Playing catch up

Well a lot has happened! I'm settled in now, playing lacrosse most evenings in either Bonn or Köln and then go to school during the day. I have actual friends now, but most of them think I can't understand anything they say in German (it's hilarious cause I can understand them and they talk about me).

Friday I went shopping with a friend (I hate shopping but I actually needed a sweater and I figured it be a good thing to do with a 15 yr old girl) and then my friend came from Belgium to visit me! Joe took us to the Haribo outlet store where the factory used to be but now it's just a huge store full of really cheap chocolate and gummies! However, I only bought 5€ worth (see mom? Self control) and I still have most of it left. Unfortunately, I ate so much Sunday and didn't run or work out so I didn't exactly sleep that well....Joe also took me and Yoann (my friend) to a Japanese-Korean restaurant where I got sushi for dinner! It was great. 

Monday at school I wasn't in the best mood since it was Monday after all, I hadn't slept that much and I was in school instead of sleeping, and two 15 year old boys had decided to attach themselves to me. During a 20 minute break between classes I walked to the rewe (grocery store) to buy an apple and coffee...and they followed me. They are my friends, but when I'm tired I have even less patience than normal (and I don't have a lot of patience to begin with) so I kinda ignored them. Until we saw an American jacked up truck (like one you'd see in Rockbridge) and the kid started talking about it...and not very nicely either! I just turned around to him and said you do realize I can understand pretty much everything you say and he just gets a look on his face and starts talking to me in German, and when I responded with all the right answers (in English though), he got a shocked look on his face. That was the highlight of my day! But when we finally got to Rewe, one went wait why are we here? And the other said I don't really know. I just followed her....then we went back to school, they got my phone number but it was bad decision on my part to give it to them! I had tutoring that afternoon and when I checked my phone I had four typical messages from a 15 year old boy....saying Hey! Then another one how are you? 😄 And the other two just like that. But it was amusing, and they don't mean any harm, so as long as they're not too annoying it's okay. 

In English class we're reading Looking for Alaksa by John Green and in the book the main character has a fake ID, which I had to explain the laws about drinking, being 21 and then what a fake ID is to the whole class. And then somehow the teacher got the idea I had one, and asked to see it...and I just looked at him and said I don't have one....

After school, I made Oreo balls! The grandmother and I were both home, and I was in the kitchen making them. I tried to reach something up in the cupboard and a box of pasta ended up flying at me, which surprised me and I went to go ah! but because I have a sore throat it more came out as a squeak. After that whole ordeal, we were both laughing really hard. Then later when I was dipping the Oreo and cream cheese combo into melted chocolate, she came in, laughed at the fact I have Oreo, cream cheese and chocolate all over my hands and actually probably some on my face as well. She then just walked out and said its a catastrophe! (Which was true). 

So far, Germany's been great, minus being sick and tired! But I'm keeping busy and making friends, which is good. 

For Aunt Stephanie

The drawings I did in art class are unfortunately in the classroom and I can't take a picture of them because no phones are allowed and the teacher already yelled at the class once. But here are some drawings I did with Emmi (she likes to sit on my bed and just draw, or watch me draw her stuff). I don't mind drawing like this, on my own time but I'm still not very good at it. 

As you can tell, my drawings are usually disney inspired, like the seahorse from the Little Mermaid. 

Today's adventure

Today's classes were Art and Political Economy and they were each an hour and a half long. In Art, we actually drew something for the first time. We had to draw three simple things out of our bag...but I just used the kids stuff next to me, which was an apple, mini lunch box and water bottle. The catch: we couldn't look at our paper. And we only had 3 minutes. If you know me, you know I'm not very artistic. I've never taken an actual art class in my life, so this experience was new, and very dreaded. My drawings resembled the objects but looked pretty funny! A kid sitting next to me looked at my paper and laughed, but then again, I was laughing too. Then we were finally allowed to look and we had 20 mins to draw....and I used about 10. I successfully drew the three objects and I felt pretty accomplished until one of my friends goes "ugh Sarah! You're supposed to make it look 3d and make shadows!" Well you can imagine my reaction, I just looked at him and went "hey! I have never taken an art class in my life and truthfully I don't even wanna be in this one! So this is my best effort." To which he took my pencil and taught me how to "draw correctly." Which just made my drawing better and I didn't have to do anything, so I was fine with it! 

Then came Political Economy, which is already my favorite class. The teacher just found out I was not only in his class, but that I'm an American. We talked about American politics during the short break, and one of my friends went "well all I know is Obama is good and everyone else is bad!" You can imagine my reaction again (this was also the same friend that commented on my drawing...he tends to speak without thinking). That led to a very worked up me talking about not only American politics, but also how people, especially some Americans, don't bother learning more about candidates besides the overall appearance. The teacher then asked me to give a presentation about American political parties, which I'm actually excited about!

After school came tutoring. I'm being tutored with another exchange student, a Brazilian named Paolo, who is my friend but also only knows a little English and German. I had directions how to get to the Experiment office (where I'm being tutored) but they didn't work out that well...I had to go under the train tracks, but couldn't find where the entrance was. So I went into the train station, the info lady sent me across the street to the bus office, I asked a worker who didn't speak English but I got a map and she actually took me to the tunnel going under the train tracks. After I left the tunnel, I found the right street but went the wrong way....and ended up at the hotel my family and I stayed at. So knowing they spoke English, I went in there and asked for directions. They sent me back the way I came, and I zoned out while walking (really not a good thing to do when you're actually looking for something) so I missed the street I was supposed to turn on to. I went back under the tracks (at a different place) and ended up on the wrong side of the tracks....both literally and metaphorically. I quickly found a bank cause I really didn't like all the looks I was getting, and they told me to retrace my steps once again.  So I went back under the tracks...and found the street and office easily. I left my house at 2:30 (my host family told me too cause they knew I'd get lost) and made it to the office at 3:05. Walking back took about 1/4 of the time, but hey lesson learned and I learned where not to go in Bonn (when I told my host dad I ended up on the other side of the tracks, his eyes got wide and said oh really?). 

Then after getting off the cable car (which stops almost in front of my house), I was so zoned out again I walked right past my house, and didn't realize it until I was halfway down the street. I finally got home, and started to make myself coffee when the grandma reminded me I was supposed to go to the bank to open up an account at 5. It was 5:05. Thankfully the bank is right across the street so I ran down there and opened one up. After that I came back and made coffee....and used all the milk. So then I went to the Rewe (grocery store) to buy milk. I tried convincing my little sister, Emmi, to come with me but she was very happily sitting on my bed drawing so she wasn't persuaded to come. 

So my day was eventful and exhausting, but I got a lot accomplished and overall it was a very good day! 

My map of where to go. The black was the route I was supposed to take (it's a lot more confusing than it looks) and the red is where I went. Just ignore the red x...I thought I went down that street but turns out I didn't. 

One more thing

What 15 year old boys think is funny is usually not to 18 year old girls. I was sitting in class on Thursday, completely zoned out, when I saw this tiny paper ball whizz past my face. I wasn't very happy that someone has just tried to hit me, so when I looked up I ended up glaring at the skinny boy who had just thrown it. Of course, he thought it was hilarious until he realized I was not amused at all. Later that day, I was talking to one of my friends and another paper ball hit me right in my face. This time I just laughed it off, since I figured I shouldn't glare at the culprit and when I looked to see who did it, it was another skinny, 15 year old boy. Who happened to be sitting next to the boy that threw one earlier in the day. They thought it was hilarious (again) and the guy kept saying oh I'm so sorry! And kept asking how I was. Well this became even more annoying than the paper ball so I may have involuntarily glared at him too...great way to make friends but hey I don't want those guys as friends, and I just didn't have anymore patience! The lesson learned is...ignore little boys that throw stuff at you cause they just want attention. 

So much has happened

This week I survived school, found friends and also started playing on two lacrosse teams, one in Bonn and the other in Cologne. After my first day, people started warming up to me, asking me questions and someone would take me to every one of my classes because apparently there was no way I could find them on my own (which I realized there was no way I could find anything on my own when I walked out the door thinking I was going to the street and I ended up in a courtyard). Anyways, I figured out german kids are more reserved than Americans cause I had more people talking to me at the end of the week than at the beginning. 

And now lacrosse. I went to the first practice Tuesday and it was only 7 girls...and only one had actually played before. Then I found out there was practice in Cologne Wednesday night too. So me and the other girl, Marlene, took a train just to go to lacrosse practice but it was worth it. Now I'm on two teams and I have practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Cologne from 7 to 9 and then Saturday morning from 11 to 1 in Bonn. This morning it was raining, but we still had practice and thankfully the rain let up! We practiced with the guys (there was only 4) and at the end we scrimmaged. Somehow I was defending the tallest, biggest guy...when I'm the smallest girl. I was actually doing pretty well considering I didn't even reach his shoulders, but after a while we just started laughing at the whole situation. After practice we got brownies one of the girls made and there was a small keg of beer one of the workers gave the guys....so some guys had brownies and beer. Good combination right? Lacrosse practice on Wednesday was in Cologne and it went much smoother than the one in Bonn, and I made a lot of friends from it! Well minus the girl I hit in the leg when we were doing bounce passes (really don't get the point of those) and she made a big deal about it.....whoops. But the team in Cologne plays in tournaments and I can't wait!! 

This week has made me so incredibly tired all I want to do is sleep! Even though school isn't that hard, it's exhausting trying to understand and making friends, but going to lax practice is a nice break and practices this week have reminded me how much I love it! 

Emmi got hit in the nose by another kid when they were playing with wooden blocks...thankfully her nose isn't broken! 

A favorite game when I was younger that Emmi plays 

Chocolate from Switzerland! 

Guys I think I have friends!

Today was the second day of school and I had German class, English and Biology. Andddd I made friends. I think. 

My first class of the day was English, and I had it for an hour and a half. We're reading a book called looking for Alaska which is ironically about a boy going to boarding school. Of course since I was the American I had to read the book out loud....but apparently all the German kids liked how I read! Then a German kid said something in English, which made sense, but the teacher said it was wrong then asked me what Americans would say and when I responded with what the kid said in the first place (I don't remember what it was), the class laughed and the teacher then said well British English is different than American...and then another kid goes yeah American is better!

And then there's friends. I literally think I just have friends because I am an American. Not even kidding. But then again I really don't mind cause they're friends! When one guy asked how old I was (he's a native English speaker) and I said 18, he laughed then said no I don't believe you. Great to know I don't look 18...and then they don't understand why I came to Germany, even though I keep saying its to learn German and for the experience. 

With all my free time, Hella (the grandmother) and I went to rewe to go grocery shopping! And I bought sushi for my lunch anddd a Ben and Jerry's mini ice cream. Now I'm relaxing (surprisingly German schools have barely any homework, unlike Saint James, but then again I may have just missed the fact we have homework) and watching the OC with German subtitles! Coincidentally, it's one of my host mother's favorite shows so she has the German version! 

Emmi loves to just sit on my bed and either play games on my iPad, look at pictures of my cat, or watching tv with me (even though she doesn't understand it). 

I have lacrosse tonight, but it's not a real practice. The coach is just going over rules, plays etc for the girls that don't know that much, and I'm going just to meet people! I have practice Tuesdays 6-8 and Saturdays 11-1

My first day of German high school

Well I had my first day of school today. I understood nothing, but everyone was nice and asked me questions. When one guy found out I'm an American, he immediately asked do you like hot dogs?! And when I said actually no he seemed almost disappointed! Then I was asked if it was true that the drinking age was 21, and when I said yeah, he was shocked and said so you've never had alcohol?! And then I had to explain that people still drink...overall it was a good day, especially since I only had one class. I only had art, since today was a special day (I have no idea why) so it ended after 3rd period but I normally have Art (which isn't normal art, it's more like talking about art, which I don't like that much so thankfully I don't have the ability to talk about it in German!) and Political Economy. Here's my schedule; Monday I have Art (KU) and Political Economy (SW), Tuesday I have English (E), German (V_D), then Biology (BI). Wednesday I have German for the first 4 periods...I'm taking two German classes so by Wednesday night I will be dead. Then after German, I have Biology (BI). Thursday I have English, French (F), Art (KU), German (D), and Political Economy (SW). Friday is the best day of all with only French starting at 11:40! 

And my outfit for the first day! The pants are purple 

This deserves its own post

When we got back to the house last night, Bettina showed me where all the snacks were kept. She then pulled out a bag of York pieces and I instantly gasped  with wide eyes and Bettina burst out laughing. Apparently my face was so funny, and also so telling that they're my favorite candy, she gave me the whole bag! So I now have a bag of York pieces hidden in my room so I don't eat them all in the first day...since Germany doesn't have them! She had brought them back from the states and it's a great treat to have them! And I am determined to make them last. 

PS anyone who wants to send me a care package full of York pieces will be my favorite person! (I'm kidding, I'm now on a search for the German version for when I run out of yorks)

Sundays, School, Sylt and Toll house pie

I'm back in Bonn from Sylt, and I'm finally all unpacked! It took most of the morning, but everything is organized and has a place, even though that'll last for probably 2 days. Sundays in Germany are different than in states. It's not more religious or anything, all the stores are closed and it's meant to be a quiet day. I woke up this morning and didn't hear any cars or buses (well they're not buses but similar and run on tracks, I just forget the name) which was a change since I live in the middle of a city, and right next to a bus stop! Today were making brown sugar BBQ chicken and toll house pie out of my church's cookbook, and I'm also meeting two other girls who live in the same building as me and go to the same school. However, Sundays have always been lazy days for me. At school, Becca and I would do the rest of our homework, then watch tv or read and eat candy throughout the day then occasionally go to panera or chipotle. I miss that but I like the concept of Sundays in Germany too. 

Yesterday we came back from Sylt, and went to a reception for a baptism. I met tons of people, and understood a good amount of the conversation and whenever someone found out I don't speak German, but I'm going to a German high school, they all looked surprised and apparently told Bettina it's very brave of me to do that! They also remarked on how well Emmi and I got along (they seemed almost surprised again).

I start school tomorrow and I honestly don't know what to think. Sometimes I'm excited, then I get really nervous about making new friends, then I get more nervous about not knowing the language and the teachers yelling at me...and then I realize I'm wasting my time being that anxious and it'll all work out if I just smile and be friendly and open from the start (which is not one of my strong points, so that'll be another challenge). I woke up to a text from Ian today saying good luck at school today! I guess he forgot today was Sunday, but it's the thought that counts. 

Here's pictures of Sylt

And here's some of my room! 

My ceiling is probably my favorite part about my room! 

And of the bus stop right outside my window...I used to think mooing cows were annoying but now I miss them! 

My host family, Sylt and school.

On Friday night, Bettina picked me up at the hostel. I had seen her when my friends and I were getting off the bus, but we were already later for another "organized activity" so it wasn't really much of a conversation. When we got to the hostel, the leaders made us sing because apparently singing would humiliate us enough to not be late (it didn't work obviously). After another hour of little groups talking about our feelings (which just made me actually nervous), we all took pictures then it was time for me to leave. I was the first one out of my friends to leave, and nobody was very happy about it. They all helped me get my suitcases and while we were waiting for the elevator, Haley pretended to shoo Bettina away and of course Bettina saw, but thankfully she realized Haley was joking (even though she was only half joking). They all hugged me bye, and it was actually sad. I had been with that group since August 14 and we had figured out German cities, buses and the rest of German life together. However, there's another seminar in 8 weeks but its split between North and South...and Bonn's right in the middle so I will end up going to the one with less people. Anyways, Bettina and Joe have already said any of my friends are welcome anytime, and I think they're going to get all the Americans together for Thanksgiving! 

Now I'm on the island of Sylt, and it's freezing and windy but beautiful. It reminds me a little of Canada, where there's more rugged beaches or points out into the ocean cause it has the same rose bushes and climate those do. This is the first time I've really been homesick, and I think the main reason is cause it reminds me of Canada. Obviously I miss my family and cat, I miss them everyday, but really missing my home and everything about it is different. However, I'll get over it. I try to put it into a better perspective by thinking about it like boarding school. I survived 4 years at Saint James, and granted I had my brother for the last two, and my parents visited a lot but still. I got homesick, and now I just have to go a little longer without seeing my family, friends or cat but that will all be okay in the long run cause its already turning out to be a great experience. 

Most of my friends here started school today. Orianna goes to a private school, and half of the school is in the Netherlands, half is in Germany. She said it was so confusing, she didn't understand anything but she already has friends. Graham, on the other hand, goes to public school. He didn't understand anything either, and when I asked him how it was, he said scary. He also said he thinks he has friends, but he's not sure. I don't even know when I start school, but hopefully it's not anytime soon. When I think about making friends all over again, it's exhausting and I really don't want to be stared at. One thing I am excited for, however, is French class. I'll actually be able to understand!

Anyways, living with a 3 year old is certainly different but I like it. Emmi is so cute, and when I was unpacking she was laying on my bed, asking me questions about all my pictures, and who was who. Having a little sister will take some getting used to, especially being woken up at 8:30, but it'll make this year much more fun! She made me a welcome sign which is hanging up on my door, and the picture is below. 

One last thing! For orientation, the leaders took us all to a beer garden, since its typical German.  Haley and I ordered lemonade since we were sick, but when it came, it wasn't lemonade. It was sparkling water with some kind of syrup in it, so it tasted pretty nasty. However, a Brazilian named Alex had ordered beer, and didn't like that and liked our lemonade so we switched with him! All the Thai people ordered beer too....but they actually got drunk. When we were walking home, the leaders got lost so we had to use my iphone to find our way back to the youth hostel and when we were walking this tiny Thai girl just did a faceplant into a garden by the sidewalk. I know it's not supposed to be funny, but when someone just suddenly faceplants cause they're so drunk (off of one beer) and they're this tiny Thai girl.....it's pretty funny. Then this Thai guy turned to me and Orianna and told us to watch Graham and Ball (another Thai), even though they were fine. I told him they weren't drunk and he goes no they are! Even though they were walking fine, and they weren't at all. Orianna and I just walked in the back and laughed at everything that was happening. It was like a scene from a bad movie!