Well Heeelloooo Germany

I MADE IT!!!

Today started off alittle rocky as I got to the airport and was told I was going to have to pay $200 for my bag because it was over weight or pay $25 for a second bag. Stupid United Airlines Lady!!! $200?!?!?! Are you kidding me?!?!?!

Clearly was not going to pay more for my checked bags than I did for my ticket (only had to pay $100 because I used miles). So mom and I commenced to unload my big bag and stuff things into my other one. We were definitely the entertainment for everyone in line. One guy was really interested and was pretty impressed with our skills. He and I agreed "If only Southwest flew international..." It's a good dream.

I was disperse the weight between my two bags pretty well but had to give up on some coats and a pair of boots that will just have to travel separately and arrive later. AND the best part is somehow they forgot to charge me $25 for my second bag.

Before I made it to Frankfurt, I connected through Washington DC. Which I now proclaim as the best airport. It has CHIPOTLE AND POTBELLY. No contest. So obviously my last meal in the US was Chipotle.

I was able to get sleep on the plane. I forced myself to stay in sleeping mode the whole flight because I would be getting to Frankfurt in the morning. It wasn't a bad flight, but yeah the whole economy class really bites. I don't remember the seats being so close when I went to Italy, so either I was just too nervous to care or Lufthansa needs to step it up.

I got to Frankfurt and let me tell you that is a BIG airport. I swear I walked and walked and walked for 30 minutes getting through the terminals and customs before I was at the baggage claim. The baggage claim was pretty slow, I would say Chicago Midway is faster and that is saying something. I got my big bag but my smaller bag was a no show. I wouldn't give up on it, I just kept waiting and waiting until a man traveling with his wife and kids found out their car seats didn't make the plane, better yet they weren't even in the system. So I went over to see if my bag was in the system. I was waiting in the line and just looking around and out of the corner of my eye I see my Red/Orange suitcase on a different carousel. LUCKY

Found the train and blah blah. I had to change trains but it was no big deal. I met a guy from New Orleans who was traveling on business, he was going to Basel for 3 weeks. We were on the same trains from Frankfurt so we chatted.

I finally got to Freiburg and had a quick small orientation where we filled out paper work for our visas and what not. In my group (those that were there when I was there. random) were 5 guys. All really nice. 2 are from Rice (one proceeded to ask me about 6th street, sorry dude can't help), a guy from UNC, Indiana U, and Long Island U. So a really good mixture from across the US. And best of all was that I packed just as much as some of those guys. I felt really good about that!

Now I am at my dorm/flat. The dorms have been converted from old French barracks, and the area is known as Vauban because of the French. I will have 7 flatmates once they all move in. Right now 3 (2 girls and 1 guy) are here and they are German students, so it's a little weird. Knowing no German makes me a little hesitant to go sit there with them in the living room but I will, I will Mom.

I have my own room and a bathroom is right next to me. We have a cleaning schedule for the apartment, something that is new to me. Usually I would randomly clean if that but most of the time watch Lindsay clean. :) Everything is unpacked and I have already walked to the Aldi to purchase some food. So I'm set for now I think.

We have a pizza party thing tonight so I should meet some more people from my program. There are quite a few people who live in small block area I am in but I don't know specifically where. So it will be nice to meet some Americans and know where they are living.

Below are some pictures of the flat.

The bathroom that is right outside my door.
My closet filled with my stuff
This is basically my room. I have a bed, side table, desk and bookshelf. It's a nice size room. Plenty of room for a dance party.
This is the hallway with all the bedrooms off the sides. Very simple place.
Finally here is the living room and kitchen.

Well I guess it's time to go socialize with my flatmates. I have already apologized that I don't speak German.

Kobe Bryant Ready

My mind is a little all over the place so be patient with my random thoughts. This isn't an essay, so I don't need good flow. :)

Well its been a week of packing and I am pretty sure everything is 5 minutes from ready. I have my coats to pack and then my backpack. I'm feeling pretty confident about my packing, although I had to get rid of my motto to "Be like Paige." I am still amazed at how well she packed.

I am now at the point where I can say "I will be in Germany tomorrow." That's pretty crazy to me and yes technically I won't in Germany till Monday but tomato tomahto. I am ready to start school and get moving with the semester. Who knew.

Last night I had my last Happy Hour for 2010! I have been in Austin a lot more this summer than past summers so it will be difficult and different to not have the neighborhood parties. Last night was supposed to be the final goodbye to them, but you can never schedule that because this always come up. Currently I am sitting in Randy's driveway with his computer updating yall while Randy, Larry and I watch my mom and Jackie paint the garage. There is never a dull moment on Spurlock. Today we have learned: you don't have to shake Killz and you must always check that the lid is on the can before you unnecessarily shake the Killz. Also the extra 2 dollars is well worth it to purchase the "Better" rollers and not be cheap with the "Good" rollers.

Tonight my family is gathering of a goodbye party. Goodbyes are never fun but its just a semester and I have done it before. Right?!?!

My emotional level is okay. Had a minor breakdown last night, but luckily Lindsay talked me down and I am doing well know.

I have a long list today that seems to be getting longer as I think about it, but all will get done and I will get my normal 3 episodes of Gilmore Girls in before the night is through. I am contemplating staying up pretty late so that I will be tired tomorrow and will be able to sleep on the plane. I am supposed to get into Frankfurt at 7:30am German time so I will have a full day of trains, automobiles, and orientation. Can't be out of it when I find out where I am living and where I'm supposed to be for my first week.

This will probably be my last post before I get to Germany, but you never know. I will update yall when I get in and to a computer.

Sorry in advance for typos throughout the semester.

Alright that's all I got.

READY, SET, GEHE (I think that is the right way to say go in this sentence but that's why I'm taking German!)

T-Minus 6 Days

Oh Crap!!

I said I have been in denial all summer about going to Germany as it never set in. Until today that is. I was in Chicago this weekend spending time with my friends. Having to say goodbye to them and beginning my freak out week made everything VERY real.

As I was on the plane I slowly started to make a list of what I needed to do before I leave. I decided smaller lists were better and would keep my blood pressure low and minimize the likelihood of a melt down.

My mom picked me up from the airport and we got to my Monday list. I am happy to say there is now a large "Check" on my list. I was able to complete my shoe needs and professional wear that I need when we go on Field Study Trips and found a good carry on rolling suitcase that has backpack straps (always key just in case that unlucky wheel breaks at the most undesirable time).

I think my Tuesday list will consist of laying out and packing clothes. I marveled at how well my friend Paige packed for her semester abroad. I am striving to copy her and pack as little as possible, but I tend to over pack so we will see how that goes.

The countdown is on and if I can keep breathing I will be ready when Sunday arrives.