Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Update Part Deux

So, I got an e-mail from my mom today. Among other things, she mentioned that she had a moment when she thought about what I'm doing and missed me pretty bad. I wrote a reply to her, and I'm going to post it here, because I think it could be good for other exchange students to read (or not, who knows, but I hope it is).

I sometimes get those sort of moments, too. I stop and realize just exactly where I am, how long I've been here, and how long I've got left, then I get flooded with different emotions. First I kind of freak out; being so far from home, in a whole other country, without family - it's crazy. Then I'm kind of amazed. It's getting close to 7 months that I've been here. Over half a year, but it feels like time's flying. Then I get a mixture of happiness and saddness. I'm happy because in just under 5 months, I'll be on my way home. I'll get to see you guys, my friends, the dogs, my bed... everything that's been familiar to me my whole life. But, 5 months isn't a lot of time in the scheme of things. It's less than half a year, less than half my exchange. At the end of those five months, I'll be leaving this life, this family, my friends - without knowing when I'll get the chance to come back. But that just pushes me to want to make the most of my time here, and that's how I get over it. I talk with friends, I get out and do something, I live my life here.





Also, today in my math class, one of my friends asked when I'm leaving. I told her, and another asked if I'm going to have a going-away party, and he seemed happy that I said yes. Then this first girl and another said they're probably going to cry when I go. I said I would to. A while ago, one of these same girls told me it's weird for her when she thinks about going to school next year, and that I won't be there. It's just a such a great feeling to know I have real friends here who like having me around and who are going to miss me when I'm gone. It's one of those things that makes this whole experience really worth it.


Bis später!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Silvester!!

If there's one thing Germans know how to do, it's celebrating New Years.

In Germany, New Year's Eve is called Silvester (named after Pope Sylvester I who died on 30th December 335). Let's just say it's a pretty big deal here. People party it up from early evening until the clock strikes 12. Then, they go to the street, mountains of firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, and other pretty explosive things, and go light up the sky. It's pretty crazy what you can buy here in Germany (but only around Silvester time).

Also, it seems to be a German tradition to watch a video called "Dinner for One". All my friends find it absolutely histerical.
Dinner for One

So, that was how I spent my New Year's Eve: hanging out with friends, sharing a few drinks, lighting off things that go "boom", getting a taste of German humor, and just generally enjoying the night!

Oh, and on the 1st, my family and I ate home-made waffle cones with whipped cream and warm cherries. For brunch. Love it!

Bis später!