For all the glamorous appeal of being a foreign exchange student, when it boils down to it, all that means is being separated from everything and everyone you know, and being thrown into a world where you never understand what people are saying, and thusly not being easily able to make friends, and spending most time idle.
However, I mean not to complain. Honestly I can take all that. I do not crumble over mere things like boredom or lack of friends (at hand).
But what I mean to say is, I am finally starting to feel like it isn't so. Last night I went to a party, and I had a lot of fun, and I spoke in german the whole time (with a horribly american accent, and with horrible grammar, but hey...). Not to say that people spoke to me in German. Someone would ask me a question, and I couldn't hear over the blaring music, so I ask them to repeat, and they immediately switch to english, thinking I couldn't understand. It's like "No, it's just you speak fast and I can't hear you... but I do speak german, you know!" When people switch to english so quickily, I never know if I should be offended (because they assume I'm ignorant of the language, when the only problem is I didn't hear) or be grateful (because it english really is easier). I had an entire conversation where I spoke in German and he spoke in English, but that was only because he wanted to practice his English with me, and I refuse to speak in English unless it's something I can't say in German.
I bought "Alice im Wunderland" so that should make for good reading. I also have Twilight and the first Harry Potter in german. I got them because they are not written too complicatedly, and I will always understand what's going on since I've read them in english. Also I'm reading Animorphs in german from the library. And the Lord of the Rings - but in english. Not in german, that'd be way to hard for me. Except Dominik is reading it in english, which i find to be impressive because LOTR is thick reading (well he hasn't started yet because he's so "busy" aka designed pizza web programs and building a 3d replica of his house on google earth and other streber-ish things.)
But really, I can't wait until I can actually READ in german, for real. Before I go home, I'll have to go on a book buying rampage, because it's not like you can find german books in a store at home, and here there are millions. 'course there's always internet purchasing, but then there's also international shipping prices...
I know you guys will be like "Waahh we wanna hear about Austria, waahh!", but honestly there's not a lot to tell. I never really knew the names of all the places I saw, so I can't truly say where I've been. A lot of beautiful old cathedrals, and a frikking huge graveyard that had a bunch of famous people that I generally didn't know, except Beethoven (I mean, except it had Beethoven and I know who beethoven is). Basically I just saw a lot of elegance and extravagance... I was only there for 2 days, remember. The train ride went through the Czech republic, through Prague (is that how it's spelled in english? It's "Prag" in german), anyway so I spent a good 6 or so hours in Czech each way.
That's all for now because I dont feel like writing anymore.
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Mein Ersten Tag in der Schule
Today was my first day of school. My host mum drove me there, 30 minutes early so the principal could help me get my classes and such sorted out. The principal made me wait about 40 minutes (and my host mum had left by this time), and then escorted me to a classroom full of teenagers said I was a new student, and left me in the classroom. I was like WTF! What class even is this? What's going on? And everyone just chit chattered for another half hour or more, before the teacher, who happened to be the principal lady again, arrived, and was speaking in German and I'm like Ohhhh nooo, what is going on??? Anyway, she put all these papers around the room, and everyone was looking at them and writing stuff down, so I got up and looked, and they were class schedules, but my name wasn't on any of the lists, so I attempted to ask the principal what was going on.... she directed me to a gal named Christine, and said I would just follow her around for a week, and then change classes later if I wish.
So when Christine had her schedule sorted out, I looked at it, and it was mostly good (Math, german, english, chemistry, physics, biology, art) but also not great (french, geography, P.E., and history). And yes, all of those classes, amazingly fit onto one schedule. Now, I promptly got French switched out for Spanish, and with a bit of work I managed to worm my way out of P.E. (they call it Sport, but it sounds like "shport"). I thought about wriggling my way out of history too, but that would probabl be pushing my luck for the first day. I asked to be put into philosophy class, but apparently they only have it after normal school time, and it's not for a grade. I pointed out that for me, the whole year counted for nothing really, so not being for a grade doesn't make a whole lot of difference.
Also before that, the principal went on about the class rules and such, which I pretty much didn't understand. She said something about eating and drinking, but I'm not sure if she said you ARE or AREN'T allowed to do such in class. I'm assuming its a no, just to be safe.
And then class got out at like 10! it was ridiculous. I was there until 10:30 (thats when I was getting my schedule rearranaged) and I was meant to ride the bus home (the public city transport, not a school bus) but I couldn't decode the bus schedule, and I think it said the next bus was coming in an hour, so I was like "wtf, I could walk home by then!" And so I did. It was better than paying money for a bus I would have to wait an hour for, and not even knowing if it was the right bus. I live 2.5 km from the school, so it was a long walk but not terrible. Kind of nice, except when I wasn't positive I was going the right way.
Anyway, so that, my dears, was my first day of school. Very confusing yet very uneventful. So, my classes, thusly, are as follows :: English, German, Spanish, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, and Art. And it's all taught in German. And YOU though YOU had a tough course load, eh? We'll see how this goes.
So, as for other news. I washed my clothes, and firstly, I never separate my lights and darks, because I usually only have one load anyway, and don't want to bother with it. I had a bright maroon pair of leggings I was putting into the wash, and I eyed them suspisciously as if to warn them "now don't you cause trouble, you hear?". And what do you know, all of my white clothes are now a soft pink. At first I was upset, but now honestly, I don't mind because its kind of a nice color. Well... I don't know why but I thought that was important.
Hmm what else? Two nights ago I had my first real conversation in german, meaning, one that was more than a few exchanged lines, and that didn't require constant translating into English. It was kind of nice, kind of fun. All of my hard work and frusteration is rewarded, by what? A 20 minute conversation in German... woo hoo? But really, this is my 5th week. How much spanish could you speak after 5 weeks?
Ahh, so viele Fliegen! Erg. Get, get!
My diet is almost entirely comprised of bread, nutella, rice or noodles, and fried vegetables with a little bit of meat. Also some cheese and fruit. That doesn't even sound very normal for germany, eh? From what I've seen, here is the most typical german meal imaginable.
To drink - Beer, carbonated water, and Apfelshorle (carbonated apple juice)
To eat - Bread, wurst (sausage of some sort), potato salad, and maybe sauerkraut salad.
Luckily I like all of those things except wurst and sauerkraut in excess.
Anyway, I supposed that's all my little mind can think up for now.
Tschüsie!
So when Christine had her schedule sorted out, I looked at it, and it was mostly good (Math, german, english, chemistry, physics, biology, art) but also not great (french, geography, P.E., and history). And yes, all of those classes, amazingly fit onto one schedule. Now, I promptly got French switched out for Spanish, and with a bit of work I managed to worm my way out of P.E. (they call it Sport, but it sounds like "shport"). I thought about wriggling my way out of history too, but that would probabl be pushing my luck for the first day. I asked to be put into philosophy class, but apparently they only have it after normal school time, and it's not for a grade. I pointed out that for me, the whole year counted for nothing really, so not being for a grade doesn't make a whole lot of difference.
Also before that, the principal went on about the class rules and such, which I pretty much didn't understand. She said something about eating and drinking, but I'm not sure if she said you ARE or AREN'T allowed to do such in class. I'm assuming its a no, just to be safe.
And then class got out at like 10! it was ridiculous. I was there until 10:30 (thats when I was getting my schedule rearranaged) and I was meant to ride the bus home (the public city transport, not a school bus) but I couldn't decode the bus schedule, and I think it said the next bus was coming in an hour, so I was like "wtf, I could walk home by then!" And so I did. It was better than paying money for a bus I would have to wait an hour for, and not even knowing if it was the right bus. I live 2.5 km from the school, so it was a long walk but not terrible. Kind of nice, except when I wasn't positive I was going the right way.
Anyway, so that, my dears, was my first day of school. Very confusing yet very uneventful. So, my classes, thusly, are as follows :: English, German, Spanish, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, and Art. And it's all taught in German. And YOU though YOU had a tough course load, eh? We'll see how this goes.
So, as for other news. I washed my clothes, and firstly, I never separate my lights and darks, because I usually only have one load anyway, and don't want to bother with it. I had a bright maroon pair of leggings I was putting into the wash, and I eyed them suspisciously as if to warn them "now don't you cause trouble, you hear?". And what do you know, all of my white clothes are now a soft pink. At first I was upset, but now honestly, I don't mind because its kind of a nice color. Well... I don't know why but I thought that was important.
Hmm what else? Two nights ago I had my first real conversation in german, meaning, one that was more than a few exchanged lines, and that didn't require constant translating into English. It was kind of nice, kind of fun. All of my hard work and frusteration is rewarded, by what? A 20 minute conversation in German... woo hoo? But really, this is my 5th week. How much spanish could you speak after 5 weeks?
Ahh, so viele Fliegen! Erg. Get, get!
My diet is almost entirely comprised of bread, nutella, rice or noodles, and fried vegetables with a little bit of meat. Also some cheese and fruit. That doesn't even sound very normal for germany, eh? From what I've seen, here is the most typical german meal imaginable.
To drink - Beer, carbonated water, and Apfelshorle (carbonated apple juice)
To eat - Bread, wurst (sausage of some sort), potato salad, and maybe sauerkraut salad.
Luckily I like all of those things except wurst and sauerkraut in excess.
Anyway, I supposed that's all my little mind can think up for now.
Tschüsie!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
HALLO MEINE FREUNDEN
Liz told me that I have to start a blog so I can share my long german tales with everyone. So, HI LIZ! HI EVERYONE ELSE. First, I have to tell you, that German keyboards are queer, and the y and z key are switched, so if I ever slip up and say something like "Have a nice daz, and i like to eat piyya" then you have to be forgiving of me. Also, I havent actually found the apostrophe yet, I think this is it ´ but its hard to reach, and I pretty much dont use it. Got it? Good.
Anyway, what did Michelle do today? Well my "siblings" took me on a mini tour of Falkensee, by bicycle. I havent really ridden in a long time. I can ride a bike just fine, no problems... except the bike was too tall for me (figures) and I cant stand still on the bike without hopping off the seat or falling off. How am I supposed to balance if my legs dont reach the ground, and Im not in motion? Anyway, so every time we had to stop at an intersection, I caused a big fiasco and embarressed myself, and attempted to explain in German... "Ich kann gut fahren, aber ich kann nicht halten oder gehen! Ich bin sehr kleine", et cetera. Anyway, so we went down to a small lake, which Im asuming is the Falken See itself. We got ice cream, which in german is just "ice" but its spelled like "Eis". And then rode back, idk how long, I think someone said it was 6 or 7 km.
So later, we had to make an escapade to the store. On bike. My rump was realllly sore, and when I got back on the bike, it was terrible because it was hurting me in the exact spot that I was sore! Maybe Im just a baby. Anyway, so yeah, we had to buy Bröt und Bananen und Äpfel und Käse und Kartofeln. What joy, what joy.
So now, here I am, with a terribly sore bottom.
Oh, but wait, my bed struggles! Okay, so my bed is like a futon. For the first two nights I just slept with it couch like, because it was comfortable enough by me. But then I decided to expand my experiences and try it folded out. Its the exact same except twice as big now. But for a foot or so, just on one half, it folds up (jeez, I am explaining this poorly, just pretend you know what Im talking about) and now I cant get it down. I should ask for help eventually. And my windows, now! I have these amazing blinds that completely block out the sun, which is great for sleeping, except I never want to wake up, because I feel like its 4 am even when its 10:30. I think I should com-promise with one window blinded and one not... wow I am so boring, I ought to cease typing. IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED LIZ?
Okay well thatll do pig, thatll do.
Anyway, what did Michelle do today? Well my "siblings" took me on a mini tour of Falkensee, by bicycle. I havent really ridden in a long time. I can ride a bike just fine, no problems... except the bike was too tall for me (figures) and I cant stand still on the bike without hopping off the seat or falling off. How am I supposed to balance if my legs dont reach the ground, and Im not in motion? Anyway, so every time we had to stop at an intersection, I caused a big fiasco and embarressed myself, and attempted to explain in German... "Ich kann gut fahren, aber ich kann nicht halten oder gehen! Ich bin sehr kleine", et cetera. Anyway, so we went down to a small lake, which Im asuming is the Falken See itself. We got ice cream, which in german is just "ice" but its spelled like "Eis". And then rode back, idk how long, I think someone said it was 6 or 7 km.
So later, we had to make an escapade to the store. On bike. My rump was realllly sore, and when I got back on the bike, it was terrible because it was hurting me in the exact spot that I was sore! Maybe Im just a baby. Anyway, so yeah, we had to buy Bröt und Bananen und Äpfel und Käse und Kartofeln. What joy, what joy.
So now, here I am, with a terribly sore bottom.
Oh, but wait, my bed struggles! Okay, so my bed is like a futon. For the first two nights I just slept with it couch like, because it was comfortable enough by me. But then I decided to expand my experiences and try it folded out. Its the exact same except twice as big now. But for a foot or so, just on one half, it folds up (jeez, I am explaining this poorly, just pretend you know what Im talking about) and now I cant get it down. I should ask for help eventually. And my windows, now! I have these amazing blinds that completely block out the sun, which is great for sleeping, except I never want to wake up, because I feel like its 4 am even when its 10:30. I think I should com-promise with one window blinded and one not... wow I am so boring, I ought to cease typing. IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED LIZ?
Okay well thatll do pig, thatll do.
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