1 month!

                After 1 month is Germany, my language skills are pretty eh. I find myself hesitant to speak in German because I don't have the words to voice my thoughts and opinions yet. However, people seem to think that because I don't speak in German, I don't understand anything they say. Surprise, I do. I'm not saying I understand everything, but I understand a fair amount. So when people think they can talk about me and I won't know what they're saying... think again! I mean come on, you would be surprised how much body language conveys.. On occasion, if I'm really focusing, I can understand what is being said, or at least guess. I listen for the words that I do know and piece by piece I put together what is behind said. It is very helpful when people speak slowly and clearly.
                Before I got to Germany, I was unaware that I would be taking a German language course(on top of school). Although I am thankful for the opportunity to learn the basics of German, I find the class extremely painful. I die a little inside with each lesson. It is so boring. The teacher speaks very quickly at times and then I don't know what is going on and neither does anyone else in the class. The class is from 6:00-8:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I dread each class. I would love to skip class altogether, but I know that it is in my best interest to attend the lessons no matter how much I hate them.
                Last Saturday, the 4th, I celebrated my 1 month of being in country by going to Oktoberfest in Munich with the other exchange students in my Rotary district. It was not a Rotary sponsored event, we just all got in contact and planned it ourselves. It was s much fun! We were in a beer tent for 7 hours that day(to go in the beer tent you have to be at least 16). If you leave the beer yrny there is no way you're getting back into it. So that is why we were in it for so long. I learned a new Germany word, "Prost!" Prost=Cheers. I also me several other exchange students from other organizations. It was really cool to talk to them about their experiences so far. I had never seen so many people drunk before 12 pm. I guess that is normal at Oktoberfest?
               I have also attended my 1st soccer game! It was a game between Stuttgart and Hannover. At the stadium, I noticed a section of the stands were fenced off and filled with security. Confused, I asked my friends why. They explained that it was the seating for the fans of the opposite team(in this case Hannover) and the fences were put up to keep the fans of rival teams from beating each other up! These Germans really take their soccer seriously... The atmosphere reminded me a lot of a NASCAR race I went to in Alabama. So much drinking and smoking. It was quite the experience... By the way, Stuttgart won.