First Pics from Germany!

An old fashioned boat at Harborfest

An old fashioned boat at the Harbor Fest where sea chanties were being sung

The Ferry Boat on the River Weser
Welcome to Jacobs!

Whew! There's Ben & Jerry's here! I haven't actually seen it yet, but the I find the poster reassuring!

Very busy orientation week!

Hey everyone!

I had a really nice post typed out earlier and then it entered the great blogosphere in the sky. I am still not sure what happened there, but I had to run to a fire safety presentation where I got to practice using a fire extinguisher with about 500 other people. It was interesting to say the least.

Today has been a very busy day for me and it's not over yet. I've been to meetings, signed up for German classes, took a Library tour, got an IT lesson, and went to a Intercultural Humanities program meeting. Later on this evening there is a Graduate Student Association (GSA) party that the students have taken to calling the "beer party". Apparently German universities allow alcohol on their campuses - something that differs greatly from American universities!

I now know something about my program which is a good thing. I'm looking at how cultures interact through literature, art, and history. It sounds right up my alley. I met my academic advisor who is impressed with my areas of interest (women in religion and women in history) Tomorrow, Thursday, I am meeting her for lunch to discuss - well, I am not sure yet. I'll let you know after it happens.

I am meeting so many interesting people! I've clicked with a several students including Agya from Nepal, Lyazzat from Khakizstan, Alissa from Pennslyvania, Mobashir from India, and Kate from America by way of Japan (apparently she never lives in one country for long). Also Tali from America & Israel and Martin from Slovakia. All these different countries make me wish I had taken ASS class at Notre Dame and that I had had to map the world. Right now I can just pick out the geographic regions for these places.

One thing that surprises me is the lack of organization at Jacobs. Students, faculty, and staff have all told me to expect it. Apparently the student is growing so fast that it is hard for the university to keep up.

I've been trying some things like watching television in German. Last night I watched CSI:Miami dubbed in German which was an experience. I had actually seen the episode in English, but could hardly follow it in German. Instead I noticed things like costumes, setting, etc. I'm not sure if I'll do it again anytime soon.

Right now I don't have regular internet access so I will respond as often as I can. I REALLY REALLY appreciate the comments and emails. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to reading them everyday. At the moment I also don't have access to a telephone, but I am hoping next week that I will. At the very least I think I will have skype next week.

I'm think about you all!

Love,
Elizabeth

Day 3

It is the evening of my third day in Germany. I have done and learned so much already! I am now used to talking in translatable English (slow and always read to explain things in various ways.

Going back to Friday, the day I arrived. I got in about noon and Annmarie picked me up at the airport with a photo of me from 12 years ago. From there we drove an hour to Bocholt on the autobahn where her and Günther's home is. There she had potato soup and garlic bread waiting (it's like she already knows me!). Günther was there on his lunch break and so I got to see him for a few minutes. We ate then I slept for a while. When I woke up there was a welcome dinner for me with Günther, Annmarie, Karla (26), and Clemens (24). It was really a great time. We talked, laughed, sang, looked at pictures, and watched some very old home movies from 1996-97. I looked terrible!

Saturday, 23 August, We got up in the morning and ate breakfast and prepared to go to Bremen. The 2 1/2 hour drive was filled with family history lessons and we went 150 KPH on the autobahn. Going that fast made me a little sick to my stomach. Once in Bremen we went to Mary's where I am staying till I have some rooms of my own. Günther and Annmarie went out to a soccer game so I settled my things sort of (I'm afraid to unpack then just have to pack everything up right away). That night when Günther and Annmarie came back, we drove around town and looked at different things including a ferry and an old church (old as in 1,000 years old). We ate dinner at a restaurant that had an english menu (whew) then went to the ratskeller (old town hall) for after-dinner drinks. I drank 2 glasses of wine which is more than I think I have ever had to drink at one time. Then we came home and I fell asleep almost immediately.

Today, Sunday, we went to an appointment to see a room I could rent. I like the room very much, but we will see what happens. After the appointment we went to the Harbor Fest and had lunch of fish sandwiches (I had herring), kartoffell puffer (potato pancakes), and crepes. I enjoyed looking at all the old fashioned boats and listening to a chorus sing sea chanties. After the Harborfest, Annmarie and Günther drove back to Bocholt and Mary and I came home. I took a walk and found the location to get on the tram or strassenbahn. I also had a very good talk with Mary and am feeling comfortable here. This evening Mary drove me to the train station where we looked around and familiarized me with the station and which train will get me to Jacobs University tomorrow.

I think the weather is gorgeous here! It is about 17 celsius or 63 fahrenheit. There is no humidity and I am enjoying it very much.

I have a cell phone here (a handy). Clemens set it so that it shows English and I made the ringtone frog noises. The radio stations play lots of american music which makes me happy.

Tomorrow orientation starts and lasts a week. I start classes on Labor Day which is obviously not a holiday here.

I have trouble with the keys to Mary's apartment. I practiced for about 10 minutes today before I went on my walk. Also the keyboards are different the y is where the z should be and vice versa. There are new keys as well and it takes me forever to type.

I am trying not to think of home because when I do I tear up, so please do not be offended if it takes me a while to respond to anything - it's hard for me to not think of you all and I am trying to do that just for now. I think things will be better once I am settled in rooms of my own and have a regular internet connection.

Love,

Elizabeth

Last post from the US!

Hey everyone!

This is, I'm sure, my last post from America. I'm sitting on my bed with my dog curled up next to me (Shh! Don't tell Tess that Maggie is on my bed).

I am a little bit nervous still, but at this point I am so excited to be heading off. I'm looking forward to getting my own rooms over there, meeting new people, learning German, eating good food, and having some great stories to share with yall.

My mom and I called Guenther yesterday and he offered to send me home at Christmas so I will be back then. I did not think I would be so I am so thrilled that I will be back. This news made me repack my suitcases (which are overflowing).

I had a great last week here - the going away party with family and friends, going to a soccer (or football game if you prefer), the "Last Supper". It was good times with family and friends. It was a good sendoff. Of course, I cried like crazy, but given that this is me that was expected.

Well I am going to sign off now. Take care!

Bits

I'm trying to start this blog before I leave for Bremen, Germany in a week and a half. I'm super nervous about leaving, but I am also looking forward to experiencing the German culture and really looking forward to traveling on the weekends. I am really lucky to have family in America and in Germany that is supporting me in this endeavor. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Signing off now,
Bits