Let's get started with 2015!
Erica Ma
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Erica the Argonaut...The Epic Comeback
I have to admit: I was lost. I started a blog on Wordpress: lifeislookingforward.wordpress.com . This blog is about challenging myself in daily life. It is much more about self exploration than about earthly exploration. However, I promise, I will continue writing about my travels and experiences around the globe!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Life of the Argonaut
^ Song of the day.
An argonaut's life isn't always about having an adventure by traveling to various cities and countries. The life of an argonaut is revolved a certain quest, far or near, that challenges his or her abilities to withstand the conditions of the quest.
Expectations: I learned to never have too high of an expectation early on in my exchange year. High expectations prevents one from enjoying what is given to them, having a person constantly seeking for more excitement and joy. Coming to Germany, I expected everyday to be an adventure -- traveling to different cities every weekend or visiting another country once a month (fully tackling the European Union). It was definitely disappointing, considering I haven't yet travelled to another country.
Take it as its served...
If anything's important during a gap year, it's this: learn to enjoy what you have right now, and don't be afraid to find ways to achieve your dreams.
In truth, I haven't had much time to go off to a different place every weekend; however, that hasn't stopped my fun. I learned to enjoy my time in my little city of Bramsche. During the weekday, I go to school and participate in wild, interesting, and sometimes a little immature conversations with my newly made German friends. On Mondays, I play badminton at school; on thursdays, Choir at a local church. Once a month, I volunteer at the local movie theater, Universum Filmtheater (or something like that). And, starting this week, I will be going to a body pump class every Sunday with a friend from school and her sister.
My higher expectations for my year in Germany made the beginning of my stay in Bramsche relatively stressful and boring. I was drowning in my own self-pity that I couldn't have the life of an "argonaut." After my mid-year orientation in Cologne, however, I realized just how lucky I was to have such amazing friends and teachers in my gymnasium, especially since they accept me for my strangeness with bouts of "American craziness". I don't need constant traveling to be an "argonaut." I was one in my own right. My quest was to challenge myself by living in a different country and learning its culture by fully immersing myself within a community.
If that isn't an adventure, then what is?
I was thoroughly challenged this year. I had to learn how to compromise with a new host family and friends and protect myself from harmful weather. I was seen as a foreigner, and trust me when I say it is the most awkward thing. I tried to take it in stride as much as possible. Suggesting that I am still in Germany after being bullied, discriminated against, and greatly pissed off, I guess I'm doing alright.
The life of an argonaut isn't always going to be fun. Seventy-five percent of the time, it's a pain, a downright challenge. Sometimes, you wish you were back home basking in California sun and eating from a diverse menu that didn't have potatoes or pasta in every dish, but once you look past your homesickness, you can find so much more positivity in your exchange year.
My Quest for YOU: If you can't stop the negative aspects from existing, then try to fill the negative voids with positive aspects. Find something you really enjoy, such as hanging out with friends, learning a new instrument, or playing a sport. Don't be afraid to look close, something cool might have been right under your nose that whole time!
With many happy wishes to your wonderful year,
Erica the Argonaut
Expectations: I learned to never have too high of an expectation early on in my exchange year. High expectations prevents one from enjoying what is given to them, having a person constantly seeking for more excitement and joy. Coming to Germany, I expected everyday to be an adventure -- traveling to different cities every weekend or visiting another country once a month (fully tackling the European Union). It was definitely disappointing, considering I haven't yet travelled to another country.
Take it as its served...
If anything's important during a gap year, it's this: learn to enjoy what you have right now, and don't be afraid to find ways to achieve your dreams.
In truth, I haven't had much time to go off to a different place every weekend; however, that hasn't stopped my fun. I learned to enjoy my time in my little city of Bramsche. During the weekday, I go to school and participate in wild, interesting, and sometimes a little immature conversations with my newly made German friends. On Mondays, I play badminton at school; on thursdays, Choir at a local church. Once a month, I volunteer at the local movie theater, Universum Filmtheater (or something like that). And, starting this week, I will be going to a body pump class every Sunday with a friend from school and her sister.
My higher expectations for my year in Germany made the beginning of my stay in Bramsche relatively stressful and boring. I was drowning in my own self-pity that I couldn't have the life of an "argonaut." After my mid-year orientation in Cologne, however, I realized just how lucky I was to have such amazing friends and teachers in my gymnasium, especially since they accept me for my strangeness with bouts of "American craziness". I don't need constant traveling to be an "argonaut." I was one in my own right. My quest was to challenge myself by living in a different country and learning its culture by fully immersing myself within a community.
If that isn't an adventure, then what is?
I was thoroughly challenged this year. I had to learn how to compromise with a new host family and friends and protect myself from harmful weather. I was seen as a foreigner, and trust me when I say it is the most awkward thing. I tried to take it in stride as much as possible. Suggesting that I am still in Germany after being bullied, discriminated against, and greatly pissed off, I guess I'm doing alright.
The life of an argonaut isn't always going to be fun. Seventy-five percent of the time, it's a pain, a downright challenge. Sometimes, you wish you were back home basking in California sun and eating from a diverse menu that didn't have potatoes or pasta in every dish, but once you look past your homesickness, you can find so much more positivity in your exchange year.
My Quest for YOU: If you can't stop the negative aspects from existing, then try to fill the negative voids with positive aspects. Find something you really enjoy, such as hanging out with friends, learning a new instrument, or playing a sport. Don't be afraid to look close, something cool might have been right under your nose that whole time!
With many happy wishes to your wonderful year,
Erica the Argonaut
Monday, December 23, 2013
German Traditions for Christmas! with Erica the Argonaut
"Remember, when you walk home from choir, DO NOT STEP ON THE COOKIES LEFT FOR ST. NIKOLAS!" my host father warned me. The message was clear. Step on the cookies, the children won't get their share of chocolate and candies.
The Christmas tradition is different all around the world. In America, it is celebrated in the two days, the 24 and 25 of December, just as it is in England. Of course other cultures in America probably celebrate it their ways. In Germany, the Christmas season starts way before Thanksgiving in America ends.
The second week of November came. I came home from school and took a nap.
Then, I was woken up by my cute host brother screaming through my door, "Ewika, Wir können gleich essen." (We can eat soon). My host brother, Darian, is five. Rubbing my nap blurred eyes, I walked down stares. I really believed I was still dreaming: Lights were everywhere and snow globes and little angel figures were placed on the counters and decorated with sprinkles! They had already decorated for Christmas!
My host mother came up to me that day and handed me on very special box, one I am now slowly tearing apart. It is an advent's calendar. Starting from 1. December, you open one box everyday and eat the chocolate inside. You know what they say: Tis the season to eat more than you weight! Now I would be bragging on Facebook about all the chocolate I am now eating, but I added my mom this summer.
The pictures on the side are pictures of my advent calendar. The days are scattered so I always have trouble finding the day I'm supposed to open.
When I took this picture, I was only on my tenth day of December, but now it's one day before Christmas Eve. (I'm getting cavities from all this delicious chocolate.
On the sixth of December, it is important to remember this: Before you go to sleep, but your snow boots outside your bedroom door. This is the only way you can get chocolate and candies from Saint Nicolas, who takes your wish list to the "Christkind." On Christmas Eve, the Christkind will bring in the Christmas tree, decorate it, and put presents all around the tree for the little kids.
I admire my host parents for keeping up with these traditions. The kids draw out what they want on their wish list, and on Christmas day, they get what they want. Imagine Erica the Argonaut as a child:
Dear Santa,
I would like a boat, a car, a license, an iPad, an iPhone, and much more. Do you have an email? I think it would be much easier to send my wish list to you this way, so you won't lose my list!
Love always,
Erica the Argonaut!
The Christmas tradition is different all around the world. In America, it is celebrated in the two days, the 24 and 25 of December, just as it is in England. Of course other cultures in America probably celebrate it their ways. In Germany, the Christmas season starts way before Thanksgiving in America ends.
The second week of November came. I came home from school and took a nap.
Then, I was woken up by my cute host brother screaming through my door, "Ewika, Wir können gleich essen." (We can eat soon). My host brother, Darian, is five. Rubbing my nap blurred eyes, I walked down stares. I really believed I was still dreaming: Lights were everywhere and snow globes and little angel figures were placed on the counters and decorated with sprinkles! They had already decorated for Christmas!
My host mother came up to me that day and handed me on very special box, one I am now slowly tearing apart. It is an advent's calendar. Starting from 1. December, you open one box everyday and eat the chocolate inside. You know what they say: Tis the season to eat more than you weight! Now I would be bragging on Facebook about all the chocolate I am now eating, but I added my mom this summer.
The pictures on the side are pictures of my advent calendar. The days are scattered so I always have trouble finding the day I'm supposed to open.
When I took this picture, I was only on my tenth day of December, but now it's one day before Christmas Eve. (I'm getting cavities from all this delicious chocolate.
On the sixth of December, it is important to remember this: Before you go to sleep, but your snow boots outside your bedroom door. This is the only way you can get chocolate and candies from Saint Nicolas, who takes your wish list to the "Christkind." On Christmas Eve, the Christkind will bring in the Christmas tree, decorate it, and put presents all around the tree for the little kids.
I admire my host parents for keeping up with these traditions. The kids draw out what they want on their wish list, and on Christmas day, they get what they want. Imagine Erica the Argonaut as a child:
Dear Santa,
I would like a boat, a car, a license, an iPad, an iPhone, and much more. Do you have an email? I think it would be much easier to send my wish list to you this way, so you won't lose my list!
Love always,
Erica the Argonaut!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Hallo! Von Erica in Deutschland | Part two: Weekend Trips
Throughout the month at Language Camp, we went on a few weekend trips. To be exact, we went on two weekend trips and one wdeekday trip.
Destination Sachsen-Anhalt:
- Leipzig
- Quedlinburg
- Magdeburg
Leipzig
Two hours. Two hours on a stuffy bus. Two hours, sitting with those same loud and crazy students with whom I sat on the plane and on the four hour drive to Hedersleben from Frankfurt. Those two hours seemed familiar and bearable, but they took a life time.
Leipzig was our first weekend trip after two weeks of staying in Germany. It was the first time we would get a taste of German life outside of Hedersleben, outside of our little "monastery life." Those two hours were just too long for 50 other students who have not seen humanity for two long weeks (save the familiar faces of our language teachers, facility, and townspeople in a town with the population of 200).
Upon arriving in Leipzig, I already had my camera out, ready to take pictures despite still being on the fast moving bus. But the point was, I was ready. Ich bin fertig (a German term used to say both "I am ready," and "I am finished."). I stepped off the bus, ready to explore this wonderful city. A family friend lives here, and upon a visit in America, he told me about the beauty of the city. I was eager to hunt down that beauty. As a group of 50 some students and a few chaperones, we crossed the streets of Leipzig and headed toward the city center. That was when I discovered: Germans don't wait for pedestrians. Yes, I nearly got ran over many times before understand just exactly how the streets and signals worked.
This image of Leipzig is forever engrained in my mind . I don't even know where to start because I can barely remember that moment after crossing the streets of "possible getting ran over." But I remember peering across the courtyard and thinking "Woah, that's a darn big church." Turns out, however, this massive dome, beautifully designed blue glass structure was not a church but a university. We walked past it to enter the city center.
I remember our Sprachelehrer (language teacher), a well-travelled and well-educated old man, Gerd, hobbling across the city taking us from church to church, then finally to a museum. He was wearing a worn blue-knitted cardigan and a traveling hat. We, as a group of 50 some kids, lost him a few times. Leipzig's city center, itself, is filled with tunnels across old-aged buildings, and Gerd walked through them without a doubt in where he was heading. Though hobbling he was much faster and focused than we were.
Finally, we reached the first destination, St. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church). This was where Bach had worked in his years of composing. Here is also the headquarters of a boy choir that is world famous. Unfortunately, the boy choir was on vacation. The next church was St. Nikolaikirche. (seen on the left). It is the oldest church in Leipzig, and I personally think that it's architecture is stunning!
Now, let me tell you a little about shopping in the City Center. YOU MOST LIKELY WILL GET LOST! Germans have a thing for H&M here. (You know: the store with big red curvy writing and cheap clothing). Unfortunately they like it so much that it is not only necessary to have one store in the city center, but three stores (maybe more) in the city center and one more in the city mall. On the left, is a beautiful metal sculpture that welcomes a visitor into Leipzig. This is also found in the city center.
Quedlinburg
Okay, this was not a weekend trip. We went to Quedlinburg, a town located 30 minutes from Hedersleben, on a Thursday. Technically, I would still count it as a weekend trip since we didn't have to attend language classes the rest of the afternoon. (We had language classes even on Saturdays).
Three words: Quedlinburg is adorbs! You can argue with me later to about adorbs being a real word. But seriously, this town is filled with old architecture and even comes with a legit castle. Quedlinburg had this certain calmness that vibrated through the entire town. Despite half of the city center being under construction. Senior citizens and retired people lounged outside the Eis Cafes (Ice cream shops) digging into a triple-scooped sundae or something much more delicious. People walked around leisurely despite it being a Thursday. Smaller streets were deserted. However, the quietness made walking through this town even more unique. It was like being set inside one of the sections of Disneyland, but without the little kids screaming and people waiting in line.
Leipzig
Leipzig was our first weekend trip after two weeks of staying in Germany. It was the first time we would get a taste of German life outside of Hedersleben, outside of our little "monastery life." Those two hours were just too long for 50 other students who have not seen humanity for two long weeks (save the familiar faces of our language teachers, facility, and townspeople in a town with the population of 200).
Upon arriving in Leipzig, I already had my camera out, ready to take pictures despite still being on the fast moving bus. But the point was, I was ready. Ich bin fertig (a German term used to say both "I am ready," and "I am finished."). I stepped off the bus, ready to explore this wonderful city. A family friend lives here, and upon a visit in America, he told me about the beauty of the city. I was eager to hunt down that beauty. As a group of 50 some students and a few chaperones, we crossed the streets of Leipzig and headed toward the city center. That was when I discovered: Germans don't wait for pedestrians. Yes, I nearly got ran over many times before understand just exactly how the streets and signals worked.
This image of Leipzig is forever engrained in my mind . I don't even know where to start because I can barely remember that moment after crossing the streets of "possible getting ran over." But I remember peering across the courtyard and thinking "Woah, that's a darn big church." Turns out, however, this massive dome, beautifully designed blue glass structure was not a church but a university. We walked past it to enter the city center. 
Finally, we reached the first destination, St. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church). This was where Bach had worked in his years of composing. Here is also the headquarters of a boy choir that is world famous. Unfortunately, the boy choir was on vacation. The next church was St. Nikolaikirche. (seen on the left). It is the oldest church in Leipzig, and I personally think that it's architecture is stunning!
Now, let me tell you a little about shopping in the City Center. YOU MOST LIKELY WILL GET LOST! Germans have a thing for H&M here. (You know: the store with big red curvy writing and cheap clothing). Unfortunately they like it so much that it is not only necessary to have one store in the city center, but three stores (maybe more) in the city center and one more in the city mall. On the left, is a beautiful metal sculpture that welcomes a visitor into Leipzig. This is also found in the city center. Quedlinburg
Okay, this was not a weekend trip. We went to Quedlinburg, a town located 30 minutes from Hedersleben, on a Thursday. Technically, I would still count it as a weekend trip since we didn't have to attend language classes the rest of the afternoon. (We had language classes even on Saturdays). 
Three words: Quedlinburg is adorbs! You can argue with me later to about adorbs being a real word. But seriously, this town is filled with old architecture and even comes with a legit castle. Quedlinburg had this certain calmness that vibrated through the entire town. Despite half of the city center being under construction. Senior citizens and retired people lounged outside the Eis Cafes (Ice cream shops) digging into a triple-scooped sundae or something much more delicious. People walked around leisurely despite it being a Thursday. Smaller streets were deserted. However, the quietness made walking through this town even more unique. It was like being set inside one of the sections of Disneyland, but without the little kids screaming and people waiting in line. 
Magdeburg
Simply artistic. We went to visit an old cold war prison. Let's not talk about it. I was pretty scared and haunted throughout the entire tour.
Magdeburg. This is the capital of Sachsen-Anhalt. As we drove our bus (chartered by the mayor of Hedersleben) through the town. I was simply confused. The bus kept turning and turning, in this small alleyway and out onto a big street, but while the bus was turning, my eyes saw a certain beauty that can only be found in Magdeburg. It felt like city-chillness. It was city life but surrounded by trees in certain areas and wild sculptures in others. Even the buildings tilted to the side, or gave the illusion of tilting to the side.
It's that tall apartment complex (left) painted pink with weird marble streaks throughout the building. This building reminded me of a burning fire in the middle of a calm sea. Wild and unique and absolutely strange. Let's just say, staring at this building was just a favorite past time we (the other asians) ran around looking for Boba stores and asian meals.
I want to say that we did enjoy the culture of Magdeburg to its fullest, but that would be a lie. I would like, very much, to go back again and simply enjoy. However, I was on a homesickness spiel, meaning I was craving asian food and asian drinks, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it!
Es tut mir leid! (I'm very sorry) This post is long, but I haven't posted in such a long time!
Liebe immer (love always),
Erica the Argonaut.
Magdeburg
Simply artistic. We went to visit an old cold war prison. Let's not talk about it. I was pretty scared and haunted throughout the entire tour.
Magdeburg. This is the capital of Sachsen-Anhalt. As we drove our bus (chartered by the mayor of Hedersleben) through the town. I was simply confused. The bus kept turning and turning, in this small alleyway and out onto a big street, but while the bus was turning, my eyes saw a certain beauty that can only be found in Magdeburg. It felt like city-chillness. It was city life but surrounded by trees in certain areas and wild sculptures in others. Even the buildings tilted to the side, or gave the illusion of tilting to the side.
It's that tall apartment complex (left) painted pink with weird marble streaks throughout the building. This building reminded me of a burning fire in the middle of a calm sea. Wild and unique and absolutely strange. Let's just say, staring at this building was just a favorite past time we (the other asians) ran around looking for Boba stores and asian meals. I want to say that we did enjoy the culture of Magdeburg to its fullest, but that would be a lie. I would like, very much, to go back again and simply enjoy. However, I was on a homesickness spiel, meaning I was craving asian food and asian drinks, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it!
Es tut mir leid! (I'm very sorry) This post is long, but I haven't posted in such a long time!
Liebe immer (love always),
Erica the Argonaut.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Guten Tag! Von Erica in Deutschland | Part One: Hedersleben
Hedersleben: Country-living
I can't really tell you much about the history of this place. All I know is that this monastery is older than the United States. It was first built in the 1200s and probably looked the same as it does now-- filled with bumpy cobbles stone roads and sharp-edged monastery stone walls. I can't complain though. The fact that there is running water and electricity in the building is surprising and more than anything wonderful.Hedersleben is a quaint little town. It has two churches, side-by-side. One is a Lutheran church, as Sachsan-Anhalt was considered "Lutheran country," and the other is a Catholic Church. For both Sundays during which the churches opened, I attended both churches. Let me admit, it is a great step away from the modern, band-playing worship ceremonies I attend back home in America.
The town itself is picturesque. The rolling fields of corn and large orchards of apple trees can make any city girl feel natural in a good week's time. And that was how I felt by the time I left camp: Completely one with the farmland. Walking around the town was one of the most cherished memories I have. The sunny, quiet afternoons were filled with adventures, whether it be walking to the local supermarket, finding a new street to venture down, or even walking into a vast fields of fertility.
In that month's time at camp, I have never seen so many horses in my life. Behind the monastery, there were two large horses and a beekeeper's house. Down by the orchards, there were ponies at every turn and even donkeys and goats waiting to be hand-fed some delicious apples and peaches.
There are two specific memories that I will never forget from my time in Hedersleben:
Honey: the nectar of the gods.
I AM THE HORSE TAMER...NOT REALLY
My last name is Ma. In Chinese, that means horse. So, I automatically thought that I would have some strange bond with the horses. Hedersleben is located in a rural part of Germany (well most parts are still quite rural and quiet). There are tons of horses here. There are specifically two horses that dwell behind Hedersleben. they belong to the farmers next to the monastery. Many of the other students were able to ride the horses and pet them, so wanting to get in on the goods too, I decided to find the horses and pet them. It probably wasn't a smart idea to wear sandals that day. My foot was cold, dirty, and muddy. It took forever to trek past the long grasses to get to the horse. The horse I was targeting was this beautiful white and grey mare. She was pregnant. Once I got there, I began to pet the horse, and it moved closer to me. I thought that it was a good sign, so I stepped closer too. All of a sudden the other horse, jealous that it didn't get any Erica loving, pushed the horse I was petting aside, causing the white mare to step on my foot.
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
My friends began to pull me out from under the horse's terrifying hooves and brought me back to the monastery. An Advil later, I was much better, walking with a limp for the rest of the week.
Well, that was basically my adventure in Hedersleben.
Bis Bald,
Erica the Argonaut
Monday, September 23, 2013
Greetings! From Erica the Packer
Packing:
And lift! My luggage was going to tip me over before I can even set it onto the scale.
And lift...don't fall back, Erica! I could hear my back crack and felt my arm muscles grow weak. And finally, plop went my luggage right onto the scale. I collapsed upon it but quickly moved off so the scale can do its work.
...
And then I saw it:
55 pounds
My luggage was 5 pounds overweight. I didn't know whether I was ready to burst into tears or just chuckle at this ridiculous situation I landed myself in. I was definitely panicking. It was only a day before I was leaving for Baltimore-Washington International, and I really didn't know what to do. I was stuck between the idea of leaving all my pants behind and the idea of leaving all my jackets behind. Unfortunately, I ended up leaving the majority of my jackets behind, deeming my pants and the scrapbook material I have yet to touch much more important than my many shields against the freezing German weather.
If you are here looking for an expert guide teaching you how to pack, you have come to the wrong person. I am more than a beginner. My packing skills consisted of stuffing my entire closet into a large suitcase and using the system of "picking a number out of a hat" to decide which clothes won't make the cut and which will.
Now, you're thinking, "Erica, you are most definitely exaggerating." My only reply would be, "My parents did most of my packing work in the end." How we all managed to forget to bring extra jackets is beyond me.
However, as the now "expert traveller," I do have some tips for packing:
Tip 1: Start early.
While I did end up procrastinating until the very last day, I was glad I sorted through my entire closet a month before I started my packing. This way you can know what you do need and what you don't need.
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to spend a little money.
Especially if you are going to Europe, you can go shopping when you're in Europe. It's no problem to bring just clothes that meet the necessities. Save your luggage space to fill up with exotic European goods that catch your interest during the year.
Tip 3: Don't ship things over.
Really, if you need something just buy it in Europe. Part of traveling is experiencing the different culture of the country you travel to. That includes buying local products that you can't buy at home. Plus, shipping is much too expensive!
Pack on :D
Erica the Argonaut
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Hello! From Erica the CBYX Scholarship Recipient
Guten Tag!
Ich heiBe Erica Ma, und Ich spreche nicht gut Deutsch.
Well, as I have mentioned in some of my earlier posts: I AM GOING TO GERMANY FOR ANY ENTIRE YEAR!!!!! I am going to Germany via a program called the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. The company FLAG chose me to become a recipient, as they are in charge of the Southwest region of the United States. They chose 50 wonderful recipients this year, all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting during the on-site orientation in Michigan.
You can find out more information through this link: http://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/
So far, I have gone through three phases after receiving the scholarship:
(1) UTTER SHOCK: I couldn't believe I was going to Germany. I started to go on German stores to do all my online "window" shopping, etc. I even began to read my news in German, only to find out I couldn't understand 99.99% of what was written.
Then I moved on to (2) IDLENESS: The excitement slightly wore off as I had to take a bunch of vaccination shots and wait for final plans about my stay in Germany. I still am very excited about going to Germany, but the anticipation for more information about my host family, the part of Germany I will be living in is killing me!!! But, patience is a virtue that will help me get through the year living with a completely different family. I try not to think about the whole process, and I just hope that I wasn't too picky as I was filling out the forms for compatibility.
After my "idleness" stage I moved on to (3) OH NO phase. This mainly has to do with my mom's worrying. I know my mom cares very much about my safety in Germany, but some of the things she worries about are over the top. For example, she keeps telling me if I don't do my chores, I will be sent to court in Germany. I have a feeling this is only to get me to do more chores at home, and I really hope this is the most of her worries and mine too.
Anyways we officially have 25 more days before our group of awesome kiddies leave for Germany. We will be staying at a small village called Hedersleben, where our main focus will be language learning!
I still can't believe I have this amazing chance to go to Germany. I really thank all those who are making it happen, from my parents to the FLAG staff. Hopefully the awesome people in Germany have an easy time finding a host family for me!
Bis Später!
Erica the Argonaut
Ich heiBe Erica Ma, und Ich spreche nicht gut Deutsch.
Well, as I have mentioned in some of my earlier posts: I AM GOING TO GERMANY FOR ANY ENTIRE YEAR!!!!! I am going to Germany via a program called the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. The company FLAG chose me to become a recipient, as they are in charge of the Southwest region of the United States. They chose 50 wonderful recipients this year, all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting during the on-site orientation in Michigan.
You can find out more information through this link: http://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/
So far, I have gone through three phases after receiving the scholarship:
(1) UTTER SHOCK: I couldn't believe I was going to Germany. I started to go on German stores to do all my online "window" shopping, etc. I even began to read my news in German, only to find out I couldn't understand 99.99% of what was written.
Then I moved on to (2) IDLENESS: The excitement slightly wore off as I had to take a bunch of vaccination shots and wait for final plans about my stay in Germany. I still am very excited about going to Germany, but the anticipation for more information about my host family, the part of Germany I will be living in is killing me!!! But, patience is a virtue that will help me get through the year living with a completely different family. I try not to think about the whole process, and I just hope that I wasn't too picky as I was filling out the forms for compatibility.
After my "idleness" stage I moved on to (3) OH NO phase. This mainly has to do with my mom's worrying. I know my mom cares very much about my safety in Germany, but some of the things she worries about are over the top. For example, she keeps telling me if I don't do my chores, I will be sent to court in Germany. I have a feeling this is only to get me to do more chores at home, and I really hope this is the most of her worries and mine too.
Anyways we officially have 25 more days before our group of awesome kiddies leave for Germany. We will be staying at a small village called Hedersleben, where our main focus will be language learning!
I still can't believe I have this amazing chance to go to Germany. I really thank all those who are making it happen, from my parents to the FLAG staff. Hopefully the awesome people in Germany have an easy time finding a host family for me!
Bis Später!
Erica the Argonaut
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)