Personal Information

 
  I came here to ski in 1962 for a Christmas holiday and decided to stay a while. That "while" has turned into 37 years this year. Back then, I scrounged around Munich as a student, living in Schwabing--the artist's or bohemian's quarter at the turn of the last century. In 1964 I married an American in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (a famous ski resort one-hour's drive away from Munich), where we continued to live and raise our two sons. My husband later got a job with the University of Maryland, University College, in Heidelberg so we put all our belongings and our two sons in our tomato-red Porsche and moved. Sigh! Those were the days. After we sold the Porsche, we voluntarily decided to live without an automobile and have been doing so since 1980.

Then another move to Munich in 1974, where we've been ever since. Our two boys went through the German school system, ending up with a German Abitur -- the certificate which signifies successfully completing the German version of high school and permits entry into the Germany universities

As for my own education, in the American educational system I earned a B.S. with a major in psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling. In the German system, I obtained a Diplom (roughly equivalent to a Master's degree but, in addition, is the terminal degree for becoming a professional) in psychology and a Dr. phil. (equivalent to Ph.D.) in psychology. On top of that I acquired practical experience under supervision in various German and American hospitals and clinics and many, many hours in continuing education courses.

My husband and I keep talking about going back to the U.S., but something always seems to entice us to stay a little longer. Right now it's our twin granddaughters, whom I visit regularly by riding my bike through the woods and over the river to the little village where they live. My husband has now retired from his former academic position and I help support us with my private psychotherapy practice (see Counseling and Private Psychotherapy Practice), university teaching (see University Education and Teaching), and leading special seminars (Trainer and Seminar Facilitator).

Like the wise Danish philosopher, Kierkegaard, advised, I love life and try to live it passionately. I'm passionate about good food, especially French (see Food) and try to master the art of cooking it. I also have begun to learn about wine by reading about it, sampling it (see Wine) , visiting the wine regions, and building a wine collection. I'm interested in art, especially the French Impressionists, the Blaue Reiter Group (see Favorite Things to Do and See) and Modigliani. I also love sculpture, especially works by Arp, Maillol, and those wonderful dancers by Degas. My husband and I go to as many operas and concerts (see Favorite Things to Do and See) as we possibly can. Favorites are operas by Verdi or performances of Beethoven's Quartettes or Sonatas. We also love going to the cinema and discussing the films afterwood (Woody Allen films provide us with topics for days. See Cinemas), reading poetry outloud (especially poems by Philip Larkin,Wislawa Szymborska and Emily Dickinson) and going for long walks (see Favorite Things to Do and See). I try to stay in shape by using the weight and aerobic machines at a fitness studio that's conveniently on my way to work (see Fitness). Occasionally, we have the wonderful pleasure of getting together with our two sons. I consider them my greatest achievement and the jewel in the crown of my relationship with my husband (see Families & Children).

Contact at:
email: INTERNET: Carol_McMahon@yahoo.com
or INTERNET:mcmahon@t-online.de
or Fax.: (Europe) 011 (Germany) +49 (Munich) +89 (my Fax nr.) 699 - 0136

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