Woooooooow... I haven't posted in a while! I really meant to post after a few weeks being back in the States, but I somehow lost my log-in information. So, that made it kind of difficult. But I'm back now! And I've got a lot to talk about!
I'm sure many people who are reading this are reading my blog for the first time. So, it might be a good idea to start off with a brief introduction. My name is Jaymee, I'm 20 years old, and currently living in Germany. I grew up in southeastern Wisconsin, and spent my Senior year of high school on exchange in Germany (the events of which make up the current bulk of this blog).
After returning to the US and starting my first semester of college, I realized I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I knew it had to be something involving the German language or Germany itself, but I just couldn't make a concrete decision. So, I decided to take some time off to find myself and find my way in life. I convinced my parents to let their youngest child (and only daughter!) to leave the country (again) for another year. I arranged to return to Germany and work for a year as an au pair!
What is an au pair? Well, I'll tell you. An au pair is a young person (typically female) who wishes to spend time in a foreign country to learn the language and culture. In exchange for this opportunity (and a bit of monthly allowance), this person agrees to work for and help a family with kids. Au pairs get to live with the family in their home, and thereby take on some of the responsibilities of the household. They cook meals. They help get the kids ready for school, playdates, lessons of all sorts, and maybe bring the kids there. They do a bit of cleaning now and then. Some even teach the kids their native language. Being an au pair means helping out a busy family while getting the chance to learn something about another land. It's not always easy, but it's certainly an incredible experience.
I think that's good for now. I've got a lot more I could write about, but I feel this is a good amount for the "first" post. I plan on writing about the visa process, what I've experienced this time around in Germany, what I plan to do in the future, and more. If you have any questions for me or topic suggestions, please leave a comment below!
I hope you enjoy!
Bis bald,
Jaymee
P.S. I just noticed this is post 100! Woohoo!!
P.P.S. If you have an exchange blog or au pair blog, and would like me to add it to my list of blogs, feel free to post the URL!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
One Week in America
So, I've been back in the States since a week. I have to say, it's kind of a weird feeling. It almost feels as though my exchange never happened, like I was never really in Germany. Or like I was only gone for a few weeks. In retrospect, it all seems to have gone by so quickly.
I'm finally getting over my jetlag and getting readjusted to life here. I'm sure that, like all Germans/Europeans, two things kept catching my attention: the huge cars and the American flags. Both are everywhere! But I'm starting to get used to it again.
Not much has changed here. I finally have my own room (after having to share one with my brothers for years). And I have arranged and decorated it to my likings. One whole wall is filled with various paper items I collected over the year (picture below). My family also has a new addition: a 9-month-old German shepard-black lab mix, who is way too big for his own good. The outside of the house got a new paint job, and the shack has a new roof. Other than that, it's pretty much life as usual here.
I guess you guys might like to hear a bit about my trip back to the US. Three of my friends rode with me on the train to Hamburg, which was nice, because I had three pieces of luggage, and they were happy to help out. Saying goodbye was kind of tough. We all cried. They gave me a book with pictures from my going away party and where each person there wrote a message to me. It made me cry as I was waiting for my first flight.
I had a layover in Dublin, in which I got my passport stamped for no reason (I was confused by the signs and where I had to go next). And I got to the next plane just as they were calling the final time for people to get on board, because we had to go through customs there. I got to meet someone, though, who had also spent the year in Germany, which was kind of neat. He goes to college in Wisconsin.
On the flight to Chicago, I sat next to a girl who had also spent the year abroad, but she had done a semester in England and a semester in Germany. That flight wasn't too bad, except for the fact that I couldn't sleep at all, because my seat was stuck in the up-right position and a kid kept kicking the back of my seat. However, we finally made it to Chicago, where I then had 3 hours to hang out in the airport.
I decided I wanted to surprise my family with the dirndl I bought. So, when I had about an hour left, I changed into and waited for my flight. I got a few strange looks and one lady asked me about it, which led to a nice conversation about my exchange year. I was really excited to get going once we were allowed to board.
The flight to Milwaukee took just about 20 minutes, and they flew by (no pun intended)! I called my mom as soon as we landed. When they opened the doors, I hurried out, grabbed my bag and made my way toward baggage. As soon as I came out of the secure area, my family was there. It was so nice to see them again! We hugged and laughed. My dad told me he's a fan of the dirndl.
On the drive home, I had my first rootbeer in over a year. It was great! We talked and joked and laughed just like it always has been in my family.
At the moment, I guess I'd have to say I'm pretty glad to be back, but that's not to say I don't miss Germany and everyone there terribly. I know I'm going to go back. I just have to figure out when.
I'll be posting once more here, probably in another couple of weeks.
Bis dann!
I'm finally getting over my jetlag and getting readjusted to life here. I'm sure that, like all Germans/Europeans, two things kept catching my attention: the huge cars and the American flags. Both are everywhere! But I'm starting to get used to it again.
Not much has changed here. I finally have my own room (after having to share one with my brothers for years). And I have arranged and decorated it to my likings. One whole wall is filled with various paper items I collected over the year (picture below). My family also has a new addition: a 9-month-old German shepard-black lab mix, who is way too big for his own good. The outside of the house got a new paint job, and the shack has a new roof. Other than that, it's pretty much life as usual here.
I guess you guys might like to hear a bit about my trip back to the US. Three of my friends rode with me on the train to Hamburg, which was nice, because I had three pieces of luggage, and they were happy to help out. Saying goodbye was kind of tough. We all cried. They gave me a book with pictures from my going away party and where each person there wrote a message to me. It made me cry as I was waiting for my first flight.
I had a layover in Dublin, in which I got my passport stamped for no reason (I was confused by the signs and where I had to go next). And I got to the next plane just as they were calling the final time for people to get on board, because we had to go through customs there. I got to meet someone, though, who had also spent the year in Germany, which was kind of neat. He goes to college in Wisconsin.
On the flight to Chicago, I sat next to a girl who had also spent the year abroad, but she had done a semester in England and a semester in Germany. That flight wasn't too bad, except for the fact that I couldn't sleep at all, because my seat was stuck in the up-right position and a kid kept kicking the back of my seat. However, we finally made it to Chicago, where I then had 3 hours to hang out in the airport.
I decided I wanted to surprise my family with the dirndl I bought. So, when I had about an hour left, I changed into and waited for my flight. I got a few strange looks and one lady asked me about it, which led to a nice conversation about my exchange year. I was really excited to get going once we were allowed to board.
The flight to Milwaukee took just about 20 minutes, and they flew by (no pun intended)! I called my mom as soon as we landed. When they opened the doors, I hurried out, grabbed my bag and made my way toward baggage. As soon as I came out of the secure area, my family was there. It was so nice to see them again! We hugged and laughed. My dad told me he's a fan of the dirndl.
On the drive home, I had my first rootbeer in over a year. It was great! We talked and joked and laughed just like it always has been in my family.
At the moment, I guess I'd have to say I'm pretty glad to be back, but that's not to say I don't miss Germany and everyone there terribly. I know I'm going to go back. I just have to figure out when.
I'll be posting once more here, probably in another couple of weeks.
Bis dann!
The Wall of Stuff
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Ich Liebe Diese Tage
So, I've got just seven days left in this country. Unbelievable. This year has gone by so fast. I've experienced so much and have really had the best times of my life. Summer has finally come - for this week at least - and I've been to the lake almost every day this week. I've even managed to get a bit of color without turning into a lobster! I also went shopping with a couple of friends today. I wanted to get something for my going-away party on Friday. I found a pretty dress and perfectly matching jewelry all for under 25 Euros. Not bad!
It's just amazing to think that, had I not extended my stay here, I would have never had these experiences. I wouldn't have had the chance to go to the beach with my friends, because the weather was never nice enough. I wouldn't have been able to just hop on my bike and ride into town for a dish of icecream or to go to the town's fair. I wouldn't have been able to have a little campfire on the rivershore late at night. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go with friends to an XXL restaurant (where everything you order is XXL or bigger) and stuffed myself and laughed myself to tears on the way back. There's just so much I would have missed out on.
There's a German song that fits perfectly to these perfect days. Here's my translation:
Diese Tage - KRIS
I love these days. (2x)
It's 7:30, the sun's shining.
The sky is blue, baby, that's how it should be.
I'll pack my things,
today we're going to the beach.
The time has been going by too quickly
Thoughts, ghosts and black clouds which have followed me,
As of today, they're gone forever
Life's got me again, today's perfect
I listen to my favorite songs on repeat,
Remember the good times.
My life's a party, nothing can bother me now.
It's going to get loud, because no one hears when it's quiet.
Yeah, no one hears when it's quiet.
Refrain (2x)
I love these days.
It doesn't matter how bad it was.
I don't want to complain.
I love these days!
I'm burning my old life in the backyard,
I go running again, get fit,
Now it's getting started.
I won't order fastfood again, only self-made food.
Enjoy the day, stop stressing myself.
I throw out my old lyrics, sit in the studio,
Make everything new, everything better
Raise the roof
No boss, no appointments
Everything works out by itself, the perfect world
Refrain (2x)
Refrain (4x)
And the original:
So, the next post I make is when I'm already back in America. Crazy thought, huh?
Bis dann
It's just amazing to think that, had I not extended my stay here, I would have never had these experiences. I wouldn't have had the chance to go to the beach with my friends, because the weather was never nice enough. I wouldn't have been able to just hop on my bike and ride into town for a dish of icecream or to go to the town's fair. I wouldn't have been able to have a little campfire on the rivershore late at night. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go with friends to an XXL restaurant (where everything you order is XXL or bigger) and stuffed myself and laughed myself to tears on the way back. There's just so much I would have missed out on.
There's a German song that fits perfectly to these perfect days. Here's my translation:
Diese Tage - KRIS
I love these days. (2x)
It's 7:30, the sun's shining.
The sky is blue, baby, that's how it should be.
I'll pack my things,
today we're going to the beach.
The time has been going by too quickly
Thoughts, ghosts and black clouds which have followed me,
As of today, they're gone forever
Life's got me again, today's perfect
I listen to my favorite songs on repeat,
Remember the good times.
My life's a party, nothing can bother me now.
It's going to get loud, because no one hears when it's quiet.
Yeah, no one hears when it's quiet.
Refrain (2x)
I love these days.
It doesn't matter how bad it was.
I don't want to complain.
I love these days!
I'm burning my old life in the backyard,
I go running again, get fit,
Now it's getting started.
I won't order fastfood again, only self-made food.
Enjoy the day, stop stressing myself.
I throw out my old lyrics, sit in the studio,
Make everything new, everything better
Raise the roof
No boss, no appointments
Everything works out by itself, the perfect world
Refrain (2x)
Refrain (4x)
And the original:
So, the next post I make is when I'm already back in America. Crazy thought, huh?
Bis dann
Thursday, July 19, 2012
366 Days Ago...
Exactly one year ago today was the last time I saw my home, my family and my friends. In two days, it will be a year since I was in the US.
Crazy how time flies, huh?
Bis Später
Crazy how time flies, huh?
Bis Später
Friday, July 13, 2012
Summer Break
The move last week went well. I managed to get all my things here safely, and I've settled in. It's been nice living here so far. I get along with the family quite well, and I don't have anything to complain about here.
Thursday was my last "real" day of school. Today, my class went bowling and then out to lunch together. Next week, I'm taking part in the other half of the Poland exchange. I'll be at school a few times during that week, but I won't be having any real classes.
The weather here still can't make up its mind. A few days ago, it was warm, sunny and humid. Now, it's rainy and chilly. Hopefully, the weather will decide to be warm in the next few weeks so that my last chunk of time here can be spent outdoors.
Bis später!
Thursday was my last "real" day of school. Today, my class went bowling and then out to lunch together. Next week, I'm taking part in the other half of the Poland exchange. I'll be at school a few times during that week, but I won't be having any real classes.
The weather here still can't make up its mind. A few days ago, it was warm, sunny and humid. Now, it's rainy and chilly. Hopefully, the weather will decide to be warm in the next few weeks so that my last chunk of time here can be spent outdoors.
Bis später!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Cologne, 365 Project, Packing
Last weekend, I visited some German Dheins who live close to Cologne. I arrived at the main station in Cologne at about 8PM on Friday. After we found each other, we went on a little tour of Cologne, seeing the cathedral, the Rhine, the city hall, among other things. At the end, we ate at a typical Cologne pub. Each pub in Cologne has its own special brand of the type of beer from Cologne (Kölsch). This beer is only sold at the pub that brews it. Of course, I had to have a sample to go with my typical Rheinland meal (Sauerbraten). Definitely a good way to end the night!
On Saturday, I went back to Cologne with the daughter who is my age. We first climbed to the top of the Cathedral (533 steps!). The view from there was amazing! Afterwards, we did a little bit of sight-seeing and souvenier shopping. Then we went to the Kaiser-Wilhelm bridge. The entire south side of hte bridge is covered in locks. It's tradition in Cologne for couples to put a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the river to symbolize their unending love. However, it's not unheard of that they will keep one key in order to remove the lock, just in case things don't work out.
Saturday afternoon and evening was spent grilling. The grandparents came to visit. I was given a personalized copy of the book about the history of my family. We spent the time eating, talking, and just enjoying each other's company.
On Sunday, I went with the mother and her boyfriend to Königswinter, where we climbed to the top of huge hill. There, we had an amazing view of the Rhine, Bonn, and even a bit of Cologne way off in the distance. Then we went to the palace a bit lower on the hill before seeing a bit of Königswinter itself and then Bonn. When we finally got back to their house, I needed a bit of rest. I slept for over an hour!
That evening, we watched the finale of the EM. Italy (who beat Germany) was playing against Spain. Spain ended up winning, which I guess is good. I mean, Italy beat out Germany. Why should they also win the title?
On Monday, I slept in as long as I could. I ate breakfast, then packed my bag and went for a walk with the daughter. Afterwards, I rested up a bit, read some of the book I received and later ate lunch. Then, it was time to go.
The weekend was really nice. The weather was great, the Dheins were really friendly (they really felt like family!), and some long-lasting memories were made. I'll definitely be seeing them again some time!
A short while ago, I finished packing my things. On Friday, I'm moving in with a friend for the rest of my time in Germany. It definitely was not an easy process, but just about everything is in a suitcase or bag of some sort. Thankfully, almost the entire contents of one of the suitcases won't be coming back with me. Hopefully, I'll manage to get everything back!
Also, I just wanted to mention I've finished the 365 Project! If you'd like, you can check it out by clicking on the links on the right hand side of the blog. They will take you to that month's photos. Hopefully, they serve as a good overview of this past year!
That's all for now!
Bis später!
On Saturday, I went back to Cologne with the daughter who is my age. We first climbed to the top of the Cathedral (533 steps!). The view from there was amazing! Afterwards, we did a little bit of sight-seeing and souvenier shopping. Then we went to the Kaiser-Wilhelm bridge. The entire south side of hte bridge is covered in locks. It's tradition in Cologne for couples to put a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the river to symbolize their unending love. However, it's not unheard of that they will keep one key in order to remove the lock, just in case things don't work out.
Saturday afternoon and evening was spent grilling. The grandparents came to visit. I was given a personalized copy of the book about the history of my family. We spent the time eating, talking, and just enjoying each other's company.
On Sunday, I went with the mother and her boyfriend to Königswinter, where we climbed to the top of huge hill. There, we had an amazing view of the Rhine, Bonn, and even a bit of Cologne way off in the distance. Then we went to the palace a bit lower on the hill before seeing a bit of Königswinter itself and then Bonn. When we finally got back to their house, I needed a bit of rest. I slept for over an hour!
That evening, we watched the finale of the EM. Italy (who beat Germany) was playing against Spain. Spain ended up winning, which I guess is good. I mean, Italy beat out Germany. Why should they also win the title?
On Monday, I slept in as long as I could. I ate breakfast, then packed my bag and went for a walk with the daughter. Afterwards, I rested up a bit, read some of the book I received and later ate lunch. Then, it was time to go.
The weekend was really nice. The weather was great, the Dheins were really friendly (they really felt like family!), and some long-lasting memories were made. I'll definitely be seeing them again some time!
A short while ago, I finished packing my things. On Friday, I'm moving in with a friend for the rest of my time in Germany. It definitely was not an easy process, but just about everything is in a suitcase or bag of some sort. Thankfully, almost the entire contents of one of the suitcases won't be coming back with me. Hopefully, I'll manage to get everything back!
Also, I just wanted to mention I've finished the 365 Project! If you'd like, you can check it out by clicking on the links on the right hand side of the blog. They will take you to that month's photos. Hopefully, they serve as a good overview of this past year!
That's all for now!
Bis später!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Five Weeks
Wow... I've just got a little more than a month (to the day) left in this country, but I don't want to make a post about that just yet.
What I do want to post about is that I am 6 posts away from hitting the 100 mark. So, what I am going to do I make one post a week until I reach that mark.
This is sort of a lame, filler-week, but I also wanted to let you guys know about my up-coming plans for the next couple of days/weeks.
On Friday, I'm going to Cologne to visit distant relatives. I'll be there until Monday.
On the following Friday/Saturday, I'm moving once again. My current hostfamily will be going on vacation, and since they didn't plan on having a hoststudent when they planned the vacation, it would be strange for me to go with. So, I'll be moving in with a friend of mine until my departure date.
Also on that weekend, I'll potentially be meeting my roommate for next year at college. She's currently visiting a friend in Germany, and maybe we'll be able to meet up in Hannover.
Toward the end of July, the Polish students we visited in earlier this year will be coming to our town. We'll be staying in a hostel with them for a week.
After that, I have a little more than a week of summer vacation in Germany before heading back to the US.
Well, that's all I've got for this week!
Bis später!
What I do want to post about is that I am 6 posts away from hitting the 100 mark. So, what I am going to do I make one post a week until I reach that mark.
This is sort of a lame, filler-week, but I also wanted to let you guys know about my up-coming plans for the next couple of days/weeks.
On Friday, I'm going to Cologne to visit distant relatives. I'll be there until Monday.
On the following Friday/Saturday, I'm moving once again. My current hostfamily will be going on vacation, and since they didn't plan on having a hoststudent when they planned the vacation, it would be strange for me to go with. So, I'll be moving in with a friend of mine until my departure date.
Also on that weekend, I'll potentially be meeting my roommate for next year at college. She's currently visiting a friend in Germany, and maybe we'll be able to meet up in Hannover.
Toward the end of July, the Polish students we visited in earlier this year will be coming to our town. We'll be staying in a hostel with them for a week.
After that, I have a little more than a week of summer vacation in Germany before heading back to the US.
Well, that's all I've got for this week!
Bis später!
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