Apart from my philosophical ideas some of you might be wondering what I am doing while I'm staying here. As I have said in other posts I have spent most of my time in meeting people through Cathrin and also through those I have met at the Church. On Friday I watched a soccer game at one of the castles near Michael's house in Bergheim (Michael had us over for most of that day) and it was interesting to see that the German people there were all hoping that the Netherlands would lose even though the match was not against Germany. I was told that this sentiment goes both ways and that there has been a bitter rivalry between these teams for many decades. That was Friday and then Saturday I spent the day relaxing and watching more of the soccer at my home here (it is nice to be able to write that). The games go on for most of the second half of the day every day and I like it when I get the chance to watch them as it is something I loved to do when I was younger living in Ireland (as well as play soccer of course). On Sunday after Church I went swimming with Cathrin, Michael and some other friends of theirs. It has been a long time since I have gone swimming in a lake but I thoroughly enjoyed myself as the water was warm (I thought anyway) and I got to meet new people. This week I have done some preparing for my journeys ahead buying things that I need for the car and deciding where I will go. I also set up my computer to use Skype which is a free internet phone when calling another person who has Skype set up. I can also buy credit from them to call someone's home or mobile phone for a very small rate per minute. Any of you who have a microphone and can download Skype can talk with me. You would just have to tell me when although I am limited to about 10pm Phoenix time and after or in the morning time in Phoenix when it is evening here. Later today I am going to watch the United States play against Ghana. I'm not so interested in the game as Ireland is really the only team for me but I have been invited to go and will enjoy the company and the atmosphere for the games is really cool to see. The other night I got to see hundreds of Swedish and British fans here for their game in Koln and many were shouting team chants and were dressed in team colors. I really enjoyed seeing all of their preparation and excitement for the event. Well that gives some idea I hope of how I am spending my days. Love to all who read this and to those who don't a soiled hankerchief (not really but I like the word soiled as many of you know).