Zweite Woche der Schule.

Today we started our second week of school and some of our regular classes. I had Physics, Biology, a break, double Math, another break, and German. For some reason our classes today still weren't the same as the one we were given on the first day. My last class was the first one that I have to go to myself,  because none of my friends are in German with me, it was a little nerve wracking because I didn't know where I was supposed to be. I was okay though, my friends found someone in our class that's in German too and I just followed her to the classroom, introduced myself and told the teacher I don't speak German. And that was all.

I didn't do much over the weekend, on Sunday I went to Cheerleading but they're learning a dance for a competition or something and it's too late for me to learn it. We also got a bike to sort of fit me, but couldn't go anywhere because it was raining. I skyped with my parents, and mom complained I'm not putting enough of my feelings on the here. Well I hope this one was a little better mom, I don't have much to say right now sorry there are no pictures.

Love you, bye!

My class trip.

Well the yesterday my class went on a hike. It was 12 kilometers, roughly 7 miles. Where did we go? To the train station. To go home.
During the walk my feet hurt, then when we were hiking up the hill my lower legs started hurting, and when we only had 3 km left my abs hurt too. We left at the school at 9am and I didn't get home until around 3 in the afternoon. I was so tired, I didn't want to move for the rest of the week.

(One of the few breaks we took.)

 Unfortunately I had to move to change my sheets and go to school the today, despite my toe, lower legs and back hurting. So happy it's friday, because my back and legs still hurt. I have good news though!
Today I finally got a bus card, which means I no longer have to pay to take the bus to school (or to the city). I actually did the math to find out how much it cost to get to and from school this week and here's what I came up with...€14.30 which is about $19.10. And this morning the the bus driving asked my age and I panicked, went blank, and couldn't answer. He guessed fifteen but still charged me the price for a child.

Susanne and Birte went to the grocery store today and Birte got me this:

It's a hollow chocolate egg with a toy inside, not sold in America I believe because there is a small possibility

that there could be a bomb inside. The toy is usually dumb but I enjoy the chocolate.

Schule.

   Well I started the day earlier than I wanted to on Monday. I woke up at six am, even though my alarm for seven-thirty. I think that's because I know I have to wake up early and I hate waking up to an alarm. I used that extra hour to shower.

(Susanne gave me a Schultüte, which is basically a cardboard cone filled with candy given to children on their first day of school.)

  Susanne drove me to school and we stood around for awhile until my friend Lena showed me to class. My teacher is Herr Waldhaur keeps speaking to me in German sometimes I understand, most of the time I don't, and he will repeat himself in English. And if he is just talking to the class in general Lena will translate for me.
Lena introduced me to her friends and she bought me a muffin and a flavored water during the breaks. We get two breaks.
   After school I went to town with Lena and a few of her friends. And I ended up going to Lena's house afterwards because I forgot my key and no one was home to let me in. We used chocolate masks, which tasted like brownie mix, makeovers, we did each others hair, nails, makeup, picked out dresses, and took pictures. I look like Madonna in a couple of them.
  When I got home the second time Birte came back and let me in. It was a long day.

  I also forgot to mention that last weekend was Kirmes, which is basically a super tiny fair that only lasts one weekend here.

(A bad picture of Kirms.)

 

I'm going on a school trip today, hopefully I'll get pictures.

Donnerstag

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a few days. On Tuesday (Deinstag) we were going to go biking but we couldn't do to that because none of their bikes fit me due to my tiny size. So I spent the day at home.

Yesterday Susanne took Birte, Lena and I to get school supplies, school starts Monday (Montag). Then we went to Lena's. We went to Aldi's to get food. She insisted I ride on the back of her bike, something I don't recommend. After getting back and eating I helped her make a cake for her grandmother's birthday.

Here's the finished product.



After we made it, I sort of took a nap while she watched How I Met Your Mother. Then I went with her to her cheerleading practice. I watched and kept an eye on the instructor's adorable baby. I counted cars with her. I was also invited to join the team and I'm thinking about it.


Tschüss

Montag.

Hey everyone, I was busy yesterday and didn't get around to posting.

First we went to The Castle of Runkel, an old castle near Limburg. I took lots of pictures. so this update will be mostly pictures.

(The outer gate. It's pretty big.)

(According to the paper this is the dwelling-house and stables. Some people actually live in the part on the right.)

(From another angle. And some peasants.)

(A model of the castle.)

(And the other side.)

(I think this is the Main dwelling house.)

(I like this.)

(Can you tell?)

(Lovely view from one of the prison cells.)

(Looking out the front of the castle. There are peasants on the bridge.)

(Another one, no peasants this time.)

(From the tower. Looking up the river.)

(From the tower looking back over the rest of the castle.)

(The other tower. Not very interesting.)

(The castle [?] across the river. According to Manfred the to castles would try to shoot at each other but nothing ever hit because the weapons were not very effective at the time.)

(Another picture of the bridge and some peasants.)

Hannah left for the US today, I wish her a safe trip and hope she has fun.

(Goodbye peasants.)

Samstag.

Hannah's party was fun, I talked with a few of her friends. One of her friends, Katja, (I hope I have that right.) was actually born in America and her mother was an exchange student and step-father is Hannahs Aikido teacher. All speak English well.

I also made friends Lena a girl in my class. I like her, she spend some time in Ireland and loved it. She's fun and it's good to have someone who knows the school and can help me out if I need it.

And I had the opportunity to drink champagne or beer but I declined, maybe next time.

And I got this lovely scarf as a gift.

Today Lena, Birte and I took the bus to Limburg. It was the first time I'd taken a public bus anywhere, we told them I was a child so it was cheaper for me to ride. Since I look young, we weren't questioned.

(Bright blue mascara. Such fun.)

First we went to the drugstore and Burger King, they're the same as in America. And then we walked around and look around a few stores. Here's what I found in one of the shops.

(I loved this hat and fan. I kind of wish I at least bought the hat.)

On another note Hannah, Birte and Lena all said they like my shirt, with is always nice to hear. Even more so when you made it.

Bis später!

Freitag!

Today we went to Limburg to get gifts for Hannah to bring for my family. I won't say what she got for them but I'm afraid I was of little help. I'd however remember my camera and got a picture of the church. I'll get more pictures of the older buildings in Limburg another time.

(It's huge.)

Not long after we got back we set up for Hannah's going away party.
The final results:

(I put the flags in the bushes.)

Yesterday, we went out for Italian for dinner and after finding out I am american the waitress said (according to Susanne) that I look very german. We talked about school and how it's different here than in America.

For one the length of a school day is different, in Germany you have class only until about noon on most days and all day on some. Where as in America you have to stay in school all day every day.

And apparently when you use your phone in class you have to make a cake and bring it the next day. That sounds ridiculous to me and I can't help but wonder if they were just pulling my leg.

Well Hannah's party is starting now, time to sit around awkwardly and hope if anyone speaks to me they do so in English.

Bis später!

Day one!

Tag mein Freunden und Familien!

I've been here in Germany for three days now. It's very nice, I like it so far.

I arrived on monday, to excited to how tired realize I was (I didn't get any sleep on the flight). After being lead through the airport (getting my passport stamped, luggage and such), I found the Drostes (thanks to the nice, helpful sign they made for me) I was greeted with hugs all around.

(The lovely, helpful sign. :) )

After we drove to their house I got a tour I didn't think to take many pictures but I did take a few of my room. It's bigger than my room at home.

(My room from standing in the doorway. I love the rose on the ceiling.)

(And from on the bed.)

I took a nap before dinner. I enjoy the food so far, the Drostes eat bread with every meal. :) Ich mag Brot.

I quickly became aware how little German I know. I'll learn more though, for now I'm content just to listen.

I may post later but for now, Ich habe hunger!