First Impression's and Other Things

Everything I thought I knew about Germany isn't true! Who told me there's always cold weather? Who said Germans were "cold" people; yeah, they're not warm and fuzzy, but who is? Why did that book discourage opening windows in Germany? I CAN SHOWER DAILY, and here I was preparing for the worst. Apparently, not all Germans drink; I've yet to see a single beer. Germans aren't mean, or at least I haven't run into someone mean. Everyone's very accepting of me. All I get is stares; hey, let 'em get a good look!

Being here is great, and yes, I've had my run-ins. School scares me, I never knew I'd see a day where I couldn't follow a lesson, but sure enough, I'm lost! So far, I've embarrassed myself twice, mistakenly calling a girl "poo" in German (Kacke is poo, her name was Katia "Cat-te-uh" but I said Kackie) and saying "butt" to my teacher. I sure get a lot of laughs, and trust me, I'm not trying to be a comedic act! There is so much that is new and different, and for you to understand it all, I guess I have to start from the beginning-

Crash Landing (more crashing less land)

And by a crash, I mean "to fall asleep," and by land, I mean "right on my face," I was exhausted! We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany (western part of Germany at the main international airport) around 8 am. I didn't get on a train to Grimma (where I'm living, the eastern part) until 5 pm; I didn't arrive 'till 9 pm. So along with the wait, which is always worse, came the wonderful opportunity to meet the students here abroad in Germany through the AFS program. 84 US students, including myself, are here in Germany through AFS. There are another 100+ students from around the world here. I'm talking about China, Russia, Australia, Venezuela, Sweden, The US, kids from all walks of life who are all amazing. What I found to be a shock; even though we were in Germany, even though there were all these kids from around the world, everyone used English to communicate amongst one another. A blessing, a curse.

In the Car ( into the head of Myiah Smith)

"Man, I wonder how long it'll take 'till I miss my family, it sure is dark here."

"So Myiah, how was your flight" Sabine (host mother, the name is like "Sabrina" but pronounced "Sa-bean-uh") (my host family speaks English)

"Long, it was fine...."

Come on Myiah, one line answers, this is really awkward. Maybe if I stay silent they'll think I've fallen asleep *5min Silence* Hhmm, maybe its embarrassing and awkward for them too!? Did I even start off right, should I have said Hallo instead of Hello!? How long 'till we're at the house, Will they even like me!? Oh my god, I'm so nervous, I think I gotta burp; NO, it's worse than a burp! Keep it in Myiah, keep it together! * Another long silence*

"Okay, we're here, we'll go inside okay." Sabina

"OK" OMG, yes, freedom, that was so nerve-racking.

A Good Evening

Once inside, I meet Miriam (aka Mimi), the youngest daughter. I had already met Judith (pronounced U-dit) at the station with Sabine, who rode me to the house. Judith is the eldest daughter. Ludwig (pronounced LUD-vig), the eldest son, and Stephen (pronounced Stef-Vann) weren't here upon my arrival. All four of us ate a typical evening meal; bread, spread, veggies, "cold cuts," sparkling, and/or water and juice. We talked for a little. Then I was shown my room, my very own room! I laid in bed that night with a heavy heart, both with sadness and great joy. I was excited to finally start my adventure. Sad to leave behind a place that was very familiar yet ready to start anew.

I have been here since Saturday. I've done so much thus far. I look forward to everything that is going to come my way. I look forward to my next post around Saturday- Things Are Different, to get an update on the past week. Read me then!

Any questions wanna know more, comment below.