Monday, November 26, 2012

An Ice Hockey Game!

AHHH!

So, if you know only a couple of things about me, one of them is guaranteed to be that I LOVE ice hockey! It's my favorite sport, I used to play, and I just love being at the rink!

While in Duisburg (near Düsseldorf, where I went for Thanksgiving) I was staying with my "little sister," a former exchange student that lived with my family in Michigan and her Mom invited me to go to a Duisburg vs. Frankfurt hockey game! I couldn't turn down such an opportunity!

I think the picture speaks for itself... I am overly excited!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Düsseldorf
So- I was a bit bummed about being so far away from home on Thanksgiving, but going to dinner at the Consulate General's house sure made up for it! It was such a delicious meal, great conversation, and an amazing opportunity to meet other "young adults" about my age doing various things here in Germany.

Although I was feeling a bit intimidated at being such a dinner, Mr. Hubler and his wife were the best hosts one could ask for! We of course at far too much food- but with a spread that Mrs. Hubler presented, we had no chance! All of the "proper" Thanksgiving fixings were there as well as some bonuses! There was cornbread, veggies, a ham, turkey (the smallest turkey any of us Americans have seen-thus leading us to the conclusion it must have been one of those Obama pardoned, resulting in a flight over the Atlantic to Germany, thus explaining the weight loss!), gravy, and bread rolls and kraut-butter (butter with herbs...so yummy!). After we were totally stuffed, we had some coffee/tea and dessert- pumpkin pie, sorbet, and cheesecake brownies! A food coma followed-we didn't leave his house until well after 11.30!

Kassel
On Sunday I went to a Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by a local club in Kassel, called Friends and Family. It's a group of Native-speaking English families that meet up for various events throughout the year. The families are a mix of those both from English speaking countries as well as bilingual couples. It was an amazing spread of food! There was turkey, mashed potatoes, all the veggies possible, stuffing, gravy, bread, and salads. That's not to mention the desserts! Amazing! Pumpkin pie!! Was great to meet others from the area and being around families as well. With so many little kiddos running around, made me feel like I was with family!

On the walk to the church for Sunday's Thanksgiving Dinner

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Being "Sick" Abroad

It all started with a tickle in my throat..

Oh no! I hope I'm not getting...

Sick.

But- alas- it was the truth. I was getting the first cold of the season and it came on quickly! The achy muscles, the coughing, the congestion- all the things that make you crave your warm and cozy bed, a long movie, and a warm bowl of Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup. Being 4 000+ miles away from home, that wasn't possible.

So- I was out to find a solution on my own. I decided to mix "traditional German" ways of dealing with a cold and with medicine that I brought from home.

(Side note- I'm not doubting the availability nor effectiveness of the medicine I in Germany, it's just that I know what works for me, and it made sense to bring a package of each kind from home.)

In that.. I ended up with this mixture of what I've named as my "Healing Supplies."
This is an array of tissues, a scarf, Vitamin C tablets, homeopathic ear oil, "Cold" tea, Japanese mint oil, decongestants, and cinnamon.

Since that wasn't doing the trick... a couple of days later, I added the following:
That would be some eucalyptus oil for the shower and then eucalyptus tablets to take. I also was lacking energy, so I thought maybe- just maybe- the "Energy" body wash would help!

To end this... I'm not sure if it was the decongestants and Vitamin C overloads that helped of it was all of the oils and homeopathic remedies, but by Friday I was feeling back to myself! Not even a full week, and I'm back to 100%! I know it's important to get enough sleep every night and to continue to take care of myself, but if I do get "unhealthy" again- I'm at least prepared!


Fun Fun!

Check out the "Did That Just Happen" page to see a short video I put together of me enjoying an Überraschungseier! :)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Update Coming Soon.. I Promise!

Just wanted to post a little something, No- I haven't forgotten about updating! I've just been feeling a little under-the-weather, so it's taking me longer to get back into the week's routine! New post coming soon! <3

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Little Pieces of "Home"

I found myself in a grocery store that has imported food, so naturally I went searching for the USA section. While I didn't find what I was looking for, I found these foods under "Mexico."

Hunts BBQ Sauce: $ 8.33

$ 7.69

$ 8.97 Crisco / $ 2.55 Baking Soda

$ 4.48

$ 7.69

$ 7.30

$ 7.69



So... as you can see- some of the "comforts" of home sure do come at a price! I didn't actually buy any of the things there, but it was just neat to see all that "Mexico" has to offer! :)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Feelings from Far, Far, Far Away..

Well, being in Germany during such a time is a new feeling for me in regards to the Hurricane / Super Storm Sandy. While Michigan is far from the East Coast, I still feel a stronger sense of "helplessness" being here in Germany, even further away. I've been trying to keep my eye on the news and staying informed, but it's still a conflicting experience. 

I think I put it best in my Facebook status the day the storm hit the East Coast: 
 "I can't help but think of those effected by Sandy back in the US, Caribbean, and Canada. I truly hope that all of you and yours are tucked away safe and I'm wishing all the most comfort, support, and strength through this time. I hope you're all safe and are able to make it through the night without distress. My thoughts, positive energy, love, and all that is good go out from me to you."

This is one thing that we don't often think about when studying abroad- how am I (are you) going to handle it when something happens back home- whether it's a national event or something in your own neighborhood or within your own family? 

If I can suggest anything, it's having a serious talk with your family (and friends) back home. When I was an exchange student in high school, there was the real possibility that my grandma could have passed away while I was gone (thankfully, she didn't). My parents and I talked about what I would do if this were to happen- should I come home for the funeral and return to Germany? Should I come home and stay home with my family? Should I stay in Germany? These were all things we discussed, which were hard to talk about, but were very important. 

So, if you are reading this blog because you're considering studying abroad, please have the same kind of conversation with your family. If you're reading this blog as a friend, family member, or someone who has just stumbled upon it, please support those who have moved away from you or your family in whatever way you can. Take the time to give them updates about what is going on at home, it'll help keep their mind at ease.  

<3