in that place!










One final note...
Some very nice students from the burg had a cookout on friday night and invited us to come. It was a great time, and I drank out of a vase (which I really thought was a cup/it seriously looked like a cup). haha. but after we left the cookout we went to a few parties with Hannes, one of the students. We had a very fun time with Hannes and his friends (possibly too much fun). All in all Audry and I are happy we are making some friends here in Halle.