What would have been nicer than to finish the day with a BBQ?
People in wheelchairs, therapists, carers (PAs:), families, all sitting outside together, having a chat, getting to know each other a little bit better, learning from each other, cracking a few jokes, having a bit of fun… And Germans must be the Weltmeister in BBQs. They even have vegan grill ‘stuff’ that looks like meat. And, of course, there was non-alcoholic beer (before you ask: …and no other beer;). I wanted to tell everybody about Sir Roger Casement and how the German U-Boot had brought him and loads of guns to Ireland a hundred years ago supporting the Irish rebels against the British – but never managed to do so. There was too much going on, and my little story would not have fitted in at all. Even without ‘my’ story (which Pádraig would not have liked me to tell anyway;) it was a perfect evening and end to a long and very busy day. One more day and the first week will be over. Can’t believe it.
Hospi-Tales 
Sounds like a wonderful Week One in a wonderful place Reinhard!
The weather seems to be playing its part too!
Delighted to read all the news-so much going on.Thanks for keeping us all up to date with such good accounts onyour blog. It all must be a great experience for both the Schalers, father and son.
Best
Raphael
When I read your comment, Raphael, the bit about the ‘father and son’ made me think. I don’t think I would’ve spent that much time with my son, I don’t think I would be living with him in the same room, I would be that close to him, under different circumstances. We would, very likely, both be living our very own and very busy separate lives. In a wired and strange way I wondered whether what we are doing now isn’t better? And as I am asking myself this question, I realise that it is probably the most impossible question to even think of… Only that I know that what I am doing now, is infinitely more important and rewarding than running EU and Irish research projects on localisation technologies.
Hi Reinhard. Sorry I haven’t managed to get out to see you and Pádraig as I promised. Just seem to get swamped with stuff these days. Re the ‘ideas’ I had, you seem to be doing it all anyway – constant stimulation. The Norman Doidge book ‘The Brain’s Way of Healing’ is where I was getting my ideas – it is well worth a read. You will pick up ideas – one was lasers. I haven’t finished the book but I will bring it with me and if you haven’t nabbed a copy before I see you I will give it to you. C
Hi Colm, great to hear from you – Pádraig will be back in a few week’s time with plenty of adventures on his back and would be so happy to see you, as would I! Keep reading the book and I’ll put it next on my list of things to do! Reinhard
Hi Reinhard – Can see a few familar people in the photo and Desiree’s dog! The first week over and glad it is going so well. It has given Emma a great boost and although it is self funded I have no doubt that she has taken great steps forward. I have enjoyed having great chats with Emma this week and her brother who hasn’t seen her since Christmas made a surprise visit home and has been over the moon to see her getting her zest back for life! …….we just have to keep slowly climbing the biggest mountain of our lives……..but I feel it will be all worthwhile and as my son said today what is life without a challenge!!……Enjoy your weekend, we went to Frieberg and Stuttgart well worth a visit .
Tell Emma (as you are doing) to keep going and tell her that we asked for her!!