Wo wohnst du? Ich wohne in Vauban.

Yes, that's right. I know German.

We started our "intensive" phase of the program yesterday(Thursday). I had my first German class and the EU seminar. German class was really great. I really like my teacher and I am actually understanding and picking up what he is putting out there. It has been a lot of conversation starters, just like when you learn Spanish and all you know is Como estas? Estoy muy bien, y tu.... Blah Blah. I actually said "y tu" today instead of "und dir." Luckily I was practicing with a girl who also had taken Spanish so I didn't feel completely out of if.

The hardest thing for me with German is the length of some of the words and how letters are put together when they are better off not being together. My challenge right now is "Entschuldigung." It means I'm sorry or excuse me. Yeah me and entschuldigung are slowly working out our issues. I have gotten some help from a guy who goes to Loyola and is here doing the German program. We met up last night and he helped me with my homework. He was super helpful and he offered to help me this semester, probably just to be nice. But little does he know I will be bombarding him with questions. He lives in Vauban too, so its really convenient for me at least. :)

My seminar class is great. We started the class by doing a big puzzle of all the European countries. So there were about 20 of us college students on our hands and knees arguing over where Croatia and Poland go. It was pretty comical. It took us 15 min which our professor said was really good. He laughed that we started with Western Europe, mainly Italy. How could you not start with Italy?!?! And by the way I was completely right about where Croatia was. I wanted to say, "Don't question me, I have a friend who will be fleeing to Croatia in November." (sidenote: My friend Paige who is studying in Switzerland is having to go/gets to go to Croatia for her last two weeks because her program doesn't get Student Visas because its newer. Also check out her blog if you want to see some fantastic landscape http://pbmabroad.blogspot.com)

Okay back to me.

So classes have started out well. I am hoping my study brain arrives shortly because my lazy, no need to create intelligent sentences brain is really struggling. We have class tomorrow, yes tomorrow is Saturday. We only have it this once because it is the "intensive" week. They make up for it by taking us hiking in the Black Forest. I am so excited. I am more excited to find out how to get there so I can go on my own.

So I know my mom and dad have been wanting to see where I am living so I made it my assignment today to take some pictures of the area. I succeeded but I really don't have a lot. It's just a regular neighborhood with some hippies. Basically I feel like I am living in South Austin, for those of you from the ATX.

Oh, the title of my post says "Where do you live?" "I live in Vauban." I know really complex sentences. Anyway, Vauban as I said was where the French barracks and now it is both student housing, squatters, and hip younger family neighborhood. It's about 15 min by Strassenbahn to the center of the city. Not bad at all coming from Chicago. The Strassenbahn/Trams are so unbelievably nice, you actually want to sit down unlike on the Red Line in Chicago.

I have met another one of my flat mates today, she is from Boston and is in the IES Environmental program. I am still shy and feel like a guest at my flat but I am warming up. Just give me some time.

So here is the layout of the student housing. The dark tan buildings are the student housing. Mine is the one on the far left. Students from my program are spread throughout the buildings and there are also groups at two different locations too.
So this is my flat. I live on the top floor. The modern part is our living room and then the bedrooms are a part of the original building. You can see all the bikes. EVERYONE rides bikes here. Its crazy how many people and bikes are all over the place, its very impressive.
This is like a courtyard, parking between buildings. That is what all the original buildings look like.
This is some of the squatter housing. Its handmade homes or old buses that people live in. Lots and lots of dreadlocks. I have seen this lady twice with dread locks to her knees, except they are really gross and tangled. I appreciate the dedication but ehh not so sure. Anyway.
This is just an apartment building that is in the neighborhood. Just to show the wide range of housing in Vauban.
Here is some more squatter housing right next to the Tram stop. Its like their own little community. They have a door made out of wood. and kitchens and tables. Its crazy. Really impressive. You probably can't see but there is a couch up by the billboard. There was some one sleeping there this morning when I went to class. And then this afternoon there were a couple people just chilling and talking. Its really fascinating. I know some will ask if I feel safe. I feel SO safe. I actually asked myself that the second night when I was walking back. I literally said "Do you feel safe?" My response "Honestly, I do." They told us Freiburg would be the safest city in Germany if they didn't have bike theft. I think I can handle that.

I have been finding myself thanking Chicago instead of cursing its name. I have had a love/hate relationship with Chicago, but I have really appreciated how much I have grown from just living there. I am able to get around on public transportation like it's nobody's business. A 15 min tram ride is no big deal. I love to walk! The other night after dinner instead of taking the tram we walked instead, it was great! I can handle any weather that is thrown at me. Maybe its what college is supposed to do, but I think Chi-Town deserves some props in my increasing feelings of independence. Thanks Chicago.

Love yall!

Tschus!

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.