Time for an Update!

As I was on the Internet the other day, I happened to stumble upon my blog for Germany and after looking at the date of my last post, forgot how long it had been since I last updated! So hopefully all of you are still out there and interested in all of my German adventures (I've also uploaded many new pictures to the side panel). Since last December, I can hardly believe that 2 whole months have already gone by - that only means that this next half of the year will continue to go at such a rapid speed!

Anyways, in early January I was able to celebrate Silvester (New Year's) and shortly thereafter went to Siegen (in Nordrhein-Westfalen) where I visited Alice, a German exchange student in the Ashland area last year. After a few days in Northwest Germany, I found myself back in Baden-Württemberg, continuing with the school routine as left off.

Within the past few months, I've also enjoyed getting together with both Germans and other AFSers (exchange students) - whether it be simply going to the movie theater or a nearby café. I think most of the other students are also starting to get mixed emotions now - especially because our exchange year is officially more than halfway over.

Along with the usual get-togethers, I've also had the chance to experience Fasching here in Germany (a lot like Mardi-Gras). During the month of February, many people begin to fast - but not before a bunch of parades, costume parties, and other traditional festivals have come to pass. On top of that, many of the diskos are opened up during the week for any who want to come and have a good time.

In the midst of the Faschingsferien (school vacations during mid-February), I therefore had the chance to go on a ski trip with the local church youth group in Schwäbisch Hall. After a 5 and a half hour drive south, our group finally made it to Kühtai, Austria (a small village inbetween Imst and Innsbruck). At first I was ready to try out skiing for myself, and I'm proud to say that after the first few days, I was able to get a handle on it myself. Overall though, I found it amazing to even have the chance to go skiing in the Alps - most likely a week which I will never forget.

After the Faschingsferien had come to pass, I found myself back in Gymnasium bei St. Michael as usual. Nothing too significant came to happen during this time - I did however give a presentation about the Midwest U.S.A. in 2 English classes. I also have recently had the chance to take some day trips around the Hohenloher Land (the region around Schwäbisch Hall), especially since the weather is beginning to get nicer. I therefore have been able to visit Schloss Waldenburg and Schloss Langenburg, two very important castles/palaces here in the area.

And then came this past week, one which could possibly be my best yet in Germany - the AFS-CBYX Midstay in Bonn. During this time I was finally able to see 25 of the other CBYXers (Americans on the same scholarship), whom I had met in D.C. and at the language camp in Wuppertal. I can hardly explain to you how great it was - simply being able to talk with one another about our experiences and knowing that we're not the only "silly Americans" trying to adjust to the German culture. During this past week we ended up seeing a lot of Bonn (the former capital of West Germany) and even took a day trip to Cologne - one of the most vibrant and young-feeling cities in Western Germany. And so, after wrapping up our stay at the youth hostel in Bonn, I find myself here in Schwäbisch Hall once again - awaiting every new and interesting adventure which knocks on the door.

Farewell 2007

Wow, it's hard to believe another year has come and gone again. I've seen and experienced so much that sometimes it feels like I've been away from home for ages. But then when I actually look at the calendar and realize that 4 months have already gone by, I'm amazed at how quickly things can actually fly by.

Here in Schwäbisch Hall I've finally had the wonderful experience of celebrating my first German Christmas. In preparation for the holiday spirit, AFS (my organisation) has been throwing parties and activities back-to-back. I've even already had the wonderful opportunity to go to a Christmas Market in Stuttgart and taste some of the "Glühwein" (a festive drink composed of spices and alcohol). Throughout this season, I have also gotten to know my host relatives better. December seems like the birthday month here, as my host father, sister, and oma (grandmother) have all celebrated their birthdays with the family.



Throughout the Christmas season, I've already noticed a few differences between Germany and the States. First of all, things aren't as intensely decorated as back home. The holiday also seems a lot less commercialized and centered more around the family (but those are just my impressions). Despite the differences, I can truly say that my first German Christmas was amazing! The festivities began on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), in which the whole family and I attended church in the Altstadt for a Christmas Eve service. Afterwards we headed home and lit the real candles which were displayed on the Christmas Tree. Inbetween singing Christmas Hymns and the Christmas Story, we took turns opening presents. Then, once all the gifts had been opened, when then began to devour the thousands of Christmas cookies that my host mother had made herself previously in the month.

Then, faster than I could've comprehend, Christmas came again. With melodies of "Ich steh' an deiner Krippen hier," we all walked through a frost-covered countryside to a small church in Erlach. After communion and Christmas Hymns once again, we headed back to Gelbingen and immediately thereafter departed for Criesbach (where the Oma lives). Upon reaching our destination, we enjoyed a typical Schwäbisch meal of Spätzle und Linsen (self-made noodles with lentils) and not long after that, the rest of the relatives came over. Before I knew it, the time had passed and we were once again on our way back home.



On the "Zweiter Feiertag" (second holiday, the Germans celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas, and then the 26th as a second holiday), I found myself once again in the church here in Gelbingen, playing the keyboard for the children's "Krippenspiel" (Christmas pageant). Upon finishing the service, we arrived back at home and after a quick lunch, headed to Dußlingen (a town outside of Tübingen) to visit Georg's relatives. Not long after we reached our destination, did it begin to snow! It had been quite a while since I'd last seen true snow, and this time it actually stuck to the ground. So in this wintry atmosphere, we all decided to take a walk. Making our way past the church and into the countryside, we truly had a winter adventure.

That evening we made our way back to Schwäbisch Hall, but not without a minor detour which led us to Weiblingen. There we had dinner with Georg's brother and his family and after much socialization and relaxation, another "Christmas" day had ended.



So, to put an end to today's post, I have to say that about sums it up. I did have the chance to go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber yesterday, a truly beautiful and well-preserved medieval town on the border between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. But besides that, today itself has been filled with preparation for an upcoming evening - the last one of 2007. And so I end this post for now, with "Silvester"-filled Greetings from Germany on this last day of 2007. Until next year!

Danny

Weihnachtsmarkt Time!

And as Month 4 of my exchange here in Germany has already begun, I can hardly believe how quickly the time is going by. My life here in Germany is truly like a movie - I've experienced so much already that I'm just waiting for someone to write the screenplay for it! Exactly one year ago I began filling out the CBYX (Congress Bundestag) Applications and this year has been, without a doubt, more amazing than I ever could've imagined. It is with such realizations that I can't help but thinking, "Wow! What an opportunity!"

But anyways, as I conclude my philosophical rant and merge back into the real world, nothing too "blog-worthy" has happened within the past week or two. As assumed, most of my weekdays are spent at school, with the occasional surprise of being able to leave school and head home when the teachers are absent. Already I've had the opportunity to make some chocolate chip cookies for the family (something that was very quickly devoured, if I may add) and therefore add my contribution to the Christmas cookie pile.

And as you've most likely noticed back in the States, it won't be too long until Christmas arrives. Here in Germany things are quite similiar, although the holiday doesn't seem as commercialized as it is back home. Every Sunday we celebrate the weekly Advent leading up until Sunday and with each new day I get a little surprise from my own personal "Adventskalendar." Another interesting event in the holiday season is Sankt Nikolaus Tag. Supposedly this is the day when St. Nicolaus first comes to Germany and all the children leave boots out for him over night, hoping for a treat in the morning of December 6th. The town itself has also managed to get some of the Christmas spirit and everyday there is a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) that stays open until the evening (something that most shops normally don't do here in Germany).

On to other topics, this weekend itself was quite enjoyable as I had the chance to get together with all the other exchange students in the area (there are 3 other Americans) for a "Halbzeitcamp," or Midstay Camp. After 2 days of discussions over school, culture, and families in Germany, we finally headed back home and so began this current week. I suppose that is about all for now...I am by the way attempting to read "Nathan der Weise," a book written almost 300 years ago in German class, so I'm having quite a few interesting "adventures" as I try to plow through this text.

Anyways, I won't try to ramble on too much more....so, with many holiday greetings from Germany I end this post for now!

Thanksgiving...or not?

After much activity, the Herbstferien finally came to an end and I transitioned back into the school routine. After being originally put in the 10th grade, I moved up to the 11th where I quickly felt very welcomed by the other students. In the first few weeks of November, nothing too eventful came to unfold itself. I did however go along with the family to Criesbach (a town in the area around Künzelsau) where I met my Gastoma (or "host grandmother"). There we enjoyed a delicious lunch and then took a walk around the town. A few days later, I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet Georg´s mother from Stuttgart. Afterwards I received a call from my temporary host mother from the Wuppertal language camp - calling to check-in on everything.

That Saturday, Georg, Henrike, and I headed to a Skibörse (like a ski flea market) where we bought a pair of Skis for Henrike. Later we went to the Staatsbibliothek (library) where I bought a "Teach yourself French" book, seeing that I´m now having French lessons...in German. That evening Georg and I headed to a piano concert where we listened to 1-,2-,3-,4-,5-, and 6-handed piano pieces.

Not too long later did we happen to receive our first snow shower of the year (Nov. 14), and it was then that I realized how short we have until Christmas. That Friday we had a get-together with the other exchange students to plan things for our organization´s Christmas party and afterwards I returned back to Gelbingen where we rented a video (of course, in German).

Within the past few days, school has begun to flow quickly once again and this past week I even enjoyed the chance to go to a Politik AG (political science club). Unfortunately Thanksgiving itself was not celebrated in any way special, seeing as the pilgrims landed in America and not Germany. However, I still made an effort to enjoy the holiday, and a few days later I was able to attend one of the most amazing concerts of my entire life here in Schwäbisch Hall. My host sister sang in the community choir as they presented Brahm´s Requiem, a truly German work...which, if you can imagine hearing that piece in the country of its history, then you´ll be able to feel the power behind it. And so, after such an amazing concert, I conclude my cotidial events from the past few weeks. Until the next post!

--Danny--

An Alpine Wanderung

So Leute, after an amazing time in Oberstdorf during the Herbstferien, things have begun to settle down once again in Schwäbisch Hall. On the way to school yesterday we found ourselves engulfed in a Schneeschauer (snow shower) and it then occured to me that in less than 2 months, Christmas will be here. Although there´s still quite some time until the holiday season truely begins, people are already starting to decorate the shops, and let me tell you, there´s nothing more beautiful than seeing half-timbered, thatched-roof houses covered with snow. Unfortunately the snow didn´t last long, but it was definitely a good reminder of the new and changing seasons.

But anyways, moving on to other things, the fall break in Oberstdorf was (as said) absolutely wonderful. After a long week of exams and preparations for the upcoming vacations, I finally found myself in Bavaria. Once we had finished packing together all of our things, the Ottmar family and I soon began our 2-and-a-half-hour journey to Oberstdorf. We then arrived at our apartments and after geeting situated, headed to the 5th Bergkäse Olympiade (cheese olympics). Although it was a little weird (if you ask me), we did end up walking around the town itself and testing the cheese...then made our way back home. Later that evening, Hannah, Georg, Anne, and I went back downtown to watch the grand finale and see the firework conclusion to the festival.



Day 2:
Das Nebelhorn - highest peak in the Allgäu region. Today we truely touched the heavens during our hiking adventure. But beforehand things began a little differently. Anne had a doctor´s appointment, so the rest of us simply walked around enjoying the atmosphere. Then after lunch, we finally made our way to the Steilbahn where we began our Alpine Adventure. We went to 3 train stations until making it to the peak of the Nebelhorn (it was, however, on any occasion well worth it). Exciting the station, the heavens unfolded around us and we quickly went to the wooden cross - signifying the mountain´s peak. After finishing lunch in a mountaintop café, we then headed down one station and then furthered our hiking journey. We eventually made it to another smaller peak where we could see the Alpsee and look further into the heart of the Alps. After a little bit of meditation, we then made our way back to the first train stop by foot. Although this path was immensely steep, the scenery was gorgeous and we finally made it to the foot of the mountain. It was then that we returned to the Ferienwohnung and made a conclusion to our first day of adventures in Oberstdorf.

Day 3:
Unfortunately the day started quite rainily today, but even so, much was still accomplished. After breakfast, all of us went walking through the town center and looked at some of the various shops in the region. Upon our return to the apartment, Hannah and I fixed "chili con carne" for lunch and then afterwards we headed to the Breitachklamm (a river cavern/ravine in the region). We went along the trail quite a while and upon our return to the starting point, headed home. Once dinner was out of the way, Georg, Anne, and I went for a night stroll through the Stadt and upon our return home we played a few card games. Although the weather wasn´t as hospitable, we still enjoyed ourselves equally as much.



Day 4:
Republik Österreich: Herzlich Willkommen! After a pizza-filled lunch, we all headed to the Walserschanz section of the Breitachklamm on the Austrian border. Shortly after our exit, we then travelled into the river ravine and followed the stream along for quite a while. In the midst of Haribo and apple juice, we finally stumbled out of the river-valley and hiked up to the gorgeous town of Riezlern, Austria. Because of knee problems, Hannah returned home somewhat early. Anne and I on the other hand decided to make our way back to Oberstdorf on foot. Unfortunately it soon became dark after we´d ascended the Mittelalp. We therefore headed back to Riezlern where we caught a bus back to Oberstdorf (and with tired legs and feet, returned back to the Ferienwohnung).

Day 5:
As today unfolded we found ourselves riding through the misty countryside: destination Füssen. After some time in the fog, things finally cleared-up and we could see the wonderful Alpine landscape which had engulfed us. Once we had finished a quick pitstop outside of Wertach, we then drove on further and in 30 minutes, made it to our goal. We finally found a parking spot (after some rigorous searching) and then walked through the small town of Schwangau and waited at a ticket booth for quite some time. As as Georg had purchased our tickets to the Königsschloß Neuschwanstein, we then headed up a hill path to the fairy-tale castle. Upon reaching our destination, all of us took a break to eat our Festpar and then continued on to the Marienbrücke for a panoramic view of König Ludwig´s castle. We then went back to the front entrance and waited a while until our tour was ready. Although the castle was flooded with tourists and the tour was quite brisk and short, it was still wonderful to see the castle from the inside. Travelling through the throne room, bed chambers, and main hall, we soon realized the castle´s charm. After the tour we then went back to the van and drove to the Austrian border. There we continued on the Autobahn and enjoyed a scenic view from the Tannheimer Tal. Passing by lakes, forests, valleys, and villages, we finally ended-up back in Oberstdorf to add a "Happy Ending" to the day´s fairy-tale adventure.



Last Day:
Today we wrapped up our adventures in Oberstdorf and headed back to Schwäbisch Hall. But first after breakfast, all of us drove once again over the border to Austria in the Kleinwalsertal for one last hiking experience. We finally made it to the village of Baad where we then went wandering through the Alpine landscape. After our excursion, we then departed to the small town of Baad (and Oberstdorf, Allgäu for that matter) and continued on to Sonthofen where I received a little bit of America at McDonald´s. Once our lunch had been completed, we then drove to Ulm and took a slight stroll through the city. We first viewed the Alstadt, where I also saw the Danube river. Later we went to the main square where I climbed over 690 steps to the top of the Ulmer Münster, which has the tallest church tower in the world. After our rigorous treck up the Ulm-tower, all of us then went for a walk along the Danube while enjoying an ice cream treat. Finally our city visit had come to an end and we boarded the van once again with our eyes towards Hall...until, after 2 more hours on the Autobahn, we finally arrived. After unpacking and eating a warm dinner, things settled down once more and then, after much travel and many new adventures, added a conclusion to our Herbstferien in Oberstdorf...

Herbstferien in Schwäbisch Hall

After much anticipation, the Herbstferien (or fall holidays) have begun. Although the previous week was crammed with exams and preparation for the upcoming break, I´m glad to have a little time off from school. Things in Hall have continued to go well, and with each day, I feel a little more at home here.

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to travel to Weikersheim (check out the pictures in the side bar) with my host father, Georg, and visit the Schloß there. It was wonderful to be able to drive through the south-German countryside and take in all the surroundings. After a quick tour of the gardens, we then went through the Schloß (palace) itself and viewed one of the royal family seats of the Hohenlohe royalty.

This week itself didn´t contain too much. After some discussions with Herr Single, my English teacher, I have decided to move into Klasse 11S after the Ferien. Things were going fairly well with my previous class, but I didn´t feel challenged enough and therefore look forward to advancing up into a newer class after the break. I am however proud of a 1,5 which I received on a Math exam this week (the equivalent of an A-).

Yesterday also contained some activity as Hannah and I headed to an AFS meeting with other exchange students and families around the area. It was definitely great to be able to meet some of the volunteers and see the other exchange students once again. Another interesting thing to note: tomorrow my family and I are travelling to Oberstdorf, Bavaria, for the week. I´m looking forward to this opportunity very much and will be sure to post pictures and comments on this trip as soon as possible. I may even be able to get some Ski practice in the Alps...but if not, I´ll still enjoy the time had. So, until the next post...

Viele Grüße,
Danny

Spätzle, anyone?

Well, here I am, a few weeks later in the heart of Southern Germany. I greatly enjoyed my stay in Wuppertal, and although I´ll miss my host family there and the other Americans with whom I got to know well, I´m still looking forward to every new adventure that comes across my path here in Schwäbisch Hall.

Anyways, things in Wuppertal continued to go pretty well for my last few days. Hildegard and I took a trip to Düsseldorf one evening and viewed the Altstadt along with the fashion avenue - the Königsstraße (where, by the way, one could buy €900 shoes and €1,500 pullovers). I also enjoyed the experience of having a semi-authentic Italian pizza (it´s only 100% original if eaten in Italy, of course!) at one of the many cafés in this metropolitan city.

A few days later in Wuppertal, AFS led a group of exchange students to the Müngstener Brücke, one of the tallest bridges in Germany. We then hiked to a castle, Schloß Burg, where we spent the rest of the day exploring the medieval hilltop town and fortress.

On the 3rd of October, I was fortunate enough to celebrate Der Tag der deutschen Einheit (day of German reunification). Early that morning, Hildegard and I went to the Wuppertaler Stadthalle (city hall) where we listened to the orchestra play works by Haydn and Wagner. Later that day, I enjoyed a walk in the countryside with Gisela (our neighbor) and Janna.

Although bittersweet, my last day in Wuppertal also contained quite a lot of exciting activity. We (being the group of American CBYXers in Wuppertal for the language camp) decided to go for a breakfast buffet in one of the cafés surrounding the town centre with our teacher, Monica, and then shortly afterwards said our goodbyes. That afternoon, I went for a whirlwind tour with Gisela and Janna around the entire city of Wuppertal. With an end soon arriving to the day, I then packed together my things and said goodbye to the Kotthaus-Völpel family with one last game of Siedler (an amazing German board game, for those of you unacquainted with it).

And now on to all the things that have happened so far in Schwäbisch Hall.

After conquering quite the difficult task of loading my suitcase onto the ICE train number 515 to Stuttgart, I then arrived 3 hours later at my destination. I instantly met the Ottmar family (or at least Anne - mom, Georg - dad, and Hannah - daughter). Along our drive back, I enjoyed a typical south-German treat, Brezeln and quite quickly felt sehr gemütlich, as the Germans would put it.

Although the first day is always the hardest, things continued to go well and I went along with the family for a tour of the town. With its medieval walls, baroque churches, and half-timbered, plastered townhomes, I instantly feel in love with the charm of Schwäbisch Hall. I soon started my first school day, which actually went quite well, and on the second day, I was invited to go to Heidelberg along with a group of other exchange students.

Now, almost 2 weeks later, school continues to go well. This past Saturday, Hannah and I went to the Cannstatter Wasen (like Oktoberfest, only in Stuttgart instead of Munich) and I´m beginning to feel like I belong here. I know it´ll take quite some more time until everything becomes wonderful to its fullest potential, but until then, I´ll still enjoy the simply things that come across me day to day and the opportunities I have to make new experiences and meet new people.