Samstag, it was above 80 deg F, and I went for an epic run.

I took pictures too.  I ran all over Northeast Stuttgart.  I got hot, sunburnt, but pretty darn happy.   It was really amazing to stop and photo these nesting swans.  Immediately after, I trotted about 30 ft and saw a crow lay down and die in the grass.  Bizarre start to the epic journey.

Daddy swan out for a swim

Mama Swan on the nest

Nine babies waiting to hatch, she counts them.

Mama leaves for a snack, Daddy comes in to take over duty.

Yep, nine babies here.

Circling to make sure, Mama sure is enjoying her break.

Little ugly ducklings inside.

What teamwork!  Daddy settles in.

Weird little hill that has a spiral path and view.

Hoehe park.

Killesburgseturm (turm is tower)

German engineering.  Killesburgseturm.

View of Hoehepark from Killesburgseturm.

Tomb at the cemetary I happened upon as I had to take many detours to find home.

NOT ON MY RUN, OTHER PICS :)

Okay, so I didn't see this guy on my run, but a few days earlier.  We snuggled.  I miss Dora.

View down to Charlettonstrasse, on a cloudy day.

Bree and Lara doing special Bree technique of massage.

Bree and Adriene double back butts.

Time for a blog copout...the list.

Okay, so I really feel like Stuttgart is mine now.  I know where I like to go but even better I know where I want to explore, I don't care about the supermodel idiot parade on Konigstrasse, and in a pinch, I can seek out a nerve-calming nutella und banane crepe anywhere.  This last week I got to settle a bit into a routine that my inner virgo loves...wake up naturally, 2 cups of coffee with either a book, internet, or study of something, then run, then eat, then walk across town. If I have time I may pick up a thing or two in the city or I just head to the theatre to train.  My body totally loves this rhythm, my mind too.  Which is why it was soooooo hard to wake up early yesterday (7am!  after a late show the night before) and go to Pilates Stuttgart to teach some German folk about their pelvic floors.  But that was totally worth it.
Anyways, here are my epic and not so epic insights from this installment in Stuttgart thus far...

1.  Anyplace is better in the springtime...love is in the air?  maybe.  At least with the ducks.  The ducklings in the pond are super duper niedlich (cute).
2.  German men possess qualities that are innately repulsive to me.  (yes, a generalization, but yes, it's true!!)
3.  I still love love love maltauschen
4.  Singing is food for the soul.  Even singing about bubblegum or sugar or other girl group fodder.
5.  Pink hair really does wonders for my complexion
6.  Elvis is a demi-god over here.
7.  So is David Hasselhoff, interesting.
8.  I really wish we could take dogs everywhere in the states like they do here.  Except that terrior was a bit much eyeing my maltauschen at Herbert's yesterday.
9.  Impromptu flea markets...yes!
10. Riding in an old limo with a Schwabisch Elvis impersonator is exactly as fun as it sounds.
11. Living with jugglers from Berlin is actually quite peaceful and nice, almost pedestrian, except we all forget to buy toilet paper.
12.  Those purple spikey heeled suede boots are still at the Italian shoe store, and they STILL have my name on them...
13.  Arugula rains down cheaply from the sky and into the market and adorns every meal deliciously
14.  Thomas from the band is actually very nice and fun guy, even though he often looks as though he is planning a bank heist and racing the Marlboro man to a premature death of lung disease.
15.  Tomorrow I have a day off, Tuesday too.  Can we say Heidleburg and castles???????

Me, Maude, and my Madonna microphone.  A girl needs to shimmy and sing at the same time!!

Thomas decided to sing with us, sehr niedlich!!

Pics...and a TV reel

 my pink wig.  I have an auburn one too, will take a pic soon.

 

My room.

 An ice cream parlor just outside my door.

 I thought I looked pretty cute for premiere.

 some of the GAZILLION stairs up to my flat.

 AJ Silver (lasso artist) and Ray Martin (Elvis, duh) standing by the limo.  We went for Schwabisch wine and food.  Sehr gut!!

 David (plate spinner) and AJ enjoying the local rotwein.

The lovely Marina...handstand artist and wine drinking extraordinaire!!

News Reel footage

Wiwa Las Wegas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I'm here.  It's not with the same sense of adventure as the last trip, as I am familiar with the Friedrichsbau Variete, Stuttgart, and a bit of German culture.  But the sense of adventure has been replaced with a little bit more ease and fun, even though we are very much scrambling to put finishing touches on our acts that can only be accomplished in the theatre space.  It's a time crunch unique to performing aerial acts in unique venues, with unique challenges such as a circular rigging arrangement from the ceiling, a VERY close and intimate audience, and a VERY short production "week" (3 days before performing in front of an audience).  Our primary concern is safety, not only for ourselves but the audience (trying not to whip them with ropes) and the muscisians on stage (trying not to impale them with giant color guard flags).
The show is called "Welcome to Las Vegas" and is a feature of Elvis and Anne Margaret.  The Aerialistas play a large role on stage at most times, singing back up to Elvis, dancing for Anne, and even singing our own numbers, all in addition to our featured aerial rope act and majorette-inspired dance number.  Elvis is a local...Schwabisch to be exact.  And he rocks.  He even has a limo and a truck with his name on it (Ray Martin)!  He does a pretty good job pronouncing his 'V's however every once in a while a "Wiwa, Las Wegas" slips from his mouth.  Anne Margaret is a master shimmier from Australia, played by Kimberly Trees, who, interestingly, also sings some very intriguing childrens songs (I highly suggest you look her up on YouTube singing "marshmallow twirl"). 
I hope to chronicle this contract as I did with the last, even if just to spread the joy of our sparkly gold underpants, which I will soon photograph.  The plan, Stan, is to rock it all week long and then have some adventures on....(Oh my god!!)...our TWO days in a row off every week!!!  Perhaps a trip to Munich?  Tubingen anyone?  What about a visit to the famous Stuttgart ballet?  Keep ya posted...