The End of the Beginning

Maybe I'm the only one...but I feel like the last three weeks have flown by exceptionally fast..and the big day is almost here! That's right, in just under 10 hours --9 hours and 44 minutes to be exact--I'll board my first train and head down south! (Just a refresher--for the past three weeks I've been attending language camp and staying with a temp family. Tomorrow, I move to my permanent.)

Throughout the day I've just been one big mess of emotions...super excited when I woke up, sad to leave Dusseldorf, nervous as the day progressed, and anxious for tomorrow to come. I'm so happy that I was able to have such a wonderful family for these three weeks and hope to keep in touch with them throughout my year...but after six months of emailing and waiting, I feel that my excitement for meeting Denise, Ulrich, and their four kids is strong enough to trump any other emotion!

So, let me give you an idea of what tomorrow looks like:

I'll probably wake up around 8:00-8:15, pack the last of my things, get ready and eat breakfast. I'll leave for the train station about 9:20 and catch my first train at quarter to ten. After two stops, I'll be on my final train that will take me to Stuttgart. I'll arrive around 2:30 and then finally be home...it really doesn't feel real to me. However, I can honestly say I'm ready to have my suitcases out of sight and out of mind for a while!

I'll keep my blog updated with stories, experiences, and pictures as often as I can but right now, I'm going to see if I can get at least a few hours of sleep before the big day begins:-)

Running Around Germany

So, how many of you thought this post was going to be about all the sightseeing I've been doing? Well, you're wrong! ;-) It's actually quite literal and since I still haven't gotten over the beautiful terrain I'm running every day...or every other day...I thought I should share it with you. Thursday I went out to take pictures of my route (no, I don't run with my camera) but I got caught in a storm. I went out again this morning and so now you have an idea of why I keep saying it's so beautiful :-)

I'll start with the storm pictures. I guess I decided to test my luck because as the picture above makes obvious, it was undoubtedly going to storm, it was just a matter of when. But it was warm out and I wanted to take pictures so off I went on my little adventure.....the storm started strong but with no rain. It was amazing to stand out in the wind and not be cold at all. Then this monster rain drop hit me and you can guess what happened from there. All I have to say is that I have never in my life seen such big rain drops! I made it home fairly dry and the storm continued through the night :-)))

There are more horses in the fields behind my house than I'm used to seeing in Coquille--and that's saying something!

One horse imparticular is quite friendly and comes to the fence every time I run by.

 Horses, however, are not the only animals I encounter regularly :-) 

And of course, German windmills. The view from my house is three windmills and a large field. A few out of the ordinary things I've seen have included an evening when hot air balloons filled the sky, two labs who ran past me casually, and a smart car or...ten.

2 Weeks Later.....

To me, it feels like I've been in Germany a few days--a week maybe, but today marks two full weeks since I landed in Frankfurt. I've learned a lot in the last few weeks and experienced many different aspects of a beautiful country and wonderful culture. Instead of going into great detail, I'll skim through the highlights--as random as they may be, and hopefully get a smile out of you as you read them :-)

1. I've come to the conclusion that my American accent is quite strong as when I talk to people in German they often reply in English....especially at stores and restaurants.

2. My body has suddenly decided it wants to make up for all of the sleep I lost last week and I'm constantly tired and going to bed far earlier than I'm used to.

3. German weather is very hospitable and decided to make me feel right at home by having a summer full of rain and clouds.

4. A 12 ounce carmel frappuccino from Starbucks is $6 without my usual "extra coffee".... I guess that's one way to break a bad habit...

5. I have tripped on my right flip flop so many times that my friends at language camp have come to accept it as normal for me...*sigh*

6. If you really want to look like a tourist, try taking your camera out to take a picture on a train or bus...I have no doubt that I am entertaining to watch...

7. If jeans cost $100, then I have no doubt mine from home will easily last me all year.

8. To make up for the cost of clothing, food is ridiculously inexpensive! I can get a plain Brotchen ( amazing bread but the size of a large dinner roll) and an apple or under $1..oh so tempting :-)))

9. I have three bug bites on my arms and no idea where the offender is...not a comforting thought.

10. "Ja" is the perfect  answer to anything anyone ever says. 

That's it for now! More posts and pictures are coming soon :-) 

Language Camp

Of the 50 of us who were chosen to come to Germany, I'm not sure if any were fluent in the language and only a handful had the basics down and were able to function in German. As for the rest of us....language camp is more than just school. It's three weeks to help us learn how to function--even if its like five year olds--in a language we barely know.

 The camp is three weeks long and held each weekday from 9:30-3:30 in Dusseldorf. I wake up around 6:30 each morning and leave one hour later to catch the 7:53 train to Dusseldorf. I arrive at 9:08 which gives me just enough time to rush downstairs, catch the first metro, and come screaming into the building at 9:29. The 18 of us are split into two classes based on our language ability and, of course, I'm in the beginners group. Our teachers are wonderful though and not only there to teach us German, but to help us integrate into the culture and so they have done some short orientations with us as well.

 

My favorite day of language camp was Wednesday when our teachers prepared an Amazing Race style scavenger hunt for us to do around Dusseldorf's harbor. My group consisted of five people and between the five us we were competitive, smart, and could communicate fairly well in German. Our team rocked that scavenger hunt and were not only the only team to finish--we finished with 45 minutes to spare. Amazing Race here we come :-)

At the beginning of the week, we had a hard time finding our way around the city but once we got the hang of it we enjoyed spending time there. 

 On Friday, I stayed in Dusseldorf with some friends and explored the city a little bit. We had so much fun and I found that dusseldorf is a very beautiful city. We had a great dinner, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and old European architecture of the old city. We also visited a five story bookstore and of course, H&M (a very popular store)

I'm looking forward to my next two weeks of language camp and hoping that by the time I leave to settle into my permanent family, I've have enough of a foundation in German to communicate....at least with my four year old brother. :-)

Two Families and an Unexpected Curveball

I've told you a little about the family I will be staying with permanently....but I just realized that most of you have no idea where I am right now. Well you see, I found this wonderful bridge...;-) Actually, I am staying with a temporary family near my language camp--let me tell you about them and fill you in on the "unexpected curveball"

Exactly one week ago, I was greeted by my two host brothers, Sebastian and Alexander, at the train station in Dusseldorf. Less than two hours later, I had reached my first German home in the beautiful town of Bottrop. Here I met my host parents and began to settle into the new culture.

My first few days were wonderful and full of many new and exciting experiences and I was beginning to feel right at home when I received some disappointing news. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, my host family would not be able to keep me the intended three weeks. I was very sad to leave after only a few days in their home, but I'll always be grateful to them for opening their hearts and their  home to me and doing their best to show me as much as they could in such a sort amount of time!

So, now you know where I was and where I'm going.--so, where am I??

I'm in a small town in western Germany (near Aachen) living with another wonderful family of four. My host parents and host brother have been very kind and helpful as I attempt to integrate into their culture...and learn German :-/ My host brother, Marvin, was actually an exchange student to Oregon two years ago and so it is great to see him again and get to know his family. Kira, my host sister, is on vacation right now and will be returning soon so I'm very eager to meet her. 

Well, I'm falling in love with Germany--the gorgeous landscape, the wonderful people, the delicious food, and the interesting culture. Instead of running a 3 mile lap around the "exhilarating" town of Coquille, I'm now running through the fields behind my house. I'll run past a farm with several horses and then come to a small group of European style houses...It definitely beats Figaro's and Fast Gas. :-) And I don't even think I will admit to the amount of bread I've eaten in the last seven days....I'll just say that Germany has a thing or two to teach the U.S. about how to make bread :-)

I have already been in Germany one week and it has gone by faster than I imagined! I know the next two weeks here will rush by at the same pace but I'm doing my best to take in as much as I can and enjoy every moment for as long as I can :-)

As soon as I take some pictures of my current family I will post them :-)

A Week Full of "Firsts"

Ah, finally a few seconds to collect my thoughts and share them with you while they are still fresh in my mind. Since I arrived in Germany I feel I have been going nonstop--and loving every minute of it! But now i am faced with the challenge of sharing with you all of my experience without taking up fifteen pages (like I have done in my journal;-) However, I think I may have found the creative solution. So, I hope you enjoy reading this post and all the random first experiences that have made my first week in Germany so wonderful and exciting.

FIRST German cake: My host mom was kind enough to spend the extra penny and purchase this cake that is usually saved for special occasions and holidays in their home. She taught me to slice it across the top to show of its small chocolate rings (hard to see in picture) and was very happy that I wanted my picture with the cake. :-)

 FIRST motorcycle ride. Okay, so "motorcycle may be a bit of a stretch but it'll suffice for now. Due to a bit of a time crunch, my host mom took me on a condensed tour of Bottrop from the seat of the motorcycle and in only a matter of minutes I was able to see churches, parks, businesses, and the most impressive homes in the city. But before you start worrying, I wasn't the one behind the "wheel" :-)

FIRST train ride!! Every German I've ever met has commented on America's lack of public transportation and finally, I see why. After landing in Frankfurt airport, we all took a train to the city of our language camp--for me Dusseldorf. Because the ride was chaperoned, none of us had reason to worry and could sit back and enjoy the ride but today....that was a different story.

After completing day one of language camp in Dusseldorf, I had to walk about two blocks to the nearest bus/subway station. Since every bus had the same route, catching the bus wasn't that complicated, but five stops later, when I stepped off at Dusseldorf's main train station there was definitely more than one route. I wish I could say I did it all on my own...but maybe tomorrow. In reality, my friend and her host sister were boarding a train right next to mine and I just tagged along with them.

Once my train boarded, I set the alarm on my iPod so I wouldn't sleep through my stop (what a story that would make) and sat down to relax. A little over an hour later, I arrived at my destination which I can't spell or pronounce, and now I'm home :-)

Tomorrow, I advance to level two as on my way to language camp I will have to change trains--with no host sister to follow around. I'm actually not that nervous though--I mean really, what could happen? :-)

FIRST Sari: Oh yes, very German, I know :-) Well, the story behind the Sari is that my host father was born and raised in Sri Lanka and so their home has many parts of that culture mixed with the German culture. While I was there my host mom wanted me to try on one of her Sri Lankan Saris. I was very excited to experience more than one culture while I was in their home. I was also treated to several delicious Sri Lankan foods including a rare and precious coffee. 

 FIRST church: Sunday morning, my host mother took me to the church she often attends.(below) I was expecting different and its a good thing at the church was extremely different from my church at home.

First off, the entire service was in German and my beginner skills weren't enough to understand much more than the general topic. The service itself was far more traditional that what I'm used to but it was a great experience and the building was absolutely gorgeous!  

After the service ended, my host mom took me to see the catholic church. (above) 

I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of what I've been up to lately! I know many of you have been begging for more pictures and I'll try to get some up later but it's getting late here and I have language camp in the morning so I'm going to call it a day. Stay posted for more picutres soon :-)

Safe and Sound Across the Atlantic

Hello All!!

As I write I am now in Germany and very happy to be here! Those of you who've traveled know that international travel isn't exactly the most exciting experience and understand why I am glad to have it behind me. Sadly, I didn't sleep much on the flight....but that's what I get for having two starbucks at the airport before I left :-) I did, however, learn the song patterns of United Airlines radio, find over 10 uncomfortable positions to sleep in, and watch Thor--which is totally awesome :-)

I have many more exciting experiences to share but I'll save those for a longer post. This is just an update to let everyone know I'm here and I'm safe and I'm loving Germany and my family already!

My Final Days in the U.S.A.

It has been four days since I left Oregon and right now I am sitting in the DC airport waiting to board my flight to Frankfurt Germany--but don't worry, I haven't been stuck in the airport for the last few days in the world's longest layover. So, let me give you a picture of what exactly my last few days in the United States were like.

Sunday the entire CBYX* group--all 50 of us--arrived in Washington and after reaching the hotel, most of us collapsed from exhaustion. After a two hour nap, I went Starbucks hunting and was quite successful :-) Sunday evening we began our orientation which consisted of classes to prepare and equip us for our exchange in Germany. After the session I rent for a run in the workout room and went to bed.

Monday and Tuesday both consisted of more sessions of orientation and as many sightseeing opportunities as the organization could squeeze in for us. The weather in DC was....nothing like the Oregon coast with temperatures creeping towards 100 and humidity kept everyone feeling sticky and gross!

The highlight of the trip for me was the meetings at the Senate and House offices. Due to the current debt ceiling bill that was being voted on by the Senate while we were visiting, we were unable to meet with any Senators :-( I guess the debt ceiling is more important...;-) However, we were able to meet with the staff and aids of Rep. DeFazio, and Senators Wyden and Merkley. The meetings were interesting and Senator Merkley's staff organized a private tour of the capital building for us. :-)))

Now I'm at the airport, soaking up my last few hours of America, but also excitedly awaiting my flight that will take me to my new life in Germany. At the moment my butterflies are sleeping and the only thing I feel is excitement...and some exhaustion....although I sense the butterflies may wake up when the plane lands in Frankfurt. But for now, I'm still at the top of the roller coaster, the height of the honeymoon period, and soaking up the complete awesomeness I'm experiencing.

In 2 hours--at 5:23 east coast time, my flight will depart and will land on German soil 8 hours later!!!! Once we land the 50 students will split up into three different groups based on what language we'll attend. I'll be traveling by train to Dusseldorf where I will live with a temp family while attending language camp for 3 weeks.

It is actually happening. I'm SOOOOO excited!

*CBYX--Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange. The CBYX program is a scholarship sponsored by the State Dept. for high school students to study abroad in Germany for a school year. CBYX students, such as myself, are students studying in Germany through the program

From Hello to Goodbye

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster of a day Saturday the 30th was for me! It started while my entire family was still fast asleep and began to get ready for the day. I looked in the mirror and decided I was very unhappy with my bangs. In an effort to fix this tragedy, I pulled out a pair of good old paper scissors and snipped away....creating an entirely new catastrophe. Just to set things straight--I am not one to be this irrational and am still fully convinced I wasn't completely awake at the time I committed the crime on my bangs.

Well, you don't want an entire blog entree on my bangs so I'll sum things up by saying my mom awoke to me in tears in the kitchen (fully awake) and trying to find a solution to my problem. But like she always does, mom came through and did a quick fix on my bangs--and they actually turned out really cute! yay!

Don't worry though, it takes more than a hair crisis to send my day off on an emotional roller coaster. ;-) At about 8:30am, I pulled out of my driveway with my family for the last time this year.The fact that I was leaving still hadn't set in though. Eight hours later, we stood at the Portland airport for an exciting reunion with Caleb who spent the summer in Russia. This was a high point on the roller coaster and seeing him again helped me forget my butterflies

Then I had my last dinner with my family...very bittersweet. My butterflies and I weren't very hungry, although my salad was delicious, but I made myself force down the nutrition. A few games of Apples to Apples followed at the hotel along with stories and pictures from Caleb's amazing trip and before I knew it I was back at Portland Airport.

At 11:45pm, tears streamed down my cheeks as I bid my family one final farewell--actually, it was only a "see you later", but it felt more permanent than that. Once through security, with a final blown kiss and wave goodbye, I continued on to my gate and realized that the months of waiting were over and my adventure had begun.

Once I began to get over the pain of the goodbyes, reality set it and with an excitement stronger than any I've felt yet and it was only multiplied by traveling with two other German bound teens. The three of us reached DC safely and are now enjoying our few days of orientation and preparing for our language camp and families in Germany.

Once again, I'm at the top of the roller coaster!