10 Facts About My First Days In Groß-Gerau

1. German School - Monday- Friday from 8:30 until 12:30 I go to German classes. It's pretty much like any foreign language class you would take in high school or college; we do speaking, listening, and writing exercises and assignments. Oh, but did I mention I am the only native English speaker and we never speak anything but German in class AND everyone else has lived in Germany for at least 6 months? Yeah, good times.
2. They have Ikea in Germany?!? - Yes. Shocking. On Saturday I went with B to Ikea to get things to make my room more homey :)  I ended up with a new duvet cover and pillowcase, some candles, a photo and frame for the wall, and an orchid. I haven't hung the picture yet, but when I do, I will put some pictures up.
3. Das Auto - I also drove in Germany for the first time on Saturday. The car I will be driving is a Fiat 500. It's tiny and fast and I love it already. But it needs a name. I can't wait to drive on the Audubon!
4. BREAD - I really think I could survive on the bread here. There are so many kinds and they are all delicious. I found a bakery that is right by my school and it is so awesome. They have fresh rolls and pretzels all day everyday! I could literally dedicate an entire post to bread. 
5. I may be on another continent, but I'm still directionally challenged. - I tried to walk to class a different way on Friday than the path I used for the rest of the week. I got so lost that I ended up on the opposite side of town and ended up 20 minutes late to class. Oops. 
6. First reminder of America - While driving to Ikea we passed a US military police car. I got so excited and happy at the sight of something so familiar. I felt a little silly getting so excited about that one car; but I couldn't stop smiling. I would have waved at the soldiers, but I didn't have any way to show them I was American and they probably would have thought I was crazy!
7. Language Barrier. Gross. - I cannot wait to learn German. I hate walking around this city knowing that I can't understand anything. I can't answer 90% of the things people say. So. Frustrating.
8. I have the best host family. Ever. - They are so nice. They have made me feel so welcome since the moment they picked me up at the airport. B & D remind me so much of my parents that it's hard not to feel at home. L & J have been helping me with my German, plus they are stinkin' cute!
9. My own family is awesome too. Duh. - Skype and texts and facebook messages and e-mails from my family and friends are so awesome. I am so thankful for their love and support! I miss them like crazy, but I am so glad I can communicate with them as much as I can. It's almost like being home.
10. I am so grateful for this opportunity. - Every morning I wake up I want to pinch myself. I can't believe I have the chance to live in this country and have this experience. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I might love Germany so much I will never want to leave.