Before I travel I usually post something about where I live to show students abroad. However, this is a post designed for a very specific reason. I am delighted that after I return from China we will have a special guest at our house from Germany who will be visiting us for a few weeks. This post is for her. Before I travel I find it comforting to research where I will be so I know what to expect. It helps to plan things. I am hoping it will help you.
We live in Winthrop Maine USA. The population of the town is approximately 6,092 (2010 census). The population nearly doubles in the summer when out of state residents return to their seasonal camps on the lake. The town was settled in 1765 and was named for the first colonial governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop.
This is our home. We live in Winthrop Village along with 43% of the rest of Winthrop's population. We have many neighbors. A lot of houses here proudly display the American flag. It is hung outside every morning and taken down every evening.
We live about 10 miles west of Maine's capital, Augusta.
Our favorite beach is at Popham State Park. The water is pretty cold even in the middle of summer. Swimming in the lakes is much warmer.
We live about 45 minutes away from Maine's largest city, Portland. Portland is a lot of fun and there are many things to do and see.
Boston Massachusetts is a two hour drive from the house.
Our dog Cooper is a West Highland Terrier. He looks vicious, I know. He really likes to sleep all day and if awake he likes to sit outside and guard the yard from the menacing cat that lives next door. He is lazy and very friendly. Cooper is our son Gavin's pal.
This is our kitchen. It is small but it works well.
We like to have dinner as a family every night we can. During the summer we often grill outside. We eat vegetarian meals and meat meals that include organic chicken, organic beef, or seafood (lobster, fish, shrimp, scallops, and once in awhile, clams or steamed mussels). We grow our own tomatoes, green peppers and broccoli. We eat a lot of eggs, french toast, pancakes, fruit or fruit smoothies for breakfast. We are always open to suggestions and feel free to let us know what you like to eat. We will make it happen.
As you come in through the front door this is the view. Living room on the right, dining room on the left.
Living room where we watch movies and hang out with friends. During the summer we usually don't sit down here until after dark. We like to travel around, see things and do a lot, especially when it is beautiful outside.
This is the upstairs landing. Our home has 3 bedrooms now and soon to be 4. You will have your own room while you are here. Your room has a spacious closet, bureau and shelves for your things.
Our very typical bathroom. There are two in the house. This one has a bathtub with a shower. You will have your own drawer in this bathroom to store your items.
Aside from that, our house has a sound system and we like to listen to a lot of music here. We are looking forward to hearing some German bands you recommend.
This is Gavin. He is at work in this picture. He was lucky on this day to use this four wheeler for a job he was doing. He also likes to ride four wheelers when not working. Gavin is going into 8th grade next year. He is a very easygoing young man who plays a lot of sports. His favorite is basketball and he loves to swim. This year he began German language classes. His knowledge of German is very basic at this point, and he would like to practice. He sometimes plays X-Box with his friends, but spends most of his time outdoors.
Gavin likes to ride his bike around town and to the beach to hang out with his friends in the summer. There is an extra bike if you wish to use it. I like to run, hike and walk and you are always welcome to join me. You will have the opportunity to meet some friends your age to hang out with. They know you are coming and are looking forward to meeting you.
We play a lot of basketball in the summer. Cooper is barking at the cat outside right now as I type this. She knows how to get him worked up.
We have a pretty sizable backyard. The boys will be putting up tents to sleep out here this summer.
At night we have bonfires with friends in our fire pit.
There are many restaurants in the town where we live. You can get burgers, seafood, Mexican, Italian, and Greek food if you go out to eat in Winthrop. Typical prices you will pay for a good meal start at $5/meal and can be as much as $25/meal depending on what you order.
This is the elementary school in town. Winthrop Public Schools is an independent school district serving approximately 840 students in grades PK-12. Winthrop Schools are governed by the Winthrop Board of Education. The five-member group consists of elected representatives from Winthrop. The members serve 2-year terms and conduct monthly meetings open to the public.
Winthrop is known as being politically moderate and consistently votes for both liberals and conservatives for local, state and national offices.
There is a running track, two baseball/softball fields and a few tennis courts behind the school.
Our local police station is right in town.
This is a picture of Main St. in Winthrop.
US Post Office, Winthrop Maine. Prices to send packages back to Germany from here vary depending on the weight of what you are sending. The most I ever paid to send anything was for a medium box that cost $40.00. Shipping times too are longer than what I originally thought and can take a up to a few weeks or even a month to reach Germany, also depending on time of year sent.
Tubby's has great ice cream. All of the ingredients used are locally produced and organic.
People who live here that practice religion belong to the United Methodist Church, Baptist, Church of Latter Day Saints, or the Catholic Church. The picture above is of the Catholic Church in town. Mass is every Sunday morning.
This is the local gym where people work out. The name of it United Fitness and Martial Arts. Kids in town learn karate here. I teach kickboxing classes here. The gym is small and the people are of all ages and very friendly.
Our town has a beach with lifeguards during the day. There is a float that kids like to swim out to and jump off of. Winthrop has 11 lakes and ponds. We have good friends that live on the lake that we spend time with in the summer.
There is a nice gift shop in town that has a huge selection and reasonable prices. Tourist areas in Maine have gift shops full of things that are over-priced, especially on the coast.
This tree was carved and painted just this year by a man who used a chainsaw to do it. It is incredible. The detail is fantastic. This is down the street from our house.
A typical street in the neighborhood. People keep their lawns mowed and many like to garden. It is a very safe place to live.
Although I am excited about China, I look forward to having this town to come home to. No matter where I travel in the world, I am always glad to be back here. We are lucky indeed. I hope you will like it here too. Safe travels!
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