Well, today I experienced my first day of school in Germany. All I can say is that I really REALLY need to learn German.
The building in genuinely Hogwarts. It has the spires, the many stories in height as well as the endless stairways and corridors. The only difference is that these ones don't move. Origionally, I was meant to be put in 10th grade, which I was a bit uneasy about as kids in that year level are a good 3 years younger than me. However, a very close family friend who is my age goes to the same school is in 11th grade, and after some convincing the school allowed me to tag along with her. We had two classes today. Two. History and French.
History was...nicht gut. I think if I could understand the language I could actually do the schoolwork, but because of my somewhat mountanous language barrier, I spent the lesson on Alina's translater, typing in words off her worksheet that I didn't recognise to find the meaning. In a way, I suppose this is good for me to do because while admittedly I am not doing the school work given, (I couldn't even tell you what the schoolwork IS) I AM learning the language slowly which is the aim of this whole exchange.
French, however is an entirely different story. I honestly spent two hours sitting in a class of students all speaking fluent french. I can't even speack GERMAN, let alone french. While the History teacher tolerated me, the French teacher did not as such. The only thing I understood the whole lesson was when Alina was told off by the teacher for ME drinking in class. She then went onto a rant about how nobody is allowed to eat or drink in her classroom, while everyone argued back (most keep their drinkbottles on the desk next to them, which was what gave me the impression it was acceptable to do so.) The teacher also told Alina that she doesn't want me in her classroom as I can't speak French - not complaining there. We are going to try and get it organised so that when Alina has French, I go to the library and do German work and learn the primary language I'm supposed to pick up on this exchange. School finished at around 12. And tomorrow I have one class. ONE. I'm finished for the day by 9.35. Not bad, eh? We also have a language course organised for me that I am starting in February. It is twice a week, and in March I am picking up yet another course as well that is attached to the other class - I end up doing about 3 hours of German each lesson instead of 1.5 hours. I don't mind the length or anything at the moment - I am just desperate to learn the language. However, I might not be so enthusiastic about the classes once they begin, we will see!
My body clock has still not reset itself. At 3 in the afternoon (3am NZ time), I am exhausted and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, and at 4am I am bouncing around the room and unable to close my eyes - not useful on your first day of school. At all.
However my four in the morning antics are slowly taking their toll on me, especially after our hour long walk through the country this afternoon with the dogs. The landscape is beautiful, almost rugged in a way and completely covered in a blanket of snow. You can see tracks along the field made by deeer, and we even managed to spot 3 of them off in the distance. And did I mention it was NEGATIVE 12 DEGREES TODAY. In New Zealand we were in Summer - getting up to 30 degrees even. It's going to take a while to adjust I think!
But it's dinner time soon, and then I m going to have to fight with myelf to stay awake until an appropriate time. Ah well, I'll get there!
Nuhnight!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Update on my Adventure - I Have Arrived!
So much has happend these past few days, and I am exhausted.
Disneyland on my first day of LA was incredible. I love it. I wish I coud live there. The rides were amazing, the shogping was amazing (not sure if good thing or not!) and the food was also amazing. I ended up buying a Disneyland Hoodie (they didn't have a Lion King one or an Eyore one) and I left wishing I had another 3 days to see and do everything. Universal the next day was a bit of a let down after such an amazing day at Disneyland, but the few rides that it did have were super good even though I had no interest in the movies they were themed on. That afternoon, after going to Universal we went to Hollywood Boulevard - definitely an experience. Iam glad to be able to say that I have been there, but that is about it. I found the number of people that would come up to you trying to scam you into giving them money quite terrifying and because of the amount of beggars, the whole place had a rather..dodgy atmosphere to it. However, I did get to see the stars and got at least 50 photos of different Celebritie's mark of fame!
The next day we left for London after making it through the thing I was so scared about - LA customs. However, I manged to get my way through there alive, so I was safe. The last day in LA, Jess, Brenna and I were craving healthy fruit so much that we actually went over to the supermarket and bought nectarines, peaches and raspberries for breakfast. We just needed something healthy!!
I got no sleep on the 10 hour flight. None at all, thanks to a screaming baby.
Flying over London, we could see that it was snowing. However, it wasn't until we found out that some flights had been cancelled did we realise how badly. However, while everyone elses flight that had been cancelled had been booked onto another flight for that day, as only my travelling luck would have it the next flight going to Hamburg was for the next day meaning that Iwould have to spend the night alone, in a hotel. Fortunately another girl ended up sharing the room with me, meaning I was not the only one having to spend the night there. The airport ended up booking me into a 4 star hotel with a standard room costing $500NZD a night, with complimentary dinner and breakfast as well as vouchers providing shuttle transport to and from the airport. The weather looked promising this morning, and I made it onto my flight. I am in love with London - everyone there is ridiculously friendly and I just love their accents! My flight to Hamburg was an hour long, and surprisingly exhausting. I hit yet another wall when I got to customs and they asked to see my visa - something I had been informed that I did not need. They told em that I couldn't stay in germany without it, making my heart stop. Turns out though, that I have 3 months to apply for one and that Rotary will organise it for me - something else I really didn't want to have to overcome when exahausted and wanting to get home!
Eventually I made it through the doors to the arrival lounge, where Liane was waiting for me with a Welcome balloon. Germany is Cold. VERY VERY COLD. After an hour drive we made in to Lueneburg, and to our little village. Their house is beautiful, and their dog is scared of me. The family are so welcoming and I feel so comfortable here, although I desperately miss my uggboots and need to buy a coat! I have also been informed that I start school on Wednesday, and I am likely to be put in a class of year 10's - yaaay! :P Did I mention that everyone speaks German here? My host family can speak english as well, but they ALL SPEAK GERMAN. But I need to go to dinner now, and then off to bed.
Nuhnight!
Disneyland on my first day of LA was incredible. I love it. I wish I coud live there. The rides were amazing, the shogping was amazing (not sure if good thing or not!) and the food was also amazing. I ended up buying a Disneyland Hoodie (they didn't have a Lion King one or an Eyore one) and I left wishing I had another 3 days to see and do everything. Universal the next day was a bit of a let down after such an amazing day at Disneyland, but the few rides that it did have were super good even though I had no interest in the movies they were themed on. That afternoon, after going to Universal we went to Hollywood Boulevard - definitely an experience. Iam glad to be able to say that I have been there, but that is about it. I found the number of people that would come up to you trying to scam you into giving them money quite terrifying and because of the amount of beggars, the whole place had a rather..dodgy atmosphere to it. However, I did get to see the stars and got at least 50 photos of different Celebritie's mark of fame!
The next day we left for London after making it through the thing I was so scared about - LA customs. However, I manged to get my way through there alive, so I was safe. The last day in LA, Jess, Brenna and I were craving healthy fruit so much that we actually went over to the supermarket and bought nectarines, peaches and raspberries for breakfast. We just needed something healthy!!
I got no sleep on the 10 hour flight. None at all, thanks to a screaming baby.
Flying over London, we could see that it was snowing. However, it wasn't until we found out that some flights had been cancelled did we realise how badly. However, while everyone elses flight that had been cancelled had been booked onto another flight for that day, as only my travelling luck would have it the next flight going to Hamburg was for the next day meaning that Iwould have to spend the night alone, in a hotel. Fortunately another girl ended up sharing the room with me, meaning I was not the only one having to spend the night there. The airport ended up booking me into a 4 star hotel with a standard room costing $500NZD a night, with complimentary dinner and breakfast as well as vouchers providing shuttle transport to and from the airport. The weather looked promising this morning, and I made it onto my flight. I am in love with London - everyone there is ridiculously friendly and I just love their accents! My flight to Hamburg was an hour long, and surprisingly exhausting. I hit yet another wall when I got to customs and they asked to see my visa - something I had been informed that I did not need. They told em that I couldn't stay in germany without it, making my heart stop. Turns out though, that I have 3 months to apply for one and that Rotary will organise it for me - something else I really didn't want to have to overcome when exahausted and wanting to get home!
Eventually I made it through the doors to the arrival lounge, where Liane was waiting for me with a Welcome balloon. Germany is Cold. VERY VERY COLD. After an hour drive we made in to Lueneburg, and to our little village. Their house is beautiful, and their dog is scared of me. The family are so welcoming and I feel so comfortable here, although I desperately miss my uggboots and need to buy a coat! I have also been informed that I start school on Wednesday, and I am likely to be put in a class of year 10's - yaaay! :P Did I mention that everyone speaks German here? My host family can speak english as well, but they ALL SPEAK GERMAN. But I need to go to dinner now, and then off to bed.
Nuhnight!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
My Adventure Begins...
Well, who would have believed it. I, Emma Ferner have arrived in one piece in Las Angeles. The girl that, until yesterday had not left little New Zealand has ventured out into the big wide world.
There were only a few dilemmas that happened on the way - needless to say I do not think I am fit for travel. First, the woman at baggage check in refused to let me check in as I didn't have a physical address on me of where I am staying in the States. After my heart stopping for a second and Harrie informing me that my address was likely to be in my itinerary (thankfully it was), I was allowed to check in. However, then as I am walking away from the desk I realise that the woman never returned my passport to me. After another panicked moment my passport was back in my posession ( NOT MY FAULT SHE DIDN'T GIVE IT BACK). After some very-close-to-tears goodbyes, (I couldn't look Mum or Mason in the eye. If I had, I would have lost it), I proceeded through domestic customs. Going through, alas I set off the metal detectors and after realising my phone was in my pocket, I am sent back to go through again. After recieveing the all clear, I went off and had a wander about before realising that I, Emma Ferner, had left my phone at security. Just as I realise, there is a loud speaker announcement to the whole airport about it *sigh*. Might I point out, I have not even left Christchurch at this point.
Thankfully, the rest of my airport experience went surprisingly well considering my previous track record. On my first big plane ever I was seated between two complete adult strangers who didn't appreciate the fact that I got up lots during the flight. As I was wedged between two strangers, sleeping was a bit of an uncomfortable mission as I did not fancy the idea of waking up facing either of them. I managed to steal about three hours of sleep in the end. They fed us Korma Curry for dinner followed by Kapiti Icecream, and fruit salad and really yummy cereal for breakfast.
Las Angeles is massive. I mean ginormous. HUGE. Bigger than the canterbury plains, and filled with residential buildings, motorways and skyscrapers. The city goes on for miles, out of eyesight.
Customs at USA was terrifying after watching far too much border patrol. I was surprised that they didn't even guddle through my bag or anything. However, they DID take my fingerprints and take photos of me like I was some criminal.
When we finally arived at the hotel, we went to our rooms and got changed to go to Venice Beach. On the way, our lovely chaperone Lisa informed us of 'Medical Marijuana' that is legal in the US. Needless to say, when we arrived, the stores that lined the beach were filled to the brim with things to smoke marijuana from, 'docotr consultations' and just weed. Lots and lots of weed. T-shirts with pictures, hats, hoodies, everything. The place was also filled with homeless people. Almost half of the people on the strip were homeless, all holding signs or trying to sell things. One sign I particulalry remember was "Not gonna lie, need $$ for beer". As much as I thought the beach at sunset was beautiful, and admired the many palm trees as seen in movies, I could never live here. Ever. Too intimidating, too..dodgy. However, for a holiday it was truly an experience!
We then went out for a good ole traditional meal - Pizza and deep fried chicken! Admittedly, what I did eat was really good, however my waistline may not agree... I also tried Pink Lemonade which surprisingly didn't taste like lemonade at all and wasn't fizzy either - very different!
After our grand dinnner, we returned to the hotel before proceeding to the supermarket and one thing I have to say: SO. MUCH. FANCY. ICECREAM. SOOOO MUCH. I should have bought some, but I decided to save my money for better things. Like Disneyland tomorrow - AHHH I CAN'T WAIT! They also had an impressive chip section of the supermarket, and lots of products with peanut butter - PB stuffed pretzels, M&M's, Icecream and even pre-mixed Peanut butter and Jam. It was amazing. Also, people kept laughing at our amazement and sheer wonder at everything in the supermarket, and we were even asked if we were Australian. IT HAS BEGUN.
Well, Its getting late now and while I don't FEEL Tired, I feel like I am sitting on a boat. My head rocks and gets dizzy every time I turn it. I think this is a sign to go and try to navigate the terrifying shower that appears to have some secret to make it work, and crawl off to bed.
Nuhnight!
There were only a few dilemmas that happened on the way - needless to say I do not think I am fit for travel. First, the woman at baggage check in refused to let me check in as I didn't have a physical address on me of where I am staying in the States. After my heart stopping for a second and Harrie informing me that my address was likely to be in my itinerary (thankfully it was), I was allowed to check in. However, then as I am walking away from the desk I realise that the woman never returned my passport to me. After another panicked moment my passport was back in my posession ( NOT MY FAULT SHE DIDN'T GIVE IT BACK). After some very-close-to-tears goodbyes, (I couldn't look Mum or Mason in the eye. If I had, I would have lost it), I proceeded through domestic customs. Going through, alas I set off the metal detectors and after realising my phone was in my pocket, I am sent back to go through again. After recieveing the all clear, I went off and had a wander about before realising that I, Emma Ferner, had left my phone at security. Just as I realise, there is a loud speaker announcement to the whole airport about it *sigh*. Might I point out, I have not even left Christchurch at this point.
Thankfully, the rest of my airport experience went surprisingly well considering my previous track record. On my first big plane ever I was seated between two complete adult strangers who didn't appreciate the fact that I got up lots during the flight. As I was wedged between two strangers, sleeping was a bit of an uncomfortable mission as I did not fancy the idea of waking up facing either of them. I managed to steal about three hours of sleep in the end. They fed us Korma Curry for dinner followed by Kapiti Icecream, and fruit salad and really yummy cereal for breakfast.
Las Angeles is massive. I mean ginormous. HUGE. Bigger than the canterbury plains, and filled with residential buildings, motorways and skyscrapers. The city goes on for miles, out of eyesight.
Customs at USA was terrifying after watching far too much border patrol. I was surprised that they didn't even guddle through my bag or anything. However, they DID take my fingerprints and take photos of me like I was some criminal.
When we finally arived at the hotel, we went to our rooms and got changed to go to Venice Beach. On the way, our lovely chaperone Lisa informed us of 'Medical Marijuana' that is legal in the US. Needless to say, when we arrived, the stores that lined the beach were filled to the brim with things to smoke marijuana from, 'docotr consultations' and just weed. Lots and lots of weed. T-shirts with pictures, hats, hoodies, everything. The place was also filled with homeless people. Almost half of the people on the strip were homeless, all holding signs or trying to sell things. One sign I particulalry remember was "Not gonna lie, need $$ for beer". As much as I thought the beach at sunset was beautiful, and admired the many palm trees as seen in movies, I could never live here. Ever. Too intimidating, too..dodgy. However, for a holiday it was truly an experience!
We then went out for a good ole traditional meal - Pizza and deep fried chicken! Admittedly, what I did eat was really good, however my waistline may not agree... I also tried Pink Lemonade which surprisingly didn't taste like lemonade at all and wasn't fizzy either - very different!
After our grand dinnner, we returned to the hotel before proceeding to the supermarket and one thing I have to say: SO. MUCH. FANCY. ICECREAM. SOOOO MUCH. I should have bought some, but I decided to save my money for better things. Like Disneyland tomorrow - AHHH I CAN'T WAIT! They also had an impressive chip section of the supermarket, and lots of products with peanut butter - PB stuffed pretzels, M&M's, Icecream and even pre-mixed Peanut butter and Jam. It was amazing. Also, people kept laughing at our amazement and sheer wonder at everything in the supermarket, and we were even asked if we were Australian. IT HAS BEGUN.
Well, Its getting late now and while I don't FEEL Tired, I feel like I am sitting on a boat. My head rocks and gets dizzy every time I turn it. I think this is a sign to go and try to navigate the terrifying shower that appears to have some secret to make it work, and crawl off to bed.
Nuhnight!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)