Day 11: 'Here Comes the Sun'

Guten Tag! Well, it is almost 5:30 p.m. here, but for most of you, it is still morning! So, today was again quite an interesting day. For me, it was Day 2 of my new class and I am loving it!! The teacher is SO nice and it really is more engaging than my previous class. One of the other Union girls and I were not required to talk the test that was given today since we had only been in the class for one day, but we completed it anyway just to see how we would do. It was such much less complicated than American tests and even the German tests at Union! It's been nice to finally understand some of the grammar which had never really stuck in my head before.

So, with this new teacher, there is much more interacting and class and we even use the media center. Overall, it is such a better fit for me and has completely turned around my outlook on everything. The weather also has greatly affected my mood in a positive way. No longer are we all cooped up indoors! It was nice to walk across the city as Andrea and I completed our scavenger hunt in the sunny weather. We also have better adapted to ordering food and knowing our way around Freiburg! So, things are really looking up around here. I have a bit of homework to do, but it really is nothing compared to the work we get back home. It's been nice to have the opportunity to experience the German culture rather than be tied down by so much work.

This weekend, we might do some traveling. There's a trip to Paris with the Goethe Institute, but it costs at least 100 Euro and I think we might just travel to Stuttgart (about two hours away from Freiburg) instead. It will be interesting to see another part of Germany. I'm not sure what I will do tonight; maybe some cooking, nothing too stressful. Maybe I will even indulge in an evening stroll. I hope that everyone is having a nice day! Is the sun back on the East Coast? 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 10: Breisach am Rhein

Hallo! And thanks for sending the nice weather this way! I am sitting outside on the Gaestehaus patio and enjoying the evening sun! I feel like I never explained this word very well...it's the student dorm or "guest house." So, I hear that the NY weather has taken a turn for the April showers! I hope your nice weather returns soon, too! I have to admit that I was jealous before, though!

So, today was quite an interesting day. We had class in the morning and then went to Breisach am Rhein in the afternoon with our Union group. And I finally got changed to a new class today! I really am very happy with the new class. The teacher is nice, the material keeps me engaged, and it's been great to meet another group of students. I am also in class with two other Union students, which will continue to be beneficial. I even got invited to play volleyball today, although we didn't make it back from our excursion in time.

We met as a group at 2 pm and took the train to Bresisach, which is a little town on the border of France. It was interesting to see the different architecture and fortress which was used to keep the French out of the settlement! But, unfortunately, we lost a couple of Unionites on the way! We got off the train and realized that we would not see our friends for another hour since they had not known to get off at our stop! Luckily, it all worked out and they took the train back to Breisach only an hour later. I guess it all works out in the end!

Anyway, I hope the sun returns to New England some time soon, but please don't steal it away from Freiburg! I hope that everyone is doing well! Have a nice afternoon! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 9: Thermalbad

Hallo! This post is later than usual; it's been a busy day! Today, we traveled...somewhere...Well, I am not actually sure where we were, but it was definitely on the border of Germany, Switzerland, and France because we heard many different dialects! So, we had the day off from classes because that's just the way they do it here in Germany with holidays. It was a nice to have a long weekend right away, but I feel as if time is going by pretty slowly. We were at the Thermalbad today, which was like a resort with lots of hot tubs and swimming pools, all supposed to be relaxing a fun. It was quite an interesting experience, unlike anything I've ever seen before.

Everyone there seemed relaxed and never in a hurry. It was different to see how their lifestyles and mindsets differ so greatly from the American tendency to rush everywhere in panic. A few of the girls from our group decided to take pictures of one the color-changing pools and some of its inhabitants got very annoyed with the cameras. I thought that was also interesting that they seemed to much against it. But other than the pools, the place itself was really neat--there was this intricate coin-key-locker system which ensured that your valuable and clothing were locked up, while also allowing you to get changed in private. Andrea and I decided to explore some of the different spas and overall, it was a very enjoyable day. It was nice to take a train and see the different sights in the countryside. It's also been great to have the opportunity to cook for ourselves. I've been glad to eat fairly healthy, too!

On another note, we've found that English really seems to be the "universal language," which is good for us in some ways, but not so great because it also does not force us to speak German all of the time. Hopefully, my German will still continue to improve! I am looking forward to switching classes tomorrow, but more so just getting all of that stress figured out! I wish it would warm up a bit! I am missing my warm American clothing, although I am managing with what I have here. I am not homesick, but still missing the comforts of home! I hope everyone is having a nice day! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 8: Fröhliche Ostern

Part 1: Hallo! Guten Morgen und Fröhliche Ostern (Easter) to those who observe the holiday! Last night, we saw the "Bounty Hunter" auf Deutsch (although I didn't know that was the movie we were seeing). It was interesting to watch an American film dubbed over in German. And the Germans loved it--everyone was laughing throughout the entire movie. I understood the majority of the jokes, but the one that the most people laughed at I had no idea what was said! So afterwards, we got some gelato after the movie (everyone loves that stuff here) and headed back to the Gaestehaus to do some more homework.

Today, I joined in on the Easter breakfast. I also talked to a guy from Sweden who might be studying in the US next year. I'm planning on getting some more homework done today since the weather is cold and dreary outside. We have a scavenger hunt assignment to complete before next week, but it looks like we're going to have to put that off until Wednesday, when the weather is going to be better. I hear it is gorgeous over there in New York-I'm jealous! So, nothing new to really talk about. I'm trying not to get homesick, but I feel as if the only way I can do that is by continuously keeping busy. But anyway, hope everyone is doing well back home! We have the day free tomorrow, so we are going to a Thermalbad (a therapeutic natural bath/pool). Anyway, we're headed to the train station to pick up Professor Nelson's family friend. Missing you all! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Part 2: Hallo again! It's been interesting to do these two-part blogs this weekend. Since the last time I wrote, much has happened. Well, it seems that way at least. So, we picked up the friend at the train station and showed her around town a bit. I decided to go on a run by the river once we returned to the Gaestehaus. I ended up going alone, but I had walked the path yesterday and I was reassured that the area was safe. It was a nice experience, but I definitely think that I need a running partner! So, when I returned, I decided that I wanted to try again to get into the small tv/workout room at the student dorms. I think I have found my silent sanctuary! At least for now, I am happy to have an alternative space in order to just regroup and relax. This afternoon was really one of those times that a deep breath and working through things made a big difference. I felt like my real self, genuinely excited and positive, by dinnertime tonight. Hopefully, I can keep that feeling up and discover how my identity can be reflected in this different language and culture. Well, I hope that everyone who celebrates Easter had a nice holiday and for those that don't, I'm sure your day was beautiful, also. Please send some of that warm New England weather over this way! Alright, well I am going to do just a bit more reading and then head to bed.'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 7: One week down!

Part 1: Hallo meine Fruede! Today is Saturday and it is another relaxing day. I haven't done much this morning other than homework, but it was nice to have the opportunity to have some peace and quiet for a little while!

Anyway, it is only about 7 am for all of you in the U.S., but it is after 1 pm for us all on German time! In 45 minutes we will be meeting with a German poet, but not a poet from Germany, instead a "foreign" author who writes in German! It will be interesting to hear the perspective and experience of someone who does not write in their "mother tongue." Nothing much else to write about at the moment. I might update today's entry a little later.'Til next time...Tschuess!

Part 2: Hallo again! Here's an extended version to my post. It is now after dinnertime here in Freiburg and we are taking advantage of some downtime in order to relax a bit and get more homework done. Andrea and I "cooked" dinner. Well, we made a salad and she heated up some wurst to go with it. Tonight's meal was definitely a nice change from the sandwiches and brot (bread) I've been living off...although it is quite difficult to get tired of eating the delicious pretzels here!

This afternoon, we had a discussion and poetry reading with the acclaimed poet I mentioned earlier in this post. I'm not exactly sure of the spelling of her name, but it's something along the lines of Dragica Ricici. It was actually a very enjoyable experience; her sense of humor and ability to convey different aspects of life were shown through her work across many languages. I found it interesting that she had lived in the US previously and she told us that the second she stepped foot on American soil, she felt that she was at home in the multiculturalism. I'd never really heard anyone say that before, so I thought that was "sehr toll" (very cool). So, we might go out to a movie tonight or walk around town a bit. Tomorrow is Easter and there will be services at the big church in town, or the "Muenster." Don't know if they'll be seeing me there, but I will at least go to the Easter brunch in the Gaestehaus! Missing you all back home! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 6: Black Forest

Hallo all! Hope everyone is doing well! Currently, I am sitting in the second floor (known as the first floor to the Germans) student lounge. I had about three minutes of peace and quiet to myself until two very loud-speaking people decided to join me and talk on their phones! Oy vey! Well, hopefully I can concentrate enough to write this post...

Well, since my last post, we hung out with some other students our age. But what we found was that amongst the youth in Europe, smoking is much more popular than it is in the United States. Even though the German cigarette packaging boast slogans like "You're killing babies," it's interesting that our anti-smoking campaigns in the U.S. have cut down so much more on smoking!

Now on to today: All of us in the Union group ended up going on the picnic-hike through the Black Forest, which was offered by the Geothe Institute. It was actually a lot of fun and just what I needed! I had a really nice time just being outdoors and seeing the other side of German culture. And it was lot of fun just hanging out with my Union friends, although it was strange to talk in English for most of the time. I think that a little break from the stress of living in another culture was just what I needed. And it was great to see all of the beautiful scenery and all of the dogs and little kids out and about!

So, 4.5 hours later, I came back to the Gaestehaus. Since then, I've been reorganizing my belongings, doing some homework, and actually catching up with my roommate. It's been pretty difficult for me to be in such a public atmosphere and to have a roommate who is in the room for the majority of the day. But, I was doing to homework in the room today and we had a real conversation auf Deutsch (in German)! I think the whole interaction was a learning experience and I was happy with how well things went in just engaging in conversation with her.

Alright, well it's becoming harder for me to concentrate with all of this chatter around me! Once again, I hope that all is well! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 5: "April, April"

Hallo, Freunde! Wie geht's? I hope that all is well at home! Happy April Fool's Day, also known as "April, April" in Deutschland! Today has been quite a long Thursday. For most of you, it is barely noon. But here it is almost dinner time!

Today was our last day of classes before the Easter weekend break. I am very glad that the week is over and that I can enjoy some time off this weekend. We had not only our regular Goethe Institute classes today, but also the Union-run German history class. So, I arrived at Goethe at 8:30 am and did not officially leave until 4 pm. That might not sound like a long day to some, but to an American college student it is a lifetime! But still, we all survived it and finally are able to relax a bit in the Gaestehaus!

So, I am definitely going to be switching classes, but my teacher has not told me which one I will be changing into. I think I did very well communicating with her my thoughts and intentions on wanting a more challenging course, which is a good thing! I understand that it is important to gain experience and knowledge on spoken German, but sometimes I feel as if I am being judged by my tendency to speak in somewhat soft-spoken voice. I really do not find it just that I was put in a lower level class if it was based solely on my interview. I believe that I did fairly well on the written test and I even spoke in German for the entrance exam while those placed higher conducted theirs in English and have taken fewer classes than me. What I am noticing is that in a world whose vast majority are extroverts who enjoy constant social interactions, there is a common misunderstanding of the quiet introverts. I hope that I will have the opportunity to overcome these misconceptions and look forward to (hopefully) challenging myself in a higher level class and demonstrating that being an introvert does not mean that one is compulsory loner in society!!

Well, I must get some homework done so I can enjoy the weekend! Hope you are all doing fine!'Til next time...Tschuess!

Note: I have created a few extra "pages" relating to my class assignments. These include a video interview, etc. The assignments will not be completed often until the end of the term, but check back then if you are interested in viewing them!