The Saale River:
The village the Schloss protected:
The bridge leading to the Schloss:
A look inside the Schloss's well:
The hunting room:
A wide view of the Schloss from the observation tower:
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Schloss Burgk
Here are some pictures I took when my hostparents and I visited Schloss Burgk. It's a castle that was built in the 1100's and was never able to be seiged because it's protected by the Saale River and its steep cliffs and high walls. (Click the pictures for a bigger image.)
The Saale River:
The village the Schloss protected:
The bridge leading to the Schloss:
A look inside the Schloss's well:
The hunting room:
A wide view of the Schloss from the observation tower:
The Saale River:
The village the Schloss protected:
The bridge leading to the Schloss:
A look inside the Schloss's well:
The hunting room:
A wide view of the Schloss from the observation tower:
Friday, July 29, 2011
It's Been One Week...
Yup, that's right: today marks the one-week point since I've been here in Germany, and I have to say today was one of the best.
School (in the OLC) was more fun than it's ever been. We took a test, went over some of the answers, and then had a break. After the break, we watched the movie "Die Welle" (the Wave). It was really interesting. It was kind of sad at the end, though. After that, we had lunch which was chicken, potato dumplings and red cabbage. It was delicious! One of our instructors, Ole, ate at least six of the dumplings! After that, we had a bit of a break, and then regrouped to talk about the movie. Then we had yet another break, and came back to talk about role models.
After school, I walked with a friend to her bus stop and hung out with her until her bus came. We had wanted to try talking to people our age, but there weren't any there. So, after that, I went to the bookstore in Bad Lobenstein to see if I could find a small German dictionary. All they had were dictionaries in other languages or giant ones. However, I still have my German-English one. So, I should be able to manage.
I had a bit of time left after that. So, I went for a short walk through the town. I went by this pond (a picture of which is on my 365 project) and saw some ducks I'd never seen before. They were kind of pretty but I couldn't get any clear shots. I then left the pond and headed toward the train station.
On my way there, I noticed something in the road. I looked closer and saw a big brown toad (he was at least as big as the palm of my hand) trying to cross to the other side. I waited until the coast was clear (he almost got hit in that time) and then ran across the road, grabbing him up as I went. I put him safely on the other side and continued on my way.
I got to the train station with a little over 20 minutes until my train was supposed to come. So, I walked to the right Gleis (I'd gotten on the wrong train yesterday, but I got off before it left) and sat down to wait. This guy who had been sitting in front of the train station then came to sit in one of the other chairs. I thought about trying to talk to him, but I don't know what I would have said. It was a little awkward sitting there in silence with a perfect stranger, though. Anyway, when the train came, I got on and to Harra without incident. So, I'm pretty proud of myself for that.
Shortly after I got home and settled in, one of my hostmom's friends came over. After they talked for a little bit, they asked me to come over to help plan some trips. Tomorrow, I'm going to a fairly near-by castle with my hostparents and a fellow exchanger. We also talked about going to a really amaing-looking cave, a palace and some rock outcroppings near Dresden (I'd call them bluffs, but they're more stand-alone than that). Anyway, I'm pretty excited to play tourist for a while!
Also, I have to say I've probably drunk more apple juice in this past week than I have ever in my life. Carbonation FTW!
Bis später!
P.S. If you notice any obvious spelling mistakes, I blame it on the fact that the internet here thinks in German. So, when I use the spell-check, 98% of the words are underlined as wrong.
School (in the OLC) was more fun than it's ever been. We took a test, went over some of the answers, and then had a break. After the break, we watched the movie "Die Welle" (the Wave). It was really interesting. It was kind of sad at the end, though. After that, we had lunch which was chicken, potato dumplings and red cabbage. It was delicious! One of our instructors, Ole, ate at least six of the dumplings! After that, we had a bit of a break, and then regrouped to talk about the movie. Then we had yet another break, and came back to talk about role models.
After school, I walked with a friend to her bus stop and hung out with her until her bus came. We had wanted to try talking to people our age, but there weren't any there. So, after that, I went to the bookstore in Bad Lobenstein to see if I could find a small German dictionary. All they had were dictionaries in other languages or giant ones. However, I still have my German-English one. So, I should be able to manage.
I had a bit of time left after that. So, I went for a short walk through the town. I went by this pond (a picture of which is on my 365 project) and saw some ducks I'd never seen before. They were kind of pretty but I couldn't get any clear shots. I then left the pond and headed toward the train station.
On my way there, I noticed something in the road. I looked closer and saw a big brown toad (he was at least as big as the palm of my hand) trying to cross to the other side. I waited until the coast was clear (he almost got hit in that time) and then ran across the road, grabbing him up as I went. I put him safely on the other side and continued on my way.
I got to the train station with a little over 20 minutes until my train was supposed to come. So, I walked to the right Gleis (I'd gotten on the wrong train yesterday, but I got off before it left) and sat down to wait. This guy who had been sitting in front of the train station then came to sit in one of the other chairs. I thought about trying to talk to him, but I don't know what I would have said. It was a little awkward sitting there in silence with a perfect stranger, though. Anyway, when the train came, I got on and to Harra without incident. So, I'm pretty proud of myself for that.
Shortly after I got home and settled in, one of my hostmom's friends came over. After they talked for a little bit, they asked me to come over to help plan some trips. Tomorrow, I'm going to a fairly near-by castle with my hostparents and a fellow exchanger. We also talked about going to a really amaing-looking cave, a palace and some rock outcroppings near Dresden (I'd call them bluffs, but they're more stand-alone than that). Anyway, I'm pretty excited to play tourist for a while!
Also, I have to say I've probably drunk more apple juice in this past week than I have ever in my life. Carbonation FTW!
Bis später!
P.S. If you notice any obvious spelling mistakes, I blame it on the fact that the internet here thinks in German. So, when I use the spell-check, 98% of the words are underlined as wrong.
Monday, July 25, 2011
OLC Beginning
So, today was the first day of my OLC (Orientation and Language Camp). It was a lot of fun! I was actually excited to see my fellow CBYXers again! We caught each other up on what we'd been doing, compared notes on the differences we've discovered and just generally had a good time.
Today was a bit of a relaxed day. Mostly, it was just going over rules, getting to know each other a bit more and talking about what we expect to learn in the next month. Then, we went to lunch (I hate to say it, but the food wasn't that great) and went back for a bit of language study. After about two hours of that, we were assigned a bit of light homework and then sent on our way. I had wanted to hang out with the others who live in Bad Lobenstein for a bit right after, but my hostdad was picking me up, and he would have had to drive back out there to get me. However, I'll be taking the train back to Harra from here on out. The train doesn't leave for about an hour and 15 minutes after we end class. So, I should be able to do some hanging out in the next few days!
So, now comes my list. It's only been five days, but I already have 20 things to put on my list. I know not all of them apply to the whole of Germany, and some are things that some people already knew, but they're things that were new to me or kind of surprised me. Anyway, here we go.
1. Semi trucks here tend to have a sort of plastic sheet for siding instead of metal.
2. Newspapers in Germany are wider than ones I'm used to.
3. Not every road in Germany has lines to divide the traffic. So, when you're alone on the road, you can essentially drive in the middle. However, such roads are so narrow that it's kind of scary when a car comes around the bend, traveling in the opposite direction.
4. Smoking seems to be much more accepted here, or at least I see many more people who smoke here.
5. I'm sure this is common in all larger towns/cities, but I saw a bunch of pidgeons in a nearby larger town that weren't at all afraid of people (or cars, for that matter).
6. As we were driving to this city, I looked into one of the fields and saw a big flock of not turkeys, but crows. It was kind of strange to see that.
7. Based on my own experiences and those of the other exchangers, I've come to realize that Germans aren't shy about sexual things.
8. Apfelschorle has got to be one of the best things I've ever drunk.
9. Either speed limits are much higher here, or it just feels like it because of the hills, curves and stick-shift. I'm not sure which it is, but regardless, every time I've been driven somewhere, I feel like I'm in some kind of race.
10. Most Germans seem to have quite the habit of eating everything (and I mean everything) on their plates. They will actually take their knife and fork (or spoon, I suppose) and use their knife to push sauce or pieces of meat or whatever onto their fork so as not to waste anything. I feel so improper in comparison.
11. It's perfectly acceptable here to park halfway on the sidewalk.
12. It's normal to wear the same outfit multiple days in a row.
13. A lot of Germans I've met (particularly the males) make me feel like a dwarf.
14. If you've ever been to a German's home, you probably know what house shoes are. If not, then let me explain that it's not common to go barefoot (or even wearing just socks) in the house. People wear slippers or sandals of some sort (with socks, of course).
15. One thing that I think is really cool is that families who live in apartments or other homes without a yard get a plot of land to turn into a garden. Here in Harra, there is a nice hill filled with them. I visited a girl in Harra who's family has a garden like that. She took me to see it, and the view from there was absolutely amazing. I'll have to get a picture of it sometime.
16. On my bed here, I have a sheet that goes over the mattress (the kind with the elastic corners), a pillow and a comforter. That's it. No other kinds of sheets.
17. Windows in my house (and I'm sure others) open like doors: the hinges are on the side, and the swing in or out.
18. I don't think I've seen a window with a screen over it to keep the bugs out.
19. You know cocoa powder to make chocolate milk and hot chocolate? Well, I've seen banana powder.
20. I no longer have a closet for my clothes. Instead, I have a couple of cabinets.
So, that's my list for now. I'm sure I'll come up with more things, but I'll make a new list when the time comes.
Also, I wanted to share a short story with you guys. On my first night here while I was sleeping, I almost fell out of bed. I think it's because my bed in America is against a different wall. So, when I lie on my right side, I'm facing a wall and can move more that way. However, here, my bed is different. So, when I was sleeping on my right side, I moved more that way, and almost spilled onto the floor. It's weird how your body can get so used to things being a certain way.
Bis später!
Today was a bit of a relaxed day. Mostly, it was just going over rules, getting to know each other a bit more and talking about what we expect to learn in the next month. Then, we went to lunch (I hate to say it, but the food wasn't that great) and went back for a bit of language study. After about two hours of that, we were assigned a bit of light homework and then sent on our way. I had wanted to hang out with the others who live in Bad Lobenstein for a bit right after, but my hostdad was picking me up, and he would have had to drive back out there to get me. However, I'll be taking the train back to Harra from here on out. The train doesn't leave for about an hour and 15 minutes after we end class. So, I should be able to do some hanging out in the next few days!
So, now comes my list. It's only been five days, but I already have 20 things to put on my list. I know not all of them apply to the whole of Germany, and some are things that some people already knew, but they're things that were new to me or kind of surprised me. Anyway, here we go.
1. Semi trucks here tend to have a sort of plastic sheet for siding instead of metal.
2. Newspapers in Germany are wider than ones I'm used to.
3. Not every road in Germany has lines to divide the traffic. So, when you're alone on the road, you can essentially drive in the middle. However, such roads are so narrow that it's kind of scary when a car comes around the bend, traveling in the opposite direction.
4. Smoking seems to be much more accepted here, or at least I see many more people who smoke here.
5. I'm sure this is common in all larger towns/cities, but I saw a bunch of pidgeons in a nearby larger town that weren't at all afraid of people (or cars, for that matter).
6. As we were driving to this city, I looked into one of the fields and saw a big flock of not turkeys, but crows. It was kind of strange to see that.
7. Based on my own experiences and those of the other exchangers, I've come to realize that Germans aren't shy about sexual things.
8. Apfelschorle has got to be one of the best things I've ever drunk.
9. Either speed limits are much higher here, or it just feels like it because of the hills, curves and stick-shift. I'm not sure which it is, but regardless, every time I've been driven somewhere, I feel like I'm in some kind of race.
10. Most Germans seem to have quite the habit of eating everything (and I mean everything) on their plates. They will actually take their knife and fork (or spoon, I suppose) and use their knife to push sauce or pieces of meat or whatever onto their fork so as not to waste anything. I feel so improper in comparison.
11. It's perfectly acceptable here to park halfway on the sidewalk.
12. It's normal to wear the same outfit multiple days in a row.
13. A lot of Germans I've met (particularly the males) make me feel like a dwarf.
14. If you've ever been to a German's home, you probably know what house shoes are. If not, then let me explain that it's not common to go barefoot (or even wearing just socks) in the house. People wear slippers or sandals of some sort (with socks, of course).
15. One thing that I think is really cool is that families who live in apartments or other homes without a yard get a plot of land to turn into a garden. Here in Harra, there is a nice hill filled with them. I visited a girl in Harra who's family has a garden like that. She took me to see it, and the view from there was absolutely amazing. I'll have to get a picture of it sometime.
16. On my bed here, I have a sheet that goes over the mattress (the kind with the elastic corners), a pillow and a comforter. That's it. No other kinds of sheets.
17. Windows in my house (and I'm sure others) open like doors: the hinges are on the side, and the swing in or out.
18. I don't think I've seen a window with a screen over it to keep the bugs out.
19. You know cocoa powder to make chocolate milk and hot chocolate? Well, I've seen banana powder.
20. I no longer have a closet for my clothes. Instead, I have a couple of cabinets.
So, that's my list for now. I'm sure I'll come up with more things, but I'll make a new list when the time comes.
Also, I wanted to share a short story with you guys. On my first night here while I was sleeping, I almost fell out of bed. I think it's because my bed in America is against a different wall. So, when I lie on my right side, I'm facing a wall and can move more that way. However, here, my bed is different. So, when I was sleeping on my right side, I moved more that way, and almost spilled onto the floor. It's weird how your body can get so used to things being a certain way.
Bis später!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Germany: Day 1
It's late on my clock. So, I'm going to try to keep this fairly short.
Basically, the flight to Germany was really long. I didn't sleep too well (if at all), and there wasn't a ton to do, but the food was good and I was sitting next to some fun people.
Navigating the Frankfurt airport was kind of a challenge. There was a staff member there to point us in the right direction, but from then out, we were totally on our own. We hadn't really even been advised during our orientation on what we should do.
After we finally figured things out and got our boarding passes, we had about 4 hours to chill and relax. Some people got food, others slept, and a few went in search of other groups. I mostly just watched the other people's bags and eventually bought my first thing in Germany: a half liter bottle of Coke. I pretty much only did it to break a 5-Euro bill and get some Euro-change, but the dose of caffeine did help a bit.
Our flight was delayed a few minutes due to a part being changed, or something. However, when we finally got going with the flight, it seemed to breeze by so quickly. It felt like we were in the air for no more than 15 minutes (by the way, I added a new picture to my 365 project from this flight, so click the link to the right to check out my pictures)!
We got off the plane, found our baggage and went to the non-secure side of the airport to meet our temporary hostfamilies. My hostfamily wasn't there, but I ended up going with another exchanger and his family for a while. It was great! We had about an hour-long drive before we got to Bad Lobenstein. Along the way, we saw huge hills (some of which are pretty close to my hostfamily's house!), large forests and small villages randomly placed along the road. On the way, we stopped for some icecream (which was great), and when we got to their house, we ended up eating a lunch of spagehttie (which was also great).
Shortly after that, my hostparents came to get me. They are such nice people! Their dog is so sweet and makes me miss my own puppies. I also have my own room with this cool seating area connected to it. It's got a large couch, a TV, everything! I'm so excited about it! Plus, my hostparents speak almost no English. So, I think it will be relatively easy for me to get comfortable with actually speaking German!
I'm not sure what I'm doing over the weekend, but on Monday I start my OLC. I'm kind of excited because I'll be taking the train!
Also, I've kind of started compliling a list of things I notice are different between here and the States. Hopefully, I'll remember to post it eventually...
Bis später!
Basically, the flight to Germany was really long. I didn't sleep too well (if at all), and there wasn't a ton to do, but the food was good and I was sitting next to some fun people.
Navigating the Frankfurt airport was kind of a challenge. There was a staff member there to point us in the right direction, but from then out, we were totally on our own. We hadn't really even been advised during our orientation on what we should do.
After we finally figured things out and got our boarding passes, we had about 4 hours to chill and relax. Some people got food, others slept, and a few went in search of other groups. I mostly just watched the other people's bags and eventually bought my first thing in Germany: a half liter bottle of Coke. I pretty much only did it to break a 5-Euro bill and get some Euro-change, but the dose of caffeine did help a bit.
Our flight was delayed a few minutes due to a part being changed, or something. However, when we finally got going with the flight, it seemed to breeze by so quickly. It felt like we were in the air for no more than 15 minutes (by the way, I added a new picture to my 365 project from this flight, so click the link to the right to check out my pictures)!
We got off the plane, found our baggage and went to the non-secure side of the airport to meet our temporary hostfamilies. My hostfamily wasn't there, but I ended up going with another exchanger and his family for a while. It was great! We had about an hour-long drive before we got to Bad Lobenstein. Along the way, we saw huge hills (some of which are pretty close to my hostfamily's house!), large forests and small villages randomly placed along the road. On the way, we stopped for some icecream (which was great), and when we got to their house, we ended up eating a lunch of spagehttie (which was also great).
Shortly after that, my hostparents came to get me. They are such nice people! Their dog is so sweet and makes me miss my own puppies. I also have my own room with this cool seating area connected to it. It's got a large couch, a TV, everything! I'm so excited about it! Plus, my hostparents speak almost no English. So, I think it will be relatively easy for me to get comfortable with actually speaking German!
I'm not sure what I'm doing over the weekend, but on Monday I start my OLC. I'm kind of excited because I'll be taking the train!
Also, I've kind of started compliling a list of things I notice are different between here and the States. Hopefully, I'll remember to post it eventually...
Bis später!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day 1 in DC
So, I made it! I'm in DC, and I got there all by myself! I'm not going to lie, I'm a little proud of that!
My flights went well. The landing was a little rough on the first, and the second had some turbulence toward the end, but otherwise, they were fine. It was a little nerve wracking to hurry my way through the Atlanta airport, trying to make sure I got to the right concourse at the right time.
Meeting up with the other exchangers was pretty fun. It was nice to see some people I'd met before or talked to online. I liked those few hours we had to just sit around and mingle. What got a little trying was all the activities and discussions the YFU staff had us go through. There was a point where I was just too tired to really care what was being talked about (though I know most of it is for my own good).
Tomorrow could be fun, but I've got the feeling it won't be. We're doing some touring of the Capitol and some nearby museums. Then we're meeting with our representatives/sponsors. That's all fine and dandy, but it's supposed to be really hot and humid tomorrow. That's not going to be fun at all. I just hope I don't end up looking too sloppy by the end of it...
Oh well, it's one day, and then I'll just have a short while on Thursday before beginning the next leg of this trip!
Bis später!
My flights went well. The landing was a little rough on the first, and the second had some turbulence toward the end, but otherwise, they were fine. It was a little nerve wracking to hurry my way through the Atlanta airport, trying to make sure I got to the right concourse at the right time.
Meeting up with the other exchangers was pretty fun. It was nice to see some people I'd met before or talked to online. I liked those few hours we had to just sit around and mingle. What got a little trying was all the activities and discussions the YFU staff had us go through. There was a point where I was just too tired to really care what was being talked about (though I know most of it is for my own good).
Tomorrow could be fun, but I've got the feeling it won't be. We're doing some touring of the Capitol and some nearby museums. Then we're meeting with our representatives/sponsors. That's all fine and dandy, but it's supposed to be really hot and humid tomorrow. That's not going to be fun at all. I just hope I don't end up looking too sloppy by the end of it...
Oh well, it's one day, and then I'll just have a short while on Thursday before beginning the next leg of this trip!
Bis später!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Fond Farewells
Hey, everyone.
It's quarter to two, Sunday morning. I just got done cleaning up from my going-away party. I wanted to post this while the thoughts are still fresh in my mind.
I just wanted to thank you all. Thank you for coming and showing me your support. Thank you for wishing me well and giving me the confidence to stick to doing this. Thank you for giving me something to miss while I'm away. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to when I come back.
I hope you all know just how much you guys mean to me.
Bis später
It's quarter to two, Sunday morning. I just got done cleaning up from my going-away party. I wanted to post this while the thoughts are still fresh in my mind.
I just wanted to thank you all. Thank you for coming and showing me your support. Thank you for wishing me well and giving me the confidence to stick to doing this. Thank you for giving me something to miss while I'm away. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to when I come back.
I hope you all know just how much you guys mean to me.
Bis später
Friday, July 8, 2011
11-Day Countdown and Plans Made!
So, as you probably guessed from the title, today marks 11 days until I begin my journey. Can you believe it? 'Cause I can't! The time keeps going by faster and faster! Soon enough, I'll be getting up at 2:00 am to get ready for my first flight! It's inredibly excite (and almost as terrifying) to think that I have little more than a week left. I'm glad that the excitement is winning out!
Also, I figured today was a good day to repack my bags. So, I did. This time, I changed my strategy a bit and I managed to fit everything in nicely. My hostfamily gifts are nice and secure. My bags are within the size and weight limits. I don't have anything TSA would have to confiscate. Plus, I just have a couple of things left to toss into my bags. All's clear in the bag department!
And now onto the second part of my title. As those of you who have been following my blog probably know, I have a friend from Denmark who was an exchange student here this past year. Well, it seems like I'll be able to visit her during my exchange! In October, we both have a fall break, and her week-long break coincides with the first week of mine. So, I'll most likely be visiting then! I'm so excited to spend almost a week with her and spend time in her country. I can't wait to meet her friends and let her show me around her home!
Also, about a week after I arrive at my year-long hostfamily's house, my grade in school is going on a week-long "getting-to-know-you" type of trip. It sounds like it will be a great experience and a good way for me to get to know some people at my school. I'm so excited for it!
So, it looks like my exchange is shaping up to be a pretty amazing year. Now, all I have to do is wait for it to begin!
Bis später!
Also, I figured today was a good day to repack my bags. So, I did. This time, I changed my strategy a bit and I managed to fit everything in nicely. My hostfamily gifts are nice and secure. My bags are within the size and weight limits. I don't have anything TSA would have to confiscate. Plus, I just have a couple of things left to toss into my bags. All's clear in the bag department!
And now onto the second part of my title. As those of you who have been following my blog probably know, I have a friend from Denmark who was an exchange student here this past year. Well, it seems like I'll be able to visit her during my exchange! In October, we both have a fall break, and her week-long break coincides with the first week of mine. So, I'll most likely be visiting then! I'm so excited to spend almost a week with her and spend time in her country. I can't wait to meet her friends and let her show me around her home!
Also, about a week after I arrive at my year-long hostfamily's house, my grade in school is going on a week-long "getting-to-know-you" type of trip. It sounds like it will be a great experience and a good way for me to get to know some people at my school. I'm so excited for it!
So, it looks like my exchange is shaping up to be a pretty amazing year. Now, all I have to do is wait for it to begin!
Bis später!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Observations and Opinions
I find it interesting how many of the other exchangers I'm acquainted with on online are so excited about other exchange students living nearby. They talk about meeting up and hanging out and how much fun they'll have together. Don't get me wrong. I'm really looking forward to meeting other exchange students in DC and during my OLC in Bad Lobenstein. However, after that, I'm not sure I'll be too concerned about spending time with them. Not that exchang students aren't awesome people, but I would much rather spend my time with native Germans. I want to better my German, which will be easier to do with natives. I want to get a good feel for what it's like to live in Germany as a native. That's hard to do when you spend time with other non-natives.
It's nothing personal against other exchangers, I'd just rather spend my time with Germans while I'm in Germany. Am I the only one in this boat?
Bis später!
It's nothing personal against other exchangers, I'd just rather spend my time with Germans while I'm in Germany. Am I the only one in this boat?
Bis später!
Friday, July 1, 2011
365 Project Update
I've started to upload pictures to my 365 picture project! Here's a link to the first picture: 365 Project Day 1. I'll be putting a link to my picture calendar on the right-hand side of my blog. I plan to have a new picture everyday. So, check back often!
Bis später!
Bis später!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)