Leo's parents rented a giant SUV (by European standards) for our visit. All nine of us managed to cram in three to a row, including luggage and car seats. The parking of the thing was a challenge lin and of itself! After a quick visit to their spacious flat downtown where we had a quick classic German lunch of "doner kebabs" (a sort of panini with sliced meat and roasted veggies) we went to the circus at Wally's school. We really didn't know what to expect, but whatever it is was, we were blown away as we watched schoolkids produce a full-fledged circus performance, featuring costumed clowns, acrobats, magicians, stunts and even animal acts. Each act was performed by students, ranging in age from 6-11 all of whom, including Wally (who walked on broken glass barefoot and handled a large snake) learned their roles in just three days. No child was left out. Even a couple with severe physical handicaps had roles. And they good! The pride they felt at the enthuistic oohs, aahs and applause that greeted them was obvious to everyone. The entire school was involved, and it is hard to imagine an activity that could do more to build self esteem. Liability concerns probably limit the ability to translate the project to American shores, but we are the poorer for not having it. There is nothing like the spotlight shining on center ring to make a child's eyes glow.
Leo's parents rented a giant SUV (by European standards) for our visit. All nine of us managed to cram in three to a row, including luggage and car seats. The parking of the thing was a challenge lin and of itself! After a quick visit to their spacious flat downtown where we had a quick classic German lunch of "doner kebabs" (a sort of panini with sliced meat and roasted veggies) we went to the circus at Wally's school. We really didn't know what to expect, but whatever it is was, we were blown away as we watched schoolkids produce a full-fledged circus performance, featuring costumed clowns, acrobats, magicians, stunts and even animal acts. Each act was performed by students, ranging in age from 6-11 all of whom, including Wally (who walked on broken glass barefoot and handled a large snake) learned their roles in just three days. No child was left out. Even a couple with severe physical handicaps had roles. And they good! The pride they felt at the enthuistic oohs, aahs and applause that greeted them was obvious to everyone. The entire school was involved, and it is hard to imagine an activity that could do more to build self esteem. Liability concerns probably limit the ability to translate the project to American shores, but we are the poorer for not having it. There is nothing like the spotlight shining on center ring to make a child's eyes glow.
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