Orientation in the Schwarzwald

This weekend was the orientation for the UMass program in Germany. Being the only student to go to Konstanz, I was worried that I would be the only one who didn't know anyone else. I took the bus instead of train, as it was a direct route and much cheaper than the train, and I was bummed to have to leave before the ending ceremony of my Konstanz orientation celebration.

Once getting to Freiburg, I found it hard to find the rest of the group, as I didn't know anyone studying abroad in Germany. It wasn't until I saw Regine that I knew that I was in the right place. Making international friends was incredibly easy, but would I make friends with people from my own university who already knew each other? Americans are known for being cliquey. And I was not the "American girl" anymore.. How would this go?

At first I found it difficult to get to know everyone, as groups of them lived in the same town here or very close. I just kept at it, and talked about how beautiful Konstanz was and how everyone should travel the few hours away to come visit. I told them how much I enjoyed visiting Heidelberg and Tubingen. After awhile, it was clear that these fellow travelers were just as excited to be here as I was, and the comfortable clingyness people exhibit when they know each other faded away. After the first night was over, and a few beers, I knew I had made some new friends from an old place.

The next morning, we went to a farming museum in the hills of the Black Forest. I won't mention how we got there, not to ruin the surprise, but it involves a bit of a hike and a stay in a cabin. The tour was all in German, and there was a mix of people who fully understood and some who understood even less than me. I understood only when the tour lady gestured to what she was talking about. Even then, it was only by common sense that I got any of it. Life was rural and difficult in the mountains up til the present, but most of the houses had electricity and even internet there now- most likely due to the proximity to Freiburg and the services provided by the lower part of town.

It was a weekend of beauty mixed with some boredom, but it was comforting to get away from the cities for awhile. Until then, I had been in mostly rural places, so it was a welcome change (for the few days!). 

Picking classes with the advisors was the best- most (actually, all) of the other exchange students in Konstanz were left to struggle through that process themselves. Many of the EU students even had to travel home to fill out documents because of it, or at least mail away. We are very lucky to have a program that not only helps pick classes, but takes us on a trip while doing so.

The cukoo clock downstairs in the hostel/cabin will most definitely keep you awake/wake you up. Bring earplugs for the nighttime!

The food is good (and free), but be prepared to be surrounded by beer that you have to pay for to touch (UMass being UMass, will not pay for any of these drinks)

Make sure to try a piece of Black Forest cake in the Black Forest! It's nothing like we are told it is when we see the cake mix in the US.

Enjoy, and don't forget to bring thick socks and hiking shoes. Really. You will need them.

Europahaus

It is IMPOSSIBLE to stay in and study when you live in Europahaus. It is Monday, and people are personally offended that I don't want to go out. I hope this dies down next month because I seriously can't keep up with this! I like parties, but not on weekdays! I want to learn German.

German date

 Today I had a date with a German guy I met at Berry's last week. He was such a sweetheart, and a refreshing change from the guys back home. I guess I can't stereotype too much,  because there has definitely been some handsy German guys here, but not this one. He has been nothing but a gentleman, and didn't try to make a move more than a kiss on each cheek. We had so much fun doing nothing but drinking coffee and laughing at the water fowl by the lake. I imagine this is what old fashioned romance feels like. It's a bit weird only because I am startled by his lack of move-making, but somehow I know that he is interested. It is great because nothing has to be serious, and it is best that we take our time. Here, I feel like I have all the time in the world and no time at all at the same time. It is a strange experience.Getting out and feeling less glued to the tv set or the internet is exactly what I needed. I hate to admit how much time I wasted on these things at home. At home, the idea of sitting and watching ducks for hours would seem pointless to me, but somehow wasting time on the internet was ok. I am glad that it is more of the opposite.
 Also, Germans know how to drive. Like really know how to drive. It is impressive to be in a car with a Swiss or German person and watch their fancy handwork. I damn whoever invented the automatic car because we have no idea how to drive because of it. It is really a sight to see. I think after being in some of these cars, I would feel safe to ride with someone on the autobahn.
 Anyway, I hope that we continue to see each other, and that we can stop speaking in English. My  German is still terrible, it sounds like I'm drunk when I speak.. I think that's the only time people understand me, is when they are drunk.. Ah well. Soon enough.