My sincerest apologies for my constant neglect. I’ve been
busy having fun. Fun doing what you ask? To be honest I don’t really know, but
it’s been an enjoyable few weeks at any rate.
I guess I should backtrack all the way to
Halloween. Germany
doesn’t really celebrate Halloween. Neither does any other country outside of
the UK and America . But
student towns are always the exception. After some last-minute experimentation with face
paint we ended up in StuSie bar for the night. I fear that StuSie bar will forever be the
‘go-to’ place as it’s literally just around the corner. Some day I hope to
actually make the 15 minute journey into the centre and discover somewhere new.
As for Grammar class…. Well somehow I got put into the top
class. I seriously have no idea how. Clearly I’m better at guessing than I
thought. My advice for anyone who does the ‘Einstufungstest’ – if you don’t
know it, don’t guess it, or you’re going to end up like me and way out of your
depth. I managed one class before asking to change to a lower group. I mean, I was
actually able to follow that one class, but I didn’t fancy my chances for the
rest of the semester, considering everything in the teacher's plan was new for me and old
news for everyone else. The middle group is definitely at a more realistic
level, even if the pace is too slow.
In other news, I joined a choir. It’s great. Though as per
any social activity in Germany ,
drinking is also involved. Who would have thought? More surprisingly though, some other activities here even
involve nudity. Like Ultimate Frisbee! I have yet to go to a training session, but I’m definitely
curious to try.
Today I decided to make an investment in some good shoes.
All Germans seem to have good shoes. It’s just a shame that they are so
expensive. All clothes here are expensive! I actually had my friend bring me
over a coat and some boots from the UK because it was cheaper than
getting them here. Oh well, hopefully more money means better quality… Also,
the one thing I don’t think I will ever be able to get used to here is the lack
of 24/7 shops. All supermarkets close around 10. And everything is closed on
Sundays. It’s a real test of my organisational skills to make sure I actually
have food to eat. I mean, I think it’s a good thing that people here don’t work
ridiculous hours, or have to do the night-shift, but it drives me crazy when,
at 10:05, I get a craving for Lebkuchen (the most amazing gingerbread-type
biscuits ever) and am unable to do anything about it.
A friend came over from Northern Ireland to visit me last
week - we ate lots, we drank lots, and we had a lot of fun ;) All in all, a
pretty awesome week, and my flatmates finally got to hear what a real Northern
Irish accent sounds like. It’s fun when someone comes to visit because I get to
rediscover all the things I take for granted here; like the amazing food, the
lack of people walking around in trampy tracksuits, and public transport that
is actually on time. Not too mention the stunning views of the Black Forest . However, in the process it was slightly
less fun to rediscover just how unfit I am. Shame all these beautiful views lie
at the top of very steep hills, though I suppose it’s as good an incentive as
any to make it to the top.
On Saturday we were brave enough to walk all the way to the
top of "Germany ’s
highest waterfall" in Triberg. It was breathtaking, figuratively and literally.
We also spent way too much time in the ‘House of 1000 clocks’, trying to find
the silliest hat and the most expensive cuckoo clock.
Sunday was one of the best days I’ve had since I came here.
A few of us headed to Titisee to ‘Badeparadies’ – a giant complex filled with
waterslides, saunas, heated pools and palm trees. Although less than an hour
away, we were all stunned to see that it was snowing there. Generally I’m not a
big fan of snow, but for once, it provided the perfect setting. Chilling
outside in the 33degree pool, drinking cocktails, overlooking the snow-covered
forest… I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was. Inside was also
pretty epic. We went on every waterslide possible, including the freefall,
which was quite a challenge for me considering my immense fear of heights. But
I’m glad I did it. Though a word of warning for the boys – remember to cross your
legs!
It was quite difficult going back to class again this week,
almost like coming back after a holiday. I guess I also felt a little lonely,
which didn’t help. But life goes on, as they say, and I’m already up to my eyes
in homework, particularly French… my love for the language is definitely
dwindling. Next week, I have my first big group presentation for one of my
German culture classes, about the European Parliament. That will mark the
beginning of the end I feel. After that it will be constant grammar tests and
presentations until Christmas. Then after Christmas I have exams… Or at least I
think I do. Unsurprisingly they have made that overcomplicated too. Apparently
I need to register for my exams, but no one has explained how to actually do
that, or whether there is an alternative to the normal written exam for Erasmus
students, such as a spoken exam. At least by the end of this semester I should
hopefully know how everything works for the next one…..with emphasis on
hopefully.
