Maddie
Today has been chaos to begin with. I woke up at about 4:30 a.m. I brought down my luggage and got on the bus. We were just about to leave for the Airport when we did a passport check. Somebody (I won't say who to protect the innocent, line from TV Show Dragnet, dad if you´re there) couldn't find their passport. He/She had to check their luggage that had been put under the bus already to see if they could find it. It wasn't in there and the respetion desk didn't open until 10, Keep in mind it's like 5:00 in the morning. Luckily, somebody (I won't say who) forgot to turn in their room key and Hotel key. The Hotel key was what we needed to get into the Hotel itself. We got in and found it laying on the bed. Off to the Airport we go! While everybody got off and grabbed their luggage, I was still on the bus looking for lose Change. =) Once the other Kids were already inside the Airport, Frau Murray, Herr Murray, and I started our 5 hour trip to a friend's house. I woke up at like 4:30 so I slept for 4.5 hours. Well, I made it here alright and can't wait to take a nap. I plan to write again.
Sorry for any spelling mistakes, the Keyboard is Kind of different.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Day 14
Danielle
Today we visited Dachau, the first concentration camp. It was really interesting seeing all the things that happened right where we were Standing. We watched a Video about the camp then visited the crematorium. I thought it was cool to learn that the gas Chambers were installed but never used. After Dachau, we drove for 2.5 hours to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We all pretty much slept on the way, with the exception of Frau Winter, who shared some more of her precious bathroom stories. In Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, we got Mittagessen (lunch) and then met up at the Marktplatz. There was a band playing there. They played "Stars and Stripes Forever", which is Kind of funny because it´s such an American patriotic song. We went to the Criminal Museum in Rothenburg, which had a ton of cool instruments of torture. Then we drove to Hanua for our Group good-bye dinner. We had spatzle and lamb schnitzel! It was dclicious! At dinner, we all shared what our favorite part of the trip was and we all had a lot of fun! On the bus back to the Hotel, we had a "rave" and danced. Best bus ride ever! I can´t believe the trip is over already! Personally, I had the time of my life and I´m thankful for the opportunity to take this trip and for the amazing People I´ve met.
Today we visited Dachau, the first concentration camp. It was really interesting seeing all the things that happened right where we were Standing. We watched a Video about the camp then visited the crematorium. I thought it was cool to learn that the gas Chambers were installed but never used. After Dachau, we drove for 2.5 hours to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We all pretty much slept on the way, with the exception of Frau Winter, who shared some more of her precious bathroom stories. In Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, we got Mittagessen (lunch) and then met up at the Marktplatz. There was a band playing there. They played "Stars and Stripes Forever", which is Kind of funny because it´s such an American patriotic song. We went to the Criminal Museum in Rothenburg, which had a ton of cool instruments of torture. Then we drove to Hanua for our Group good-bye dinner. We had spatzle and lamb schnitzel! It was dclicious! At dinner, we all shared what our favorite part of the trip was and we all had a lot of fun! On the bus back to the Hotel, we had a "rave" and danced. Best bus ride ever! I can´t believe the trip is over already! Personally, I had the time of my life and I´m thankful for the opportunity to take this trip and for the amazing People I´ve met.
Day 13
Lisa
Today was our first full day exploring München. We walked from the Atlas Hotel down to the Marienplatz., where we met our Mike´s Bike Tour guides, Tony and PJ. Tony and PJ were both excited to tour us around the City and made us demonstrate the Glockenspiel dancers by having us jump on one leg with our hands above our heads. After a Little history at the Marienplatz we split into two Groups and went to get our bikes. Our first stop on our tour with PJ was a platz that had the Hofbräuhaus and it was home to a famous Chef. PJ told us some history about the Hofbräuhaus and then we got back on our bikes and headed to another platz. At this platz, next to Maximillianstrasse, we saw a statue of the king and the former house for roayls. We also learned a game where when someone yells stranger danger, everyone must duck and cover. We continued on the bike tour and stopped next at a homeless Soccer Cup. PJ let us explore the inside of the Theateinerkirsche, rub Lion heads for luck, and watch a hal´-court Soccer game. Then we went to the English Garden, and stopped at the Chinese Tower for lunch. There we had a variety of Food and Drinks. Frau Haines taught Danielle, Brittany, Alexa and me how to eat Weisswurst while we were there. After eating, we went to see People Surfing in the English Garden canal. That was really cool because most of the People Surfing were pretty good. The best part was that one of the guys had a surf board with moustaches on it. After a while, it was time to head back because our tour was over. Eventually we made it back to Mike´s Bike Shop where we returned our bikes and met up with the rest of our Group. Now that the tour was over, we were able to shop in München in Groups of 3 or more. We were allowed to walk anywhere in the Strip from Karlsplatz to the Marienplatz. There were lots of clothing and Souvenir Shops all around. While we were out Shopping, we tried on dirndles and Lederhosen, bought Eis, and shopped for Souvenirs. After about 4.5 hours of Shopping, we met back with the Group at the Marienplatz to watch Glockenspiel. When the clock was done playing, we went back to Hotel Atlas to get our suitcases and go to our next Hotel on the outskirts of München. Once we all got our suitcases and rooms, we were allowed to eat dinner at the Hotel. The Hotel´s schnitzel was pretty good. By the time we finished dinner, it had been a Long day and we were a Little tired. Overall, it was a good day in München with our bike tour and new Hotel.
Today was our first full day exploring München. We walked from the Atlas Hotel down to the Marienplatz., where we met our Mike´s Bike Tour guides, Tony and PJ. Tony and PJ were both excited to tour us around the City and made us demonstrate the Glockenspiel dancers by having us jump on one leg with our hands above our heads. After a Little history at the Marienplatz we split into two Groups and went to get our bikes. Our first stop on our tour with PJ was a platz that had the Hofbräuhaus and it was home to a famous Chef. PJ told us some history about the Hofbräuhaus and then we got back on our bikes and headed to another platz. At this platz, next to Maximillianstrasse, we saw a statue of the king and the former house for roayls. We also learned a game where when someone yells stranger danger, everyone must duck and cover. We continued on the bike tour and stopped next at a homeless Soccer Cup. PJ let us explore the inside of the Theateinerkirsche, rub Lion heads for luck, and watch a hal´-court Soccer game. Then we went to the English Garden, and stopped at the Chinese Tower for lunch. There we had a variety of Food and Drinks. Frau Haines taught Danielle, Brittany, Alexa and me how to eat Weisswurst while we were there. After eating, we went to see People Surfing in the English Garden canal. That was really cool because most of the People Surfing were pretty good. The best part was that one of the guys had a surf board with moustaches on it. After a while, it was time to head back because our tour was over. Eventually we made it back to Mike´s Bike Shop where we returned our bikes and met up with the rest of our Group. Now that the tour was over, we were able to shop in München in Groups of 3 or more. We were allowed to walk anywhere in the Strip from Karlsplatz to the Marienplatz. There were lots of clothing and Souvenir Shops all around. While we were out Shopping, we tried on dirndles and Lederhosen, bought Eis, and shopped for Souvenirs. After about 4.5 hours of Shopping, we met back with the Group at the Marienplatz to watch Glockenspiel. When the clock was done playing, we went back to Hotel Atlas to get our suitcases and go to our next Hotel on the outskirts of München. Once we all got our suitcases and rooms, we were allowed to eat dinner at the Hotel. The Hotel´s schnitzel was pretty good. By the time we finished dinner, it had been a Long day and we were a Little tired. Overall, it was a good day in München with our bike tour and new Hotel.
Day 12
Jacqueline
I´ve had a great time here. My favorite thing we´ve done so far is go to the salt mine. I´m so happy with all the memories I´ve made and people I´ve met here. I wish we didn´t have to leave so soon but I really miss home, especially the food and my mom.
Brittany A.
Salt´s not fun unless there´s a giant slide involved, free salt at the end, and a Little boat. The tour guide was nice and so German! There was a train that went so fast and fun! We had space suits and everything. I wish we went to space, but salt is more fun. Then we waited a bunch in the rain for our hotel reservations. We are ok!
I´ve had a great time here. My favorite thing we´ve done so far is go to the salt mine. I´m so happy with all the memories I´ve made and people I´ve met here. I wish we didn´t have to leave so soon but I really miss home, especially the food and my mom.
Brittany A.
Salt´s not fun unless there´s a giant slide involved, free salt at the end, and a Little boat. The tour guide was nice and so German! There was a train that went so fast and fun! We had space suits and everything. I wish we went to space, but salt is more fun. Then we waited a bunch in the rain for our hotel reservations. We are ok!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day 9
Brian P.
This trip has undeniably been one of the best times of my life. We have just finished our six day family stay, which I have to say was an eye opener and an amazing experience at the same time. On the first day, I realized I didn´t know even a fraction the German that I thought I did, but my host family was calm and patient with me and we soon worked out the communication issues! They were some of the nicest people I´ve ever met and I hope to visit them again some day! I could go on for days about the things I´ve seen and done here. It is simply an amazing place and an amazing adventure. Still 4 more days to go too! Wolfpack in the rest of the way! Hoo ha!
This trip has undeniably been one of the best times of my life. We have just finished our six day family stay, which I have to say was an eye opener and an amazing experience at the same time. On the first day, I realized I didn´t know even a fraction the German that I thought I did, but my host family was calm and patient with me and we soon worked out the communication issues! They were some of the nicest people I´ve ever met and I hope to visit them again some day! I could go on for days about the things I´ve seen and done here. It is simply an amazing place and an amazing adventure. Still 4 more days to go too! Wolfpack in the rest of the way! Hoo ha!
Germany Trip 2013 Olivia Heisler
Okay well I'm like a week late but whatever! This morning we starts off with a bike tour with tony and then went shopping the rest of the day! I have had a blast this whole trip! Although we have had some mishaps, it has all been worth it. The family stay taught me to appreciate the things I have because I won't always have them and to just be thankful for everything I do have. It has grown me up a little with all the experiences. I think I have grown as a person. I have met a lot of great people this trip and I'm sad that tomorrow is the last full day together. I will miss everyone but I am so excited to get back home to see my family.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Day 11 - Garmisch & Castles
Claire
After saying goodbye to our host families, we headed on the bus for a 2 and a half hour bus ride to Neuschwanstein, the castle that Walt Disney based his castle off of. It was super cool we were not allowed to take pictures inside but I attached the one I took from the outside. After that we went to King Ludwig's second castle Konigscholoss Linderhoff. King Ludwig was a little bit crazy so he decided to add a grotto by his house is is the largest fake cave in the world. They say he was very hard to please, so he needed a lot of things made for him. For dinner we ate at was called Gasthof Fraundorfer it was a Bavarian restaurant it was delicious. After that we went to our Hostel, it was the first time for most of us staying in a hostel. We have to wake up really early tomorrow, so goodnight!!
Neuschwanstein Castle
The Grotto
After saying goodbye to our host families, we headed on the bus for a 2 and a half hour bus ride to Neuschwanstein, the castle that Walt Disney based his castle off of. It was super cool we were not allowed to take pictures inside but I attached the one I took from the outside. After that we went to King Ludwig's second castle Konigscholoss Linderhoff. King Ludwig was a little bit crazy so he decided to add a grotto by his house is is the largest fake cave in the world. They say he was very hard to please, so he needed a lot of things made for him. For dinner we ate at was called Gasthof Fraundorfer it was a Bavarian restaurant it was delicious. After that we went to our Hostel, it was the first time for most of us staying in a hostel. We have to wake up really early tomorrow, so goodnight!!
Neuschwanstein Castle
The Grotto
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Last Full Day Of Family Stay By: Lendie Nolting
So this morning I was greeted by a "Guten Morgen" from my host family. It was a beautiful morning and we had alot to do today. We started off by eating a breakfast of champs, cereal. Well anyway, me and my host family got stared with our day at 9am. We hopped in the car off to Aline´s (my hostsister´s sister) school for her school program. We arrived at approx. 9:30. It began with little kids singing old kid songs. So cute! Then it moved on to the bigger kids acting out stories. Then it was Aline´s classes turn, they had to tell a old german poem without looking at words. They nailed it! The program ended with everyone singing songs! So much fun! And now we are off to see a really fancy horse stable called, Marbach. It is the state-run stud of Germany. We went to the arena and little did we know they were having a horse show! So we sat and watched for 30 min. or so. Then we walked around the stables petting all the horses one by one. They were beautiful. Äfter that we went into the gift shop to get pamplets to bring home with me. Luckily had some in english! It geting to be 1 almost 2 o´clock and we still hadn´t eaten lunch, and I was starving! So home we go to cook lunch! And I´m so glad we did! I had the best home cooked meal yet! We had some of razzoli, I guess you could say. It was a noodle stuffed with meat cooked in broth. Heaven! It was so good! I told my host family that I was gonna buy some to take back to Merica! After we got done eating we were off to ride a boat through a cave in the inside off the mountain! So exciting! We are anxiously waiting line for our turn! and before we know it, it is our turn! Holaaaa! The tour lasted like 10 min. but iot was worth it! It was so cool! We went to the store and bought me noodles to take back to Merica with me! We then left and came back home. I organized my bag and played tennis with Aline! We ate some watermelon and now I´m writing this lovely blog post for you! Tomorrow is gonna be very sad! We will be parting ways from our host family. :( I´m gonna miss my family! But we can stay in touch through facebook! The wolfpack will be reuniting in less than 12 hours! I miss everyone so much! Hoohaha! I just got informed that im going to a huge town bonfire! Touring castles tomorrow! Bye! #lastday #sadday #gonnamissmyfamily #wolfpack #reunite #hoohaha #pyamidtime #touringcastles
Friday, June 21, 2013
The missfit adventures of Max K. (It´s late sorry.)
Geting off the bus for the first time for the family stay was scarey. I
didn´t know what to think. I could barely even speak and as many of you
may know I don´t shut up. Joshi my host is really nice and so are his
friends. I stay quite a lot because i´m nervous. I am geting more
comfratble. The first day was fun we went to a river in Joshis town and I
met some of his friends. On tuesday school ended at 5:00 and we went to
Joshis dad´s hosue because his parents are divorced. We ate Maloantosha
and then we played some soccer! With his little brother Max and a
childhood faviorte monkey in the middle. I got the ball stock. So we
wen´´t inside and Josh showed me how to play fifa. I acttually really
like it. After that we played frisbee. We had to stop playing after Josh
got it stuck up in a tree. He tried geting it down but his Omi said
"nein nein my schones baum." It was funny. We all cracked as we walked
through the yard because thier was hedgehog needles in the grass. Other
Max though I steped on them: I said "nein caca" We then went back into
the house and got ready for bed. I have bin bare foot quite a lot for
the past few days. I´ve noticed a lot of diffrences in the school here.
Most of Josh´s friends seam to like me. It is fun trying to comnicate.
Josh´s Family reminds me of the weasleys and his house like the burow.
It´s amaying here.I miss home kinda of. But it its so beatuiful here in
Germany. Josh has 5 brothes and sisters. A mom and a step dad it really
is amazing here. I am happy to be able to have this expierence. The family stay is over and I don´t want it to end. It has bin the best 5 days of my life. On day 3 we went to the swiming pool and I felt really akward around so many people so I played with Joshis brother Freadal. the 2nd youngest in my host familys house has gotten the habit of climbing on me to take my hat and she trys to talk to me but I don´t understand. On the 4th day we wnt shoping I got combat boots fineally :D I was so excited. Flor (a friend I have made) helped us find it. I acdetaintly droped a 20 Euro geting on the bus and the grumpy lady who took it refused to give it back but my host and his friends defended me and convinced the lady to give it back. Then today we went to dream land a tiny amusment park based of off the old fairy tails and then tomorow I go to a German wedding. I don´t want my adventures to end but unfortaintley all good things most come to in a end. -Max
Day 5 of the Family stay LOVING IT!-- Brittini N. :)
So today was the last day of the school week, so that means that it was the last day that we got to see all of our new friends from school :(. Honestly even with the launguage barrier I think I liked the kids here more than back home sometimes:). I'm going to miss all of them, but we can stay in touch with Facebook. We had the opportunity to talk to the 5th and 10th grade classes today. The 10th grade kids were hesitant to talk at first bc we were the first native speakers that they have ever talked to but it was better when they relaxed a little bit. And the 5th graders were nervous for about the first 10 secconds then they broke out of their shells and talked in English, and tried to keep the Swebian diolect to a minimum when they spoke in German (Swebian is like slang german and we learned high or proper german in school). The first couple of days in the family stay I could not understand A THING when I was around the other students in school but it was like a light came on today and I could understand a lot! And i didnt feel out of the loop, I understood why they were laughing!!! The first part of the family stay I was just ready to get back to the wolfpack and stay in my safe little bubble but now I love my family and its SOOO much easier to communicate now. I'm just not ready to leave, Its weird to think that this could be the last time I ever see these people in my life. I guess we just have to leave it to serendipity. :)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Day 3 of the Family Stay - Sara
So it is day 3 of the famly stay... it is getting better and easier... this morning we woke up a little later than usual and went to a feild trip with my host sisters class. We went to a climbing park, it was really fun becuase I have never been to one and Liv was with me which made it easier. While we were at the park the whole class had a BBQ over this camp fire thing, it was cool becuse in Indiana we never do that kind of stuff on a school trip. Then we came home and hngout with her older sister for a little bit before going to her handball practice. After practice was over we came home and had a nice dinner with her family then went out to the porch and played a board game. Today was really fun and I am having a really great time. -Sara
Day 1 of Family Stay but it's Thursday now - Ben
So I'm 3 days late for this post but I'm just having to much dang fun. This is the wolfpack leader and I just wanted to give a shoutout to all my wolfpack homies out there. I know you miss your leader but we will be together soon. Staying with a family really has thought me to respect other people's values. I really enjoy it here and my host brother Steven has a lot of cool friends. I've gone to the Freibad twice and had a blast. It's been so hot here in Germany so I'm starting to get that nice tan hehe. I couldn't ask for a better host mother! Although she speaks only a little English she is so so so nice and she feeds me so much food I've probably gained about 10 pounds. German school is really interesting because instead of walking from class to class, you stay in one room and the teachers come to you! I probably made the funniest mistake of the trip I might add. For the first 3 days I thought my host brother was 21 but just found out he was 17. Hahaha oops.... His friends are so cool and they remind me of my friends from lindenhurst. Although I am excited to be back with the group I will never ever forget the experiences I have had with my host family! I still have two more days and I'm going to make the most of them! They have treated me so well and I'm going to miss my host family! Can't wait to see you guys Sunday! Wolfpack leader out! Hoo ha ha
Murrays Day Six-Seven
On Wednesday, we took the day off to sleep in and take a bit of a break. We went to a museum of East/West Germany, which was located near the former border between E. and W. Germany. We got a 1.5 hour personal tour from the guide. He was VERY excited to see someone from the US. It was very educational. After the musuem, we went shopping to a small mall in Nordhausen an ate a Doner (similar to Greek gyros.They were amazing!
Today,we went on a trek with our host mother's7th graders again. We walked for about 75 minutes uphill to a small town named Walkerried and we toured a monastery. The monastery was Benedictan dating back from the 11th century.
Tonght we had a storm that broke a bit of the heat. During it we went to dinner at a local small family restaurant and had Schnizel with Pommes Frites. Tomorrow we are taking the morning off and the in the evening we will go to dinner at a restaurant up in the mountains named for it being a former fortress. On Sat, we head back to Munsingen.
Today,we went on a trek with our host mother's7th graders again. We walked for about 75 minutes uphill to a small town named Walkerried and we toured a monastery. The monastery was Benedictan dating back from the 11th century.
Tonght we had a storm that broke a bit of the heat. During it we went to dinner at a local small family restaurant and had Schnizel with Pommes Frites. Tomorrow we are taking the morning off and the in the evening we will go to dinner at a restaurant up in the mountains named for it being a former fortress. On Sat, we head back to Munsingen.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Murrays Day Four-Five
After traveling by bus from Freiburg to the host family drop off points and hitting 6, yes, 6 detours, we were all very happy to meet the families and to get off of the bus. Everyone´s family met us at the meeting points and each student gave their family a small bouquet of flowers with a mixture of roses and other smaller greenery. The kids kidded that it was a bit of a reaping (like Hunger Games) because they were each called by name to come off the bus and meet their family. After the first family stop, we realized that the AC broke and so it was quit uncomfotable on the final leg of the journey but the students were in good spirits and some singing of Deutschland helped!!! There might have been a few songs sung on that part of the driving.
We stopped at the hotel and dropped off the teachers and picked up our rental car. We drove then anouther 5 hours to the northern part of Germany. We are now with friends of ours near Nordhausen. It´s about 70 km from Erfurt. Yesterday we went on a field trip with our host mother and her students. She teaches 7th grade here and they had a planned trip to go to a castle in Goslar. It was really a fun experience to see another castle, but one that neither of us had seen before. The castle was built by Heirich III in 1070 or so. This is one of the oldest castles we have ever seen. We toured the city and then went in one of the old city towers. There are a few still standing, but most of the city wall is gone. In this tower, there is a museum with Medieval armor, torture devices, and other weaponry. The best part for everyone was touching, using, and trying on the items. They had a chainmail suit with over 40,000 links, which was over 16 kg. It took two kids to help another to put it on.
They also had an old alleymaker sword, which the squires of the knights would use ahead of them to knock down the enemy in front of the knight when in batlle. It was very heavy. The kids played here for probably 45 min. We had a nice lunch in a park, which used to be the moat. The kids were then given 90 min of free time in the city to shop, get a snack, etc. We got our first spaghetti eis of the trip. It was quite refreshing since it has been 30-35 degrees C here for 3 days. We were even lucky enough to see the city´s glockenspiel play at 3pm before we headed home. Last night after the trip, we had a nice BBQ and we tried Thuringer sausages, which are almost a foot long each. It was a great night to be outside although super hot! There weren´t any flies or mosquitos. That was awesome!
We stopped at the hotel and dropped off the teachers and picked up our rental car. We drove then anouther 5 hours to the northern part of Germany. We are now with friends of ours near Nordhausen. It´s about 70 km from Erfurt. Yesterday we went on a field trip with our host mother and her students. She teaches 7th grade here and they had a planned trip to go to a castle in Goslar. It was really a fun experience to see another castle, but one that neither of us had seen before. The castle was built by Heirich III in 1070 or so. This is one of the oldest castles we have ever seen. We toured the city and then went in one of the old city towers. There are a few still standing, but most of the city wall is gone. In this tower, there is a museum with Medieval armor, torture devices, and other weaponry. The best part for everyone was touching, using, and trying on the items. They had a chainmail suit with over 40,000 links, which was over 16 kg. It took two kids to help another to put it on.
They also had an old alleymaker sword, which the squires of the knights would use ahead of them to knock down the enemy in front of the knight when in batlle. It was very heavy. The kids played here for probably 45 min. We had a nice lunch in a park, which used to be the moat. The kids were then given 90 min of free time in the city to shop, get a snack, etc. We got our first spaghetti eis of the trip. It was quite refreshing since it has been 30-35 degrees C here for 3 days. We were even lucky enough to see the city´s glockenspiel play at 3pm before we headed home. Last night after the trip, we had a nice BBQ and we tried Thuringer sausages, which are almost a foot long each. It was a great night to be outside although super hot! There weren´t any flies or mosquitos. That was awesome!
Day Five Family Stay
Tuesday, June 18, 2013: Megan
I can honestly say that this has been the hardest 24 hours of my life. It is so hard for me to stay with another family when I haven't even seen my own in 5 days. I miss them so much, along with my brother Ben. Although he is on the trip as well, I don't see him often and I miss him like crazy. It was THE BEST feeling in the world getting to see him today at the pool and being able to run up and hug him. I also got to see about 10 other kids from our group and Frau Haines and Frau Katz at the pool. I'm really missing the Wolfpack too! I'm so happy I met these people because they have made this trip better than I could've ever imagined. My family is very nice and welcoming, but it is so hard to understand them. They don't speak a lot of English. I went to school with mz host sister, Sophie, today. I was very nervous at first but then I realized it wasn't that bad. I had Quinn, Lisa, and Jessica in my class which made me feel a lot better. I also saw Liv and Sarah. I was so happy to see them. I also saw Frau Winter and Frau Claxon and they calmed me down a little bit. I'm trying to go to bed early because I am still super jetlagged. Tomorrow, we have English class and I am beyond excited for that! I didn't think I could miss my family and everyone I JUST MET, soooo much. It's basically indescribable. I wish I could just hug them all day, everyday. Needless to say, I can't wait to see them soon! While I do miss my family and my new friends A TON, Germany has been so beautiful and unique. It has been more than I imagined. It is super hot here, which is a nice change from Chicago. I'm really missing my bed and my pets as well. The time to go home will come very soon, so I might as well enjoy Germany while I'm here. I don't feel like proofreading this blog so sorry for all the errors :) Miss you all and can't wait to be back in a group again!
I can honestly say that this has been the hardest 24 hours of my life. It is so hard for me to stay with another family when I haven't even seen my own in 5 days. I miss them so much, along with my brother Ben. Although he is on the trip as well, I don't see him often and I miss him like crazy. It was THE BEST feeling in the world getting to see him today at the pool and being able to run up and hug him. I also got to see about 10 other kids from our group and Frau Haines and Frau Katz at the pool. I'm really missing the Wolfpack too! I'm so happy I met these people because they have made this trip better than I could've ever imagined. My family is very nice and welcoming, but it is so hard to understand them. They don't speak a lot of English. I went to school with mz host sister, Sophie, today. I was very nervous at first but then I realized it wasn't that bad. I had Quinn, Lisa, and Jessica in my class which made me feel a lot better. I also saw Liv and Sarah. I was so happy to see them. I also saw Frau Winter and Frau Claxon and they calmed me down a little bit. I'm trying to go to bed early because I am still super jetlagged. Tomorrow, we have English class and I am beyond excited for that! I didn't think I could miss my family and everyone I JUST MET, soooo much. It's basically indescribable. I wish I could just hug them all day, everyday. Needless to say, I can't wait to see them soon! While I do miss my family and my new friends A TON, Germany has been so beautiful and unique. It has been more than I imagined. It is super hot here, which is a nice change from Chicago. I'm really missing my bed and my pets as well. The time to go home will come very soon, so I might as well enjoy Germany while I'm here. I don't feel like proofreading this blog so sorry for all the errors :) Miss you all and can't wait to be back in a group again!
2nd Day of Family Stay: Beau
Germany has been more than fantastic, it has been unbelievable. The trip has been beyond mesmerizing and I am glad that we still have more time. The group has been in the tourist spotlight for the past few days, but now that all of the students are in a home, with a family they've never met, and are speaking German, it truly captures the true essence of why we decided to venture out into a foreign land.
My host brother, Marcel, is a very kind person. Despite me being 17 and him being 15, we get along very well. We both are fantaics of soccer, play PS3, and both enjoy having each other as company. After getting a good night's rest, Marcel and I were off to School to go to class. The schools here are very different. Unlike back home, the schools here are kind of wild. Everyone seems extremely independent. Our first class of the day was Technology/Architecture, where the students were building model-sized houses out of stirofoam. Despite the chaos in the room, the students were quite productive, accomplishing much in the hour and a half they were there. .After that class, we had a short break where the students could exit the building to eat and talk. We sprung right back into action after the break and traveled to math class. I decided to take notes, and use them as a personal keepsake as my time in a German school. Definitely a good idea. We stayed in the same room (their teachers travel from room to room) and awaited the arrival of their English teacher. I enjoyed this class for obvious reasons, but also for the effort the students were putting into learning a foreign language. It was refreshing to see a desire to learn about something that is undeniably a large part of our culture and way of life. Next, the students all left the building to grab something to eat at the local restaturant or supermarket. This was peculiar to me because as a student, I can never leave my school. I wish I could sometimes; the lunches at our school are blehh. His final class of the day was physics. This should have been exciting, but the room was extremely uncomfortable. Few German classrooms have air conditioning, and on a warm summer day, everyone was ready to leave school and go get an ice cream cone. We didn't want an ice cream cone though, we wanted to play some soccer. We walked into the gym, set up the goals, and got the game underway with a few other guys. After some intense play, we stopped and spoke with the coach. With me playing soccer at my school, I was honored to hear him tell me that I bring soccer pride in America by the way I play. After a long day, Marcel and I headed back to his house to clean up, eat, and head to the local video game rental store to rent Fifa 13. We had and are still having a good night!
Overall, Germany is a pretty great place. The z is in the place of the y on the keyboard (which causes an awful lot of backspaces...), the semis are flat fronted, one doesn't see money on the ground like they would in America, and most of all, they are humans just like us. Language may be a barrier, but cooperation and effort knocks that barrier right out of the way.
My host brother, Marcel, is a very kind person. Despite me being 17 and him being 15, we get along very well. We both are fantaics of soccer, play PS3, and both enjoy having each other as company. After getting a good night's rest, Marcel and I were off to School to go to class. The schools here are very different. Unlike back home, the schools here are kind of wild. Everyone seems extremely independent. Our first class of the day was Technology/Architecture, where the students were building model-sized houses out of stirofoam. Despite the chaos in the room, the students were quite productive, accomplishing much in the hour and a half they were there. .After that class, we had a short break where the students could exit the building to eat and talk. We sprung right back into action after the break and traveled to math class. I decided to take notes, and use them as a personal keepsake as my time in a German school. Definitely a good idea. We stayed in the same room (their teachers travel from room to room) and awaited the arrival of their English teacher. I enjoyed this class for obvious reasons, but also for the effort the students were putting into learning a foreign language. It was refreshing to see a desire to learn about something that is undeniably a large part of our culture and way of life. Next, the students all left the building to grab something to eat at the local restaturant or supermarket. This was peculiar to me because as a student, I can never leave my school. I wish I could sometimes; the lunches at our school are blehh. His final class of the day was physics. This should have been exciting, but the room was extremely uncomfortable. Few German classrooms have air conditioning, and on a warm summer day, everyone was ready to leave school and go get an ice cream cone. We didn't want an ice cream cone though, we wanted to play some soccer. We walked into the gym, set up the goals, and got the game underway with a few other guys. After some intense play, we stopped and spoke with the coach. With me playing soccer at my school, I was honored to hear him tell me that I bring soccer pride in America by the way I play. After a long day, Marcel and I headed back to his house to clean up, eat, and head to the local video game rental store to rent Fifa 13. We had and are still having a good night!
Overall, Germany is a pretty great place. The z is in the place of the y on the keyboard (which causes an awful lot of backspaces...), the semis are flat fronted, one doesn't see money on the ground like they would in America, and most of all, they are humans just like us. Language may be a barrier, but cooperation and effort knocks that barrier right out of the way.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Day Four
Katie
Though I had a full nights sleep, I still felt tired. That results in mini half-awake naps on the two-hour bus ride to France. Our destination: Strasbourg. This historic cty has both French and Germn essence in sight, sound, and smell. We wer going to first tour a beautfiul gothic church the Germans refer to as the Munster, but a service was taking place inside and could not be interrupted. Our tour of the town was not only scenically gorgeous, but historically enlightening due to our guide being very informative and our own Herr Murray as a very clarifying translator. After returning to the church from our last stop "Little France", it was our turn to see the interior. Inside, it was gothic church perfection, I finding the gloriously massive organ to be the most amazing. To see so many things from the middle ages was mind boggling to me, as was the ancient but elaborate clock located in rear. It wasn't too long before we were allowed to roam on our own. Some friends and I wandered to the more French side of town for lunch. I had pizza,which was amazing, and some Sprite. I just we had some basic French before I got there! After some shopping we return to Freiburg for a while to the ruins of a fortress. I was in love with the ice cream I got at the small stand half way through. To cool down after climbing down we headed through the city to an Italian restaurant where we ate great food and had some of the most interesting and hilarious conversations. Hey Mom and Dad, remind me to stop saying, "OH MY GOD!" when I get back!!!!
Though I had a full nights sleep, I still felt tired. That results in mini half-awake naps on the two-hour bus ride to France. Our destination: Strasbourg. This historic cty has both French and Germn essence in sight, sound, and smell. We wer going to first tour a beautfiul gothic church the Germans refer to as the Munster, but a service was taking place inside and could not be interrupted. Our tour of the town was not only scenically gorgeous, but historically enlightening due to our guide being very informative and our own Herr Murray as a very clarifying translator. After returning to the church from our last stop "Little France", it was our turn to see the interior. Inside, it was gothic church perfection, I finding the gloriously massive organ to be the most amazing. To see so many things from the middle ages was mind boggling to me, as was the ancient but elaborate clock located in rear. It wasn't too long before we were allowed to roam on our own. Some friends and I wandered to the more French side of town for lunch. I had pizza,which was amazing, and some Sprite. I just we had some basic French before I got there! After some shopping we return to Freiburg for a while to the ruins of a fortress. I was in love with the ice cream I got at the small stand half way through. To cool down after climbing down we headed through the city to an Italian restaurant where we ate great food and had some of the most interesting and hilarious conversations. Hey Mom and Dad, remind me to stop saying, "OH MY GOD!" when I get back!!!!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Day Three
Wyatt
Today, after waking up from a much needed sleep, we headed for Freiburg. There we haad some free time, where we explored the city. I found a market aroundthe main church where I ate currywurst. Then we went to Titisee (a lake),where we split off into different groups. I went with a small group on a hike through the surrounding forest, which offered a beautiful landscape view of the area. Afterwards, we returned to Freiburg to eat dinner, which we found at a local restaurant whieh was poud of its 300 types of schnizel.
Ila
Now that I've had a full night of sleep under my belt, Germany is so much more exciting! Along with beautiful & fun too! Today I tried a new food called Frikadelle, and it was very god. I'm gladI decided to try something new because that is what this trip is about! So far I had a great day although it was too cold to go swimming. I can't believe it's only day 2 here & we have seen so many sights and so much culture...I can't wait to see more!
Today, after waking up from a much needed sleep, we headed for Freiburg. There we haad some free time, where we explored the city. I found a market aroundthe main church where I ate currywurst. Then we went to Titisee (a lake),where we split off into different groups. I went with a small group on a hike through the surrounding forest, which offered a beautiful landscape view of the area. Afterwards, we returned to Freiburg to eat dinner, which we found at a local restaurant whieh was poud of its 300 types of schnizel.
Ila
Now that I've had a full night of sleep under my belt, Germany is so much more exciting! Along with beautiful & fun too! Today I tried a new food called Frikadelle, and it was very god. I'm gladI decided to try something new because that is what this trip is about! So far I had a great day although it was too cold to go swimming. I can't believe it's only day 2 here & we have seen so many sights and so much culture...I can't wait to see more!
Journal Dates
Here is a list of the journal dates and who is assigned to each day.
Departure through June 14th - Duanna F. and Quinn
June 15th - Ila and Wyatt
June 16th - Cortney and Kaitlin
June 17th - Liv and Ben
June 18th - Jessica, Megan W, and Beau
June 19th - Grace, Max, and Ryan
June 20th - Sara, Ali, and Nathan K-N.
June 21st - Brittini and Sydney
June 22nd - Lendie and Nathan R.
June 23rd - Brian P. and Claire
June 24th - Brittany and Jacqueline
June 25th - Lisa and Brian L.
June 26th - Alexa, Danielle, and Patrick
June 27th - Maddie
Departure through June 14th - Duanna F. and Quinn
June 15th - Ila and Wyatt
June 16th - Cortney and Kaitlin
June 17th - Liv and Ben
June 18th - Jessica, Megan W, and Beau
June 19th - Grace, Max, and Ryan
June 20th - Sara, Ali, and Nathan K-N.
June 21st - Brittini and Sydney
June 22nd - Lendie and Nathan R.
June 23rd - Brian P. and Claire
June 24th - Brittany and Jacqueline
June 25th - Lisa and Brian L.
June 26th - Alexa, Danielle, and Patrick
June 27th - Maddie
Day One- Two
Quinn
We landed.We slept on a bus to Heidelberg. We toured downtown Heidelberg including the Old Bridge and the city's castle. During free time, my group trekked up a mountain on the Philosopher's Way, and then at the last 30 minutes of time, I jogged back over to it, and up it, and back. Following this, I couldn't feel my legs, and we climbed another mountain to set to the castle. We then all slept on the bus to Speyer. In Speyer we saw a cathedral, paroused through the shopping/cafe district, picking up some delicious truffle ice cream. Following this, we had a scrumptious four-course meal, cme to our hotel and passed out about 8pm. Today was a good day.
Duanna
First day in Germany was very exhausting because of the lack of sleep. It was also very educational and interesting. We went to Heidelberg and got to see the ruins of a castle of 5 previous kings. We also experienced the first time we had to have a conversation with a German person today while ordering a meal. Overall, today was very fun and I can't wait to get some sleep so I can enjoy my excursion to Germany again tomorrow!
We landed.We slept on a bus to Heidelberg. We toured downtown Heidelberg including the Old Bridge and the city's castle. During free time, my group trekked up a mountain on the Philosopher's Way, and then at the last 30 minutes of time, I jogged back over to it, and up it, and back. Following this, I couldn't feel my legs, and we climbed another mountain to set to the castle. We then all slept on the bus to Speyer. In Speyer we saw a cathedral, paroused through the shopping/cafe district, picking up some delicious truffle ice cream. Following this, we had a scrumptious four-course meal, cme to our hotel and passed out about 8pm. Today was a good day.
Duanna
First day in Germany was very exhausting because of the lack of sleep. It was also very educational and interesting. We went to Heidelberg and got to see the ruins of a castle of 5 previous kings. We also experienced the first time we had to have a conversation with a German person today while ordering a meal. Overall, today was very fun and I can't wait to get some sleep so I can enjoy my excursion to Germany again tomorrow!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Pre-Trip Reminders
Remember to
check your Visa/ATM cards BEFORE departure. Make sure that your pin
works here and that it's only a 4-digit code and without any letters.
Pack for every type of weather. It's been raining in Germany and there is some flooding in the East. Pack a hat (winter type) and make sure you have rain gear! Also plan on layers.
When packing, it's a good idea to pack your clothing and other items in gallon Ziploc bags. That way your items are safe from any spills.
Weigh your bag. Most airlines require check-in luggage to be under 50 lbs., but check YOUR airline to be sure.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel info, and passport with your parents.
Bring TWO pairs of good walking shoes. You will want to rotate shoes. Your feet will get sore.
Have some cash on hand or expect to withdraw money upon arrival. Be careful of the fees that your bank may charge. Make sure to notify your bank that you will be in Germany and France (Strasbourg for a day trip).
Pack snacks in your carry on for the flights. If you have a connection in the US, there will probably NOT be food on the plane unless you purchase it and it's quite expensive and minimal. Make a sandwich or two for yourself for your domestic flights and for any layover time. It's a great and easy way to cut costs.
If you are planning on using Skype to keep in touch, make sure to create an account before departure and test it.
Pack for every type of weather. It's been raining in Germany and there is some flooding in the East. Pack a hat (winter type) and make sure you have rain gear! Also plan on layers.
When packing, it's a good idea to pack your clothing and other items in gallon Ziploc bags. That way your items are safe from any spills.
Weigh your bag. Most airlines require check-in luggage to be under 50 lbs., but check YOUR airline to be sure.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel info, and passport with your parents.
Bring TWO pairs of good walking shoes. You will want to rotate shoes. Your feet will get sore.
Have some cash on hand or expect to withdraw money upon arrival. Be careful of the fees that your bank may charge. Make sure to notify your bank that you will be in Germany and France (Strasbourg for a day trip).
Pack snacks in your carry on for the flights. If you have a connection in the US, there will probably NOT be food on the plane unless you purchase it and it's quite expensive and minimal. Make a sandwich or two for yourself for your domestic flights and for any layover time. It's a great and easy way to cut costs.
If you are planning on using Skype to keep in touch, make sure to create an account before departure and test it.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Hotels
Other Details
Staff Guide:
Leaders:
Amy Claxon, Melissa Haines, Dani Katz, Mary Murray, Kim Winter
Hotels:
Hotel Linde
Luitpoldstraße 31, 67166 Otterstadt Tel 06232-69900 Fax 06232-699040 http://www.lindehotel.de/
Leader Accommodations:
Hotel Herrmann
Am Marktplatz, 72525 Münsingen Tel.: 07381/18260 Fax: 07381/6282 http://hotelherrmann.de/
Atlas Hotel City
Paul-Heyse-Str. 18, 80336 München
Tel 089-1490 2660 Fax: 089 /1490 266-100 http://www.atlas-city.com/
Dan Murray
Leaders:
Amy Claxon, Melissa Haines, Dani Katz, Mary Murray, Kim Winter
To call Germany:
Dial 011-49 and omit the first zero in the phone #.
Dial 011-49 and omit the first zero in the phone #.
Hotels:
Hotel Linde
Luitpoldstraße 31, 67166 Otterstadt Tel 06232-69900 Fax 06232-699040 http://www.lindehotel.de/
Hotel Classic
Gundelfingerstraße 27 b, 73108 Freiburg Tel 0761-5036930 Fax 0761-5036959 http://www.hotel-classic-freiburg.de/
Gundelfingerstraße 27 b, 73108 Freiburg Tel 0761-5036930 Fax 0761-5036959 http://www.hotel-classic-freiburg.de/
Leader Accommodations:
Hotel Herrmann
Am Marktplatz, 72525 Münsingen Tel.: 07381/18260 Fax: 07381/6282 http://hotelherrmann.de/
Youth Guesthouse 2962
Partnachauenstraße 3, 82467 Garmisch Tel 08821-95750 http://www.hostel2962-garmisch.com/
Partnachauenstraße 3, 82467 Garmisch Tel 08821-95750 http://www.hostel2962-garmisch.com/
Atlas Hotel City
Paul-Heyse-Str. 18, 80336 München
Tel 089-1490 2660 Fax: 089 /1490 266-100 http://www.atlas-city.com/
Hotel Domino
Heumarkt 1, 63450 Hanau
Tel 06181-923 0340 Fax: 06181- 507 493 http://www.hoteldomino.de/
Heumarkt 1, 63450 Hanau
Tel 06181-923 0340 Fax: 06181- 507 493 http://www.hoteldomino.de/
Itinerary
Here is our planned itinerary.
Deutschlandreise – 2013
**TENTATIVE** Itinerary
|
Date
|
City
|
Activities
|
|
Th, June 13th
|
Departure for Germany
|
Meet at
location designated by your teacher
|
|
Fri, June 14th
|
Arrival in Frankfurt
|
Heidelberg
Schloss + Uni
Alte Brücke (Old Bridge)
Philosophenweg
Begrüßungessen @ Zum Goldenen Hirsch
|
|
Bus to Heidelberg
|
||
|
Bus to Heidelberg, then to Otterstadt
Hotel Linde
|
||
|
Sat, June 15th
|
Bus to Freiburg
|
Die
Schneebergruine
Cuckoo clocks (shopping?)
Canal tours
|
|
Sun, June 16th
|
Bus excursion to
Strasbourg or Zürich
|
TBD
|
|
Mon, June 17th -Sat,
June 22nd
|
Bus to Münsingen
|
FAMILY
STAY
(Activities
determined by family)
|
|
Sun, June 23rd
|
Bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
|
The Alps
Castle day: Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schloss Linderhof
Bavarian Dinner @Gasthof Fraundorfer
|
|
Mon, June 24th
|
Bus to München
|
Excursion to Berchtesgaden
(salt mines & Eagle’s Nest)
|
|
Tu, June 25th
|
München
|
Mike’s Bike Tour
Deutsches Museum -or- BMW Museum
|
|
Wed, June 26th
|
Bus to Hanau – Hotel Domino
|
In Rothenburg:
Kriminalmuseum
Walk the wall around the city
Nightwatchman’s tour
optional: Kulturmuseum
Abschiedsessen @ Gambrinus
|
|
Th, June 27th
|
Bus to
Frankfurt
|
Return to U.S.
|
Monday, June 3, 2013
Only 10 days!
It's hard to believe that our trip is only ten days away! This year, we are group #8 from ISE (www.isemn.org) and are comprised of 5 different schools. We are from
Antioch HS, Eden Prairie HS, Lakes HS, Morgan County R-2 HS, and Pendleton HS. Our staff guide is Herr Murray, who is a German and Social Studies teacher from St. Louis Park, MN. He has taught all levels of German from elementary to College in the Schools. He has traveled to Germany with students with ISE over twelve times and has led an exchange with Schwabmünchen, Germany for over 20 years. His contact is derherrmurray@gmail.com.
Please visit this blog to check out what we are doing while on our trip. We will try to post pictures frequently as well. Students will be "in charge" of writing entries while on the trip. There will be 2-3 students per day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)