Things in Germany are much different than things in America, but at the same time, I can see similarities. For example: The germans and the Austrians really don't like the Turkish. There is a huge Turkish population that lives in Germany, and many of them don't speak German (I've been told). Some of my friends who have been here previously with host families have told me that people aren't even subtle about their racism against the Turkish... that, but the german's will eat their food (Döner Kebap=delicious wonder)
I love Germany and the germans and all, but that part about the culture really bugs me. I guess it also bugs me in America when we do the same to the Mexicans living in the US. The reason why it upsets me more here is because the germans just "celebrated" 70 years since the holocaust... which, in my opinion, may be a little more serious than slavery.
I do love the trains. They are expensive, unless you know how to work the system, which i have learned
I'm also learning a lot about myself. I'm finding out that even though I want a new start at life a lot of times, I don't always need one. I miss people back home; even people I thought I wouldn't miss too. I'm becoming more independent too. And confident. I'm learning that I can live on my own, cook on my own, and do things by myself.
Through German culture, I'm learning more about why I or Americans do things. For example: conversation ediquite. The Germans are always polite when talking to other people they don't know, or even people they do know but want to show respect. If you know any German language, you'll know what I'm talking about. They have a special form for the word "you" that is used in Respect towards people. It's called 'the formal you' and as an American, it's a little hard to get used to calling some people "du" (informal) but most people "Sie" (formal). The even more difficult part is that the formal conjugates the verbs completely different. Haha, so for beginners, it's a little difficult.
Anyway, so I went to Frankfurt and explore the city. Also went to Stuttgart that weekend. Here are pictures:
1) We spent a whole lot of time on the Train
2) Me and a girl from Spain in Stuttgart
3) Fauchwerhäuser
4) Thinking about nothing... like normal
Ok, and then the next weekend we staying in Schwaebisch Hall and actually went to an American Football game. The teams were competing for the German Bowl (Quadratic-Finals.. or something like that). Schwaebisch Hall Unicorns lost in the last 4 seconds to a Field Goal. But the fans there were absolutely crazy! I kid you not:
Then this past weekend, we went to Oktoberfest in Munich. That, was fun. It was the opening day, and lots of people were drunk: old people, young people, parents with kids (where the kids usually weren't drunk), couples, and many foreigners. It was crazy busy and super hard to find a seat. Imagine this: State fair (x2) with lots of roller-coasters and 10 or 20 beer tents. All in one area. It was absolutely crazy:
1) The giant Ferris Wheel
2) Me and a Japanese Girl in my class, who's name is Eri
3) not my picture, but a lot of beer Masse
4) Melissa and I making a "Prost" (toasting)
So, needless to say, it was a lot of fun. The bus ride home, however, was not fun for many very drunk people. Thank god I was sober by that point because the trip would have not treated me well either.
Anyway, leave comments! I never get any! :D Plus, my address is in the previous post. SEND ME MAIL! :D
