Kids’ Sidewalk Art in Oberursel, Germany

We enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood, especially on Sundays when all the shops are closed and fewer people are around.

This sidewalk art says gute Gesundheit, which means ‘good health, and was done in front of the Camp King pharmacy. The rainbow represents a symbol of hope for all the children, who have to stay home now.

Camp King pharmacy in Oberursel

The next one, done by the same artist(s), had the same message, and was left in front of the EDEKA supermarket. Gute Gesundheit!

This one had a more explicit description of the current situation. ‘Stay Home’.

COVID-19 as sidewalk art

Streets of London in April 2020

Our son, Thomas, currently residing in London during lockdown, has shared the following photos, which he took on Easter Sunday while out for a morning run through his neighborhood.

The Stanley Arms is a traditional Victorian pub located near the Jamaica Gate of Southwark Park. It was almost demolished and turned into a residential housing block before Southwark Council refused the planning permission in 2015.

The Stanley Arms in London

The Spa Terminus on Dockley Road is a collection of businesses under railway arches that are involved in wholesale food production and distribution. Under normal circumstances, some of them would also be open for retail customers.

Spa Terminus on Dockley Road, London, April 2020

The St James of Bermondsey is a pub on St James’s Road not too far from Bermondsey tube station. The pub has a beer garden and also serves coffee, tea, wine, gin, and pies.

St. James in London

No matter where you turn, you see more parked cars than people on the road. ‘Stay Home’ is the best anyone can do right now.

London April 2020

Ghost Town Bad Homburg in April 2020

For a check-up appointment I had made six months ago, I had to go to Bad Homburg to see the doctor in the early morning.

This was the city of Bad Homburg at 8:30. I saw a few officers and cars from the Ordnungspolizei on the Louisenstraße (main shopping road), but hardly any people.

Bad Homburg in April 2020

A sign gives explicit instructions on the current restrictions and recommends social distancing.

Bad Homburg

Around 9:10, there was a bit more life on the street (the sun light helped too). Benches are taped to let only one person sit there.

My visit to the doctor was also in a new safety format.

  • Upon arrival, I was instructed to wash my hands first.
  • I was asked to insert my insurance chip card into the machine myself.
  • I had to fill out an extra short questionnaire about the people I had been in contact with.

And yes, my visit went well. I’m free to roam the German forests.

Homeschooling in Germany has Become Legal Now

“Der Schulzwang wird fallen wie die Berliner Mauer” (source: Bildungsvielfalt) stands for Compulsory education will eventually [sic] fall like the Berlin Wall. This has happened now.

Now, without further ado in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, homeschooling is suddenly the norm. Everyone in Germany is getting home schooled – without any bureaucracy.

1919 saw the beginning of Compulsory Education (Schulpflicht) in Germany. Over the years, there had been various appeals by individuals and petitioners to change the law.

In April 2010, a petition signed by 5400 people, was submitted to the German Bundestag asking for impunity for parents who teach their children at home. This petition was turned down in November 2011.

I had supported this petition back in 2009, and had published this post: Petition for Homeschooling in Germany

Homeschooling in German: der Hausunterricht or der Heimunterricht

Free Access to e-Library Hessen until 19 April 2020

Hessen.onleihe.de (e-Library in Hessen) has opened its online doors for the residents of Hessen to download e-books, films, and music, which is free of charge until 19 April 2020.

First you need to register as a member. In German only.

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