My German Chapter: 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.