Eine einfach Ähnlichkeit (A Simple Similarity)

Just about an hour or so ago, I was waiting at the bus stop to return home to Wehrda for a quick bit to eat when I had one of those moments that reminded me of days gone by and, in this instant, I felt a fondness for both of my homes...
A bus had pulled up, pretty packed full of people commuting home (mainly adults, a few with small children, but it was not the crowd of hooligans that one finds on the bus after schools let out). A young boy in particular caught my eye as he was vigorously wiping off the window's condensation so that he could peer through part of the bus' advertisement. We caught eyes for a moment and then he lost interest and began to write in the condensation with the tip of his finger. At that time, his mother leaned over and drew a tic-tac-toe board and you could tell that she was teaching how to play this game (quite possible for the first time). I am not sure if the game goes by the same name here in Germany since I have not been able to find it referenced anywhere. But for me, it was a moment where I forgot all the differences between cultures and country and marveled in the grace of such sweet simplicity!

Immer lernen

So, since I have been here, class is definitely not the only place I have been learning!!! This is one of the things that I enjoy so much about living here so far...every new day brings something new for me to learn from others! The things I have learned outside of the classroom vary greatly and might surprise many back home...

For example, one of the first days I was here I was asked if I was married!!! This, of course, really caught me off guard...I mean I am used to people asking me if I have a boyfriend (which I do not), but to jump right to marriage & to be asked by a guy I had barely known two days made me wonder what had prompted the question. I tried not to show my shock and simply answered "No!?!" and asked what prompted he to ask me that. He pointed to my class ring that I wear (often backwards as it turns by itself quite frequently) on my right hand. I later found out from a little bit of research that in many eastern European countries, people wear there wedding band on their right ring finger. Then everything clicked, as he is from Poland!

I have also learned that while a number of us currently are suffering through the vast quantities of smoke when we go out to eine Kneipe (a bar), are suffering will be short lived!!! As of 1. Oktober, Germany's bars will be Rauchen-Frei (Smoke Free)!!! Thank God for the small things (especially since I swear that at least 1 out of every 2 people smoke)!!! Hopefully, this will reduce the number of smokers and the number of times I must reach for my inhaler or leave the room in order to breath.

One final thing (for the time being anyway), living in such a diverse community amazes me daily! As I sit here and actually reflect a little bit, for once in my life, I am actually a minority (and not just because the government has included women in affirmative action). I am the only American on my floor and I am one of only 12-13% of the student body that is an international student. This and the fact that a number of us from orientation from countries near and far keep in constant contact and often meet up to cook or go dancing or grill out or whatever the day might bring, is a great learning opportunity for me! In fact, this weekend, I visited Elisabethkirche (Elisabeth's church) here in Marburg, I washed my laundry with a close friend from England (which we were assisted with from another great friend from Canada who had already ventured a load himself); attended a multi-cultural gathering with friends from England, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Italy, and France; had a BBQ with many of the same people; cooked homemade pizza with a close group of friends (including the North American dessert Fruit Pizza); learned how to bowl when playing Cricket; went bowling down town; and finished off the weekend by baking a birthday cake for a friend whose birthday is Monday. All in all, I have been keeping pretty busy (as per usual I suppose). Life is good and now, I need to get to bed as I the morning and my linguistics class will be here in no time!

Love from Deutschland!

Zwei Woche in Alaska und Ein Woche in Deutschland

So, to make it official, I am writing from my Studentenwohnheim (student residence) Zimmer (room) in Marburg, Germany! Today marks the beginning of my second week in Germany during which the real work (studying) shall begin. This past week has been filled with orientation activities and LOTS of paperwork! And there have been plenty of opportunities to socialize and figure out where everything is here (mainly the past few days).
Three weeks ago today, I was finalizing my packing for my trip to Alaska and the entire year to come as I would not be returning home between trips and arrived in our countries 49th State. To say the least, Alaska was GORGEOUS and I could definitely see myself returning someday. I really hope to rough it a little more (camping, hiking, canoing/kayaking, etc.), as well as join in the local culture and take more time to travel the interior of Alaska the next time I am there. Alaska is wonderfully amazing and if you ever have the opportunity to visit, I doubt you will be disappointed (that is unless Denali-aka Mt. McKinley-does not show itself, which for at least 66% of visitors tends to be the case).
Today is my first day of our "Sprachkurs" (linguistics course). I am actually pretty excited for three-and-a-half-hours of German! The more practice I get, the better!
Well, I should really be off to bed now as the morning will come quickly & the bus waits for no one.
Bis neachtes mal!