Today I’m giving a training for some guys from Belgium. For sure we speak English as our common language we can talk with, but for all of us it is our second language. It is nice and funny atmosphere in which we are dealing with each other by all participants are being aware about some little language "issues" can occur.

In fact we have a lot of fun with each other mixing up and through three different languages at the same time and luckily ending up always with some explanation everyone is able to get and understand.

But back to the question … How good is your spoken English? Asked about today, I would answer honestly that it is as good as the English of my communication partner I talk with.

Really! And it is not the first time I’m recognising it. Give me some native English speaking person to talk with and all the conversation does run quick and easy for me. I know all the words and the more I talk, the more easier it turns out for me and often people do tell me that they are impressed. (Glad they do, as for I personally still doubt about)

Since a while I’m aware and even can hear about English is not always English. There seems to be a million different dialects and ways to speak exactly the same word and at least for me it often depends on where my opposite is originating from. People coming from the UK preferable for sure! I like and understand their English best. But also Canadians and Aussies do not really cause me trouble. Americans are fine too – at least as long there not coming from southeast USA or are descending by Asian ancestors.

So once again back to the question. The real true answer might be … It depends! … at least for me.

Now it’s nothing really fancy doing things twice. I’m cleaning my teeth at least twice a day ….. :-/

And there also mistakes you can do twice! But at this point I’m referring to heading back to some special place you have been already and you are not be able to visit every day.

A few days ago I wrote about sparing something out as for a reason to return. In the actual case it is about the riding with famous "Maid of the Mist" at Niagara Falls.

I was already here in 2001 on a very hot and sunny summer day and the queue in front of the boat did tell me about I would have to wait for nearly two ours until I would a able to get on the boat ….

Today I’m back at Niagara Falls and did that ride!!! It’s a very special feeling and exciting for sure …. even I know some Canadians could do every weekend and at the end it is something rather touristy thingy.

Non the less feeling the power of the water falling down and getting wet by the mist was great. Doing things twice … Thats Tops!!

ps: There is a some cycling tour I did once with friends. And even I know that you can’t really repeat things, I’m keen to catch up soon again …. having more fun together.

Must be now nearly 9 years since I was in the USA for longer. And now being over again I recognize that there is some mentality border for sure. People are different here for sure.

Sure they are friendly and exceptional helpful in any situation. Bit never the less I can feel it … they are different.

The last few years I’ve traveled Canada, New Zealand and Australia and wherever it was, I have felt closer to the people there.

I really can’t specify it better than, the people there are more European alike. Strange but true … perhaps the reason why I archive to make really close friends in those countries I mentioned last, but never archived to come closer with some US folks so far.

Today all my thoughts are with a little canadian girl. Born in 2007, Sophie is the daughter of my canadian pals Colleen & Mike. Shortly after her birth it turned out, that she has a serious heart problem and doctors decided about she needs a heart surgery as soon she has stabilized. Now today it’s the day and I keep my breath until the good news will have made it’s way over the big pond!

Sophie, I’m looking forward to play with a healthy little girl later this year!!