My Turn

Well, the first day of classes has come and gone, and to be quite honest, I think we were all humbled a little bit by how much we now know that we don't know. We were a little overwhelmed, but I think that happens when you come to a new country. So far my experience here has been quite an interesting, eyeopening, and enlightening experience. I now feel that the only way that anyone can truly learn a language (other than the basic elements) is by living and experiencing it. It is a little scary, and one realizes how naked and scared they feel when they do not have an easily known and imbedded language to fall back on. It is even more scary when all of the people around you stare at you for what they can just tell you to be, "American".

Here is my summary of what has happened so far, in short hand so as not to bore anyone. The plane ride was extremely long and my legs are now permanently frozen in sitting position, and my butt has permanent seat lines on it. Everything is overwhelming, the sights, the language, the customs, everything. I look back and see that I've only been here four days and I have had to learn, absorb, and process so much information that I feel like I might explode. Meeting all of the MSU people was and will continue to remain a challenege. Everyone was really happy to meet each other right away, but as is the truth with people, their true personalities come out eventually. This phenomenon came to a head today and was rather upsetting, but in lieu of it all, it will make things easier in the long run, especially when making plans and knowing who in the group to avoid, etc.

There are some really good aspects to being here, the foremost of which is the amazing and fantastic view. The scenery, both town and ciy, are absolutely beautiful, and even the air seems to be breathtaking here. Also, the food is amaying, especially the bread. Hard rolls, different types of breads and meats, all different, but all very, very tasty. Of course there are always downsides. Like I said, people staring at you, members of your group being rude and typical americans, the fear of being and travelling in a foreign country where you don't really know anything, the fear that something terrible will happen to you, and so on. It is inevitable and will be something that I will have to deal with as the weeks move on.

Today was the first day of class. It was very long, and much of it was boring. Some of it was very insightful, but I could tell that many of the people in class were very tired, crabby, and most likely hung-over, and so were very snappy and difficult when it came to the tasks at hand, and even when we went out to lunch. I can see now that even among americans, as with the germans, there are some that like us, and some that don't. At least I know now which ones I don't care for and some that I do. I do feel I learned a good deal from the class today, especially as far as new words are concerned. After class we trekked out to the Aldi and Hit grocery stores to pick up some supplies and whatnot. It was an adventure, and we managed to get everything we were looking for at a decent price. Cheap is good, especially in Europe where everything is soooooooooo expensive. At 7 p.m. we met up at an internet cafe to plan out our extended weekend. We will be travelling to Austria, to Salzburg, and to Munich. Unfortunately, as I said, with hostel stays and everything, the total is already about 90 euros. I feel so poor already and it will only have been one week! AGGHHHHHH!!!! Money aside, I feel that I must not have reservations about this trip because I need the experience to grow as a german speaker, and as a person who wants to be culturally aware and able to be involved in. Also unfortunately, we have a considerable amount of homework tonight, so, for now, I shall end my first blog.#

-Matt