Outbounds 2008-2009

Alina’s Bio

 Hi everyone! My name is Alina and I live on the St. Johns River most of the time. I can say “on the river” because I live on a boat. My family and I just go wherever there is a body of water. I live with my mom, step-dad, and the newest addition to our family, Booser, our new puppy. My dad lives in Fayetteville, NC and his family lives in Alabama. I have a lot of fun visiting my dad and my numerous cousins.

My mom is always trying to keep up with my busy schedule. This year, I am proud to be a cheerleader for my school, Fleming Island High. Last year I was on the dance team for Fleming Island. For nine glorious years prior to that, I was a competitive gymnast, making it to level 8, practicing sometimes 5 hours a day and going to almost 100 meets on the weekends. I also enjoy helping to support the Invisible Children Club at my high school. Making chances, taking risks, and discovering my limits, is where I excel the most.

As I sit on the boat which I call my home, I reflect on past experiences and look out over the horizon. I think of the fantastic journey that lies ahead of me. I am so ready for my next journey as a Rotary Exchange Student. I cannot thank Rotary enough for giving me the chance to go overseas and experience a new culture. Thanks Rotary!

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August 17 Journal

 Alright so I’ve read mostly everyone else’s journal and they all seem to be so insightful. I thought I’d just give you the plain old facts of Thailand and my experiences. So I guess there is no better place to start than the beginning.

OK. The failure to depart on the first day dampened my spirits a little. But the excitement was still there on the second attempt. So Chris and I left on Saturday and the plane ride was exhausting. When we got to Narita, Japan they told us that our flight on US Airways to Bangkok had been canceled so they transferred us to Thai Airways which was nice, but already I was afraid to eat the food. You would think that if shown a menu that had tuna sandwich on it, it would be, you know, the chicken of the sea. But no this tuna sandwich was two pieces of bread with a raw slab of tuna in the middle. This was on the flight. OK ok so when we finally arrive in Bangkok at who knows what time, Chris and I went out to get our luggage because that was his last flight and I was to spend a night in a hotel because my flight wasn’t until the next morning. So when we get to the baggage claim, it’s so hot and there is no air conditioning. So we wait for our bags and we wait and wait and wait and wait and then there are no more bags. So we find someone to help us and this really nice Thai guy takes us into an office and gets our information to send us our bags. After we settle the whole baggage thing we go to find Chris’s host family and the person who is supposed to be taking me to a hotel. So we go through Customs and we find our way through the Bangkok airport and find where everyone is to be picked up. There is a sign that says Chris Foley but no Alina Walker. So we go to the Chris Foley sign and the family greats us with extremely broken English we both get flowers and then we try to explain that our luggage was lost, but they didn’t understand so they tried to take us through the whole process again. Then finally we got through to them by saying “already…already”. So after that ordeal I didn’t want to hold Chris and his new family in the airport any longer so I said my goodbyes to him and I went on my way to try and figure out what my sleeping situation was going to be.

I had thought about getting a hotel room close to the airport, but my flight was at 7:30 the next morning and it was already almost 1:00am. So I decided to rough it in the airport. I showered in the sinks of the airport along with another lady from who knows where…we didn’t speak the same language. I said hello and she said something weird. So then I tried to get back into the terminals, but they wouldn’t let me without a ticket. And yeah the ticket counters didn’t open until 5:00am. All of the restaurants were also in the terminal except for one, which said it was open 24 hours, but had construction tape all over it. So scratch that. Thank goodness I didn’t listen to my mother about packing so many sweets. So I found a bench to myself and dug in on the sweets that I had brought with me on my carry on. All I have to say is thank God for butterfingers!! By then it was about 2:30am so I decided it was safe to try and catch some Z’s. At about 4:30 I wake up and I am surrounded by sleeping people on benches all around me. So I decided to stay awake and find the line for my plane ticket to Phuket. So it takes me an hour to find the darn line and then they tell me there is another line and that I am in the wrong one. So I tell the person behind the ticket counter to get someone to take me there and he did which I am very thankful for. And I finally got my ticket and all of the panic was lifted…just a little though. I got through the gate and met some Australian guys who were very kind and took me to breakfast. They were also going to Phuket, but on a different airline, but the same time. So we stuck together until 7:15 and then we split telling each other that we would see the other in Phuket. Which we did because, as my luck would have it, I didn’t find my family for about 20 minutes which was a total panic. But they stayed with me until I found them.

Ok so now that I am with my host family, I am started on round one of Alina vs. Thai food! My host family never eats at home. Since I have been here I have been to a different restaurant for every meal every day. I didn’t even know an island could have so many restaurants. Ok so anyway my favorite words in Thai are mai pet pet. Which means no spicy spicy!!! And they all just laugh and keep piling food onto my plate. So I have now learned the words eem lao. Which means full already. And they stop putting food on my plate. My host mother always says “just try little see if you like.” But I always end up with a bowl full of scary looking noodles floating in some kind of liquid. I never know what I am eating EVER!! They tell me the name and I used to ask what’s in it, but I have completely given up on that. So I just eat and eat and eat. And everyone keeps telling me you eat so little. My host mom says she is worried about me. But thank goodness we live next to a spa with a fitness room (with by the way NO AC). My host father loves to walk every where. He owns two guests houses and a gallery which right now is under construction. I love going to the guest house because the staff is so funny, and sometimes there are farang (foreigners) so I can get an English fix and help translate so that they can get the room that they want and accommodations. Today there was an Indian movie that was shooting close to the guest house, but I didn’t go because I was helping my host sister pack because she is going to Ithaca, NY on an exchange, also with Rotary. My home is on a hill so the water pressure in the shower isn’t that great. And when I say isn’t that great, I mean the water kind of dribbles out of the faucet. But that’s the hot water. The cold water pressure is great. So I’ve been adjusting to taking cold showers! 🙂 Instead of using air conditioning, we just open the windows, because there is always a breeze even though its a hot one. My family says that this is one of the colder months and I am dying of heat already! I don’t know what I am going to do in the summer months. I guess I’ll just have to go to the air conditioned mall everyday!

Ok so places I’ve been in the past two weeks.. Patong beach!!! Beautiful. I like it better at night though, I have to say. Kata beach is better in the day time and the views from the mountains are amazing!!! Trang is beautiful with its giant plateaus and crazy caves with bats that are good luck. My school is nothing special. It’s just a school, but the students and teachers are all extremely helpful and kind. When I got here though at first they told me I would have to cut my hair, but because my mom works at the school, she talked to the headmaster and she got me into an M-6 class which is like being a senior, so I didn’t have to cut my hair, even though I was prepared to do it, but not willingly!! Anyways, we are taking my host sister to Bangkok to send her off to America and we are going to stay an extra few days to sight see after she leaves.

So that’s Thailand in two weeks in a nutshell. There is so much more to Thailand and before I left, I didn’t know if I was ready to be faced with such a challenge, but my family has made it so easy and effortless. Opportunities are falling into my lap with every day and I don’t want to miss a thing, so I am going to wrap this up and go eat something with four legs and no head!!!

Love from Phuket,

Ari

(oh by the way they gave me a Thai name because my name with some intonations means “what” so now Alee, but always sounds like Ari means “kindness”)

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November 3 Journal

 First I just want to thank Rotary for giving me this experience. It’s everything that I thought it would be and the people that an exchange student meets are incredible and unforgettable.

Alright so I haven’t really been keeping up with my journals so I have a lot of catching up to do. September was pretty uneventful. I just went to school every day for what seems like forever. School days here are extremely long. I start school at 7:45 and school ends at 4 or 4:30 depending on the day. However, I have extra Thai classes that I attend so I am usually getting home around 7 at night. In the class room, the students don’t change rooms for every class, the teachers do. The students in the classes have been in the same class for their entire school experience so they are all extremely close to each other. This does make it a little difficult to fit in, but they are all so extremely nice and friendly. So that was September.

October was fun because I didn’t have to go to school. The school takes a month long break after midterm exams. So I took a lot of trips with my family to the beach and to different cities around Thailand. The beaches in Phuket are absolutely beautiful. Also the exchange students from my district in Thailand came to Phuket to tour the city. We went to a few of the many islands around Phuket, including Phi Phi and James Bond Island which is one of the settings for the movie The Beach staring Leonardo DiCaprio. If you haven’t seen that movie, you need to! It’s fantastic! J We also went to a butterfly garden, museums, and a tour of the famous Patong Beach on Phuket Island. Which by the way my home is only 10 minutes away from.

Oh and the vegetarian festival is brutal! I helped give water to the people with swords through their faces. Ok so I guess I should explain the vegetarian festival. It’s this Chinese festival that most everyone in Thailand participates in because most of the people have Chinese ancestors. So during this nine day festival you can only wear white, only eat vegetables, cannot have sex, cannot drink, and pray to one or more of the nine gods. This experience was extremely scary. Some people give demonstrations like climbing a ladder of knives, getting into boiling oil, walking over hot coals and the most common demonstration was to parade around the island with swords through their mouths. But it wasn’t just swords, there were bicycles, trees, motors, fruit, really just about anything that they could fit. And it was really weird to see the same people with the things through their mouths at the store the next day and they look totally fine just what looked like a long cat scratch or something down their cheek. One of my friends from school actually did a knife demonstration. He said that one of the gods consumed him, or possessed him, and he could not feel any pain and the next day he was fine, still with no pain but a hole in his mouth.

The last week in October I went to Bangkok with my class to visit all of the universities. I feel like I got so much more close to them and I think that my time here will be even more enjoyable because of this trip. I actually might be interested in going to one of the universities that we visited. After the university stuff, we got to go shopping! So much fun! We went to Siam and then to JJ market and to the floating market!

Well Thanks again to Rotary for giving me this opportunity!

Sawasdee ka!!

Alina อารีน่า

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 January 19 Journal

 Ok so I am way behind on the journals. And Rotex told me that writing journals would be extremely hard and they were absolutely correct!! I have been so busy I just haven’t had the time to stop and reflect so I have time now and this is a reflection time.

Ok so December. School exams, what else can you say about school? Ok but other than school exams I went on a Northeastern trip with the YE’s in my district. That was a blast! The 10 hour bus ride from Phuket to Bangkok was not fun at all, but once I saw everyone waiting for me when I got off the bus, it was so worth it!! So we spent Christmas together and did a gift exchange. That was funny because we all gave presents like an electric fly swatter and bug spray (which by the way is hard to come by) some elephant boxers and slippers. The day trips were great too. We went to see cave paintings and to a Thai ranch, we went to see lots of temples and we got to see an ancient Cambodian temple. Very cool.

January hasn’t been that interesting. So I thought I would give you an insight on a typical day in Thailand. Just some things I see around here.

In the morning, after showering and having my breakfast of rice and fish, we leave the house and usually there are a few monks around the town accepting food from shop owners.

When I get to school, I am usually late because my mother goes on Thai time, I have to stand with the late people in the assembly. After singing the national anthem, and praying, and the daily announcements, I stay with the late people and our punishment is to meditate and think about why were late. I don’t understand why we have to think about why we were late, I’m late because my mom doesn’t wake up early enough. Maybe I am translating a word wrong or something. I don’t know.

After the meditation detention which lasts about 20 minutes, we go to our class rooms and stay there until the day ends. The students don’t have to go anywhere, the teachers are the ones who travel from class to class.

Lunch in the school. Any meal for a Thai person is a big deal. Not like a celebration big deal, just like I am so excited to eat and I enjoy eating so much that I want to share my experience AND my food with you, deal. So my friends and I get all kinds of different food from the cafeteria. Most of the food includes rice, different fish, curry, soup, fried eggs, maybe an omelet, vegetables, and maybe some shrimp. In the cafeteria you have to be careful for insects. Not just a few flies, but swarming bees, armies of aunts, cockroaches, dogs, cats, and the occasional monkey. Yes I have only seen one monkey, but it was not a pretty sight. Lunch lasts an entire hour and my class has a free period after lunch so we usually eat lunch and socialize for about 2 hours. Then back to class.

After school gets out, all the students rush out and go across the street to use their cell phones and wait for their parents. Vendors wait for the massive number of hungry students to get out of school, and take their money for more food. Some sell sweets, fruit, fried chicken that is cooked right there on the street and when everything is over they dump the grease into the street.

So my mom is late picking me up and so that means we will be late picking up my three other siblings. First we get my oldest sister, she is usually putting makeup on with her friends and talking about her latest boyfriend, then we pick up my youngest brother and he is always playing with his foreign friends on the soccer field, then last my oldest brother who plays basketball all the time!! And then we finally go home to grandma and the maid, and my sister and I help to make dinner. My dad doesn’t get home most nights until 1 in the morning.

Dinner is served on the floor in front of the television and we watch the Thai soap operas which are absolutely terrible. So unrealistic and the camera work is awful. But the Thai people love them. They especially like the Chinese and Korean soaps but they are translated into Thai which I find hilarious because the Chinese man will stop talking and the Thai goes on for another minute or so.

After dinner, I help my little brother with his English homework and then I am off to bed or listen to some music with my sister in our room. And that is the day in the life of Alina in Thailand.

I just want to thank Rotary again for making this experience possible for me. I am really enjoying my time here.

อารีน่า

Angel’s Bio

 Hello there! My name is Angel Jones and I’m going to be an exchange student! My hometown is the quaint beach city of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I am proud to have called it my home for the last seventeen years. I attend Spruce Creek High School (home of the Hawks!) and have aspirations of becoming a doctor one day.

I am most definitely a Florida girl inside and out. I adore the beach and warm sunny days that make you just want to melt. I can most likely be found at the beach surfing and sunning almost any day over the summer. If not there, I am with my friends having endless amounts of fun.

I am the epitome of a “people person.” Laughing and smiling are two of my most favorite hobbies. You can say I am outgoing and a positive attribute to any situation. I encourage others to have a good time with whatever the circumstance may be. I am strongly active in the culinary and visual arts. Cooking and food are a great pastime I partake in regularly. As well as drawing and painting, which have always been passions of mine since I can remember. They are all ways which I can express my self and emphasize my individuality and personal imagination.

For school related hobbies, I enjoy being active and participating in physical enduring sports. In past years, I have been on the cheerleading squad as well as Track & Field. This year, I decided to be adventurous and join the Swim Team. It was a lot of fun and I loved it, even the gallons of water I swallowed everyday in practice. At school, I am a member of about five different clubs. I feel it’s important for the students to be active in their school’s student body and really give voice to problems or changes the kids want to happen. I mean, if you do not put your mind and heart into it, how is anything supposed to get better?

With this opportunity of a lifetime, I plan to have the “time of my life.” I am going to make every day count, with not a moment to waste. Every experience from here on, more so than others, will be cherished as those which can not be replaced or duplicated. The trip for me will not only end once I return home, but instead will continue the moment I step off that plane back home.

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October 5 Journal

 Well, hello there everyone =) I must apologize for not updating my journal sooner, but if only you knew how busy and occupied I have been, you would certainly understand. So to compensate, I’m going to do my best to fill you in with everything that I have gone through in the last 8 weeks. We can just call this the “crash course” of an exchange student in Denmark, ja? Okay well to begin, I think I’ll show off my Danish speaking skills and give you my introduction I have memorized quite well…

“Hej alle, Jeg hedder Angel Lee Jones, og jeg kommer fra Florida i USA. Jeg er sytten og min fødselsdag er 27. martz. Jeg kom til Danmark tredje august og jeg elsker det nu. Jeg bor i lille byen af Svendborg på Fyn. Min familie i USA er min far og mor og mig og tre hunder. Jeg savner dem meget men jeg har mange sjovt her. Jeg kan godt lile at stege og at tage billeder og at gøre kunst og at være med venner. Jeg elsker min familie og bedste venner og Danmark! Jeg hader mennesker hvem smiler ikke og edderkopper. Mest af alt jeg elsker min liv!”

Okay, okay, now that I’m done showing off, I will translate all of it for you…

“Hey everyone, my name is Angel Lee Jones, and I come from Florida in USA. I am seventeen years old and my birthday is March 27th. I came to Denmark the third of August and I love it now. I live in the little city of Svendborg on Fyn. My family in the USA is my dad and mom, me and three dogs. I miss them a lot but I am having a lot of fun here. I like to cook, to take pictures and make art, and to be with friends. I love my family and best friends and Denmark! I hate people who don’t smile and spiders. Most of all I love my life!”

And that is me folks, in Danish! So, as you can see, I haven’t just spent the last two months making tons of friends, feasting on wonderful food, and having an amazing time all the time. Although I have done all of that, I think I have learned a lot as well. I have decided to split this journal entry into sections, making it well organized, better to understand, and easier for me to write and remember. So first up, I’ll go over the basics of my exchange so far; including Denmark in general, family life, school, language, fashion, cultural differences, problems I’ve faced, life back home, and highlights of my exchange scattered throughout. Let’s get started shall we?

Denmark in General “Danmark i generelt”

Denmark in general is a glorious, gorgeous, greatly under looked country. It seems that every picture I take of every place I go is postcard perfect. Everyone I meet is friendly and welcoming. I feel that the Danish people in general, are very accepting. Those who I have met are all very interested in me and my exchange.

It is quite easy to get around in Denmark. It being a fairly small country, almost everything is accessible by train or bus. The currency is in kroner, with the exchange rate being about 5 kroner to every 1 US dollar, roughly. The climate has been relatively nice. When I first arrived in August, it was the latter part of summer, so most days were warm and cool in the evenings. With fall now setting in, the days are much cooler, and very windy. In Denmark it does not rain, at least not like back home. It mists; just enough to mess up your hair and your shoes. I have yet to see a thunderstorm. It rains, and winds gust as if in a hurricane, but yet no thunder. I have been told from now on most days will be overcast, cold, windy and rainy. Wonderful I think, but then again it can be wonderful if I’m home and cuddled up with a blanket and hot coffee. I am looking forward to the holidays. Most Danes are relatively modern, not many go to church other than baptisms, confirmations, or Christmas. But those traditions they do have, they adhere strictly to them. With Danes, once you have been accepted, you’re not like family, you are family.

Denmark is composed of a lot of countryside, with scattered cities throughout. My city of Svendborg is one of the largest of the smaller cities. Its population is around 35,000 people. Everything is conveniently close, and available. The downtown is pretty good size, but can still be covered on foot. We have a train station, harbor, library, several schools, tons of cute shops and boutiques, as well as chain brand stores, a McDonalds, handful of bars and clubs, great pizza shops, grocery and department stores, and just about anything else you could need or want. I really enjoy my town. It’s not too big or too small, kind of like the Goldilocks story, “just right.”

Family Life “Familie Liv”

As you may or may not know, I will be living with four different families over the course of my exchange. I think this is to better one’s exchange by giving the chance of adapting, learning, and growing with different kinds of families, who live in different places, have different views, and essentially lead different lives. In essence, this idea is ingenious. It not only benefits the exchange student, but also the families. In the end, more people are touched and experience the wonders of an exchange.

It is my first host family who I am living with now. They are wonderful people who I absolutely adore. There is a father, mother, sixteen year old daughter, and one fat cat whom I have named Mr. Kitty. They also have three older sons, who are in their twenties and live elsewhere in Denmark. We live on a farm with pigs, chickens and two ponies. It’s nice living on a farm, for it has been ages since my own family has had farm animals. However, I could do without the strong stench of swine first thing in the morning when walking to the bus. My host mom, Helle, works in a fabulous purse boutique in the city, while my host dad, Hans, spends most of his time harvesting or with the pigs. My host sister, Signe, is a darling of a host sister. We got along famously right away and now we are the best of friends. She actually spent a year in Canada on exchange last year, so is fluent in English and familiar with all the North American amenities that Denmark doesn’t offer. While living here, I have given her some cooking lessons in exchange for Danish lessons. I make dinner for my host family every Wednesday, which they really love. May I suggest that to any other exchange students, for it is a sure way to win the heart of your host mum!

As far as family life goes, we pretty much go about as a normal Danish family would. It’s as if I’m not an exchange student or stranger at all, but instead I’m a real member of the family. It’s a fantastic feeling, one that I don’t feel will ever end, and one I can only thank my exchange for. At night, we all watch television together, drink tea, and eat cake. It’s is the essence of “hyggelig,” the Danish term which can not be directly translated, but means warm, cozy, good-feeling.

I have already met two of my other host families. Both of which seem great, and I don’t think I will have any problems becoming just as close with. They too, have host siblings who I go to school with. All speak English if necessary, but I encourage them to speak Danish to me. So, in general, my family life is great, and I can only look forward for more to come.

School “Skole”

I must admit, I never expected to enjoy school so much, especially when I don’t understand half of what is being said. However, I really am enjoying school and I absolutely love my class. In Denmark, the school system is quite different. First off, there is no “high school.” There are Gymnasiums, Efter skoles, Business skoles, and Technical skoles. Gymnasiums are the ones most similar to that of a normal high school. It is average curriculum with multi-subject courses offered. It is a three year program and is public. Efter skoles are usually attended before going on to a Gymnasium or further education. It is a type of boarding school where you live on campus with other kids your age in dorm-like residence. It is thought to build life skills and encourage development and maturity. Business skoles are really self explanatory where business skills are built and developed. Most of the student body is male whereas in the Gymnasium there are more females. In technical schools, the subjects of science, art, and mathematics are explored for specialty careers and scholars.

I attend Svendborg Gymnasium. I am in the second year, class 2.a. Although I would be a senior back home, they usually place exchange students in the second year. This is because while the first year “freshmen” are too busy getting adjusted and comfortable to really bother with an exchange student, the third year “seniors” are busy preparing for excruciating exams and applying to universities. I have no complaints being placed in the second year. We actually get a class trip, in the spring, where every class raises money to travel abroad for a week or two. My class is going to Barcelona, Spain. A trip I hope to attend, for it would be an amazing time to bond with my class and travel even more.

Well, in school, I have about ten courses; English, Danish, Spanish, Biology, Mythology, Religion, Ancient History, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Geography. The schedule is also quite different and a bit confusing. It is set up in increments of two weeks. Depending on the day, I may have one to 4 classes. The longest day lasting from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm. Classes are one and a half hours long, with a 30 minute break between each class. When I told you my class was “2.a,” it was because you are with the same people all day. It is only the subject, room, and teacher that changes. You do everything together as a class. You walk to class, you scrape through class, and you have break and lunch as a class, all together. My class has 21 students, with only 5 of them boys. Like I explained, Gymnasiums have more female students than males. It’s okay though, because the guys we do have are more than enough entertainment. Now, you’re probably puzzled on how I get through class, being that all the lessons are in Danish, and I don’t speak Danish. Well, I draw pictures. No, I do attempt to follow. But it can be extremely difficult at times. As frustrating as it can be to not be able to participate, I try anyways. And I really think my classmates respect me for that. They know I must not be able to understand anything, and yet I still act like I’m interested. The teachers understand as well, most of them put no pressure on me at all, while others encourage me to participate, even if I have to respond in English.

I feel as the year goes on, and I learn more Danish, it will of course become easier, and I look forward to that.

Language “Sprog”

Ahh, the wondrous language of Danish… My theory of the evolution of Danish is as follows, “Danish was formed by Vikings whom were constantly drunk and thus slurred their words while making many up.” Surprisingly, most Danish people would agree with my theory. Their alphabet is the same as ours with the addition of three extra letters; æ, å, and ø. Danish is said to be a very confusing and challenging language to learn. I agree. However, I find myself not having as much trouble learning it as I had previously predicted. Currently, I attend Danish lessons every Wednesday from 8 to 1:30. That may not seem like a lot. But trust me; speaking, listening, and comprehending a foreign language, especially one like Danish, for 5 hours straight is no easy task. I also speak Danish when at home. My host family is very helpful and patient when conversing with me. I watch Danish television, and when watching English television, it is with Danish subtitles. They are actually quite beneficial and have really improved my reading skills. So far, my Danish is fair. I read Danish the best, can understand conversations second best, speak it okay, but when it comes to talking directly with someone, forget it. It’s as if I freeze on the spot, and all the hours of Danish lessons, all the children’s books read, everything just flees my brain. Luckily, I have found that Danish people in general are very accepting and patient. They merely chuckle and find my confusion cute and amusing. How happy I am to be of some entertainment.

In school, when asked by my friends if I would like for them to speak in English or Danish, I replied Danish. They asked why, and I told them I would rather have trouble fully understanding, maybe only catching a few words, but build on learning the language, than knowing exactly what they’re saying but not benefiting me at all. They agreed and so far it has not been a problem. If I don’t understand something they are talking about, they simply brief me at the end in English. At least that way, I listened to all they had to say in Danish and may have caught a few words, which in turn is better than none.

Fashion “Mode”

Let me first start of by saying that European fashion in general rocks! Danish fashion in particular is fabulous. Basically, it’s sophisticated meets chic. Every girl wears tights or leggings. That is a daily fashion essential. Second must is a scarf. Scarves are not only for girls either, guys sport them too. But, I’ll explain the guys later. I own seventeen scarves myself; yes it has begun to be an obsession…

Black is also very basic, yet trendy. If someone wore all black in Denmark, it would not be seen as gothic or even emo, but stylish and fashionable. It’s chic and modern. A typical Danish outfit would be a cute dressy top long enough to be worn with just tights. Then it would be paired with heels, boots, or flats. Accessorized with a scarf and a number of different hair styles. Of course in the winter time, fashion changes slightly with the temperature. So a jacket would be accompanied by Ugg boots and legwarmers.

Not all males in Denmark are gay, they are merely well dressed. This can be a common misconception by foreigners, I being one of them. Guys here are simply more stylish than those in the States. They care about their appearance. Sure, sometimes it is too much, but generally just enough. An average look would be fitting jeans, fitting top, possible cardigan, scarf, nice shoes, and styled hair. I find the Danish guys to be quite attractive. This may just be my weakness for blondes with blue eyes, but I’ll also give credit to their fashion sense.

Cultural Differences “Kulturelle Forskelle”

I could probably go on all day about the cultural differences. I must admit, I did not expect there to be that many, because Denmark is European. Well, I was very wrong. I think to make it easier on myself and for your viewing benefit; I’ll just make a short list of those which come to my mind:

• Adolescents are given much more responsibility and freedom.

• There is no drinking age, but the age to purchase alcohol is 16.

• Drinking is a huge part of the Danish culture; it is viewed as casual, family oriented.

• Many young people smoke (about 90% I would say)

• Danish people eat a lot, more than back home. They have about 2 to 3 (full plate) helpings at meals.

• They walk or bike everywhere. This would explain the ability to eat so much, while still being fit.

• Every car is manual, and they are crazy, fast drivers.

• The driving age is 18, and it is very expensive and hard to get a license. Thus, most teenagers bike or bus.

• They treat bikes as cars, and will literally brush the side of a biker on the road. For the person biking, this can be terrifying enough to pee your pants.

• They like to sing. Whether it be at a birthday party, luncheon, Rotary meeting, whenever, they sing.

• They eat a lot of fish, pork, potatoes, bread and licorice. Luckily, I am not a vegetarian nor do I care about carbs, my host sister however is and does, sucks for her.

• They are coffee fiends. I now drink about six cups a day.

• Denmark is very expensive. The only things cheap here are phones and alcohol.

• Light switches to bathrooms are always on the outside of the room, very annoying when you are in a rush to go, and you forgot to turn the light on.

• There are no grocery bags. You bring your own reusable bags, and if you don’t, then you’re carrying everything.

• Almost all Danish beds are twin size, pity for me who had a full back home.

• The furniture, architecture, and general Danish design are very modern and contemporary. Every house is catalog perfect.

• Water is as expensive as soda, beer, and everything else. There is no free water with meals.

• I am convinced there is a Danish gene, which blesses everyone with beautiful looks. Whether you are six or sixty, if you’re Danish, you’re gorgeous.

• Regardless of the fact that it only takes about 6 hours to drive from one side of the country to the other, Danes will complain if they have to travel two hours (as if it was all day).

• Every Danish person will make you say “Rød Grød med Flød,” because you will sound stupid saying it, and they will laugh.

Problems I’ve had “Problemer jeg havde”

Really, I have been a lucky ducky. I have not had many problems so far. I have yet to be homesick, I get along very well with my family, I have made many friends, I love the culture and people in general, so “why do I have this section?” you ask. Well, I want to tell everyone about my encounter with the Danske Edderkop! (Danish Spider) You see, in Denmark, there are many bees, flies, and spiders. There are at least two to three spiders in every room in every Danish home. They are not big spiders, quite tiny actually, and have been known to be completely harmless. That is until I show up.

I had only been here two weeks when I was bitten by one of these spiders. It is something completely unheard of in Denmark. But of course, it happened to me. I suppose it bit me during my slumber because I don’t recall such an event, I merely woke up one morning with a mosquito looking bite under my arm. I brushed it off as no big deal; after all I am from Florida, the capital of millions of mosquitoes. Well, after a couple days it got a little sore, and a bit swollen. I looked at the forgotten bite and found it to be the size of a quarter and inflamed. Puzzled, I showed my host mom, and she thought it might just be a little irritated but instructed me to keep an eye on it and let her know how it goes. Well another few days went by with it getting worse and worse, but with me being the new exchange student I didn’t want to come across as the little baby who can’t take a bug bite. So I hid the infected wound until my host mom noticed me favoring my left arm. She asked to see it, and when I showed it to her she was relatively shocked to see just how bad it had gotten. It had grown five times the size, and formed a knot under the skin. It was extremely sore and red. She decided it would be best to take me to the local doctor to have him check it, for it was clearly infected. He confirmed the suspicion and said it was either an insect bite or spider bite. I freaked, but remained cool, thinking that all I needed was a little Penicillin.

About 4 days went by, and the bite just got worse. The Penicillin was obviously not working, and I was beginning to get worried. We went back to the doctor and he too was surprised at how bad it had gotten. He told me I needed to go to the hospital and have it lanced. At this point I was hysterically crying. I mean, come on, what are the chances that in my third week in a new country I would be bit by something, have it infected, and need to go to the hospital. I think it was really the thought of being in a foreign hospital with doctors speaking in a language I didn’t understand, handling sharp instruments, unknowing if they use anesthetics, all combined that freaked me out. It was all of that, without my mom, my real mom. My host mom was great through the whole thing, completely reassuring and doing her best to comfort me. But, it just wasn’t the same.

So, we went to the hospital, but because Denmark is under universal healthcare the wait to see the doctor would be about five hours. Those five hours were like torture for me, not knowing what they were going to do or how they were going to do it. We returned when they called, and we saw the doctor. Luckily, she spoke English well, and even reminded me of my doctor back home. She examined the bite, and told me it was indeed a spider bite and that it would have to be lanced. Lanced meaning cut open and let the poison drain. I was mortified. But, then she continued to tell me it wasn’t ready yet. I would have to wait another day or so for it to mature, and then do it myself. Goodness gracious, could my luck get any worse? Well, being the hardcore kid that I am, I did it myself, just like she told me to, and sure enough it healed within a few days. Yes, it hurt like hell, but I knew it would be better than having my arm amputated. Haha… so that is my story of the danske edderkop and my awesome exchange student survival skills.

Other than that, Denmark has been wonderful and I love it so.

Life back home “Liv tilbage hjemme”

As I have said, I’ve yet to be homesick. I find myself to be very lucky of this, because many of my exchange student friends I have spoken to are or have been. I however, have had no problems being able to call or email with family and friends without feeling sad or depressed. It merely makes me feel happy to hear how well they are doing, and to tell them how well I am doing. After all, I know that I only have one year here, and then I’m going back home. So, I feel it’s more important to enjoy all I can, and take advantage of my time in Denmark.

I miss my family and friends tons, don’t get me wrong. But I know that the year I have here is precious, so embrace it as much as I can. For everyone reading this, I miss you and love you! “Jeg savner dig og jeg elsker dig!”

Lastly, thank you Rotary for making this exchange possible. Dow “Peace.”

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January 10 Journal

Hej venner og familie,

 

Knus fra Danmark! Hope everyone is doing well both back home and on exchange. Let me first give my apologies for not writing in some time. However, I hope the amazing stories and adventures I am about to tell will make up for it. I figure it builds a sense of anticipation and excitement. Plus, it gives me far more to talk about.

Well, I have been quite busy (to put it lightly). Exchange, I must say, is one of the greatest experiences I have had in life so far. I try my best to describe the feelings and thoughts I have to my friends and family, but they never seem to come out right. It’s as if the experience of being an exchange student changes both your mind and soul. It certainly has changed the way I think of many things, and my perception of the world. Thus making only fellow exchange students capable of sharing these changes and experiences with.

I’m already seriously considering writing a book based on my year abroad. My host sister, Silje, and I have already begun making our own cookbook combining both American and Danish into our own delicious creations. I’ll be sure to credit Rotary somewhere in the Dedication. Haha.

So, in the past several months, life in Denmark has only gotten better and more exciting. Denmark as a country is ideal in my eyes. I know in my heart I will one day live here, again. The culture is rich with so much history and tradition. For example, during “Juletid” (Christmas time), there were so many little traditions, I could barely remember them all. The entire month of December is filled with Christmas spirit and anticipation. Just walking through town, you can see the glow on people’s faces; knowing that soon everyone will be together for the holidays. My family, in particular, is very into the spirit of Christmas. Practically every day, the house was filled with the scent of Christmas cookies and spices reminding the nose of how wonderful Christmas is. I’m not afraid to admit I gained more than the normal amount of weight over Christmas break. Instead, I completely embraced the numerous new and diverse delicacies. I also made a copy of every Danish dish recipe that was a must-have for Christmas. So, next Christmas, is going to be awesome; American and Danish!

During December, Danes tend to go the extra mile when it comes to keeping themselves entertained and busy. It’s a way of keeping their minds off the miserable weather (which I will tell about later), so I have been told. Also, instead of one special feast on Christmas night, there are these lunches called “Julefrokosts.” They include many Danes (both friends and family), tons of food, lots of drinks, and sometimes these fun little games where you can win presents. Quite frankly, it is a genius idea, and one which I certainly plan to take back home. I attended several Julefrokosts of my own. One exclusively with my class; everyone had to bring a certain dish which we drew from a hat. Another was with my host dad’s family on Christmas Eve. Then it was only two days later when we had another with my host mom’s family; that included 23 people and continued until the wee hours of the morning. By the time Christmas was over, and the house was reasonably back to normal, I was ready for a vacation from vacation, haha.

Spending Christmas away from home was far easier than I expected. Although I have been lucky enough not to experience homesickness in the time I have been here, I felt maybe as though the time of the season would bring back far too many memories of home for me to avoid depression. I have my host family to thank for this. They have been amazing by far. And instead, a part of me felt as if I was indeed home; home in Denmark.

Here, Christmas is celebrated more on December 24th, rather than the 25th. It is the 24th when you have the great Christmas feast, and also when you open presents. However, “Danes work for their presents,” is what I like to say. After Christmas everyone gathers around the Christmas tree to hold hands and begin dancing (really walking steadily) around the tree whilst singing traditional Christmas songs. I found this task to be a bit challenging. So, I participated by being the backup humming. Then with the last song “Nu er Jul igen,” you begin running (still holding hands) around the house, into each room singing. By the time we returned to tree, everyone was panting and laughing hysterically. Now it was time to open presents. Everyone gathered in the living room, each bursting with happiness and excitement. I adored all of my gifts, all which will be sure to remind me of Denmark in the years ahead. The next morning, I made my mom’s traditional apple doughnuts, which she makes every Christmas morning. My host family loved them and said they would adopt the recipe too. Then they gave me one more present. “A present from Santa,” they said, “he must have come during the night, and knew you were here.” I was thrilled, and felt that little piece of being home resurface again. The remainder of the day was spent watching Mamma Mia with my host sister, singing along to the songs at the top of lungs; wearing our pajamas all day long, haha. Christmas this year will certainly be a special one in my heart, and one which I could never forget.

Friends I have made here will be with me for life. Both Danish and fellow exchange students. My class continues to be a wonderful asset to getting through a day of school. They make it fun and one could even say, enjoyable! Haha. They invite me out to coffee after school, and movie nights with the girls. We speak in both Danish and English, and they assure me I’m doing wonderful in the language.

I have yet to have a full dream in Danish, which I am so greatly looking forward to. But lately, they have become half and half. So, I suppose that must mean that I am making some sort of progression? I can watch “Go’Morgen Danmark” (which is like the Danish equivalence of the Today show) and almost fully understand it. I have recently been purchasing my favorite movies, only with Danish subtitles; for when I come home, I can watch them and revive my Danish!

With it now being winter here, the weather is expectedly quite cold. And with the temperature being measured in Celsius, it has lately been around -4 degrees. This past week, it snowed 3 times, and the ground remained blanketed with a quilt of white until the weekend. My friend Siri, from Australia, and I made a snowman after the first snow. Only, it was no normal snowman, oh no. It was a Viking snowman of King Harold Bluetooth (the Danish king who conquered and ruled Norway in the 500s). It was very impressive, if I do say so myself. We continued to spend the day playing in the snow and then sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace. It was utterly “hyggelig.”

Every day, I feel like I’m growing; growing into a more mature, more social, and far wiser person. Denmark has become a part of me. It is of my being. Regardless of how cliché that may sound, it is completely true. I not only love Denmark, but respect it. I even defend it, as though it is of my own origin. Thanks to Rotary, Denmark is a second home.

Cindy’s Bio

 Hello,

I am Cindy Harburn from Oviedo, Florida. I’m a sophomore at Oviedo High School and I hope to be going to Italy, but I’m not sure of where I’m going yet. I am originally from San Diego, California. Because my dad was in the military, we’ve moved all over the country back and forth and now we’re planted in Florida. Florida is nice but I just wish it wasn’t so hot all the time.

I have a few pastimes that I enjoy, most of all softball. I have played for well over half my life. I was in a club team for awhile but then had to quit because I broke my arm. I joined a varsity high school team in 7th grade and I love the competition and the necessity of teamwork.

One thing I’m very interested in also is history. I plan to go to a Big Ten college and major in history. In the end of it all I hope to be a teacher either for high school or college, college being the more desirable choice.

I’m excited about leaving and joining another culture. I hope to learn a lot from this experience and I’m sure I will.

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August 20 Journal

 The appetizer …

I’m not sure where this path I’ve taken will lead me. But I know that I’ll discover some hidden part of me that I never would have known had I not chosen to do this. The experiences I’ll have here will shape and mold me differently than before and I know it will be for the better. Some know me to be a movie quoter, I do it constantly, and here I’ll do it again. Hakuna Matata! No worries!

The entrée …

This is the story of my greatest adventure to date. My trip to Finland. I think it best I start from the point where we got to the airport. The check-in took no time at all! My mother and I breezed through the lines (my dad and sister were parking the car). While we were waiting I talked on the phone with my brother (he’s in Korea) while my mom went to the restroom. By the time she got back I was off the phone and the rest of my family was there. Then she realized something, “Holy crud! Cindy, where’s my purse?” She knew the answer herself so she ran off so I didn’t have to answer. She had left it in the bathroom, so with the purse found and the first scare over we went to lunch and as I’m sure you read in Jenny’s journal we all ate at the same place.

We (Jenny, Danny, and I) reunited in front of the terminal and said our goodbyes (family: I saw you three tearing up, no denying!) We had no trouble at all until some uptight passenger made Danny go back to his seat. I can’t honestly say what happened on any of the flights, I don’t know if it was exhaustion, or just pure adrenaline muddling my mind! But a 2-hour plane ride later and we were in Detroit, where we 3 had the time of our lives. Through glittering halls to train rides to just sitting and talking to everyone who was embarking on a similar journey. On we went to Amsterdam and again I don’t have much to say about this, all I know is that I sat next to Jenny and across from a guy from Canada and I didn’t even get a wink of sleep! Finally we were in Amsterdam, a day later, and made for the passports lines. There I got jostled a bit. People in those lines are so pushy! There we parted ways with Danny and many others to be united with others at our terminal. And on the plane to Helsinki I actually remember what happened! I slept, the entire 2 hours.

Groggy and uncoordinated I stumbled off the plane and made my way to baggage claim and waited and waited and waited. Until finally, with the last batch, my bags came through which was a great relief! We all went out to where Liisa was waiting for us and was I surprised! My host-mom and sister had come to meet me! My sister was leaving to go into an exchange in Florida. We got on the bus and rode for a couple hours to Karkku (the view was fabulous!) and when we got there we all tried to get settled. And since I don’t feel that this is long enough, I’ll tell you about that experience as well.

There isn’t a whole lot to say about it except a few of the things I enjoyed. First of all, the classes. Mimmu was a great teacher and I shall never forget her and all our tutors who I really bonded with over the week. Second, this was the place where I fell in love with the sauna. The Finns are geniuses. Especially when jumping into a cold lake afterwards. Totally refreshing. Thirdly, Tampere, we all had a great time there, got lost a couple times and yet we found our way back, always laughing. And now that I look back I see that I had been in my shell the entire time… until the last night. Another girl and I rallied a lot of people to jump into the ice cold lake with us and almost everybody came at least to watch. That night I will never forget. So the next morning, after some confusion, I found the people who were transporting me to my new family, my new home, and my new life. The rest is for a different journal.

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August 29 Journal

 My first few experiences in Finland…

Confusion. Don’t ever go into a city without the use of your cell phone unless you know your way around! One day I decided I wanted to go to the posti (post office) and I thought I knew pretty much where it was. Apparently I didn’t though. I walked to the city and tried to find the main road and I thought I knew the general direction of where it was; I found it, went to the posti, bought my school books at a book shop and then I tried to find a place to eat. By this time I had already been walking around for a good hour, but then my stomach started to growl so I figured I could find someplace to eat. My first thought: McDonald’s. I walked and I walked and when I thought I found one, it wasn’t, it was a coming soon sign so I walked some more. Needless to say I was pretty miffed, there were advertisements all over the place and I didn’t really feel the need to be the cliché American. I was finally fed up so I went to a random Spanish restaurant. I ended up walking around an extra two hours looking for a McDonald’s. My advice: ask someone where it is before you try to find it!

Anger. The locks are so different here! Apparently you have to nudge it to the left then try it to the right. Complicated! I mean I have a hard time getting into my own house back in the States, and if I can’t get it within the first ten minutes the neighbor comes to help. : )

Aggression and Pain. Salibandy. It’s a really crazy sport, which is kind of like floor ball. My first time ever even holding a hockey stick in my hand, and we had practiced a little, but I was still a little confused, well OK, I was a lot confused, so we start to play, and by the third point I’m totally confident and having fun. This is a game I like to play! But then people were getting really aggressive, some other girls were fighting over the ball, and this gym had steel bars running along the side wall, and a girl fell and hit her head on them. That stopped the game. The ambulance was called, and all the equipment safely put away. The girl is fine but I still want to play some more!

Celebration! My birthday was in the last week and my family and I are going to a Mexican restaurant and I am about to find out how the Finns celebrate.

Craziness. Another word for school. My schedule is so crazy I don’t even know what’s going on most of the time. For a more in depth description of the system, I’m sure Jenny has explained it but here’s my schedule. Monday, Sports, German. Tuesday, Spanish, English 1, English 4, German. Wednesday, Sports, English 4. Thursday, Spanish, English 1, German. Friday, Sports, break, English 4, Spanish. that’s only until October, and speaking of school my break is almost up so Moi, Moi!

Cindy Harburn.

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October 23 Journal

 Well, this is my almost-three-months-in-Finland journal and whoaaaaa a lot has happened in that small space of time!!! I think it’s pretty freaky how much I’ve changed, I’m sure if you threw me into a party where all my old friends were, they wouldn’t know me. I don’t mean that I’ve changed in appearance, they would probably recognize me, but I wouldn’t be able to really TALK with them anymore. It’s sad but it happens, I know for a fact that I’m changing for the better, I’ve become less noisy and well teenagerish. But… enough of the sentimental stuff.

Since my coming to Finland I have been on two trips. One to Helsinki (where the most amazing cafe in the world is! Fazer), and another to Stockholm, Sweden. Both were absolutely amazing! Helsinki was beautiful, and well really big. We drove around practically the whole city and walked a bit…I was in awe. But then that trip was ended by me and my sister Pinja getting sick 🙁 The other one to Sweden I just got back from today and it was great! We went on a cruise and there were Finnish guys beatboxing and a dance-fashion show. I wish I could describe it all to you, but I can’t because this journal would be wayyyyyyy too long. Well anyways when we got to Stockholm we had so much fun, I mean first we went to the king’s palace and ahhhh I compliment myself on being the trendsetter in this situation. There was a guard on duty, of course, and I asked Äiti (Mom) if she would ask him if he would take a picture with me. She said ‘oh of course!’ so now we were looking at the other end of the courtyard because there was this loud noise…..Asian tourists coming to take pictures. Anyway she asked, he said ‘yes you MAY’ and we took the picture. The other tourists were heading our way and had obviously seen me take the picture with him and they were all like ‘OHHHH we want a picture!!!!!’ so they lined up to take a picture with the guard hehe. Well when we were back on the boat we were getting ready to do something…I don’t remember what but the three of us girls were getting ready.

Well here I’ll have to take you away from the story a bit by telling you how weird and awkward it is to speak Finglish. Finnish+English. I just feel stupid most of the time, because everyone just sound so GOOD when they talk.

OK back to the story. We were getting ready to leave and Äiti says ‘Shall we go?’ So I say ‘Nonnin’ which is, well, to translate it, it would be soooooooo….. and I was feeling really weird saying it and my host-mom flipped! She was yelling ‘Oh Cindy that was very good! Ahh yay!’ So that made me feel better. 🙂

But days are getting so much shorter here, it’s pretty sad, I mean I do miss the sun. It hardly ever shines here; it’s so cloudy.

I started my second jasko (period) a couple of weeks ago and this week is our break week, so that’s why we went on vacation. Next week though Pinja, her friend, and I are going to a Simple Plan concert in Helsinki. So that will be fun, and we’re getting there super early.

Anywho that’s all that’s really happening in my life that’s exciting for now…moi moi!

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December 3 Journal

 I just got back from Lapland and now that I remember my 4-month anniversary! It literally feels like a month since I got on that plane, and most of the oldies (people from Australia and New Zealand) say that the last half of the year goes super fast. Well I suppose I’ll give you an account of my trip.

Ok so there I was, standing in the melting snow with about 7 other exchange students waiting for the bus which was late, it’s always late, and the bus finally drove up 20 minutes later, then when we got all our things on, they said we had half an hour because they had to change the tire, our bus was cursed! We started out when the tire was replaced and were talking the whole 12 hour drive, none of us got a wink of sleep, so we staggered off the bus and started shaking because guess how low the temperature was: -20 degrees Celsius, I’m not sure in Fahrenheit. Anywho we got there at 8 a.m. and had breakfast, un-packed and off we went to a hill which they called a mountain and everyone else went either skiing or snowboarding. About 1/3 didn’t and we just played in the snow :). That night after we had got back to the hotel, we had maybe an hour then we were off again to go eat dinner outside! These people were crazy. We ate reindeer soup :(.

I roomed with Jenny, Stephanie (California), Hope (Oklahoma?), Jocelyn (Washington state) and we had alotttttttttt of good times in that room, I’m pretty sure that none of us expected to like our room arrangement, but after a while we had so many bonding moments that we couldn’t help but have fun! Well the next day, we spent the whole day at the hill, I skied (really hard!!) and snowboarded (pretty easy) and got covered in bruises. I don’t really remember much of that night.

Ummm the next day we went to a reindeer farm and I named almost every reindeer, then we went snow shoe walking and I felt like a cat who has shoes on. After that experiment we went to actually get a sleigh ride from a reindeer and I named all of those, but the really funny thing is that the men who were leading them actually started using my names :). Then we went to the husky place and saw over 400 dogs and there were the cutest puppies! I wanted one so bad. Then that night was a bit dramatic because we locked our keys in our room and reception was closed so they couldn’t open our door so then we had to room with tutors.

Yesterday we went to Rovaniemi, where the real Santa Claus is, and went to see him, but let me just say that if I were 5 I would have been scared out of my mind, because first there was fake snow, then red snow, I felt as if I were in the 7th circle of hell. After we were done there we started the 12 hour bus ride home, and yet again we did not get any sleep. That trip was soo fun I wish it could have lasted another week, but this just makes me even more excited for our euro tour!

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January 21 Journal

 Well it’s been a while since I’ve written anything…

So I’ll let you all in on a well know subject between us exchange students…the second half of the year goes SUPER fast…I’ve been here almost 6 months…where did that come from…that means in 4½ months I’ll be home. And just so all you future exchange students know the beginning goes fast until the shock wears off and then everything slows down…then the half way mark comes…when you’re living it doesn’t feel fast but when you look at the calendar….it’s really shocking…

Just to make sure you all understand that is REALLY sad.

Anyways let me address one thing before I really start…Jenny mentioned that she dared me to eat 10 salmiakki….well let me just tell you how amazing THAT was. OK you know how you can smell something and you can faintly taste it in the bad of your mouth? Well if you use that it tastes like the smell of aftershave………No one ever gets what I mean when I say that but it’s true! And let me tell you that experience I will never get over…thank you VERY much Jenny.

On to life as it is to me…I changed families about a month ago and I could not be happier than I am here, every exchange student has at least one family who they LOVE and this is mine.

In Finland they celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December and nothing really happens on the 25th, but since they live in Finland Santa actually comes to every single house and delivers the presents in person…unfortunately my host father was gone for my new experience…from what I hear he misses it every year 😉 anyways there wasn’t much different from ours: they eat and eat and open presents…and eat.

NEW YEARS!!! Now I will never ever forget this new years, I went to a party with my host sister who I had known all of 10 days and we had the funnest time getting to know each other and I got to meet all her friends…it really was a blast.

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April 15 Journal

 Hey everyone, it’s been a while since my last journal…and a lot has happened that’s changed everything: my life here in Finland, and back home in Florida.

Wow – thinking all the way back to January is very difficult, I never knew how difficult it could be. I think back in January and February everything was just the way I wanted it to be, my life wasn’t perfect, but I was enjoying my life as much as I could. I can’t remember any significant things, except that I went on a cruise to Tallinn, Estonia, that was a very interesting trip.

The rest is just a blur now, I can’t really remember much past March 17th. The day that changed everything. Forgive me everyone, but this is supposed to be about my life on exchange and this happened on my exchange. Now, all of you up-and-coming outbounds, I’ll give you just a bit of advice if you don’t want anything to happen to you like it did to me – make your parents go get physicals with you, it’s good for them, and it gives you the insurance you need, and that I didn’t have. On March 17th my father died of a heart attack. Period. That’s all the bad news I have. I hope.

Of course I went home to his funeral and to help with some arrangements and family stuff. I won’t get into that. Although……the weather was AMAZING in Florida, I am now back in Finland, with my third and final host family. Life is moving. Fast. I can’t seem to get a handle on it. Getting back into routine is really hard too. Not to mention because I don’t live in the city anymore, I have to take one of those huge buses and I don’t know where I am most of the time…but things are actually OK. Which surprised me. I always planned on coming back, but there was always that little part of me that wondered…’What if…?” What if I should be at home, helping my mom? What if I should be home with a job helping pay for things?

Well, you can’t ask “what if” questions like that. It makes you regret. I DO NOT REGRET, however my coming back to Finland, I regret other things. Exchangers if anything like this happens to you…go back. It really provides a nice place for you, an escape if you will, I’m not saying escape your problems…but it gives you a better grasp on things, a better outlook.

Well, so I came back, and my new host parents are trying to keep me very busy 😀 for the Easter weekend we went to our cousins’ summer cottage (almost every Finn has access to a summer cottage) and then when we got back, a Rotarian family took me to an American car show 🙂 Now, I’m afraid that’s the most up-to-date I can get. Thanks again Rotary for all you’ve done for me and my family.

Chris’ Bio

 Hello! I’m Chris Foley and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I am 16 years old, but I will be graduating a year early from Bartram Trail High School this semester. I was born in a suburb of New York City called Goshen, New York, and moved to Jacksonville in 2005. Although I left behind my dad, my little brother, and many other relatives, Florida has finally become a place that I can truthfully call home.

I live here in Jacksonville with my mom, step-dad, and our dog Finny (the favorite child). My sister, Brianna, lives a few minutes away at the beach. A normal day in my house consists of my mom doing yoga and my step-dad working on a new painting, while Finny chews all of our shoes.

I love to travel, meet new people, play many instruments, and collect records. Among my favorite types of music are jazz, soul, folk, and hip-hop. I am very excited to go overseas and discover new types of music and new cultures. I also enjoy biking, skateboarding, soccer, and anything else outdoors.

After seeing a few friends of mine experience an exchange I am very excited to embark upon my own. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this happen!

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August 19 Journal

 Today is the two-week point of my life here in Thailand. The last two weeks have been very exciting, eventful, and confusing. I landed in Bangkok, a day later than expected, and I didn’t know what to expect. I went to get my bags and Alina (Outbound to Thailand) came along because her connecting flight to Phuket was not until the next morning. We soon found out that our baggage was still in Tokyo, but we couldn’t be mad because the Thai Airways man we spoke with was just too nice to us. We went to search for my second host family, who had offered to come and pick me up. When we found them, they put a flower necklace around my neck (I don’t know the name of this yet, but I’ve seen so many of them) and gave both Alina and me a rose. It was impossible for us to explain Alina’s situation to them in Thai. Eventually, they understood what the situation was, except for Alina’s problem. I said goodbye to her and left with my second host family, without any bags. On the ride from Bangkok to Ban Chang, we had confusing conversations. We went to eat somewhere (at 1 AM) and then went to their home. As much as I wanted to see everything and chat, I was tired and I went to sleep.

In the morning, we ate rice and meat (breakfast here is usually leftovers from dinner the night before). My first host dad came to pick me up and we went down the road to my new home. Later on, I met my host mom and host brother, Pon. I have another host brother who I haven’t met yet because he is in Canada for summer camp until next week. We went out to eat quite often when I first arrived. I ate some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. My host mom and dad were surprised that a “farang” can like so many Thai foods and fruits. They told me I must have been a Thai person in another lifetime. So on my first day in my new home, my host dad took me sightseeing around Ban Chang and to the beaches nearby. Everything was very beautiful. At night we went out to a restaurant on the beach, literally. After we ate, I was taken back to my second host family because O was leaving for Orlando the next morning. At their house, I met many of O’s friends and we played ping-pong and “poking” (a type of poker that I’ve never played). I made many friends on this night. We stayed up all night because O’s flight didn’t leave until 6 AM. I’m sure this didn’t help my jet lag situation too much, but I got my bags back from the airport! We said goodbye to O, took some pictures, and then left. On the way back, around 7, we all woke up in the van because we stopped to eat some heavy food for breakfast. Soon I was back at my first host house and I slept for a long time.

The next few days were spent adapting to my new life. I got to know my host family and I really like them! Anytime I have a problem, they are always there to help. My host dad speaks English, which is good because I can ask him how to say anything in Thai and he tells me what is in all the food we eat. My host mom and host brother, Pon, are both learning English (they’re pretty good!) so sometimes we speak English and sometimes Thai. In the end, we both get better at the language we are trying to learn. Pon always likes to play games and ride bikes, which is fine with me because that reminds me of my little brother back in the U.S.

Two days after my arrival it was my birthday. My host parents knew this and they planned for us to go to Pattaya for dinner. My family does not make a big deal out of birthdays, which made me feel better because my host mom’s birthday was three days after mine and I was worried about what to do. We ate dinner, saw some sights in Pattaya, then went home. It was a very nice night.

Before I knew it, I was in school. Thai high schools started about 2 or 3 months ago so I had to start right away. I was delighted to find that the same friends I made at O’s house were in my classroom. When I walked in, the room exploded with noise. Everyone was excited and wanted to talk to me. Everyone came up to me and tried to speak English. They told me their names, but I forgot them just as soon as they told me. It was not stressful or overwhelming, just fun. My classroom here is very different from the classes in the U.S.A. There are hardly any dull moments. We joke around, sing and play songs with a guitar, and play football in the back of the class. Of course, these are all when the teachers are not in the room. Teachers switch from classroom to classroom here, rather than the students. Many teachers in my school teach in English because they are foreigners who came here to do so. I talked to all of these teachers, but it makes me bored because I want to be able to speak to the Thai teachers. All in all, I love my school. Now I know almost everyone’s nickname and my friends speak to me in Thai. I play basketball after school, and everyone asks me to dunk. My school is for kids of all ages. Everyday a little boy will come up to me and wave to me or shake my hand, or I will hear someone yell out “Kiss-toh-fer.” Everyone knows me, but I don’t know them, so I just smile and wave.

After my first day, a group of girls asked me if I wanted to go to some temples in Rayong over the weekend. So I got to go to many beautiful temples and we had a great time. My new friends told me that they are happy when I smile and they hoped I had a good time. Many times they would ask me, “Are you boring?” I haven’t been bored since I arrived here!

I’ve been to so many places in the past two weeks. I went to Pattaya one more time (for my host-mom’s birthday), Bang Na on Thai Mother’s Day/ The Queen’s Birthday (a quiet town north of here), the beach near Koh Samet (very beautiful!), and Bangkok (a very fun weekend!). I can’t wait to see more!

 

 

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November 17 Journal

 Well it’s been almost three months since my last journal. My life has changed so much in those last three months. I wasn’t looking forward to writing this journal, but I want to let everyone know what’s been going on.

First, the bad news. Everything about my exchange seemed to be working out perfectly. My first host family was awesome and I was glad to be in Thailand. On September 17, 2008, my father passed away. The morning that I found out was the worst, weirdest day of my exchange. I felt like I was still asleep and I just needed to wake up for real this time. I realized it was all true and I wanted to instantly transport home. My mom set up a flight for the next day. The day that I had to spend in Thailand before I left felt like an eternity. My host family was very supportive, and whatever they could think of doing for me, they did. I asked to go buy presents for my mom, my brother, and my sister because I didn’t know what else to do. The next night I left for the airport at 2 AM and flew out of Bangkok at 6 AM. Then I was alone. For 30 hours I thought. I tried to make sense of everything, but then it would become overwhelming and I had to stop. I cried so much when I found out in Thailand. The strange thing is, I hardly cried, or felt any emotion, on the way back to the U.S.A. I was numb to everything, and the jetlag made my mind even fuzzier when I arrived in NY. I was met by my sister, my aunt, and her kids. I expected to cry a lot when I saw my sister, but we were excited to see each other, so it was blocked out for the moment.

I am not going to explain how my father died or what happened within the time that I was in NY. All I will say is that there was a wake, a funeral, and all my family came together to support each other. If I didn’t have such a big family, I might have decided to stay in NY to be with my brother. So I decided that I would come back to Thailand. On the same day, my sister flew back down to Florida and I flew out to Thailand. At a time like that, you are never sure what the right thing to do is or how to act. It is the most difficult thing that anyone can ever go through. My dad was my best friend and I will never stop missing him. With that said, know that in every day in Thailand since then, I think of him.

Life here is very busy. When I got back I hung out with some friends in my town and played basketball with my friend Atom at the local park almost every night. In October, I went to Chantaburi for the inbound camp at Jaolao Beach Resort. I went three days early to stay with some of my inbound friends there because my host family was going away that week. At Jaolao, I got to meet everyone. It was instantly a good time, as it mostly is with exchange students. The camp was 5 days long and was a mix of volunteer work (beach clean-up, paint a fence, etc.) and relaxation.

After the camp, I went to Pattaya twice to travel with my friend Adrian from Mexico and his host family. The first time we went to Apmpawah, a place famous for its floating market in the canal. We went to four temples by boat, which would’ve been more fun if it wasn’t raining the whole time. Regardless of the rain, it was good to see this aspect of Thailand. A few days after this trip, I was invited to travel with them again. This time we went to Koh Laan, a nice island off the coast of Pattaya. It was a more relaxing trip; we were either on the beach or eating the whole time. We stayed for two days then took the ferry back to Pattaya and I went home.

I changed host families shortly after I got home from Pattaya. I liked my first host family a lot and they had done so much for me. I was sad to say goodbye to them, although I knew I would see them again. My new family is great. I now live about 5 km from where I used to live. My host father is a doctor and my host mother used to be a nurse, but now she stays home to take care of the boys. I have three younger host brothers here. Their names are Bink (14), Boom (11), and Book (9). My host parents can both speak English, but I asked my host mom to speak to me in Thai. She asked me to speak English with Bink because he wants to practice. My two other brothers don’t understand when I speak English, so I speak Thai. Weekdays with this family are usually filled with school and either tennis (for Bink) or swimming (for Boom and Book). It works out well because I play basketball in the same place where Boom and Book swim, so we can go together. On the weekends, Bink and my host mom always go to Bangkok so Bink can practice tennis. Last weekend I went with them. I got to see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace in Bangkok. We stayed at my host grandmother’s house. It is always filled with people, so I never really know who is related to my host family and who actually lives there. The next day I went to Jatujak market (a huge market in Bangkok) with my new host cousin, Poom. He was an exchange student in Kentucky two years ago.

This week was a busy one. On Monday and Tuesday I played on the school basketball team for the first time. After school on Monday, the coach taught me all the plays, which is difficult to remember in itself, let alone in Thai. We played at a park in Rayong, which I’d never seen before, called “Suan see muang” (purple garden). They had an announcer and every time I went for a lay-up or took a shot, he would say “Kiss-Toh-Fer!” We lost both games, but I was just happy to play and that I could understand the coach in Thai.

Wednesday was a holiday in Thailand called Loy Gratong. It is a celebration on the full moon day in November where everyone makes a “gratong” out of banana tree, banana leaf, flowers, a candle, and incense. At night, people gather at a body of water, light their candles and incense, and float their “gratong.” Some people fly paper or plastic lamps, by lighting a wick on fire under it. It works like a hot air balloon, just without people in it. It’s a very beautiful celebration, with lots of people, music, lights, and food. During the day on Wednesday I was in a competition at school for Mr. and Mrs. Loy Gratong. I had to dress up in traditional Thai costume and wear make up on my face. The costume was shiny gold and I felt like Prince. In the U.S., I would’ve definitely been laughed at, but at my school a lot of people told me I looked handsome. When me and my partner Janny came out, we got the loudest cheers. Janny and I made it into the final 3, which meant that we would have to show some kind of talent. Janny did a Thai dance routine and I played guitar and sang the Loy Gratong song in Thai. I won the prize for “Kwan Jai,” which means something like popular vote, and “Nai Napamahs,” which meant that Janny and I won the contest! It was a good feeling to win and an even better feeling to change out of that costume (it was too hot!). Before I went home, a few of my friends asked me to play and sing the Loy Gratong song for them one more time. Later I went to a “Ngaan Wat” or festival at the temple, for Loy Gratong. It was held near a temple at the beach. There were lights from hundreds of gratongs in the water and lights from the flying lamps above the water. There was a stage with singers and Thai dancers and many food stands. It was a good time; I even saw a few of my friends there.

I am starting to feel more at home in Thailand and less like a tourist. My Thai is coming along well. Now I can read and write, which makes it easier to study. I speak to most of my friends in Thai now, although a lot of them can speak English. Many Thai people are very surprised that I can speak to them in Thai. I can remember when my friends used to tell other people “poot tai mai dai” or “He can’t speak Thai.” Then it changed to “poot tai nit noy” or “he speaks some Thai.” Recently people have told me “poot tai geng!” or “You speak Thai well!” It’s nice to be reminded that you are making progress. Of course, there are still times when I’m completely lost, but I’m confident that I can fill in those gaps by the end of this year. I have a lot of awesome friends here and that’s the main reason I want to keep learning every day.

I have to say thanks to Rotary, not just for making this experience possible, but also for taking care of me during one of the saddest times of my life. The Rotarians I know back at home and the travel agency made it possible for me to go home and be with my family. I want all exchange students to be sure that if anything happens, that support will be there. This exchange has helped me to live with losing my father; I have no doubt about that.

คริส

Chris

 

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 February 14 Journal

 This morning I woke up refreshed because for the first time in a long while I’d gotten a long night of sleep. As the “cool” season comes to an end, the weather shifts back to very hot. Students are happy because after the final exams, summer vacation will begin. The mangoes and berries in our back yard are ready to be picked and eaten for dessert. Everyone I come across seems as happy as I am that this time is here.

As for me, I am happy for many reasons. I’m happy because I have all of my friends here in my city and around Thailand. I’m happy to make many new friends every week. I’m happy because I feel at home every time I walk in the door of my house and because I can talk to my mom about anything. I’m happy because I can go swimming at the beach and play basketball every night. I’m happy for the new experiences that present themselves every day.

Although some things have changed here, I always remain very busy. This is not me complaining. This is the best type of being busy that I’ve ever experienced. I am busy enjoying myself. Traveling with friends, going to temples, shopping at markets… even going to school is really entertaining. After this week, we will have a 2 or 3 month vacation. I am excited, but now it will be more difficult to see a lot of my friends. My school is a private school, so many students come from surrounding cities to study there.

Last night I went with all of my friends from my classroom to eat a pork buffet. This is the best place to go eat with a big group of people. You can take any variation of raw pork from the buffet and bring it back to your table to cook it over hot coals. They even had pork heart and stomach, but I guess I wasn’t… in the mood to eat it (I’m afraid to try it : p). I like everyone from my class so much and I’ve gotten to know all of them really well. I don’t have to say goodbye to them yet… but soon they’ll go off to different universities and I’ll stay here.

In December I went with my exchange friends on the first Rotary trip. We went to the Northeast (Isaan) and North of Thailand. In the Northeast we ate a lot of sticky rice and somtam (a spicy papaya salad). We traveled along the Maeklong River, seeing many views of Laos on the other side. During the days we went to see temples, waterfalls, orchid farms, and other cool places. After going up through the northeast, we reached the Golden Triangle. This is the area along the River where Thailand meets Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. Then, we went to a temple (Wat Rong Kuun) in Chiang Rai, which was the most amazing I have seen in Thailand. The outside is filled with statues of Buddha, dragons, skeletons… all completely white. It sparkles in the sun and looks spectacular. Inside the temple is a shrine to Buddha (as in all temples) and murals on all the walls. The murals are so cool because they’re modern art style. There is even one part that depicts the World Trade Center. After visiting this temple, we went on to Chiang Mai.

Staying in Chiang Mai was definitely the best part of the trip. It’s a very nice city, with the excitement of Bangkok, but a lot cleaner and nicer looking. Many Thai people travel to this city during the cool season because this is where the coldest weather in Thailand can be found. We went to markets, the zoo, a mountaintop, a hill-tribe village, a Mexican restaurant, a disco, and stayed in a massive hotel. We even got to ride elephants. We had a Christmas celebration together… Secret Santa and a foreign-style dinner. The gifts we gave to each other were funny… some were nice but most of them were jokes. The time spent with exchange student friends is always fun, no matter where we go. When I got back home I had no time to settle down because we were off to Bangkok for New Years. I counted down the last sixty seconds of 2008 (or 2551 by the Buddhist calendar) with what felt like the rest of everyone in Bangkok in an area called Siam. I realized how difficult it is to count backwards in Thai! In Thailand, a lot of people give presents on New Years… I got a few from friends and family  I didn’t miss my familiar traditions during the holidays this year, but I thought about my family a lot. After New Years, we went to Hua Hin, where the King lives during the summer.

After the holidays, I got back into the swing of normal life at home. I was happy to go back to school to see my friends and hear what everyone did during the holiday break. Unlike most schools in Thailand, my school had a Christmas break because it’s a Catholic school. I went to Bangkok two different times… each time to say goodbye to a Brazilian. Two of my exchange friends had to go home because they came half a year earlier than the rest of us. However, we all had a lot of fun together in Bangkok both times. Bangkok is so different from any other city I’ve ever been to. It’s colorful, crowded, old and new at the same time, and exciting. There are taxis of all different colors, tuk-tuks everywhere (3-wheeled motorcycle taxis, which can fit a surprising number of people), food stands everywhere, canals, markets on sidewalks, and many nice malls. Also, you can find foreigners from every ethnicity on Kao San road… a place where many backpackers can be found. It’s a cool road to go to because they always have something interesting, like drum circles or elephants walking down the crowded street.

Last weekend I went to Pattaya, where my friend Adrian lives. Two other exchange student friends came too. Adrian’s Rotary club had a bed race and we raced in it! It was so funny because each team decorated their “bed” (most were actually chairs on carts) in a different way. We raced a team of foreigner cross-dressers, a team of proud Irishmen, and so many more. Pattaya has many foreign residents and most of the Rotarians were farang. We didn’t win but it was fun. Afterwards we got to ride go-karts for free! At night, we ate dinner on the deck of a mall, with a nice view of the sea, dotted with the lights from the boats out on the water.

Last Monday, the day of the full moon, there was a Thai Buddhist holiday called Wan Mahka Bucha. I went with Adrian and his host family to a huge temple near Bangkok (I forgot the name but I’m sure it’s the biggest in Thailand). This temple has a stupa made from solid gold. At the bottom of the stupa were hundreds of monks sitting in meditation. Everyone sat next to one of the thousand metal lanterns they had set up on the grounds near the stupa. Many foreigners came to this celebration, even the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka came and made a speech. The monks chanted, and then everyone meditated together for about 15 minutes. Finally the lanterns were lit and fireworks were set off before the Luang Por (Head/ Eldest monk) spoke. A procession of people holding candles walked around the stupa three times. The full moon shone over all of this. It was amazing.

I’ve become used to the things which seemed so foreign and new to me only 5 or 6 months ago. Sometimes I have to stop myself and say like “Wait, there’s an elephant walking past me” or “I’m eating grasshoppers on the beach right now.” I’m still speaking Thai every day and steadily improving. I love to speak to Thai people, I can’t explain it but it’s very different from speaking English. The best thing for me to hear is when people ask me, “How many years have you lived here?”

So, here I am, at the 6 month point in my exchange, and now I know why everyone always says that going home is the curse of this year. I hadn’t thought about it until I had to pick a date to return. In some ways I feel like I’ve just gotten here, and in some ways I feel like I’ve lived here forever. I still have a lot of time left, and there’s still a lot I want to do. So I will continue to make the most of every day, and stay tuned for more. ^ ^

-Somkit สมคิด

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 April 28 Journal

 Sawatdee Khrap!

Today is a perfect day to write a journal because it is the hottest day of the year in Thailand. Leaving the house doesn’t become appealing until the evening time, in this time of year. As usual, a lot has happened since I last wrote.

At the end of March all of my exchange student friends met again to go on a tour in the south of Thailand. This meant that we would be relaxing on Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, cruising on speedboats to picturesque islands, and snorkeling in the blue waters. However, this also meant that we would have to sit on the bus for hours and hours until we could get to paradise, but the bus rides are always fun when you’re with all of your friends.

Before we knew it, we had arrived in the South. In the South, the food, scenery, accent, and people are quite different from where I live. In Krabi, we went by speedboat to many small islands, where we swam with schools of tropical fish. After going around to about 4 different islands, we were all exhausted and slept on the bus to Pha Nga. In Pha Nga we went on a boat tour in the Bay, where we saw towering limestone cliffs emerging spontaneously out of the water. In some spots, small villages built on stilts were hidden at the base of the formations. We got off the boat at “James Bond Island,” an island where “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Here, we had fun taking jumping pictures and James Bond style pictures. From Pha Nga, we got on a ferry boat, for a 4 hour ride to the Similan Islands. This was the best stop on the tour. The water was the clearest and bluest here. When we arrived, we were all pretty tired of sitting on the boat. As soon as the boat anchored, we all started to jump off the boat and swim right away. Most of us swam to the island instead of getting a ride from a smaller boat. None of us wanted to stop swimming, but a storm rolled in so eventually we had to get out.

For two nights we stayed in tents on Similan. Those were two very uncomfortable nights, but I have no complaints because in the mornings, we woke up to paradise. We also got to go explore the other islands in the archipelago (I think there were 8 in all). On one island, we climbed up to the highest point, to a rock formation that resembles a sailboat. Here we took way too many pictures, probably because we weren’t ready to climb back down after the trek to the top. At the bottom we went snorkeling some more and saw so many cool fish and coral. The rest of the day was spent snorkeling around some of the other islands. On that day I found NEMO!! There were 4 Nemo fish swimming around a big chunk of neon pink coral. Even though it hurt my ears, I swam down many times to get a closer look. On Similan, I got to see giant crabs that live on land, not in the sea. I got to watch the sunset while swimming in a lagoon filled with coral and tiny fish. I got to see more stars in the sky than I have ever seen before in my life. I even saw a shooting star. Needless to say, I enjoyed staying on Similan so much and I would love to go back some day. After Similan, we made our way to Phuket (a 4 hour boat ride back to Pha Nga and a 2 hour bus ride from there). We watched the sunset over the beach when we got to Phuket. While staying there, we went to an aquarium, Central (the big mall, which they have in every big city in Thailand), and the Puket FantaSea show. After Phuket, the rest of the tour was spent on the bus going back home. The tour was very amazing and I will never forget it. Sadly, I had to say goodbye to some exchange friends, who I know I won’t likely meet with again. I won’t soon forget them.

So I headed back home, back to real life… kind of. When I arrived at home, I knew I had to switch families very soon. I took a short trip to Bangkok with my second family, and then it was time to move already. I was sad to say goodbye to my second family… I lived with them for 6 months and felt very close to them, but I know I will see them again often. I knew my third family, the Lee family, before I moved in. They were the ones who picked me up from the airport last August. Of course, last August I couldn’t speak with them because they couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak Thai. Well, now they still can’t speak English, but luckily I can speak Thai . They were happy and relieved to see that we could talk together. Their son, O, is an exchange student in Orlando this year. Since I moved in life has been pretty easy at my new home. It’s still summer break for me, so I can relax. My host father sells pork, and takes me to the farms sometimes. It’s not the most exciting thing to do, but the locations are very beautiful. Sometimes, I forget how beautiful my province of Thailand (Rayong) is until I go to the rural parts.

In my new family, I have 2 younger sisters, Aey and Eye. Right now they are studying the summer term at school, but when they are home we play badminton and basketball, or watch Korean TV shows together (Aey likes everything Korean, as do many Thai people). The Lee family is of Chinese ancestry. My new home is full of Chinese things. We also have a lot of animals… 3 dogs (I think), 2 cats, 3 kittens (just born a week ago!), a GIANT fish, some smaller fish, and a turtle. I’ve learned a lot about Chinese culture since moving here. Although both my host mother and father were born in Thailand, they preserve their Chinese background. My family takes a trip to China every year. My host parents can speak some Chinese too.

Last week was Songkran festival in Thailand. This is a 3-day long festival where everyone throws water and puts powder on each other. I decided to go to Bangkok, to a road called “Tanon Kaosan.” This road is known for having a steady flow of tourists and backpackers. I was afraid that it would be all foreigners there on Songkran, but actually it was mostly Thai people. I think all of the foreigners went to other places because of the problem with the Red Shirts protesting in Bangkok. I won’t go into this issue because it would take a long time to explain and maybe I would explain it incorrectly. To make a long story short, right now there are some differing views about the government in Thailand and the Red Shirts want the government to change. But not to worry, because on Tanon Kaosan there was no problems and I had an amazing time during Songkran. I went with two exchange student friends, Jean-Phillipe from Quebec and Adrian from Mexico. For 3 days we went around throwing water, shooting water, playing with powder. We met some friends and made new friends. For those 3 days everyone on Kaosan seemed to be so happy. I can’t think of a better holiday to have in the hottest month of the year. So, the official Songkran came to an end, but I went back home to play one more day with my family. We got in the back of my host dad’s pick-up truck, equipped with 2 giant barrels of water, buckets, and water guns, then drove down the main road, stopping at every big group of people for a quick water fight. Still, I felt I really wasn’t finished with Songkran, so I went to Pattaya to play one more day with Adrian. Some cities like to throw water on later days than the rest, which means I get to play more 

Rak tuk khon!

-Chris สมคิด

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June 25 Journal

 Sawatdee Khrap!

Once again, another 2 months have passed by in the blink of an eye and I find myself struggling to remember all that I did in that time. I can start by saying that I’m very happy with my last host family. We speak only in Thai together and that has definitely helped me to top off my language skills. The time I spend with them is always passed very easily. My host mom and host dad work pretty hard during the day, so by the time all there jobs are finished and they get home, we just eat dinner together and relax. Our favorite TV show to watch together is a Korean game show, called X-Man, dubbed in Thai. Sometimes, during the day, they take me and my two younger sisters along with them to check on the farms and the new house they are building in a town called Baan Kaai. I’m happy because we have all grown closer over the short amount of time spent together.

In the past few months I started to go see a bunch of concerts, mostly in Bangkok. The best part is, most of them are free. I’ve really taken a liking to Thai music, of various types. So far, I’ve seen some Rock, Indie, Jazz, Reggae, and Ska concerts. The best one was a music festival in Hua Hin called Summerfest. A lot of famous Thai bands played on a stage set up on the beach, to a crowd of thousands of people. Eventually the tide rose and everyone was splashing around, trying to dance in the sea.

My mom and my sister came to visit!

I was a little worried about their visit to Thailand because even the day they came, I had only a vague plan of where I would take them. As soon as I met them in the airport (wearing my student uniform of course :p) I realized it didn’t matter because anything we did together would be fun. I took them around Bangkok for a day, showing them the popular temples, Wat Po and Wat Arun. My mom and my sister enjoyed the original Thai massage at Wat Po before taking a ferry across the JaoPraya River to Wat Arun. I was glad that my mom and my sister liked to try all kinds of Thai foods. Thai food is the cheapest food here and, in my opinion, the best.

We headed two hours east, back to my city and my first host father took us to stay in a hotel overlooking the beach. That night we ate at a restaurant on the beach… me, my mom, my sister, and all of my three host families throughout this year. It was nice to see all of my host families meet my real family. My mom (the real one) really liked the fried, whole fish we ate, something you don’t see much in the states. The next day, my second host mom picked us up from the hotel and brought us to the market under a hospital (I think of it as the secret market), “kao chee jan” (the mountain with the golden Buddha image engraved on it), a vineyard, Wihan Xien (a Chinese temple), and a floating market. These were some of the first places my friends took me to see when I first got here. Next we headed to the island off the coast of my city, called Koh Samed, where we stayed for two nights. Here we got to go swimming, eat a lot, and see a fire show on the beach at night time.

After taking the boat back to the mainland, the plans were pretty much up in the air. We headed back to Bangkok, where my friend Adrian joined us. We searched for a hotel for a long time, until we got lucky and found a really nice one. In this hotel, each room has a different theme, a different design and you can choose which one you like from a catalog. In the lobby they like to play American 80’s music which my mom likes to dance to as she walks up the stairs and accidentally hits her head on the ceiling. :p Adrian and I got massages in the hotel while my mom and sister went for pedicures, etc. across the street. Then we enjoyed eating “Thai style” at one of the street vendors. Here you can eat for about a buck each.

Next day was set aside for Jatujak Weekend Market… the biggest market in Southeast Asia (or maybe just in Thailand). At JJ, you can buy pretty much anything, from clothes to pets. It was really crowded and hot as usual, so my mom and sister didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought they would. At the hotel, we saw a brochure for a resort in the South and decided to head South next instead of North… my mom liked the idea because it meant less hours on the bus. So the next day we headed to Lumra Resort in Prachuap province. We got off the bus, after about 5 hours, where the resort worker told us to. She told us to wait, that there would be a “car” coming to pick up. Well, I forgot that in Thai the word “rot” can mean either car or motorcycle. Our ride showed up…. a motorcycle with a side cart type thing, which has a bench seat on it. We buzzed through some very quiet roads near the beach until we reached our resort about 15 minutes later. The resort was very… quiet. In fact, I’m sure we were the only guests there. :p I think this was the point where my mom started to lose trust in my trip planning skills.

In the morning, we did some yoga, took a walk on the beach, then hired a guy to take us to see a temple on top of a hill nearby (very nice view) and then to the train station. We took a train that’s free for Thai people, only a small fee for foreigners (less than $1 each). On this train there’s no air, and just normal seats, nothing special. I enjoyed cruising through the jungle-like landscape, but by the time we reached Chumpon, it was clear my mom didn’t enjoy it much at all. Not to mention I didn’t have a hotel booked or a plan of how to get to the popular island in that area, Koh Tao. When we got off the train, a lady called us over and solved all of our problems, booked a hotel and tickets for a ferry to Koh Tao. The next day we got on a commercial catamaran and clipped through the waters of the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Tao.

The best part of our stay on this island was snorkeling. My sister and I went exploring for a good beach to snorkel at. Finally we found the best one, with neon colored coral and multicolored fish swimming around it. It was my sister’s first time snorkeling and she really liked it, so it was worth the grueling walk back up the side of the mountain. We stayed for two nights on that island then headed back to Bangkok again. Then it was time to say goodbye to my mom and sister… again. We got to sleep a few hours before I sent them to the airport. I hope they go back with a lot of good things to tell their friends about Thailand!

Today is the last day I have to send in this journal because for about the next 11 days, I won’t be able to use a computer. Tomorrow, I’ll be going to stay at Wat Samnakatorn, a local temple. I will study some prayers in Sanksrit and help out around the temple, until I ordain to become a “Nayne” (a novice monk who is under 20). I’ll stay at the temple for 7 or more days and wear the scarlet robes. And yes… that means I’ll shave my head and eyebrows too.

So be sure to check my next journal for pictures!

Sawatdee

-SOMKIT

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July 21 Journal

 Hello Friends,

A good chunk of my time here in June was spent in one place: the temple. I had told my family that I was interested in becoming a monk for a week or two, and they were more than happy to help me out. I would ordain as a “Nayne,” or novice monk. Once you are 20 years old or older, you can ordain as an actual monk, or “Pra.” A novice monk has just 10 rules and prohibitions to follow, whereas a monk must follow some 273. So one day, we decided to go see the “Luang Por,” or head monk, at the local temple. My host dad asked Luang Por if it was possible for me to ordain in June. Luang Por agreed and said the day to ordain would be on the 13th. However, he asked that I stay at the temple for a week before that date and wear all white clothes. In this stage I was called “Naak,” or someone who is going to ordain in the near future. As a Naak, you must observe the temple lifestyle, study the books of prayers/ chants (called “Suat Mone”), and help with chores around the temple. Normally, novice monks don’t have to go through this stage, but the Luang Por wanted me to get a full experience at the temple. Also, I was the only one ordaining as a novice monk on the 13th.

So, for the first week, I stayed at the temple, wearing all white, along with about 7 other Naak. I became good friends with all of these guys. We worked together, ate together, and they helped me memorize the part of the “Suat Mone” that I was to recite on ordination day. These guys were all in their twenties, except for one who was older. I learned that it’s tradition for Thai men to ordain as a monk in their twenties. They ordain for their family, but mostly for their mothers. When a mother’s son ordains, it’s believed that she will receive a lot of merit and go to heaven. Most guys ordain for 3 months or longer. To me, this seemed like a long time, especially when you have a job or a family. However, ordaining is a very respectable thing to do in Thailand. Families and bosses alike are glad to make it possible for a young man to ordain.

The first day at the temple, I felt very anxious and had convinced myself by the end of the day that I didn’t want to go through with the ordination. But, I went back the second day and I changed my mind back again. On the second day, I met more people; even found that two of the monks could speak English. I started to see the temple as a different place, a nice place. I realized that no one forces you to do anything while you stay there. My roommate was a 13-year-old novice named Say. He came from Laos about 6 months ago, but already speaks better Thai than I do. He had a head start because Lao is very similar to Thai. Many of the words are the same, but the tones are sometimes different.

I had to memorize about 4 pages in the Suat Mone in about 5 days. The Suat Mone is not in Thai, but in an Indo-Aryan language called Pali (the language of the Buddha), written in Thai characters. The Pali language is one with no written characters, so it must adapt to the language in the region where it’s being studied. Many of the monks were surprised to see that I could read Thai. If I wasn’t able to read it, I don’t think I would’ve been able to memorize it. I knew ordaining would take a lot of language skill and that’s why I waited until the end of my year to do it. So I studied those 4 pages day and night, read the translations in Thai, recited them back to the monks. One monk who helped me the most in memorizing the Suat Mone was nearly blind (he had some peripheral vision) and deaf in one ear. He can recite the entire Suat Mone in order, and knows what material is on which page. He brought out coffee, sugar, and a mug full of hot water every time I came to practice reciting the Suat Mone. It amazed me how well he could maneuver around with just a small amount of vision.

On June 12th, we didn’t have to wake up at 4:30 AM because it was the day for the Naak to get their heads and eyebrows shaved. After eating lunch, the ceremony started. My current host family and my second host mom came to the temple on this day. All of the Naak sat in a row of plastic chairs as people came up and cut off the hair, piece by piece. On this day, anyone is pretty much free to come up and touch your head, something that’s usually frowned upon in Thailand. Of course, they say sorry and “wai” to you after they finish. So, I watched all of my hair pile up in a bowl made from banana leaf, until I sensed I had none left. My host father was the first to cut my hair, then my other host relatives, followed by anyone else who wanted to cut a piece for good luck and merit (a lot of people wanted to cut my hair :p). Then a monk, “Luang Ruung,” came to shave my head first, then my eyebrows. After he finished, they poured water on me and told me to go take a shower. My head burned a little bit… this was the first time I’d ever shaved my head.

But the day didn’t end there. I got dressed in dry, white clothes, covered by a special, fancy shirt, made especially for the Naak. We loaded into the back of pick-up trucks sitting on plastic chairs, holding 3 lotus flowers and 3 incense sticks in our hands. Each truck had somebody holding a large, colorful umbrella to shade the Naak from the hot, afternoon sun. The motorcade was about 6 pick-ups in length. The truck at the front wasn’t full of Naak, but a traditional Thai band, which played loudly as we paraded through the town of Samnakatorn to a temple in Yelah. It wasn’t a far ride, but I felt very special as people stopped what they were doing to get a look at the soon-to-be monks. I heard most people make a comment about the “Pra Farang” (foreign monk)… maybe it’s something they’ve never seen or expected to see.

We arrived at a Chinese temple and proceeded inside. We went through the various rooms of the temple, to “wai” to the shrines inside and pay homage. When we exited the temple, I was surprised to see my best friend, Atom, standing there. He had come home from his university for the weekend, saw the motorcade, and followed it to the temple. We had to get back into the trucks, but Atom said he would follow us back to our temple. So I got back to Wat Samnakatorn and ate my last dinner for 1 week with Atom. That night we had a festival at the temple… people came to dance to their favorite songs like “Jang Si Man Tong Tornnnn!” People like to drink and go have a good time at the temple, which I don’t really understand, but it’s funny anyways. I painted little toy statues for 10 baht each with some fellow novices for most of the night, then went to sleep, to get rested for the long day ahead.

June 13th was the day that I ordained. It started similar to the day before… wake up leisurely, eat breakfast, then get into the pick-up motorcade to ride to Yelah. Only, this time we went to a temple called Wat Suwan Rangsan, nearby the Chinese temple. And, on this day, I got into my host dad’s pick-up truck, not someone else’s. After we parked, I was directed out of the car to follow the other Naak. The others had gotten ahead of me a bit, so this guy who was holding the umbrella was pushing me forward, into the people walking ahead of me. At the same time, two people were holding onto my shirt from the back (it’s a really long, fancy shirt that almost touches the ground). So I was basically being pulled in all directions. I didn’t focus much on that though. I was just trying to take in the whole experience. We were a huge group, parading through the gates of a beautiful temple.

The same band from the lead truck was now leading the parade on foot, followed by a group of people dancing traditional Thai dance in front of the Naak. I was told that if you dance at the front in a ceremony like this, you will be reborn as an angel in your next lifetime. When we reached the temple, we paraded around it 3 times (three is a number that you start to see a lot in Buddhism, but I still don’t know the meaning or reason for that). I noticed my Mexican exchange student friend, Adrian, was there with his host family, walking around the temple with us and snapping photos. I was directed to walk up the stairs to the entrance of the temple, people reaching out to touch me as I went up. At the top, I was handed a bowl of Thai 1 baht coins and was told to throw them to the crowd below. So I tossed them, trying to give everyone some and not hit them in the eyes at the same time, but apparently I was giving it too much thought because a man started rushing me to throw them all and move on.

The second I finished, I was pushed to the entrance of the temple, where I saw another Naak being lifted up and told to slap the molding over the door (a pretty tall door). At the same time, a man yelled, “No need to lift them! It’s very dangerous!” Of course, no one listened to this guy and within a few seconds, I too was being lifted up to slap the top, then lowered down inside the temple. I kneeled down and waited for my fellow Naak to make it through the chaotic entrance process. The monks chanted, we were given robes, presented to us by our families, and then we recited the “Suat Mone.” I sensed that many people were watching me closely to see if I could really recite it or not. Next, we were taken behind the big Buddha statue and changed into the saffron robes. After that, we kneeled, as the monks chanted and we were presented with more things… necessities for the temple life, etc. Then I was officially a “Nayne.” As I exited the temple, many people put money into my bag. I took pictures with my host families and Adrian, then my host family drove me back to my temple. To end the ordination ceremony, we went around to many statues of monks and Buddha at my temple, lit 3 incense at each, recited a prayer, then we were done.

After I became a Nayne, things changed a lot. My host family no longer called me by my name; they called me just “Nayne.” I had to call my family “Yohm,” no matter who I was talking to. At the temple, I started to spend more time with my fellow Nayne because the new monks were very busy memorizing chants and who knows what else. An older monk, “Luang Rung,” the same one who shaved my head, began to take me to meditate every evening. Sometimes it was just the two of us, sometimes my roommate Say would come along too. We started with sitting meditation, then he taught me walking meditation. He also told me the story of Buddha, telling me a new “chapter” each night. This monk taught me so much about Buddhism and about life in general. Each night, after meditation, we would sit on the floor in his room, watch a concert or movie on DVD, drink coffee, and he would teach me about Buddhism, or tell me some stories form his wild past, depending on his mood. He even had a few ghost stories to tell (real ones). Luang Rung can speak English because he had a wife and a son in New Zealand. We spoke half and half, sometimes in English, sometimes in Thai. It was nice to have someone who spoke fluent English because many of the Thai words about Buddhism were difficult for me to understand. Each night I felt that it got easier to meditate for a long time. Basically, the goal of meditation is to clear your mind and have no thoughts, which is very difficult at first! The monks at my temple knew I would only be there for a short time, so they made sure I got the most out of my time… I’m very thankful for that.

In the mornings, we woke up at 4:30, to the sound of someone pounding the giant bell. As I drifted out of that dreamy daze, me and Say helped each other to put our robes on and went to chant and meditate for a short time. Then we had to split up into a few groups and walk around to different areas to collect food from the “Yohm.” As we walked, we would see someone waiting in the front of their house, with rice and food in a bag. They put the rice in a big metal canister that the monks hold, then take off their shoes, kneel down, and receive a blessing from the monks, and we walk on. We walked a really long way in the mornings, about 5 kilometers and back. When we got back to the temple, some people who help out at the temple every day divided up the food and rice and set it out for the monks and novice monks to eat. The food at the temple was very delicious, and we always had a plethora of Thai fruit and desserts to eat after each meal.

Some days, I went to study with the novice monks, but it usually turned out to be pretty boring for me. Other days, we had a job to do, like dig 3 meter deep holes, which are soon to be part of the foundation for a new building at my temple. The temple life is a nice one, but it’s not necessarily easy. As a novice monk, I slept on a mat on the floor, with no air conditioning. There’s no washing machine, you must wash everything by hand. These conditions didn’t really bother me so much, but before I went to live at the temple, friends and family were sure to remind me of them. It’s a life without too many complications and distractions, which I think is really nice. After just a week, I went up to the Luang Por, he chanted something and I repeated it, and then I was finished as a novice monk. I changed back into my white clothes and said my goodbyes around the temple as I waited for my ride back home. I made many true friends in such a short time at the temple. A part of me feels as though I should’ve stayed for a longer time there, but I was feeling the end of my exchange year creeping up quickly. It’s an experience I’ll always remember. I think I came out of it as a better person, with more understanding.

Of course, when I was finished at the temple, I still had no hair and eyebrows. This meant I had to answer many of the same questions over and over again, like “Why did you want to ordain?” or “What did you get out of your time there?” The first time I was asked, I had to think for quite a while about my answer. I’ve concluded that I ordained because I wanted to see Buddhism in its true form and see what it has to offer me. In doing so, I have realized that it’s a very good philosophy that makes a lot of sense to me. I will continue to meditate because it’s a good exercise for the mind. If my mind is clear, then I will make correct and sensible decisions in my life and that will lead to good experiences.

That’s the end of my ordination story… now I’m back to my “normal” life here. I admit I’m happy that my family is calling me by my name again and I can eat dinner at night :p

Raktuk kon!

-สมคิด Somkit

Conrad’s Bio

 Hello World,

My name is Conrad Troha and I have lived in Florida for my entire life! Moved from Daytona (which is where I was born) when I was about 4 and lived in Palm Coast ever since then. I love it here, but I have always wished that there was a way I could get to see the world…

THAT is why I’m so absolutely excited and honored to have been accepted as a Rotary exchange student! I’m fairly well rounded and very easy to get along with. About 5 times a week I attend jukido jujitsu, it is the thing I enjoy most in my life! It has helped me with friends, grades, and even home life, definitely the most beneficial thing that I have ever done! After my training sessions at the dojo (training hall) I stay to help the youth of Palm Coast gain respect for themselves and others and improve themselves in their daily lives as they train.

When I get back from my exchange I want to be a teacher. But I plan to teach language so I will study Spanish in college and I will study the language of wherever I am going so that maybe I could teach it as well! I have never been more excited to leave home in my life! 🙂

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August 26 Journal

 Japan…where do we begin?…

Ah yes! the airport! So it was Friday night and time to say my goodbyes. The truth is that I didn’t think that it would be as hard it was, I would say to myself, it is only a year, I will be back in no time. Haha..yeah right. I said “I love you and goodbye” to my mother at home then my dad at the airport…both times letting out more tears than expected.

Nevertheless I was on the plane to Chicago. 3 hours wasn’t so bad. Met up with an agent from Bokoff-Kaplan in O’Hare and other outbounds going to Japan! We walked around and got to know each other for the three hour lay over and I went ahead and exchanged for about 9000 yen. Before we knew it, it was time to go, we boarded the plane and endured the 13 hour flight to our knew homes. I ended up reading a book and watching a few movies but do you think that I slept? No way! I couldn’t, I was too energized and excited even though I hadn’t slept for a day prior to the flight. Tokyo, Narita…that was my next stop and where I would say goodbye to my fellow outbounds. Truth is though that goodbyes never happened, after we went through customs and immigration we got separated so fast I have no idea where they went! Nevertheless I found my way to the connecting flight that would land me about an hour away in Osaka, Itami Airport.

After getting off the plane this is where I was supposed to meet up with my host family, but coming through Customs I didn’t see any signs or Rotarians at all! I was so confused…so I asked as best as I could where a telephone was and the airport attendant kindly showed me the way. After a lot of struggle in figuring out how to use the phone I called my host father Kobayashi-san. In broken Japanese I told him that I was at the airport and after much confusion he assured me that he was on his way. Two and a half hours later a taxi pulled up containing my host mother and father with a very big greeting! I was so relieved to see them! Come to find out the next day I had arrived at the airport a day earlier than scheduled! We are still figuring that one out…..

It took about 2 hours to get to the hotel in Okayama which my family owned. That is where I would stay the night and after 2 days of no sleep and stress I would have the best night’s sleep of my life. I had a dream that night of a normal day back home and thought that I was still there when I awoke the next morning! Then it hit me that I was in Japan! That first day was hard, I was very homesick, and missed my friends and family more than you know, I figure it was due to the lack of communication with anyone in US. My parents were worried too, I know, seeing how it took me a day or two to figure out how to call internationally from my house. Thankfully though everything worked itself out. I have to say though that the food is very strange here. I had Tako (octopus) for the first time, and we went out to the super market and bought some fresh octopus tentacles for dinner hah, I have to say though it wasn’t bad. It has been 5 days and I have been so many places I don’t even know where to start…..

Korakuen garden – My first day there my host family took me to one of the most famous gardens in Japan. It was absolutely beautiful – the fish, the birds, the trees, and Okayama castle! That is where I had my first cup of traditional Japanese green tea and kibi dango. It is….rather bitter, kind of like drinking mashed up leaves I could swear they made me eat grass too…..anyway! Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera at this point because I left mine at home….took me a day or two to get my host parents to understand that so the next day, me and a Rotarian and my host father went to the electronics store and I bought a Japanese camera, luckily it has English settings or I would be done for!

Joypolis – This is a very very big arcade close to the supermarket in Okayama, my host mother was showing it to me asking me if I knew about anime and about sonic (there is a giant gold sonic statue in there!) and mario hah, it was interesting. So she asked me if I played arcade games and I told her yes so she asked me to show her by playing a gundam game….I lost….very badly….

7/11 – That’s right 7/11! It is a convenient store here…not a gas station and it was sooooo different. That is where my father took me to get lunch the other day, we had Onigiri (rice cakes). The best food of my life….I could eat onigiri allllllll day long. Oh and if you ever go to Japan and are eating rice, do NOT leave rice in your bowl when you are done…you better eat it ALL! I learned that the hard way….

Okayama University – It is a very famous school in Japan, right down the hill from my high school. It is MASSIVE! My high school is uphill so when you look over the side you get a beautiful view of all of Okayama city, it is absolutely amazing! I was introduced to my high school principal and vice principal. And there was a gentleman there that I thought was Japanese until he said “Hi, I’m Zack”. I was shocked, until he told me he was the English teacher there! He is American and extremely helpful. They are going to put me into a language school down the hill from my high school to help me every day and they had to measure me for my seifuku (school uniform). I am bigger than they anticipated. I hit my head on EVERYTHING too! I have hit my head on the light above the dinner table…all the doorways in my house and even a ceiling or two…

According to Zack sensei, jetlag takes a few weeks to wear off and I am still extremely tired. School starts on Monday, I hope that I am prepared, hah I hope I can even find my way there! I have to walk to the train station and then ride a train to the bus stop where I will ride the bus to school….that is not going to go well I already know xD. But I am taking pictures of everything, my family laughs at me when I stop to take pictures of things like like signs and vending machines, but hey it’s all new to me! 🙂

Everything here is sugoi (amazing) I don’t know how else to explain it. The Japanese are interesting people, they don’t need to worry that cigarettes and beer are in vending machines because they know that no one under age will even think of taking them, I haven’t seen one police officer in the time that I have been here. And I have never seen so many bikes either! The sidewalks are lined with bicycles – it is insane, everyone here rides their bike. Needless to say I haven’t seen one fat Japanese person yet 😀

Everyone bows and says thank you, everyone is polite and smiles. It is truly amazing. I have befriended my dictionary as well, I don’t go anywhere without him, and the Rotarians here were kind enough to give me an electronic dictionary to use during my stay even though I can’t read it 🙂 Anyway, my rambling has to end abruptly due to the fact that it is dinner time and I have to go. More entries will come soon and so will some pictures when I figure out how to get them onto the computer! Arigatou Rotary for everything, I already know that this is going to be the best year of my life! Until next time journal….

Ja mata ne

-Conrad

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September 20 Journal

 OK everyone…..It’s me again!

All in all it is very hard to organize my thoughts over the period of a month but I will do my best! Where did I leave off last time…….

Oh YEAH! School! Now you might be thinking oh woopdy doo it’s school….but if you are, you are COMPLETELY wrong! School in Japan has more differences than I can imagine, and for the most part, I like school here way better! I have to wake up every morning at about 7 to eat breakfast and put on my uniform and leave the house by about 7:30, 10 minute walk to the train station, train ride to the central station in Okayama city then it’s on a bus to school. Worst experience I have had with the train thus far was a couple of days ago…I was the first one off the train and clumsy me (it was too early…) stepped in between the train and the platform leading to me face planting in front of EVERYONE! My phone flew out of my front pocket and both my bags flew out of my hand….I was alright…but boy I will never be more embarrassed than I was then….

On to a happier memory! =) School starts at about 8:50 and there are 7 classes everyday…..the problem is that every day the schedule is completely different D= I have to keep mine with me and look at it every day between every class! Nonetheless it is a private school but it’s more laid back than Florida public schools! I was amazed when our math teacher just didn’t feel like showing up to class one day…so he didn’t…we just hung out and talked until the class was over.

My absolutely most favorite class is my 書道 (calligraphy) class! Yes I said calligraphy…that means a piece of paper, a brush and some ink! It is amazing. I went as far as to join the Calligraphy club after school every week! Nonetheless, every day is a new challenge, Japanese is difficult and easy at the same time, some things make a lot of sense and others I just don’t understand at all =) Some things I can’t help but laugh at though…my teacher was amazed when I told him that every street in Florida has a name… That’s right…only main streets have names in Japan! (with the exception of Kyoto)

Ah, so a few days ago I was able to officially say that I turned 18 on the other side of the planet! 🙂 My birthday was a blast, the kids made a cool card for me and signed it, my host parents bought me a birthday cake and got me presents – it was a lot of fun!

Every day my Japanese gets just a tiny bit better, but I still have an incredibly long way to go…it’s amazing how one word can mean 4 or 5 different things….somewhat aggravating too -.-; I think everyday that my Japanese gets better my English gets worse though…’tis a funny cycle….

Today is the first day that I am out in Japan by myself as well!!!!! I can simply walk around and just enjoy the sights…check out some cool stores or go to the arcade (which I might do when I am done with this ^^)

My cellphone is my best friend by the way….hahahahah it comes with me everywhere! It’s pretty sweet, I don’t use the internet on it though simply because I am paying for it annnnnd….yeah no thanks, but I like to use it to write messages to mah Japanese buddies….I like to think of it as a study tool. =P

My school was also kind enough to hook me up with some Japanese lessons at a school not far….just a bus ride down the hill! (My school is basically on a mountain, thus I have the most amazing view of all of Okayama city from my classroom!) But yeah those lessons will start first thing next week, hopefully my Japanese will pick up a little faster after that point.

I have now decided that the greatest invention in the history of mankind is Onigiri…I’ll explain: You have your favorite kind of fish – for example my favorite onigiri is tuna and mayo…then that is wrapped in a rice ball…that rice ball is then wrapped in seaweed…even if you don’t like fish or sushi, I guarantee that you will like Onigiri….it’s that amazing….I am going to buy as much onigiri and bring it with me before I have to leave Japan in 10 months!

There are Konbini (convenient stores) literally on every block…if you have a wallet and two feet to get you there you can go and buy anything you want to eat for extremely cheap, it’s rather amusing. I have found myself making quite frequent trips to the local Konbini. (Yes, to get me some Onigiri!!!!) heh

My house!

Right….Japanese homes are extremely compact…it’s rather amusing – there are secret compartments in the floors and ceilings so that they can store stuff, yes…it’s really that small! Hhahahaha

TV

Talk about amusing, they have some of the craziest game shows you will ever see in your life! It’s so funny…I will sit and stare at the TV for hours trying to understand what is going on…But at the moment it is Sumo season so you could say I have been rather attached to television. Sumo is incredibly big in Japan, but the reason I like it so much is that you can see Japan almost embodied within Sumo…the actual sumo match is only one aspect…a real treat….

!!!!!!

I have been here for an entire month! I have no idea where the time is going…it’s insane…It definitely is going to be over before I know it, which is why I have to go out and explore the wonders of Japan! Next I think I will visit a local book store and see if I can’t pick up some (more or less) easy Japanese reads so I can study!

Until next time Everyone!

今良侍　- Conrad (that’s my kanji name) =)

P.S. Still haven’t gotten used to the cockroaches in my house xD (Not a joke…)

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October 30 Journal

 Hi everyone!

So it turns out I’m not very good at writing these things…my head goes blank and I cant remember what I did xD not to mention the fact that while I’m typing in English I forget English words and use bad English grammar…..but here goes….

A lot has happened this past month and it has been incredible! I’m slightly worried about the fact that I’m not even the slightest bit homesick….but I have a feeling that the homesickness feeling is going to come in a month when I have to change host families for the first time…I’m absolutely dreading it. At this point, when I am at home I actually feel like I am at home! It’s hard to explain, but you know that feeling you get after a long day – you walk into your house and you’re simply relieved that your finally home and can relax? Well that’s finally how I feel when I am walking up the hill on our incredibly narrow street knowing that I am almost at the house that I have been living at for the past two months and I am almost with the family that has been so incredibly kind to me no matter what the circumstances. I didn’t think that I could develop such an attachment to people I hardly know. My host mom is a blast, me and her make fun of each other almost nonstop….it’s a lot of fun! =)

School has become a lot easier, I like gym class the best….It’s the easiest to understand! We were playing handball the other day and the ball almost went outta bounds so I dove for it and threw it back in, everybody started screaming ‘sugoi sugoi’ and started clapping…I dunno, I just felt like ‘I was part of the team’… sounds corny but it is an incredible feeling to be accepted by my classmates, absolutely incredible! I went and hung out with the girl from my class the other day, we went to the arcade and she ended up forcing me into the purikura….(basically a camera room, and after you take pictures you can draw on them and make them…..unique xD) it was interesting….after that I proceeded to win a giant stuffed stitch doll from one of the grabber machines…took me about 1000 yen….I was determined -.-

AH! So I went to the onsen for the first time about 3 weeks ago! Needless to say it was highly awkward! We went into the little locker room (this onsen wasn’t coed by the way) and found our lockers, then my host father proceeded to strip right then and there! I looked around and their were naked old men everywhere! I hadn’t even noticed it! So….I took my clothes off and had my little hand towel covering what was left of my dignity, then we went on into the shower room. It wasn’t weird to them though, fathers had their children in there and it simply wasn’t anything abnormal. There are little stations in the shower area where you sit on a tiny little stool and there are shampoo and body soap provided, and you wash…..everything, total scrub down. After that you proceed to the actual hot spring itself. At this point the fact that I was naked didn’t bother me anymore…It just was. And in the hot spring, there are various kinds of hot springs – some are outside some are inside, some have massaging bubbles and there are even little personal tubs you can relax in if you want. Come to think of it….I really rather enjoyed myself! And am definitely looking forward to going again! (Bradley when you come to visit next summer I’m taking you to one whether you like it or not! xD)

So I definitely think I’m going to be fat by the time I get back to America…after dinner every night me and my host mother make sure to enjoy some Ice cream! Just for future reference….Japanese Ice cream is 10 times more delicious than American ice cream! I came to find out though that sweet foods are associated with women and bitter foods are associated with men….that made me sad…because I love sweets! There is a kind of chocolate in the conbini (convenience store) that’s actually called ‘men’s bitter chocolate’ ……It’s disgusting! X(………..call me a girl if you want, I like the sweet stuff! Speaking of bitter foods though, I have become rather accustomed to tea without sugar, traditional green tea, and nearly black coffee. As disgusting as that sounds…it’s not half bad once you get used to it! One thing I haven’t gotten used to is the slabs of fish they put in front of you and expect you to eat! It’s not the taste either, I’m actually rather fond of the taste of raw fish…..it’s when they give me cooked slabs of fish and there are little bones in it! I feel like they are trying to kill me, it takes forever for me to eat too because I have to find the little bones and pull em out, I don’t know how they do it….. I haven’t mastered the art of noodle eating either….the Japanese eat their noodles really really fast, I’m pretty sure they don’t chew, they simply inhale…..But I have to say I love my chopsticks! It’s simply more fun eating with them. Hah, when I get back to the US I will continue to use my chopsticks, I refuse to use a fork! >=D

I can’t believe it’s already in the third month though! I am rather disappointed in my Japanese thus far, but I know that it’s just me being picky with myself! There are times when I understand what people are saying without thinking about it and times when I feel like its my first day in Japan again! It’s a funny system…but I love when I can’t remember English words! It’s amazing! I was talking with a couple of other exchange students in English and forgot how to say vending machine…..’uhhh uhhhh…..you know that thing the drinks come out of! x(‘ It was hilarious! Because I would say it in Japanese and they had no clue what I was talking about…..=) Every Monday and Friday I have a special Japanese class down the hill at a language school for exchange students, there are only two other people in that class both from America and their Japanese stinks =) so the class is extremely easy for me, the teacher goes ahead and makes up harder reading and writing assignments for me. And I just found out that apparently they want to throw me in a Japanese class at the university every Thursday to see how I do ;; Not gonna be fun!

I’m getting too used to the walking on the opposite side of the road thing….I have a feeling that when I get back to America it’s not going to be safe for me to drive…..I’ll be driving into oncoming traffic! =) I learned not too long ago that to get your driving license in Japan it cost like 200,000 yen…..that’s like 2000 dollars! I was appalled….but it’s for the driving school, which is apparently really difficult, but it’s a good thing they go to driving school in Japan because the roads are incredibly narrow! And I don’t know how they do it but Japanese people can fit the biggest cars in the littlest places at incredibly high speeds…..it’s scary to say the least….

All of my friends think that I am crazy…I LOVE the fall weather! It is absolutely amazing! nice and chilly, the leaves are absolutely beautiful! It’s an amazing experience. The mountains are covered in forest so it is absolutely amazing, something you definitely can’t see in Florida!

I went to Osaka about a week ago as well. It was with my grandpa’s host club though, so I felt really awkward….luckily I had my host mom there to keep me company and talk too. We went to one of Japan’s most famous aquariums. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Seen everything from penguins to otters to sharks and octopus to crabs…..it was neat! But a little strange cuz my host mom (the entire time) kept pointing at things and telling me how badly she wanted to eat it….highly disturbing!

Two days ago, with my host club we went to see an old traditional style play called kyougen. There actors dialects were very strong and were very strange, it’s the oldest style play in Japan so it was very difficult to pick up what they were saying, but even though I couldn’t understand the verbal part of the play I understood the body language and I found myself laughing along with everyone else. Came to find out later that because of the way the actors were speaking it was even hard for the Japanese to understand….I didn’t feel so bad after that =)

And today I discovered the book off! Its basically a store with any comic or video game you can think of at incredibly low prices! Needless to say I was in heaven! ^^ Call me a dork, but I have found that reading comics is an excellent way of studying the Japanese language and picking up kanji and different expressions!

I have to say, though I am not homesick….I do miss my friends and family dearly! I can’t wait to see you all again! But at the same time…I really don’t want to have to leave my new family….

I am torn….

But no worries! I am going to go and study and brush up my Japanese and become fluent! So I will talk to you all again soon! Don’t miss me too much!

Until next time folks!

Jyaaa mata!

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February 4 Journal

 Ok folks….it’s been a while…lets do this!!!!

When I last left off in my journal it was mid fall and all of the leaves were absolutely beautiful, the red, yellow, and orange shades covering the vast ranges of mountains as far as the eye can see! Things have definitely changed…it’s now well into winter and it’s cold, the trees look sad and bare, the sign of the end of what was and the start of something new. Something that can’t be seen in Florida. Though I am slightly disappointed in the lack of snow in Okayama….hey I can’t really complain can I? I’m in Japan!

Well before the current winter befell us all, me and an exchangee from California and two English Sensei’s made a trip to Himeji castle! That may not sound all that exciting to you guys but Himeji is the last standing original castle in all of Japan. All the others have been rebuilt, destroyed, or are in the process of being remodeled. Needless to say it was absolutely amazing! The castle’s foundation is huge and is made completely of stone! They actually had to move stones in from different prefectures in the process of building it. The inside has basically been turned into a museum at this point with swords, spears, armor, ancient scrolls, and statues lining its innards. Absolutely breathtaking…. Oh yeah the two English teachers I spoke about, they made me feel really good about my Japanese by the way. They have lived in Japan for nearly two years and understand almost none of the language….I almost wanted to tell them to get out of Japan….I was slightly appalled….but needless to say at this point I can have a conversation in Japanese for a good amount of time, I can read Japanese comics, and I can play my video games in Japanese as well…..and understand it Sure I can’t understand it all but I honestly don’t expect to at this point. If I simply continue my studies the way that I am, I am very confident that my Japanese will exceed anything I ever expected when I first left for Japan.

Dressing for winter…..something I was definitely not used to at first. My host mom would tell me “it’s cold outside! Maybe you should put on a few more layers,” and my response was always, “Thanks but I think I’m alright”…..NOT xD As soon as I walked outside I felt like I was going to turn into an icicle! Hah….and I’m in one of the warmest parts of Japan. It’s the Floridian in me ;; trying to let me freeze…..rather sad really….

Me, my previous host father, and a few Rotarians made a trip down to Shikoku just before winter as well. I have to say it was relaxing. Shikoku is the island just south of Okayama. The drive was about 3 hours there; we first drove to the top of a beautiful mountain range to see the windmills at its peak. When I first stepped out of the car and breathed in that fresh mountain air it was….indescribable….the view was intoxicatingly beautiful, the air was clear, and I just wanted to sit up there and gaze for hours. However, the little old man that came with us was kind of creepy with his camera….hahahah he took way to many pictures of me for comfort xD Anyway! After we descended the mountain we hit up a local fish market! I don’t really know why though…they just walked around pointing and saying how delicious everything looked (we didn’t buy anything…..) needless to say it was interesting. Following that we went to the place that we came to Shikoku for…the ONSEN! (hot spring) I have to say, though the first time was strange, I have really grown to like it. It’s not weird to me anymore to strip and bathe with other men xD We actually ended up staying the night at a nearby hotel, went and ate REALLY expensive food (which was the MOST delicious thing that I have ever eaten) and then hitting the onsen one more time before returning home. Then it was back to school before winter break…..

At this point school had grown redundant and boring. As bad as that may sound, the only part I liked about it was my friends. Now that I could talk to them, lunch and after school were my favorite times. And not to mention the amazing attachment that had grown between me and my first host family in those 3 and a half months. But….it was finally time to change host families! I didn’t want to go….I had a bond with my host family that I didn’t want to share with anyone else in Japan! Sure they weren’t my real parents and they could never replace them! But they were the next best thing….I packed and before I knew it was in a new room and house with strange people I didn’t know again….the worst part of my exchange thus far was that day, though no tears were shed between me and my host family. I felt like they had been torn from me on that day….

But I soon realized the fact that that wouldn’t be the last day I see them and that my new host family was actually very very nice and cared for me just like my previous family did! And so as things went on I adjusted to the different cooking style of my new host mother and learned my way around the new area of Okayama that I had never explored before while eagerly awaiting Christmas in Japan.

Things were fairly normal up until break, not much had happened. And as things drew closer I decided to ask my host mother about what Christmas was like here in Japan! And to my extreme disappointment she basically explained to me that because almost none of Japan’s population has any set religion they don’t make Christmas a very big deal…I’m not religious either but I mean come on!!!!! So I didn’t see any Christmas lights at all this winter, and only an occasional Santa-san here and there. Or we would pass a KFC and the colonel would be dressed up as Santa xDDD. Needless to say I wasn’t going to spend Christmas lounging around at home all day so I decided to go to a friend’s house…and lounge around all day there hahah. I made sure not to impose on anyone, and because no one was celebrating Christmas here it was just like another day off of school. I was actually pretty happy because that was the first time I have gotten to ACTUALLY talk and have a serious conversation with my family. It made me feel better. And so did the fact that new years in Japan was NOT in anyway disappointing!

It started with New Years Eve actually! Me and another exchange went to her host grandma’s house and we made rice cakes!!!!! It is a really old Japanese tradition, and not many people nowadays do it. It’s an interesting process actually…they first bowl a bowl of rice, when its nice and soft they then put it in a big stone bowl thingy and the guys (who wait outside in the cold -.-;) get to take a very heavy mallet and smash the rice until it turns into a goo…then the women (who are inside with the heat -.-;;;;;) roll the goo into little cakes! And then they add flavors and stuff, ’twas fun ^^ We were out there from about 7 in the morning til 1…….but I don’t regret the experience! After that I went home and that night after dinner everyone sat around talking and it was just….nice =) then around 11 o’clock everyone had soba (Japanese noodles) just like everyone else in the country to watch the countdown on TV!

Upon awakening the next morning and going downstairs to greet my family I see the traditional new years breakfast! (Way too hearty of foods to be eating that early xD) and If you would like to know what we ate…..I don’t really know ;; I find that happening to me a lot…. (-.- 😉 sorry….

And I was not expecting the hordes of money given to me on New Years either! It’s called Otoshidama and it’s simply a tradition that on New Years day adults give money to the kids – once you hit 20 it’s your turn to do the giving! Well I knew about it but I was given a LOT more than I was anticipating! I ended up getting different amounts from different relatives and all together collecting about 50,000 yen…..that’s the equivalent to about 500 dollars! (well probably more than that now….thank you exchange rate -.-; ) And after the receiving of the money we made our way to the temple to pray for a good year! A tradition that nearly everyone in Japan keeps so there were way too many people at that lil temple! Hah but needless to say that too was a good experience, and kind of hard to explain the feeling of it all. You simply had to be here!

And from then on, January has simply become amazing! It’s the little things that simply make me smile each and every day! I go to school and understand homeroom, can have conversations with my friends, I can make jokes, and I understand my classes! The classes that are not understandable at this point are classical Japanese….I don’t even know contemporary Japanese yet -.-; and chemistry….but I didn’t understand that in English so I’m not all that worried about Chemistry hahhahah.

Among the closing of January came one of the funnest things that I ever done in my life! SNOW!

That’s right folks! I was allowed to tag along with the younger grades on their trip to Tottori prefecture and visit the mountain Daisen! And the trip was not just to visit this mountain of course – what would be the point in that? So instead we went and the younger kids hit the ski slopes and me and the other high schoolers hit the snowboards! It was AMAZINGLY fun! We stayed on the mountain for three solid days to simply go snowboarding and nothing else! I just remember getting going as fast as I could and trying to stop…..hah…I hit the brakes a lil to hard ^^; Needless to say I made quite a few rotations while rolling down the rest of the slope hahahah and then simply laid there thinking to myself “Wow……”

I am very very confident that I am going to do that again in my life! Don’t know how or when but I WILL see snow again and I WILL go snowboarding again! No doubt =)

And that’s all for my adventures thus far! At least the big ones =D

Will make sure to update more often too. Hope you enjoyed, readers! I’m out.

Conrad

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July 27 Journal

 Hey all its my final journal,

And It has been a LONG time. So there is plenty to tell right.

Well around the end of January I was given the chance to see snow for the first time. To be honest I was nervous about going because I didn’t know the people that I was going with. I went with the sophomore class at my high school, so sure we have met before but I didn’t really KNOW them. So on an early winter morning I dressed snug and grabbed my bag, my host mom took me to the bus station where we met the other students. And off we went, 2 hours north into the snowy top of one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan. From far away it can be mistaken for Mt. Fuji if you’re not looking carefully. The first time I stepped out into that cool mountain air … it was a feeling that I can never forget. I looked at one of the kids next to me then at the ground. And without having to think about it grabbed the biggest handful of snow I could and hit him right between the eyes with it. The beginning of a beautiful friendship I say =). After the relentless snowball fight everyone was herded into the resort that we were staying at and we checked out our rental gear, suited up, and back out into the snow we went. This time a bit more cautiously (thanks to the teachers breathing down out necks) and finally onto the lift. Seeing how I don’t like heights and there was nothing to fasten me in…I didn’t enjoy that part. And not to mention the jerks on the lift behind mine that brought snowballs with them. hah Upon arriving at the top we were introduced to our snowboard instructors. After that we were assigned rental boards and the 3 day snowboard lessons began. It wasn’t very rough but I will say this, the guys on the TV make it look reeeeeallly easy! Around the second day the instructor told me to go as fast as I could down the hill WITHOUT losing control. I said ok, and simply went as fast as I could. Nonetheless lost it and rolled 7 or 8 times, which was extremely fun hah. All in all the experience was amazing and has made me decide that I will have to make a few road trips up north during the winter.

After my snowboard experience I returned home to Okayama and the next day it was back to school like normal. Things were normal for a while, friends, study, school, video games, and comics until my host parents told me that I would be able to go to Tokyo! I had told them how badly I would have liked to have been able to go nonstop and so my host father decided that seeing how they were going to Tokyo to see my host brother it would be a good idea to bring me along! With that I packed a few things and off to the bullet train we went. While riding the train, it took us right past Mt. Fuji (another place I would LOVE to go) and I was able to see how beautiful it really is. After about an hour and a half we were there. Tokyo, the heart of modern day Japan. And the biggest impression I think that I got from it was…there are way too many people in one little city. I lost my host parents a couple times in the crowds (thank god for cell phones) and it’s ridiculous how fast people walk in that city. I was walking at what I would consider faster than a normal pace and this little old lady comes shoving past me with her cane in hand. And though it was crowded and hectic…it was a good experience. The first thing we did was go visit my host brother at his job. He works at Tokyo Dome, which is where the biggest baseball games in all of Japan are held. With that I went and saw my first baseball game AND my favorite team won! ^^; After the baseball game we went and stayed a hotel next to Tokyo station. My host brother came to visit with his fiancée and it was off to bed. After we woke up and checked out, we went on over to the buses and it turns out that my host father had bought us tickets for a tour bus. And so we toured about various sights of Tokyo and eventually came to Tokyo tower. Tokyo tower is 330 meters tall and from that high up…the view is absolutely beautiful. Past the tall buildings it’s nothing but mountains and rice fields as far as the eye can see. From that tower you can even see Mt. Fuji which is quite a few prefectures away. After our tour bus we ended up back at the station, ate Korean, and were back on the shinkansen (bullet train) home.

After Tokyo came our Rotary Orientation. And I was more than looking forward to this one. See in my district here in little Okayama there is only one other exchange student, making things a little bit lonely. And when the orientation came, various districts gathered together allowing me to meet exchanges from all over the world. (Finally!) Through the orientation we had to do a talent and talk about our experiences which wasn’t a big deal, then after that we basically had free time to just hang out and get to know one another. We talked, played games, joked, and simply had a good time. The next day everyone went to Kurashiki (a small but very old city in Okayama) and bought souvenirs for family and friends.

Following the orientation it was time to change host families again. And I don’t know if this is bad or not but I was excited to be going back to my first host family. Don’t get me wrong, Koyama san (second host family) was very kind and we talked and did things together but it simply wasn’t the same bond as the Kobayashis (first and third host family). We simply click, and get along so well that when it comes to host families I don’t believe that there is a better one out there for me. I honest and truly feel like I am at home. Which is why things are going to be a bit tough here in 10 days when I have to go home to America. Backtracking-Not long after moving back in with Kobayashi san we were to take a trip to Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. The reason for the trip may sound silly when I tell it … but it was worth it. We went to see flowers, yes that’s right, the cherry blossoms. These are the most beautiful flowers that I have ever seen in my entire life. Seeing them blowing in the breeze with that beautiful pink tint in front of and old Japanese style shiro (castle) is something everyone should come and see at least once their lifetime. No question in my mind. We walked the streets of Kyoto and visited various old houses, temples, and castles. Maiko (geisha in training) were walking the streets in their kimono and kasa (paper umbrella), that together with the old buildings and cherry blossoms is an image that is only able to be seen in Kyoto Japan and nowhere else. hah now that I think about it that was the first day that I ever ate green tea ice cream (which is absolutely amazing! and also cant be found in America ;;).

On my famous places that I wanted to go to in Japan list I had almost been to them all. But not quite, and once again thanks to the efforts of Rotary and their generosity, me and the other exchangee in our district were scheduled for our trip to go to the wondrous and mysterious island of Okinawa. I have to say, I was a bit…confused I suppose is the best way to put it. Seeing how the original culture and language of Okinawa is so different from that of the rest of Japan, it really isn’t the same feel as everywhere else. After getting off of the plane and getting settled into the hotel we went out for our first Okinawan meal. And it was … well … nasty hah. I have to say I loved goya (a food grown only in Okinawa and is extremely bitter) but the rest of it was a bit weird I guess cuz I’m not used to it. When the dishes came out with the food on them and I picked up my chopsticks said itadakimasu and picked up the closest thing to me put a bit in my mouth and tried to chew it up though it was very difficult. I wasn’t going to ask but the Rotarian sitting next to me looks at me and says, “do you know what you’re eating?” Unfortunately I told him no and he was more than happy to tell me I was chomping on pig ear. A bit shocked I looked at him, put my bowl down and said ever so queasily ” we feed that to our dogs”. Needless to say that’s how the entire dinner went but afterwards we enjoyed a traditional Okinawan dance and song which was very entertaining and neat to be able to experience.

The next day we went out to one of the old bunkers used in the war which was now a museum and looked around at how horrible things were. But to brighten up the day a bit we went canoeing and snorkeling which was an absolute blast! Swam through the coral reef which was incredibly beautiful and played with the fishes in the ocean. The instructor we were with picked a puffer fish outta the water and poked the poor guy till he puffed up and rolled off the side of the little floaty he was on and swam away.

After the fun it was time to eat so unfortunately we went to the most disturbing place in all of Japan. The fish market. I swear it is like hell, they have no sympathy for anything in there. Remember the puffer fish I was talking about a second ago, unfortunately his cousin was at the market skinned and waiting to be bought. Alongside every other fish that swims in the ocean. The weirdest thing that I was while I was there though was definitely the pig face. It was the skin from the ears all the way down to the snout and was just hanging in the market, very grotesque. After the hell market it was time to depart Okinawa and return home.

After going back to school the next week my teacher came up to me and was delighted to tell me about the kanji test that I would be taking in two months. The level that I was to take was that of a middle school Japanese student in kanji proficiency. That’s approximately 1009 kanji. When I was told about the test I knew about 650 kanji roughly. This shocked me, scared me, and had me studying my ass off every single day not missing one not even for the weekends. One of the most difficult tests that I have ever taken and wasn’t prepared for it in any way. So for a good two months of my exchange I woke up to go to school and study. When I got home I ate dinner and studied. Took a bath got dressed and studied before going to sleep. There were only a handful of days that I wasn’t studying until my eyes wanted to fall out of my head (these days were usually on the weekend) but I didn’t care, I was not ready to fail this test! During the last week of my studying my brother made it to Japan to visit which left me a bit strapped for time. But nonetheless the day came and I did not feel ready. On top of all the stress I had going for me that day…I was late. Thank goodness for me I got lost somewhere where the people were nice enough to guide me in the right direction. So I’m here. What all the anticipation for the last 2 months was for, stuck in the middle of a bunch of 7th graders. It was a very short test, about an hour long and 100 or some questions. Once It was over I was simply glad to be done with it. All that there was left to do was wait. It would be a month before I knew whether I had passed…or had studied my ass off only to fall face first in the dirt….

Bradley! That’s my brother’s name! It was incredible to finally see him again after 10 months! Like I said he came just before I was to take my test but I didn’t care hahahah. And one of the craziest things is that he was going to be staying for an entire month! I would be able to show him around and teach him about Japan and make fun of him in Japanese with my friends and family and he wouldn’t understand! hahahahah >3 The first night I felt bad for him actually…he had just gotten off of an incredibly long plane flight, hadn’t slept, and we were going out to eat udon (Japanese noodles) and I didn’t even consider the fact that he couldn’t use chopsticks. Things didn’t go horrible, he just ended up eating a lot slower than usual. And I think the reason I felt so bad for him was because I knew exactly how he felt. That first week especially was like looking at myself a year ago. The only difference was that he liked to look at me for translations of things all the time. I didn’t have that. But nonetheless it was amazing to see how clueless he was. And it’s not just him, any of you reading this, if or when you go abroad you will feel the same bit of confusion and hardship. You won’t know why people do the things that they do, sometimes you will regret having made the choice to go but it’s the people that fought through the hard times and became a part of their host country, making a bond like no other, those are Rotary exchange students, and I’m proud to be one of them. Even though you don’t realize you did anything….thanks Bradley you helped me realize how important this place is to me and how I have changed this year.

And as things are wrapping themselves up over here on my exchange, I am preparing to make my way back into my “normal” American life…for now. I’m not sure what the future holds for me or where it will end up taking me but I am positive that this year’s experience will help me to make the choices that will guide the right path to the future I want to create. And I owe it all to Rotary for opening this road up to me that seemed to be in the farthest reaches of my wildest dreams a year ago. All of you, including my fellow exchangees and Rotex. Everyone played a part, and I wish there were some way for me to pay it back to each and every one of you. And I can’t leave out my family. They have supported me through this entire year, mentally and physically (cash). You guyz never let me down, and I love you all so very much. From here I have to get in as much time with my host family as I can. It’s weird to think, but I love them too. They have done so much for me. And it’s coming to its close. This chapter of my life is ending only to open up many many more.

One more time, thank you Rotarians and thank you family.

From yet another certified adventurer,

ｰ今良侍ｰ

Emily’s Bio

 My name is Emily Katherine Garvin and I was born and raised in a small town called Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. I am a small town girl. I am 14 years old and the second born of three children. But I am the youngest. My oldest brother Timmy Hendren was adopted before I was born. Timmy and I are six years apart. Next came my other older brother, his name is Patrick Garvin. 16 months later I came.

But my family doesn’t end there because for about 5 years my parents were foster parents. This had a huge impact on my life because accepting children into my family as a 9 year old was very difficult. It was hard learning how to share my family, my room, and most of all my parents. But I overcame all the hardships that came with fostering. And I learned to love every child that stepped over our threshold. At that moment they became a part of my life and my family forever. With fostering I also learned how to cope with frequent changes and loss. I learned that I shouldn’t dwell on those things that I don’t have, rather cherish the things I do have, like a loving and forgiving family.

All of that has made me the person that I am today. I would consider myself well-rounded, open-minded person. I like to take risks and try new things. Recently I tried out for my high school’s junior varsity basketball team. I realized that there would be lots of hard work, time, and commitment if I made the team. And to tell you the truth I really didn’t think I was going to make the team. I had never played basketball in my life. But that didn’t stop me; I tried out for the team anyway.

Currently I am taking all honors courses. My favorite class is geometry. And quite frankly I don’t even like geometry that much but there is just something about math that I have fallen in love with. Outside of school, I usually spend time with my family and friends. I also do volunteer service around the island with my church’s youth group. And I volunteer at the local theatres.

My future is wide open and I look forward to the possibilities that will open up to me. I plan on going to college and getting a nursing and teaching degree. My mother is a teacher and my grandmother was a nurse and they are and were both very successful people. I hope that I can follow in their footsteps and become just as successful at life.

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August 26 Journal

 After the sweet goodbyes at the Jacksonville airport, I proceeded through security. My first flight was to Washington DC, where I met up with the other Rotary Youth Exchange student from Maine named Allie. In DC I decided that I would show Allie how we live in Florida and I took her to the Red Carpet Club (thanks to Jeanie).

After spending the duration of our layover there we proceeded back to our gate. Allie got the pleasure of accompanying me on the 8 hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany, where we sweet-talked the flight attendant into letting us sit together. In Germany we sat around playing cards with a nice guy from California. He was on his way to visit his family in Saudi Arabia. He showed us this really cool card trick.

After playing cards for a while we went to our gate where we met two other Rotary Youth Exchange students headed for Croatia. The next leg of the trip was probably the best. It was about an hour and 30 minutes. Then we soon arrived in the Zagreb airport where we picked up our bags and walked out of frosted sliding glass doors where my host father Ratko and host sister Josipa were waiting for me, holding up a sign with my name.

The ride home was about 20 minutes, all the while my dad was pointing out the sights that I might need to know. Ratko speaks very nice English as does Josipa. My mother on the other hand is just about as good at English as I am at Croatian. My mother’s name is Mislav. They say the female names are always harder to pronounce than the male names.

We arrived at my house, where I met my other host sibling… while Ratko carried my luggage up 3 flights of stairs to my bedroom (spavaća soba). Which I am sharing with my host sister. I began unpacking while creating a sisterly bond with Josipa.

Soon after I began unpacking, I was called down to lunch where my mother had prepared veal with peas, mashed potatoes, rice, salad and tomatoes. This meal was accompanied with a homemade juice of which fruit I am not sure. I soon learned that lunch (ručak) was the main meal of the household. This is the meal that the mother prepares. The other meals, such as breakfast and dinner, are very casual. Usually you are supposed to prepare them yourself.

After lunch I continued unpacking, then my sister and I walked the dog Johnny. Josipa showed her neighborhood to me during the walk. She explained that every neighborhood has a different name and in every neighborhood there are many different houses with a number of flats within each building. There is one flat per family. After the walk we decided to take the dog back home while Josipa and I went to a coffee bar. We sat at the coffee bar for about 30 to 45 minutes as we did some more of that sisterly bonding! We soon found our way home and joined the family for a small dinner. My first Croatian dinner consisted of cottage cheese with salt and a cream sauce. We also had an assortment of ham, bread and tomatoes to accompany our cottage cheese.

Sincerely,

The Foreigner (Emily)

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September 1 Journal

 This weekend my father, mother, and I went to our summer home in a small town called Tučepi. It is near Split (if you want to look at a map). The drive was about four hours, I slept the majority of the way. When we arrived at the house in Tučepi, I got my bathing suit on and headed down to the sea. It is literally 2 seconds away from the house! The water was a beautiful tint of aqua that darkened as it deepened. It was a bit colder than the Atlantic. The beaches were not sand, instead they were small pebbles. It was a change, and I have still not decided whether I like the sand or stones better. I guess I could just love them both.

The summer home is very nice. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The flat has a nice open kitchen and living area that leads to the porch. The little view that is, is beautiful. Downstairs there is another flat that my parents own. But they rent this one out during the summer because it is a little smaller than the other one. We spent the weekend in Tučepi where I soaked up all the sun and Adriatic that I could take. We left Tučepi Sunday evening. On our way out of town we stopped by this beautiful outdoor church (I would have taken pictures but there was a service going on).

We arrived back in Zagreb later that night. I went to sleep thinking about the next day and how my first day of school might go. I have to admit I was rather nervous to think that I will go to a school where I will know nobody and I know very little of the language. I woke up the next morning and just waited. School did not start until 2 o’clock that day. There was much anticipation. I soon decided that I could start getting ready for school. So I did just that. My mother arrived home from work and we left the house headed for school. I had a meeting with the principal before school. She introduced me to my homeroom teacher. My homeroom teacher is 4 foot nothing with heels and she is also my history teacher. I went to her classroom where I found old-fashioned tables and chairs. I took a seat as other students entered the classroom. All of a sudden it was a mad rush to meet the foreigner. God forbid you be the last one to introduce yourself to me! Of course I remembered not one of my peers’ names.

As the teacher tried to settle the class down a girl came and sat down next to me and introduced herself again. Her name was Nina. Nina speaks very good English and she explained to me what my schedule was. She explained that we are in class 2C. Which means we are in the 2nd grade (they count down instead of up.) And the C is just one of the many different classes within my grade. The school over here is very complicated so I will briefly explain. I have about 15 different subjects, all of which I will take in a different classroom with the same group of students. My schedule changes daily, and every week I alternate times that school starts. For example, this week school starts in the afternoon and next week school will start in the morning. So far I love my school, my friends and my family. I will have a meeting with my Rotary very soon and I will let you know how that goes.

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September 30 Journal

 My first Rotary meeting: I met my host Rotary club, they were all very welcoming. School has been great! I am picking up new phrases left and right. During class it is a little hard to stay awake but what school isn’t like that. I listen to the teacher and pick out words and phrases that are frequently used and try to remember them. I also enjoy listening to those words and phrases that I recognize and know what they mean because that gives me a sense of accomplishment. My Croatian classes are great. My teacher is excellent. I will have classes twice a week until mid April. I have two other students in my class. They are also Rotary Youth Exchange Students. Greg is from New York and Gabriella is from Brazil. It is nice to have other students in the class because there is a sense of competition and we can practice on each other. I have had about 3 weeks of classes and I am very pleased with them.

The weather the past few days has been chilly and rainy. Today it is 13 degrees C, about 55 degrees F. Yesterday it was a bit warmer but the rest of the week is supposed to be colder. I have no idea how I am going to survive the winter with all the snow! My friends make fun of me because I find it so cold. But what can I say – I am a Florida girl.

I did my first school assignment! The assignment was to create a Power Point Presentation for my Informatika class (computer) on whatever topic you want. I chose Florida. My class really enjoyed the presentation. They were most interested in the hurricanes. I got a 5, which would be an A.

I went on my first Rotary trip. The 7 inbounds in Croatia gathered in Zagreb for our orientation. During the orientation we went over the Rotary Rules and Expectations. The next day we went to Plizvička Jezera (Lakes). It was absolutely amazing. There were a lot of lakes and waterfalls everywhere. I can not even begin to describe the color of the water. It was breath taking. The following day we went to two castles in Croatia. They were both very different yet beautiful. One of the castles was from the 18th-19th century and the other was from the 15th-16th century. The architectural work was really interesting. It was cool to see how the structures differed from the ages. Soon I am going on another Rotary trip to Vienna. I am also going to Austria with my class. I am very excited about both of these trips.

Just last weekend I cooked Sunday lunch for my host family. They were very impressed. But I found that it is rather hard cooking with foreign ingredients. I made meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, baked eggplant and chocolate chip cookies. The meatloaf was the easiest part. The macaroni and cheese on the other hand was rather difficult. They do not have cheddar cheese over here so I went to the store and tried all of the cheese until I found one that I thought would do. My host brother ate half of the cheese that I had gotten for the dish so I had to use other cheese that we had in the house. When it was finished it was very good, it just was not the same as when it is made with cheddar cheese. The chocolate chip cookies were a little hard to make also. My host mother is convinced that sugar in the raw is the same as brown sugar. And I could not find vanilla extract in the store. But in the end I pulled it off and everything was delicious.

I am not homesick yet (knock on wood). But there are certain things that I miss. For example, the beach being 2 seconds away, macaroni and cheese, and warm weather. The list is endless, but overall I love it here in Croatia!

 

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October 28 Journal

 My first and second visit to Austria. The weekend of the 18th I went to Vienna for a multi district Rotary meeting. The meeting consisted of the 6 Croatian exchange students and the 83 Austrian exchange students. Vienna was beautiful, the first day we did a walking tour of a few museums, we saw a huge palace, we saw the main cathedral and we toured the oldest library in the world. That night we went to an Italian Opera. Of course, it was all in German so I didn’t understand any of the show. I enjoyed the costumes and the set very much. The next day consisted of a bus tour of the city. But I would have to say that the best part of being in Vienna was that we got to meet many other foreign exchange students. It was a blast talking to them and sharing stories with them. I even ran into a friend from Florida. Gail is in the same outbound group as me in Florida. Because there are so many foreign exchange students in Austria they had half of the group begin their exchange in January and the other half begin their exchange in August like I did.

At first being in Austria it was kind of confusing, because I had no idea what language to speak. I don’t know German, so that was out of the question. But I just got caught up on speaking Croatian all the time that I just wanted to speak Croatian. But barely anybody understood Croatian. So I had to fall back on English. Many of the Austrian exchange students were speaking German to each other. And then there was the group of Latinos and they were speaking Spanish and Portuguese. As Croats we decided to speak Croatian to each other. It was fun to have a language that nobody else could understand.

My next trip to Austria was this past weekend. I went on a class trip with my whole grade. We went to Graz, Klagenfurt and Bled Slovenia. Of course, all of these cities were beautiful. But I would have to say that the best part of this trip was learning more about my classmates and becoming closer to them. The first day we did a walking tour of Graz, then we had about two hours of free time to do some shopping in Graz. Just about all of the Croats go to Graz to do their shopping because everything is much cheaper than in Croatia. After we left Graz we headed to Klagenfurt were we stayed the night in a youth hostel. The next day we toured Klagenfurt then headed to Bled Slovenia. On the way to Bled we stopped in a few little town to check out some small tourist attractions. Bled was very pretty but I went to Bled Slovenia last summer and it was much prettier in the summer time. After Bled we headed back to Zagreb.

Croatia is beginning to feel like home. After both of these trips when we arrived back to Zagreb I was so happy just to be in a familiar place. A city where I know what bus and tram to take, a city where I can find my way around and see familiar street corners. Don’t get me wrong – I love traveling and seeing new things. But anyone who has ever traveled can tell you that it can get a little exhausting. Not only to be in a familiar place but to also speak my familiar language. My Croatian in coming along slowly but surely. Just last week both my best friend and my host mother said that it is getting much better. I was so excited to hear that.

Last week my cousin from Seattle Washington was visiting my aunt in Slovenia so she decided to take the train over for a visit. It was so great showing her my town. I gave her a tour of Zagreb then went back to my house where she met my host mother and saw the place I call home. After the visit to my house we went back out on the town and just drank coffee and talked like Croats do. It was beautiful.

I am still continuing to take Croatian classes twice a week with Greg and Gabbie, the two other foreign exchange students in Zagreb. School is school but everyday I am understanding more and more. Next Saturday is a rather big holiday here in Croatia. It is All Saints Day. My host father has explained to me that Saturday morning we will go to the cemetery as a family then we will come home and prepare a large meal which will consist of duck. And I think this meal symbolizes the beginning of a new year or something like that. My host father was trying to explain it to me. I didn’t catch everything. I will just have to wait and see. But I am looking forward to this Saturday.

Sincerely,

The Croat

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January 6 Journal

 All Saints day was definitely an experience here in Croatia. As a family, with an exception to my grandmother we all went to the cemetery.. We spent about three hours visiting graves of our deceased family members.. We visited about six different graves, and at everyone of them we would pay our respects by placing flowers and or candles and saying the Our Father.. It was my first time visiting the cemetery here in Croatia. Prior to All Saints day I had driven by the main entrance of this cemetery on a city bus and I drive by what I thought was another cemetery everyday on my way to school. Little did I know that these two cemeteries were really one huge cemetery. In those three hours we walked from one side of the cemetery to the other, and then back home. The main entrance of the cemetery was about two miles from the entrance closest to my house. The whole city of Zagreb was at that cemetery that day. Every grave had beautiful flowers and many candles, it was really amazing to see how big this holiday is here. After the time spent at the cemetery we walked back to the house where my host grandmother had prepared a beautiful lunch consisting of duck, muesli (which is a traditional Croatian food), a beet salad, as well as a green salad. This meal is very similar to our Thanksgiving meals. But of course they don’t have Thanksgiving here.

Shortly after that, December came and the cold weather came with it. I would have to say that this weather is way too cold for a Florida girl. The main square is decorated with Christmas lights, a Christmas tree and an Advent wreath. Throughout Advent my host mother would go to church every morning 6 o’clock. I joined her once just to see how it was. Once was enough for me. I was surprised, there was a very good turnout. Mostly little old ladies in their fur coats and hats. As Christmas came closer I was anticipating it more and more. I was waiting for the decorations and the new traditions that I was going to be a part of. It was about a week before Christmas and although we had been baking cookies practically the whole month of December there had been no Christmas decorations. So I finally asked my host father when we are planning on getting our Christmas tree. He said Christmas Eve. I thought to myself that is rather late but I will go with the flow. The 23rd of December came and I finally saw Christmas trees being sold around town. Two days before Christmas, can you believe it? Christmas Eve was finally here and my host father and brother went out to buy our Christmas tree, while my host mother and I finished cleaning the house. She explained to me that the house is supposed to be clean for Christmas because something having to do with the birth of the new baby. So I helped her clean, like the good host daughter that I am. We soon decorated the tree with lights and ornaments just like we do in Florida. Later that night we did the whole Christmas thing. We opened presents. Every member of the family got one present each. I suppose that if we had little ones in the house we would have probably waited until Christmas morning. But everyone knows that once everyone is grown some traditions are just lost. Christmas morning came along with the first snow fall of the season. It was great, I had just got done setting the table for our Christmas lunch when I looked out the window and saw it. I ran downstairs to my host mom yelling ˝pada snijeg, pada snijeg˝ which means ˝falling snow, falling snow.˝ She was so happy for me. This was not my first time seeing snow but it was just as memorable. We at our Christmas meal which was very similar to the meal that we had on All Saints Day.

At this point I was anticipating New Years! On New Years I went with my class and some of their friends from elementary school to a party where we ate baby pig. This is a Croatian tradition on New Years. New Years passed and Three Kings day came. This is the day where we finally say goodbye to Christmas. All of the Christmas decorations came down today. Three Kings Day is a holiday in Croatia so nobody works and no stores are open.

Tomorrow I am moving to my new host family. I have mixed emotions about my move. I have bonded with my current host family for the last 4 months and it will be hard to leave. I plan on continuing going to church with my host mother at our neighborhood church because my next host mother is not a practicing Catholic. I have been invited back to go to the house on the coast in the summer with them. I think it is safe to say that I have one Croatian family that loves me and that will be in my life and heart forever. And I can’t wait to make another relationship with my next host family. My next host family has never had a daughter before, so I am excited to be their first. I will also be an only child which will be a BIG change in my life. Honestly that is what I am the most scared of. I have two brothers back in Florida and yes they can be very annoying, but I have always loved the excitement around the house. I had the same sort of excitement with my first host family too. I guess this is just one of those perks of being able to live with other families. I get to find out what it will feel like being an only child.

School will start back on the 12th of this month. In the second semester I will do my best in being graded in Croatian school.

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April 23 Journal

 I am currently with my second host family. I have been with them for about 3 months now. In the beginning the living situation was a little weird.. For both my host parents and I. Of course, that was not clear through words yet through actions. Like many situations throughout this year. It was apparent that my host parents had never had a daughter before. But eventually my host parents got used to it. My new host family is practically in the same neighborhood as my old host family. It is in a great location, close to the city center. I am still attending the same school. I continue to keep in touch with my first host family. I see my first host mom just about every week at church. Out of all of my host parents/siblings I am closest to her.

Recently my host sister-in-law had a baby. So I am an aunt for the first time in my life. She is a beautiful little girl. The first girl in my family. We are all so happy.

School is going great. To celebrate Lent we had a carnival in school. It would be equivalent to our Halloween. Everyone dressed up and came to school. Following that we had a workshop week where the whole school split up into different workshops all involving money.. My workshop was a volunteering workshop. We went to a local stable where they do therapeutic riding for the handicapped. We helped out with the horses and the patients. At the end of this week the whole school got together and a representative from each workshop does a presentation on what they worked on in their workshop.

Recently I have been doing lots of traveling. I went to the annual Carnival in Venice to celebrate Lent. It was absolutely beautiful. I went with my best friend and my cousin that came to visit. I have been to Venice once before but this trip was different. There was a festive feeling in the air. There were countless beautiful costumes. And a sea of people over taking St. Mark’s Square. It was an awesome trip.

I took a weekend trip to Budapest, Hungary with other foreign exchange students that are also living in Croatia. I was planning on meeting up with a fellow Rotary Youth exchange student Drake, who is living in Budapest. But his mother was visiting him, so that didn’t happen. We visited both Buda and Pest. The river running through the city is a great touch. I would have to say that I like Buda better than Pest. But the view of the Parliament from Pest was stunning. We stayed in probably one of the best hostels I have ever been in. It was rather small but it had a homey feeling to it that made it all the more better. All in all it was a great trip.

Not only have I been traveling internationally but I have also been enjoying my own country. My Rotary Youth Exchange Chairman took some of the inbounds on a day trip and we visited one of the bigger towns in Croatia, called Osijek and we visited another town by the name of Vukovar. Osijek was a very nice city. It is one of the larger cities in Croatia, so my Rotary thought it was important for us kids to visit it. The lifestyle there is different than in Zagreb where I am living. Osijek is near the Eastern side of the country. That part of country is not known for the Adriatic Sea like the majority of the country yet it is known for their abundance of land. There are many farms in the Osijek area. Outside of Osijek, even closer to the border is Vukovar. The town is significant in Croatia’s history because this is the town that was invaded by Serbia approximately 18 years ago. Many Croatians lost family in this war and Vukovar is the town that was most destroyed and where the majority of Croatians were killed. My Rotary thought it was a good idea for us kids to visit this town because it has influenced both Croatians and Croatian history.

Rotary also took us inbounds on a trip to the well known Croatian coast. We went to one of the most popular towns on the Croatian coast named Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is located on the South Eastern tip of Croatia’s coast. We went on a weekend trip to Dubrovnik. It was in fact beautiful. The city is well known for their high city walls that surround the historic downtown of the old city. We toured the old city, and visited the old port and ate lunch at a delicious seafood restaurant right on the water. The following day we took the hour and a half walk along the city walls. The view from the top of those walls was easily one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. We were very fortunate because we had fabulous weather. The sun was shining the entire weekend.

Recently we had Spring Break here in Croatia. I spent the first part of my Spring Break here in Zagreb, spending time with my friends and family. The Easter celebrations were very similar to American celebrations. I woke up on Easter morning and headed off to church with my first host family. My current host family are not practicing Catholics unlike my first host family. So I went to church in my Sunday bests, wished my prior host family a Happy Easter or Sretan Uskrs like us Croatians say it. Then I headed home to continue celebrating Easter. I arrived home and shortly after, the guests started arriving. Some of our closest family and friends came to lunch at our house. Lunch on this day was not only lunch, it is a tradition in Croatia to not eat breakfast but to combine the breakfast and lunch. Like our brunches. So that is what we did. We had a Croatian Brunch to celebrate Easter. The food consisted of cold sliced assortments of meats, fresh veggies, boiled eggs and something similar to our potatoes salad. This salad was used at all celebrations such as Christmas and New Years. As brunch was coming to an end so did the Easter celebrations. As you may have noticed there were no Easter baskets. This may come as a shock to you, but it comes easier to the Croatians. As you may remember me telling you, at Christmas time each child was given one gift. This country is not caught up on the materialistic side of these religious holidays – rather they focus on spending time with the family. In my host family we did not dye eggs due to the fact that there are no little ones in my family. But yes that tradition does take place over here.

After Easter I hung around Zagreb for a few days then made my way to Ljubljana, Slovenia where I visited my aunt and cousins for a few days. As I was returning to Zagreb I got a call from my Rotary Youth Exchange Chairman and he explained to me that he wanted to take the inbounds in my city to the coast for a sailing trip that weekend. So that is exactly what I did. As soon as I arrived in Zagreb I talked to my host parents and began to unpack then repack my bags for sailing. We drove to a town by the name of Šibenik located on the coast. From there we spent the night on the boat and took off the next morning early. We had good weather. The sun was not shining the entire trip but the rain held off until the night. But we did have some awesome wind. So that made the trip great. It was my first time sailing and it was a great experience. My sailing trip ended my Croatian Spring Break on a great note.

Now school has started back up. In a little over a week I will be setting off for my Euro Tour. I am extremely excited for this. My itinerary is as followed: from Zagreb I will head to Linz, Austria with the foreign exchange students in Croatia. There we will meet up with all the foreign exchange students in Austria and some from Hungary. From Linz we will start the tour. Starting off with Prague Czech Rep., Bad Laer Germ., Amsterdam Netherlands, Bruges Belgium, Paris France for 3 days, Toulouse Spain, Barcelona, Montserrat Spain, back to Barcelona for 3 days, from Barcelona we will go to Avignon France, Monaco, Cavi Di Lavagna Italy, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Jesolo, Venice then we will end in Graz Austria. This trip will start on May 6th-22nd of May. I can’t wait for this trip to begin.

After the Euro Tour I do not have anything planned yet. I will finished out the school year then I will spend the summer in both Zagreb and on the coast. I will probably do a little more traveling, then make my way back to Florida. Until then I will keep you updated.

It is sad to see that my exchange is coming to an end. With the Euro Tour coming up, I will miss a month of my Croatian life. I will miss all my friends and family. Once the Euro Tour is over that will be when the last goodbyes will be said. I will make some of my last memories in Croatia, then head to Florida. No offense to you guys back home, but this goodbye is going to be much harder and much more sad then leaving Florida. The relationships and bonds that I have made here will stay with me for the rest of my life. I know it is far-fetched to believe that every person that I have met here will remain in my life … even for half of them, it is still far-fetched … but they will all remain in my memories of my exchange year in Croatia.

Jenny’s Bio

“Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world.

Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before.

Let your soul take you where you long to be…

Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar,

and you’ll live as you’ve never lived before.”

-Phantom of the Opera

Hello! I am Jennifer Panitch from sunny Sarasota, Florida. I was born in a small town outside of Chicago, Illinois, Buffalo Grove, where there were inordinate amounts of snow each winter and excruciating heat in the summer. Florida was quite the change, and what a nice one indeed. I suppose I should unpack my old winter clothes to prepare for my journey to Finland’s frigidness.

I live with my mom and dad and our neurotic dog named Winnie. We are very close, the Three Musketeers. I am an only child, unless you count the neighbors, Dan and Jon, and all of the friends that come in and out of our house each day calling my parents “Momma P” and “Captain P”. We should really have a revolving door. Almost every night Dan and Jon, show up at our house at dinnertime no matter what time dinner is being put out. It’s their sixth sense. I guess you could say that my family is somewhat friendly. J

I attend Sarasota Military Academy for high school. It is anything but normal. Currently I am a 16-year-old senior with good grades and a knack for getting myself involved in way too much all at once. Usually I am in over my head in homework, color guards, drill meets, my horse, reading a different book each week, volunteering for American Cancer Society, Interact Club, working as a hostess at a local restaurant, being a teenager, and eating (a lot).

I typically am extremely bubbly and hyper. I am easily amused; it’s the simple things in life! I am always eager to add something else to my plate and Rotary Youth Exchange seems like the perfect main course. This journey I will be embarking on will be one the most challenging experiences of my life, but unquestionably the most worthwhile.

July 29 Journal

With a heavy heart and an open mind I patiently watch the world around me crumble and take new shape into a creature I could never have imagined. Each day my eyes well up with tears. In those tiny droplets I feel excitement, pain, fear, joy, apprehension, bliss…

It’s Tuesday night… Tuesday the 29th. I leave on Saturday (my best friend leaves for Sweden tomorrow {it scares the begeebies out of me}). We have been awaiting this time for months, months that seem like days, days that seemed to flicker by in an instant. Am I ready? There is no good answer to that seeing as I doubt anyone can truly prepare themselves utterly and completely for a journey such as this.

Aside from my indecision over my preparedness and packing abilities, I am doing fairly well. Although yesterday when I received my e-ticket receipt I almost had a nervous breakdown. I know deep in my heart that I will do great. I know that each one of us will succeed in our challenges, but my psyche is fragile at the moment. My conscience hasn’t yet decided whether or not it’s ready. It’s an unexplainable phenomenon, this mixture of feelings. I didn’t know this single emotion I feel was possible, an omnibus of feelings and thoughts all wrapped in one compact present just for me (yippee!).

I know, I know… a slightly dismal blog. But! It’s an interesting time with interesting thoughts. My brain seems to be filled with whale blubber making this week feel completely out of focus and mushy. I desperately wish there were better words to explain it.

Till next time good people… J

Wish me luck on getting all of that stuff… into those suitcases… =/. Meh.

August 9 Journal

Hyy hyy Hyttylassa hyttyslapset laula. YY jyy jypy typy tyy, jylly rylly ryllyy yy jyy jypy typy tyy, jylly rylly ryy.

That would be one stanza from my officially new favorite song entitled Vokaalilalu. It repeats that eight times using every vowel.. or as the Finns say.. wowel. It’s way fun. J

Being one of a methodical mind, I will start at the beginning of the beginning….

Driving from Sarasota, Florida to Tampa takes approximately an hour. During that time I stared out my window at the last of the palm trees I would see again for a year. I also observed a fly buzzing around in the vehicle and named him Leonard.

Once I arrived at the airport, bags in tow, with trustee parents navigating the oversized luggage through the parking garage I felt absolutely nothing other than one repetitive thought… “Can I leave already, golly!” Yes, I say golly. I quickly reached the check-in desk and proceeded to do just that. Well! You know how when you have to check your luggage you place them on the little scale thingymabobber and push some thingys on the totally modern touch screen check-in and you’re on you way? Sounds simple right? Hahahahahahaha. Lucky for me, my lovely (ihana) father decided that, at the precise time I needed dire assistance in maneuvering my bags onto the scale, I was a free bird and could do it on my own.. an independent woman. PFFFTTTTT! That’s what I call ridiculous (I love you Daddy). I managed alright I suppose.

During this whole process, I found Cindy from Orlando who also happened to be accompanying me to Finland, and Danny who was off to Denmark. It was such a relief, especially since Katie (going to Poland) came with Danny to see him off! It was just super seeing her too! A real party. We all parted ways and went off with our families to eat the last supper.. or in our case…. lunch. Oddly enough, we all ended up at the SAME RESTAURANT. Go figure.. out of the… hold on, let me count… one, two, three….. okay.. one restaurant.. we all chose to eat! At lunchtime nonetheless. Okay okay okay.. I’m sure you don’t want to hear all about the food we ate.. or didn’t eat and the portion sizes compared to price and the actual value..

So I’ll jump to… DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!……. The goodbyessss. Now picture this.. three families.. three exchange students.. standing in a semi-crowded airport hugging and hugging and posing for pictures and more hugging and hugging. It was not nearly as difficult as we all had thought… although I’m still not completely sure if my dad had to peel Mommy off the floor once the tram doors closed… or maybe it was the other way around.. Hmmm!?

We managed security and proceeded to strut soopuhfabulously though the terminal to our awaiting gate. All of just happened to be seated… okay try and guess… NOT next to each other.. not near each other at all in fact. very disappointing. We attempted to switch some seats around, but a grumpy flight attendant man was being.. well…. grumpy… I felt like pinching his cheeks and calling him a grumpy gills… then I had the urge to put on my Puss N’ Boots eyes and attempt to sway his mood by make him feel really bad for upsetting a poor little girl traveling across the world. I did neither though, and ended up sitting next to Hannah, a seven year old from Indiana. Her step-mom was towards the back, her dad towards the front… and her sisters all over and about the aircraft. Hannah and I had a great time drawing and playing Find-It (it’s like a modern Ispy game).. We shared Twizzlers and a can of Pepsi, drank our Pepsi with Twizzler straws and talked. I know everything about her and her family and how she doesn’t remember her oldest sister’s middle name, but her middle name is Marie and they missed their flight so that’s why they’re on this plane and how she would very much like me to join her on her next flight to Indiana… when I told her I couldn’t she told me she liked my watch and asked if she could keep it.. I said no, Silly… she said kayy and we continued on. She was very definitely the most wonderful plane buddy I’ve ever had.

Once the hairpane, as I like to call it, hit ground in Detroit… not as gently as I would have liked, but safely, Danny and Cindy and I reunited and proceeded to run/leap/skip down the moving walkways together.. the most fun we could have asked for from floors moving at less that 2 MPH. In Detroit we found nearly twenty other exchange students from all over the United States. We explored a bit, made some friends… mingled. By the way, if you ever get the chance to spend a few hours in the Detroit airport search for the Hall of Many Lights and the red Traintrain. Both are a bundle of fun. The train goes approximately 3000 MPH though the airport… yes, it’s true, and the Hall of Many Lights is like taking very illegal drugs, but legally… and it’s perfectly safe. J. The only downside to Detroit, is that they failed me in the one thing I desire most in this world.. Diet Coke. Yes Folks, I’m addicted. AND! The best part is, that there isn’t Diet Coke in Europe.. It’s Cocacolai’mgrossinabottle Light. So all I wanted was one Diet Coke, a last farewell. NOPE! McDonalds soda fountain just happened to be out of order. Mhmm! I’m still angry.

The flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was long. And it was long. And, uhh, it was long. Guess how long I slept for on this glorious eight hour flight. Ten minutes. Yep! It’s okay though, they served real chicken. I enjoy chicken.

In the Amsterdam airport, we encountered many strange things. The first of which was getting my first stamp in my passport! I was excited.. and kind of scary. I couldn’t see over the counter and had to resort to the one-footed tip-toe method… it gives you at least another two or three inches. We hungry exchange students needed some lunch, so what’s better than Sbarro pizza!!! Heck yes they have Sbarro in Amsterdam. Not just any Sbarro though.. the man working there was a forty something year old nut from somewhere else in Europe… he spoke 500 languages and had four gold teeth. He talked to everyone… a lot…. a lot a lot. When we were up, I ordered and he asked me “Where from?” I said Florida excitedly with my usually smile on my face… he replies.. “NO! You look Russian.. you are from Russia, no?” I proceeded to giggle off his gibberish that slightly resembled English.. sorta.. and then he started getting very excited about pizza and began to shout at me happily in Hungarian. It was definitely an experience.

Once we located the gate to Helsinki, which happened to be down a secret escalator and though an unattended metal detector that beeped every time someone walked though it, everything was a blur. I began to get nervous and anxious, although it was most likely sleep deprivation and mind-tricks.

I slept a tad on the flight and took the cute (söpö) utensils given to us to eat our food with. I didn’t eat the food though. I couldn’t eat a thing.

I met a nice man on the plane though who happened to live in Miami, he moved there from Finland almost ten years ago. He helped me with my luggage in those hard to reach overhead bins and led me and some other exchange students to the baggage claim, explaining signs and things along the way.

Baggage claim was a mess. Literally. There were the boys by the belt throwing the luggage people pointed out was theirs, mostly girls with overstuffed suitcases… like me. Bags were EVERYWHERE. There was no possible way to move through the area we were in. On our flight there had been us, and a lacrosse team, and some other poor souls who were stuck with us. We all picked up little luggage carts and proceeded though those silver doors leading us to freedom, the first fresh air we had been in in hours. We were outside for about 3 minutes, walking to the bus and then loading our bags. We sat on a stationary charter bus for an hour and a half, and then drove for another two and a half hours. Golly it was long. I finally got some sleep though which was desperately needed. By then it was late and we were awed by the fact that the sun was still up at 10pm. When we arrived at our camp we piled off the bus and mulled into the lobby, hoping one of our Finnish tutors would help us with our bags. They gave us good hot coffee and bread and cucumber… there is cucumber with every meal, and showed us to our rooms. Finally I could shower… I smelled awful. Blech.

Language camp went by so fast! My teacher stunk… I learned only a little bit, but it helped I suppose. My tutor, Perttu, was excellent. He is 16 and lives in Helsinki. He is officially one of my top 5 favorite Finns. He was so funny and so helpful and made class a lot more enjoyable. I made tons of wonderful friends… my besties coming from Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, Canada, and Belgium! I also had a boy from Mexico, Juan, fall in love with me. Every time he saw me he gave me a hug and told me how cute I was and how I will always be his favorite American. J.

At camp we did sauna for the first time. It was great! Afterwards we jumped into the freezing lake, not what I’d call excellent. I know the question on all of your minds…. did you do it like the Finns? Not at first… but by the third time there were 7 of us girls who decided to bare all, literally, and go nude. It was wonderful. You should try it next time you’re at the local YMCA. J.

The week blew by and before we know it our makeshift family of exchange students slowly disintegrated as our new families came to pick us up. The nerves surging though the room at closing ceremonies was electric. You could feel everyone’s pulse, host parents and exchange students alike. It was a feeling I never could explain, seeing my new family waving a sign with my name on it. I hugged them all and was immediately filled with warmth.

The car ride home was a long four hours, I slept most of the way. By the time we arrived at my beautiful new home, I was overwhelmed with a new set of obscure emotions that I had never felt before and still can’t describe. Today I cried for the first time. I didn’t cry when I left… I didn’t cry on the plane… I didn’t cry at camp. But I sat in my new room and sobbed as I unpacked my belongings. It was sadness and happiness and everything combined. I found a note my dad had buried amongst my things and read it. It was short and sweet, and just at that moment my host mom Anne came in. My eyes welled up and and there were the waterworks, something I didn’t want her to see. She knows what I feel, her son Joonas left today for Florida, and she asked what I was holding. I simply said, “Daddy left me a note.” She hugged me and sat with me for a bit until I regained composure. I realized at that moment in time that no matter how far away I am, and what family I may be living with, Daddy will always be my Daddy, and that the family I have back in Florida is the most valuable thing on this planet, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They support me through this and without them, I don’t know if I would make it out alive. I miss my family more than anything, but I know that they are there and always will be. I know I will be fine, but still I sit here for the first time on my new bed and wonder what will become of me this year. How will I grow, how will I adapt, and how will I keep that smile on my face when I can’t think of a reason to be happy? I know that every second I spend here is the luckiest of my life, no matter how down I feel. I know that out of this experience a new woman will blossom, emerging the true person I am meant to be. Wish me luck, world. I’m here and I’m not exactly sure if I’m ready. I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

Cheers, to my first night at home. Terve Kuopio. On kaunis.

August 17 Journal

And now for my next installment….. =].

I have keen observatory skills… a knack for noticing and thinking deeply about what would normally be considered arbitrary and overlooked (unfortunately)… not even considered. Having this awesome ability I have been recording these observations. In Florida they were very nice, but now they have grown and since all I do at the moment is observe, for learning purposes, I find the most peculiar of things. For example.. I plugged my flash drive thingy into the USB port on the lappy and noticed that although it looks solid white.. it has a light on the inside that flashes!!! It’s quite intriguing if you ask me. Observe as you read. Mostly all my journal is observation. You should try it more often.

I’ll begin with explaining my school’s scheduling…

There are six class periods in a day… but each day is different… You can take a maximum of 8 classes and will essentially have each class 3 times a week. I however, am taking a total of 5 classes.. but only have three a day… I’m taking English 4, English 8, Philosophy, Art, and Math. On Maanantai, figure it out yourself… it’s a day of the week, I take classes 3, 4, and 5.. starting at 9:40am and ending at 2:20pm. On Tiistai I have classes 6, 3, and 2… beginning at 11:05 and ending at 3:50. On Keskiviikko, I’ll give you this one… it’s Wednesday, I have classes 4, 5, and 6…. beginning at 9:40 and ending at 2:20. On Torstai I have 6, 3, and 2 once again… starting at 11:05 and ending at 3:50. Finally on Perjantai, duhh, it’s the only day of the week left, I have classes 2, 4, and 5… beginning at 9:40 and ending at 2:20. Confusing huh? Yeah.. I only have classes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. It’s nice. Once I memorize the schedule I have to switch too! Schedules are changed every two months!!!!

Not only is the schedule ridiculous, but the rules! Hah! What rules?! You can use you phone whenever you want, except during lessons… For example, the other day I was waiting for class to start.. sitting there in my seat minding my own business and there’s a girl in her seat chatting away on the phone! Crazy. They don’t have to worry about PDA either because Finns are not affectionate =[. The most affection I’ve seen between a boy and girl is a kiss on the cheek and a half hug. OOOOOO WEEEE! Hahahaha.

In my first class on Tiistai, which happens to be English 8.. we were reading a passage about the Six Degrees of Separation. It basically explains that everyone is connected to anyone through merely 6 friends. You could be the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend to… let’ say… Heath’s mom Janet. It’s true. One specific excerpt caught my eye. You all must know who Kevin Bacon is, right? Well in this book it explains Kevin Bacon as a relatively unknown actor… but he’s miraculously connected to Irina Björklund though the six degrees of separation. Thank God because if he wasn’t somehow connected to her, he’d practically be a nobody! Yes folks, that my sarcasm for you… Everyone knows Kevin Bacon.. He’s the man!

Onward… Finnish boys are attractive sure.. I mean.. blonde hair, arctic blue eyes, a sultry swagger… but! They seriously need some help in the fashion department. Starting at the top.. shirt, fine, pants, fine, shoes… okay pause right there.. no no no no no.. it does not go directly from pants to shoes like it should. For some reason unbeknownst to me… they tuck the bottoms of their pants into their socks. Why!? Why would you do that? There is no explanation that I can muster up. Also they are super shy… possibly because they realize that no girl would want to be associated with a guy who tucks his pants into his socks. Hmmmm. Notice the picture of some of the boys making fun of my hatred of pant tucking.

It’s also funny to see how segregated everything typically is. In all of my classes girls sat with girls and boys with boys.. in only one class there was a girl and guy sitting together. It was so weird… at least for Finland.

Today is my two week anniversary of being in Finland and gosh, it does not seem like that at all. I feel like I have been here for AGES! I suppose I am slightly specific in my rehashing of experiences, so I’ll give a brief overview of the things you all want to know about, but I’m tired of answering…. =].

The food is good. The people are nice. I’m making friends (miraculously). Shopping is good. Exchange rate is bad. Yes, the Finns want to know about American politics and the economy. They all think Hillary Clinton is still in the race for presidency. The teenagers listen to American music, the same stuff we listen to back home. They have indoor plumbing. There’s cable TV. Precipitation here feels the same. The dirt tastes the same too. Porridge is icky… made with rice, milk, and gross all mixed together for a disgusting combination.

About my home…

My family has a garden, they grow 965 types of berries, along with potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and as my host dad calls it, salad (lettuce). The house is beautiful, see attached photos. My room is nice, cozy, warm. I live in Rytky (pronounced rrrrrrrrr-oooot-kuhooo)… it’s a small village, about 30 kilometers outside of the city. My friends here find it extremely inconvenient, as do I. They laugh when I tell people where I live. My host dad has a bee farm in the backyard, yes folks, a bee farm. He makes his own honey. Even the Finns here think it’s strange.

Yesterday on the radio I heard the song Penny Lane by the Beatles… in Finnish. It was quite possibly the funniest thing I had ever heard.

As I said, I have made friends. Which is quite the relief…. Finns are thuper shy. I even had a jam packed weekend FULL OF PLANS!!!!

Ready for more details???

Mmmk.

Perjantai (if you don’t remember what day this is… look it up.): I only had one class, English. I sat with my friend Salla, she’s really nice. She was an exchange student in Mexico last year. The rest of the day was set aside for first years to have an “initiation” of sorts…. they play silly games and the administration makes them do weird things haha. Salla and I got coffee. It was lovely, she’s so nice to talk to. It’s really helpful having a friend who was an exchange student.. so she knows how I feel. After coffee I got to meet up with Mona (she was an exchange student in Jacksonville last year)!!!!! It was sooo good seeing her again! We got ice cream and talked and hugged!!!! After that I met up with my other friend Anna and we went to a birthday party which was REALLY FUN! It was at the top of a building in the main square… we had to walk up 10 flights of stairs in high heels (we didn’t realize that there was an elevator). Salla met us there later that night. I made so many new friends, it was quite the relief.

Lauantai (Saturday): Saturday was busy as well. Spent the day with Janne, another friend, and met his friends. I‘m meeting so many new people. It was busy and I don’t feel like typing every inch of it, I’m sure you don’t want to read every inch of it either.

As of now I am teaching myself to ride a public bus… to be on time for the bus.. to walk a lot…. to not talk all the time… and I suppose I’ll attempt to learn Finnish too. =].

I have been reading quite a lot lately in school… because the lessons are in Finnish… fast Finnish. And I have found quite a few quotes that I love… and one that suits this experience perfectly…

“… I learned that loss was life. Tears were inexperience. The shock was gradually absorbed, all emotional bodies eventually regained their proper orbit.”

August 27 Journal
A smooth river glistening as it gently cascades down the contours of her face; her nasal cavity, alive with mucus and boogies, dying for their chance at ultimate freedom, only to have their dreams crushed by the plush of a Kleenex tissue (or sleeve). A cough laden with phlegm. A head ache that causes her brain to ooze out of the ears. A common side effect…. Inconceivable sleep deprivation.
The Finnish Flu.

Yes, I am home sick today… Working diligently on a little over 4 hours of sleep. J.

Aside from the fact that I am perpetually spinning into the icky green abyss of flu-dom, Finland knows how to treat a girl right. Not only do I have a solid group of friends, but an active social life, and a warm and loving extended family (consisting of nearly 20 members).

This past week has been remarkably good. The day to day seems to become more normal.. or as normal as it can be, I suppose.

I’m getting exceptionally good at riding the bus. Public transportation has never been my forte, but if I do say so myself, Kuopio’s bus system in the outer realms of the city is simply spectacular. Nice charter buses, clean and smell nice. The bus drivers are kind of scary, but I smile my thousand watt-er and watch them melt. J. I have a cool bus card too.. so I can ride WHENEVER I WANT! Heck yes! The first week I missed the bus two mornings in a row and was terribly embarrassed, but now with my knowledge and expertise, I no longer miss the bus. Also, I had to take the bus home one day, which means that I had to find the bus station… all by myself…. I was scared.. but for some odd reason, my memory did not fail me, and I made it with time to spare… I bought myself a soda. I also haven’t been getting lost on the 2 kilometer walk from school to the downtown Centrum.

This past weekend I was busy busy busy. On Friday night we had a fiesta at my friend Noora’s house. It was supposed to be a girls’ night with dancing and tacos and stuff… but it ended up being a girls’ night… playing cards and eating pizza. Hahah. We did dance a little bit… to the Follow the Leader song. Look it up on youtube and dance with it. It was quite possibly the most fun I’ve had this whole time I’ve been here. My favorite move would have to be the ‘jump and wave’. J.

Saturday was the most intense day everrrrrrr. All of my host families came over for the evening. And whew, let me tell you… it was kind of weird. When everyone first arrived it was the most awkward. My third host family is close with the family I’m with now, so the boys knew each other already, but my second family is new for everyone, so we all sat around the giant couch and didn’t talk. Not a word was said for at least ten minutes. Soon enough though the boys went off to play darts and I spoke with my other ‘parents’ about how I’m doing, if I’m making friends, school, ya know, the usual. It seemed like it took ages for dinner to be ready. I was starving and thought that maybe it would open everyone up a bit sitting together. Dinner went well and the food was delicious, everyone began chatting and I finally had a conversation, a short one, but a conversation nonetheless, with my oldest host brother, Jani, and his girlfriend. They are both very shy, especially when it comes to speaking English, or nowadays, Finglish.

After dinner we played a modified game of Hide-and-Seek. Everyone played, even the adults. It was a lot more fun than I had expected it would be. We played for over an hour. All of my host parents went for sauna, and I played poker with my host brothers and sisters. It was a blast! I kicked their Finnish butts in Texas Hold ‘Em!!!!

Sunday was rather enjoyable as well. My family and I went to a party at another exchange student’s house, Riley from Michigan. We had a really fun time – as it turns out, one of my friends from school is his third host family! AND my little brother, Jere’s, ex-girlfriend’s family is his second host family! Ironic, huh?

Nature is appreciated so much here. I picked berries for the first time!! It was actually quite enjoyable. Very relaxing. Everyone should try it one day. =]. We picked berries as a family, all four of us. My host father is always in the forest picking berries or catching crabs or something… well… the other night he came home with a box FILLED with these weird mushrooms that looked kind of like flowers almost… Some were orange and the others were black. He pointed at the orange ones and said ‘These are good.’ Pointed at the black ones, ‘These might be good… I don’t know if they are poisonous or not though…’ *smiles. Then he puts the box in my face and says ‘Want to TRY?!’ Hahahah. Later that night he was cooking up the black ones with some onions and told me to try some…. We took before and after pictures.

Okay okay okay. For any of you who really know me well.. you’ll appreciate this.

Many years ago, back when I was at the Academy J, one of my professors asked some very important questions. One being… If you were being chased by a flock of angry penguins, what would you do? The response had to do with a giant salmon suit (they have good salmon here). The next question was the most important of all… If you had to get a saddle on a moose, how would you do it? This answer involved sky-diving and super glue. This erupted my fascination with this mysteriously striking mammal. So obviously, the one food I have been wary about trying here is moose. How anyone could slaughter such a majestic creature with their big nose and antlers, loving brown eyes, soft pelt, perfect teeth…. and turn every ounce of its insides into food is beyond me. I told myself I would try it when the time comes… I knew it would take some courage. Well, yesterday I was talking to my friend Janne about the food I’ve tried here. He asked about moose and elk and such.. I said no, not yet… he also knows my feelings about these beloved animals. He chuckled a bit to himself and said…. ‘Actually… you have.’ As it turns out, the night he was over for dinner (last week!!), we had spaghetti and meatballs… not just any meat balls though… MOOSE BALLS. My host mom told him what they were and not to tell me what it was because she wanted me to eat and thought I wouldn’t eat it if I knew what it was. Mhmm! Okay, you have permission to laugh now.

Yes, they were delicious. Heath, you win.

At this stage in the game I’d say the emotions are still very odd. I still think I am absolutely insane for going on exchange. I think all of us exchange students are positively nuts, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It interesting how the vacation has definitely ended, but the shock of being surrounded by an unfamiliar world has too. Of course I get exceptionally nervous when attempting to communicate with strangers in public, or have to navigate on my own… but in another sense, this world that is so new and strange to me is becoming more and more normal. Not understanding people talking on the street, and having to tell the clerk at a store that I have no idea what the heck she’s talking about and listening to my girlfriends go on and on and on about something in Finnish, it turns out they’re usually talking about flatulence and boys. J. All this is becoming so common that it doesn’t really faze me anymore. I suppose I’ve reached the next stage on that goofy little rollercoaster chart, this one is a little easier to explain than the past few.

I still <3 Moose.
SAVE THE MOOSE.

September 3 Journal

The only logical way to begin these journals now seems to be with a ‘Dear Therapist.’
So…

Dear Therapist,

Is it natural for it to be 5˚ Celsius by the end of August? Is it normal for wind whispering through the grain fields to make a girl smile? How many pieces of bread and butter is too much? Is it necessary to shave your legs, if your bottom attire consists only of long pants? Is skin that was once tan and now a ghostly shade of white able to ever tan again? Is a constant caffeine high bad, even if it’s because all your family drinks is coffee?

I need answers people.

I’d also like to know if confusing the common phrase ‘Are you’ with the phrase ‘Do you want’ is a huge problem… ‘Are you’ in Finnish, is ‘oletko’ and ‘Do you want’ is ‘otatko.’ I honestly don’t see the problem in asking my friends ‘Oletko leipää?’ (Are you bread?).. Rather than the ever popular ‘Otatko leipää?’ (Do you want bread?). They sound SO SIMILAR! Silly Finnish.

Language is a very funny thing. Not only do I get laughed at and mocked constantly for my bad Finnish… but my friends say funny things too. J. I’ll let you in on a few of these hilarious blunders…

-My friend has a ‘slap phone’ …. which is really a flip phone.
-His horoscope happens to be ‘bison’ …. He’s a Taurus.
-It was late the other night… the ‘klock was much’ … yes the klock.
-And my favorite… I remind people of the ‘Duracell Rabbit’ …

The Duracell Rabbit led to my new nickname… Pupu.. Yes it’s pronounced Poo Poo… But it means cute bunny. I don’t think it’s fitting. Besides being called Pupu, Yenny, Yessica, Jankki (yankee), and having a robot vacuum cleaner named after me… I’m called ‘Gringo.’ One of my best friends here was a foreign exchange student in Mexico last year… and he insists on calling me Gringo. J. At least he doesn’t shout ‘Americano’ across the school.

One of the most awkward things I’ve done thus far would have to be….. dinner the other night… My host brother was out, so it was just the folks and me… and well…. My host dad was very interested in learning all of the English curse words. J. I didn’t want to teach him them, but he was so interested in learning. My host mom said she knew some and proceeded to say ‘F-ing idiot’ … but she actually dropped the F-bomb. It was great. So now he knows how to say insert your favorite curse word here. You name it.. he knows it. J. You’re welcome, Al, for spreading the joy of the English language from sea to shining sea.

In English class we were assigned to write an essay… In English. Well, needless to say, I’m pretty sure I did well… especially after my friends in class asked me to edit theirs and I saw the level of writing. It’s fun to read because it sounds like fourth graders writing about high school or college level topics. I have become the resident editor, which I don’t mind in the least. I have to say, though, English class is pretty nerve wracking. We do these listening comprehension tests… and typically I get all the answers right, as I should… but there have been a few times where I’ve missed one or two. You have no idea what a low blow that is… getting questions wrong on a basic elementary English exam.

Last Saturday, I had plans of course… pffttttt… super popular girl right here. HAH! But anyways… I had plans to go watch my friends’ soccer game. From what I gathered, his division or whatever it is, is pretty advanced.. and he’s the captain. J. I was excited to go and watch… despite the fact that it was under 5˚ Celsius and precipitating. I don’t even know what to call this type of precipitation.. it’s like… rain.. but mist… but freezing cold.. and wet…. and…. Lets just say, Florida beach bums are not cut out for this type of weather… This game also happened to be outside.. with about ten spectators… 5 of which were affiliated with the team… The opposing team’s uniforms looked like ‘Where’s Waldo,’ so that was rather amusing. Janne, my friend, asked me to take some super sweet pictures since I have amazing photography skills… I managed to capture one of the guys on the other team giving him what looks like a hug from behind.. him pointing at the sky while the guy he’s standing next to has his hand down his shorts… and a few pictures of people right after something exciting happened.

That same day, since they won, I cooked dinner and was laughed at for where I placed the forks and knives. There was also a little miscommunication with my host family and I ended up having to take a taxi home!! The driver didn’t speak any English so when I told him to turn left and he pointed right, I knew I was in trouble. I did make it back home though, my nice cozy bed awaiting my freezing cold, pissed off self.

I had a nice conversation with my host dad the other day… about US Economics. I hate to say it, Col. Brockman, but none of what I learned in your class helped me explain the price of homes in the US and what the taxes there are like to a man who doesn’t always understand English. J. I managed though. You all, every single one of you, should be proud.

You know what the best feeling in the entire world is? Well, you might have your own idea, but you’re wrong, and I’m going to tell you what is. Imagine yourself walking around a town you’ve lived in for a little over three weeks…. not speaking the language… still not completely comfortable.. certainly not home… and you walk into McDonalds, ready to treat yourself to the first French fries you’ve had since you left… mind you, you’re still alone… and hearing from across the room ‘GRINGO! AMERICANO!’ And seeing people you know, friends… just running into them out of the blue. It’s exciting enough running into people back home, but here… it literally is the best and most comforting feeling in the world.

Aside from finally feeling settled, things are going well….

My friend Sampsa tried to teach me some Swedish… I translated the passage… To me, it said ‘The tourist in the Armani suit was doing somersaults with a bucket at the cracker stand.’ I think I was close.. but not close enough. So instead of proceeding on, his friend showed me an embarrassing video of him dancing like a maniac last weekend. J.

I bought some yarn the other day. I recommend taking up knitting…. even you Al. BUT! While I was knitting on the couch, my host dad brought out his hunting rifle to show me.. he’s going to teach me how to shoot soon!!! I thought it was a funny change of topics… knitting to guns. He told me he usually hunts moose….. =/ Anne was behind me making the hand motion across her throat as if to tell him to stop talking about it… she knows how I feel about those moose… and he immediately said that he wasn’t hunting this year, he doesn’t think. J. Slowly but surely… one moose at a time… that’s all it takes… You’re welcome Moose Society…. I love you.

My tutor, Perttu, from language camp lives about six hours away in Helsinki. He was visiting Kuopio, his brother moved here. We met for coffee and had the loveliest talk ever. We must have talked for about two hours. Well, I’ll make this short story long.. At language camp, one of my friends had brought Poptarts with him… and we made Perttu try them. He fell in love with them upon first bite, obviously. AND! He just happened to find one branch of stores in all of Finland that carries Poptarts. We have that store in Kuopio, but they didn’t have the Poptarts.. so when he goes back to the store in Espoo (I think)… I’ll be getting a package filled with delish. I know! You guys are really excited for me.

I think if you have some time and money, you should send me random packages…. another exchange student, Trey from Illinois, is about four hours away from me, but we were talking on the phone last night and he received a package from his father a few days ago. His dad sent him two dozen ears of corn. TWO DOZEN! No note, just corn. His host family thinks he’s nuts. His dad cared SO MUCH about this corn that he paid nearly triple and it got here in two days. It took less time for the corn to get here than for Trey to get here. Any random item will do. I’ll create a list.

If you can’t send a box… email me recipes!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR JENNNYYYYYYYYY!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!!

Yes my darlings, I’ve been here one whole entire month. Crazy I know. So to celebrate… I made pie!!!

Not really.. I wish I made some pie though….

Mmmmm pieeeeee.

September 11 Journal

Tiedä, mitä syöt.
Know what you eat.

The first complete Finnish sentence I’ve read all by myself. It was on the box of Rice Crispies. I was alone… my only witness a cup of coffee and piece of bread… both of which were consumed shortly after the reading. Be proud.

I’d like to take this time to thank Al Kalter for making me the northernmost Florida Rotary Youth Exchange Student. I hold this title with honor and distinction… even though it was 4˚ this morning as I walked to the bus stop… It’s early September and I’m walking around with a thick jacket, gloves, a cute cap, a scarf…. My gosh… I should be wearing shorts and flip-flops.

I am also proud to inform you all that due to the fact that I walk EVERYWHERE… at least 10 kilometers a day… I have calves the size of Jon Ott’s biceps, hammies tighter than my pants on an elephant, permanent leg and foot cramps, and buns of steel… literally. I was walking.. and my butt muscles were sore! I didn’t know it was possible… so I flexed my leg… and sure enough.. my butt muscle is like WHABAYUM. I guess it’s good that I am walking so much because I’m also eating a TON of bread. A ton. And drinking too much coffee and eating too many Digestive cookie things… (no they aren’t for those lacking fiber, they don’t cause constipation, or induce a case of the runs). They’re just delicious.

I made cornbread the other day.

*Finnish Idol is on television right now, it’s worse than American Idol… and that’s saying something.*

There really isn’t much new that’s going on… same old same old..

BUT! Due to the fact that I was doing absolutely NOTHING in my high school here (wow, sounds familiar), I investigated and signed up for some classes at a small business school here taking some college courses. They are taught in English, so I can actually learn a bit, which is super great. I know what you’re thinking though… yes I ALWAYS know… why the heck would you take courses that would only make you think in English even MORE?! Well… the answer is simple…. You’re asking the wrong question first…. I was always taught to get the full story before you jump to conclusions, weren’t you taught that too? WELL! I’m taking a Finnish language course obviously… anddddd…. a course called Intercultural Communication. Basically, Intercultural Communication is Al Kalter’s Cultural Boot Camp (that sounds kind of like an aerobics VHS…. You too can have a six pack of cultural steel in just 60 minutes!!) on steroids. The objective of the class is to increase intercultural awareness and the understanding of cultural influences. The class is primarily made up of exchange students coming here for a year abroad from college. I am the only student under the age of 19 and the only student from outside Europe and Asia. We will focus on the following: concept of culture, intercultural learning, communication and culture, perception, values, stereotyping, culture shock, and time orientation. What is REALLY interesting though, is that there is no final exam, just a semester long project. That project is to keep a journal (yes, like this) and elaborate on our experiences while including references from suggested reading and lectures. J. I can honestly say I’m stoked to write this. I already started… no I am not copying and pasting my Al Kalter journals into a Word document and printing it. I wish I could, but I figured that they needed to be a little more sophisticated and not have vocabulary like ‘thingymabobber’ and my excessive usage of …’s.

It’s due December 18th, and I already have 5 and a half pages.

Today one of the books I ordered came, ‘When Cultures Collide.’ I’ve already begun to read it and found some amazing things! I think Al should let me lecture at the next Cultural Boot Camp… I have some great material…

Here are some of my favorite parts of this book so far…

‘For a German and a Finn, the truth is the truth. In Japan and Britain it is all right if it doesn’t rock the boat. In China there is no absolute truth. In Italy it is negotiable.’

‘Comparisons of national cultures often begin by highlighting differences in social behavior. Japanese do not like shaking hands, bow when greeting each other and do not blow their nose in public. Brazilians form unruly bus queues, prefer brown shoes to black and arrive two hours late at cocktail parties. Greeks stare you in the eye, nod their head when they mean ‘no’, and occasionally smash plates against walls in restaurants. French people wipe their plate clean with a piece of bread, throw pastry into their coffee and offer handshakes to strangers in bistros. Brits tip their soup plate away from them, eat peas with their fork upside down and play golf in the rain.’

-Richard D. Lewis, When Culture’s Collide

I actually put a bracket around that passage in my book and wrote ‘Al would like this’ beside it. J.

I’m such a dork. I’m learning a ton of interesting things in this book and want to share them all…but I’ll spare you and not. I’ll enjoy them all by myself.

This past weekend I met a guy from Pennsylvania and another guy from New Jersey…. they’re here playing hockey. To be completely honest, yes it was a relief being able to speak English like I normally would… BUT! They were kind of annoying… American guys are not nearly as enjoyable to be around as Finnish guys. I thought I missed the forwardness of Americans, once I was around it, I gravitated towards my Finnish friends that were also there… instead of Steve from Pennsylvania who was clinging to me everywhere I went and attempted to grope me when no one was looking… how rude. The Finns are SO much more respectful.

So today.. I was riding home on the bus, and it’s typically quite empty seeing as I live in the middle of nowhere.. and not many people live in the middle of nowhere… SO! I had to actually SIT NEXT TO SOMEONE. (Take this time to gasp in disgust). So I was sitting next to this little girl, I think, it could have been a boy, who was wearing purple corduroy pants and a olive green jacket and a navy baseball hat thing… I was diggin’ the pants… and she smelled curiously like cheesy snacks………………………… on this bus ride I listened to music like usual, but instead of staring out the window, I watched an enormous woman eat a sandwich. It’s not everyday you can witness the obese here in Finland.

My friend Sampsa insists on saying he’s ‘Having a ball time’ when he’s having fun… I think it’s hilarious. A ball time…..

Well… last night my host parents weren’t home… Kari was coming home late from Lapland and Anne was spending the night in Turku… So it was just me and the little bro. We watched Brokeback Mountain together.. a real bonding experience. I cant believe they actually showed some of that stuff… I wanted to cover poor Jere’s eyes . AND! We ate candies. THEN! After the movie Jere put on some American rap music and wanted me to rap in English for him… HAH! So I dressed up like a gangsta and danced around the house… we took sweet pictures… Thugz4Lyfe. He then mixed us fancy drinks… apple juice for me, orange for him… and put them in fancy glasses with a slice of pineapple and neon straws. AND! He received an e-mail from Skype.. thanking him for downloading… well… the email was in English… so in the best Murican accent he could muster he read it… “Hello Jerry Karanen…” His name is really pronounced yair-ay kair-ah(as in cat)-nen. It was hilarious.

SPEAKING OF ANANAS. (pineapple)………… I have come to the realization that the Finns love this tropical fruit. They put pineapple on pizza.. but not with ham… with kebab and onion and garlic and tuna and other weird stuff that for sure DOESN’T go with pineapple. AND! They put it in pasta! Tonight was the second time I’ve had pasta with pineapple in it. They put it in salads and and and and and and… its anananananana overload.

I love this commercial they have on TV…. a woman is sitting on a toilet and puts long strips of toilet paper over her face… until she pushes them back like a wedding veil and ‘Pachabel’s Canon in D’ starts playing… all while she’s peeing. J

I’d like to end with a little cultural funny for you…

Yes, this is also from my book that I love so much…

Journalists around the world organized a competition to write an article about elephants. The titles were as follows….

-English: Hunting elephants in British East Africa
-French: The love life of elephants in French Equatorial Africa
-German: The origin and development of the Indian elephant in the years 1200-1950 (600 pages)
-American: How to breed bigger and better elephants
-Russian: How we sent an elephant to the moon
-Swede: Elephants and the welfare state
-Dane: Elephant-meat smørrebrød
-Spaniard: Techniques of elephant fighting
-Indian: The elephant as a means of transportation before the railway era
-Finn: What elephants think about Finland
-Norwegian: Norway and Norway’s mountains

Get it?!?! If you don’t, then you don’t read enough….

It’s poking fun at ‘various national faiblesses. French lust, German seriousness, American bragging, British colonialism, Finns’ preoccupation with what others think of them…..’

GET IT?!

September 22 Journal

This morning on the bus I sat next to Arnold, dead on the window’s ledge, and Regina, undeniably his mourning lover searching for an escape from a bus that reeked of death in the immense expanse of false hope. Arnold lay dead and Regina flew frantically next to me as that damn silent tear rolled gently down my cheek.
The grain is gone.

The barren scarred land evokes emotions so strong, I barely know what to do with myself.

The tears continued to fall on the long walk from the bus stop to school. Not even the autumn leaves made my smile wake.

I closed my eyes and raised my stained face towards the sun and thought to myself ’Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop.’ I don’t know who I was pleading to, but I was certainly painfully pleading for salvation.

This picture I seem to have painted for you may not be pretty, but it’s the reality of exchange. I have been experiencing amazing highs, but the lows come to match with the same intensity.

I found myself yesterday wallowing in the dark as I was having two online conversations, one with my mommy and one with my boyfriend. I don’t understand these emotions ever. I had an amazing week and a half since I last journaled, absolutely nothing to complain about… but for some reason, Sunday nights, they kill me. This particular Sunday was extremely melancholy and I don’t understand why! It is so frustrating how it feels you are hit with the huge Mercedes bus and thrown thousands of feet into the air, falling falling falling, knowing that the bottom will come soon and then you won’t feel anymore. That bottom never comes though, the numb you get when you know in your mind you’ve come to the absolute end of the road, it never comes… I feel every ounce of pain and sorrow and joy more acutely than I ever could before… I can feel every emotion pricking my skin with millions of tiny needles trying to rip away my outer shell protecting me from harm. That shell is all I have and once it’s gone, it’s nearly impossible to recover.

The biggest problem with being here is not having something that’s mine; Heath and I were discussing this in detail. Him being in Sweden, the emotions are nearly the same…. Everything we have here is borrowed. No matter how loving and warm and kind your host family is, you are NEVER their family… no matter how much fun you have with your friends, you are each in two separate worlds, this is their home, you are visiting for a while and need support, but you get the feeling that if someone asked them who their friends are, your name wouldn’t cross their mind… You may have your own room, but you are not living in your house. This is not your town. You possess nothing except yourself.

I had grain once… that was mine. That was something I could soak in everyday and smile to myself feeling like this grain could never give anyone as much pleasure as it gives me. Now it is gone. And I have to find something else to call my own. There is no way to trace someone if they have nothing. If you cannot trace them… do they really exist? Or do they fade in with the background?

I suppose that’s enough of the inner-dwellings of my mind for this week… I’ll give you the perky day to day stories now that you so desire.

OH! And for those of you who were confused as to who I am referring to when I speak of Al Kalter, I’m talking about the head-honcho of Rotary Youth Exchange… He’s basically the guy responsible for sending me to Finland. =].

Since I last wrote, I suppose quite a few things have gone on….

On Sunday the 14th, I went on a four-hour nature ride on horseback. It was the most breathtaking experience. We went through the tiny mountains and saw the most beautiful views. I can’t even describe it with words.. pictures barely can show what I want to share with you.

That week at school was uneventful and long, except for getting in trouble with my English teacher. I really cannot stand that woman. She starts class 5 minutes early so even when I’m 30 seconds early, I’m late. I got yelled at for not having a pen and paper out when there was nothing to write… none of the other students had it out either, but she decided to yell at me… and then threatened to call my Rotary counselor for skipping my OTHER English class that she was substituting for, when in actuality I had class at my other school which takes precedence over my high school classes and my schedule was already worked out with the counselor and real teacher and she was very upset that no one had notified her about it, when really it had nothing to do with her at all…. She really needs to stop taking her frustration out on poor little exchange students and start perfecting her fake British accent (Sorry I needed to vent).

On Friday, my friend Keegan from language camp came to visit… he’s living about 4 hours away in Oulu… he’s from Colorado… We had such a fun weekend. =].

I’ll start with Friday night…

We decided to go to dinner at a nice little place called Amarillo’s. It very cute and had delicious food, very American though. Well, dinner was great, but after we finished our food we were waiting for the server to bring us our check…. we waited for about 20 minutes until we noticed her in the back with her jacket and purse heading out the door! Our waitress left!!!! So we waited for about 15 more minutes until we finally flagged down some other guy to get our bill. I still am astonished that she just up and left!

After that we went to a friends’ house for a party. There were three Americans there!!! Keegan, Riley from Michigan, and me! It was quite fun, but I’ll be honest… Finnish parties are crazy. Basically… There were a lot of guys running around screaming eating food… then when it got late and sauna was ready they all completely stripped and ran to the sauna… I have never seen so many naked people in my life, ever. It was almost scary. They asked if I wanted to join them in sauna too, but I was NOT about to strip to my skivvies and jump in with a bunch of boys. Talk about a makkara fest.

By the time we got home we were exhausted and passed out rather quickly.

Saturday was fun too! We went to Puijo.. a tower here in Kuopio… Anne thought it would be fun to take the stairs to the top…. 20 flights of stairs later, Anne and I practically dead, Keegan not even out of breath, we were at the top… It was the most amazing view ever. I couldn’t believe that this is my home. We took the lift down, thank god.

Next was to Prisma, the Finnish super Wal-Mart… Keegan and I were in charge of cooking dinner… We actually found everything we were looking for… and my goodness.. that night when we got home and cooked…. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING.. We made a sophisticated version of mac and cheese… with fancy cheese, penne pasta, and chicken… homemade Caesar salad with fresh croutons made by us. =]… and for dessert… a homemade All-American apple pie. Holy crap we can bake. It was soooo delicious.

That evening Anne had bought Keegan and I tickets to see the show Chicago at the local theatre. Chicago is a wonderful show, loved the movie too… but this version… well…. I guess I’d describe it as…. Tim Burton’s Drag Queen Finnish Chicago. Each of the characters was the gothic version of what they were supposed to be complete with bad black hair, black lipstick, sunken eyes…. Keegan and I were laughing hysterically throughout the entire play and would only clap for people who did jazz hands. Even the songs were in Finnish… the sad thing was, the only parts we really understood were when someone had a line with curse words in it. Appalling, I know.

Send me sweaters… send me recipes… send me love.

MOTHER, SHIP MY PACKAGE! (hopefully this will capture her attention)

Please?

And to my friends…
No matter how many times I have to tell myself I don’t miss you to get through each day, it doesn’t change the fact that I do….

I’ll be okay. =]

Eerl <3

September 25 Journal

Hold up,
Wait a minute,
Let us put some funk in it……
Stop laughing SMA-ers…. The cadences stick with you long after graduation…. I found myself with this stuck in my head on my walk to school and had no idea what it was… and then I realized and was like HOLY DONUTS, IT’S A CADENCE.

Now, you may think I’m a dork, a loser, a freak of nature…. because this is my second journal in less than a week…. and you’re so right. BUT! Due to the dreadful mood I was in at the beginning of the week, I left out some things that I wanted to write about… and now that I have no school for the week because of exams, I have ample time to create another entry just for YOU! J

I believe that once upon a journal ago, I mentioned something about my observation skillz (yes with a z). No folk, they haven’t gone anywhere…

Here’s the most recent…

Remember when you were little and after watching Parent Trap you thought that there was two of everyone and that you had a twin that lived halfway across the world? Someone who looked EXACTLY like you? WELL! It’s true. There’s this kid at my school that looks exactly like Jacob Hilliard… except with frosted tips and preppy clothes… it’s odd and scares me. This morning on the bus, I saw the exact double of Ron Zimet. My friend Noora… she looks exactly like Becky. AND! My favorite of all… there’s this guy on the bus who looks precisely like the Geico caveman.

There is one bus driver here who reminds me of a pirate. I swear… he must have been a pirate before he started driving buses around Kuopio. But… he happens to be the friendliest ex-pirate I’ve ever met in my ENTIRE life. No joke. He’s the ONLY bus driver who smiles, the only one who says ‘Moi’ audibly enough for humans to hear, the only one to say ‘Kiitos’ for riding on his bus of joy and joyness and joy…. He also steers that bussi like a ship at sea, so smooth and calm, I don’t even get sea sick…. And even though his thumb nail is super gross and green… the blue captain’s hat he wears makes up for it.

My host grandma, Mumu, knit me socks… two whole pairs of socks. And I love them. I love those socks with every fiber of my being… the only socks I’ve ever received were from Mrs. Natarajan. Now I have THREE pairs of knit socks to keep my feetsies warm through the winterrrrrr.

So today I was buying yarn. And I went up to the register to pay. WELL! The people that work there speak Finnish, crazy I know… and usually they start talking really fast and I have absolutely no clue whatsoever what’s going on… AVAST! Today I had a clue. I KNEW WHAT WAS UP. The lady was asking if I had a store card! And if I wanted a bag. AND YA KNOW WHAT FOLKS…. I gathered this knowledge by UNDERSTANDING WHAT SHE SAID IN FINNISH. I replied too. IN FINNISH.

YEP I KNOW. It’s like I’ve sprouted language seeds from under my skin and they are blossoming into beautiful flowers of language-ness. Sort of. Long way to go… but it’s a start, right? I’ve also began to count in Finnish without even thinking about it… like it’s the only way to count. It’s neat.

AND… if you’re in the mood for a catchy tune.. go onto youtube and look up ‘Heart it Races by Architecture in Helsinki.’ So addicting… so weird… so Finnish.

Now I went to my first Rotary meeting today… the club president just happens to look like Paul McCartney. I showed my slideshow presentation, and they loved it. I talked A LOT… and they loved it. I giggled… and they LOVED it. I picked a good time to go too…. the District Governor was visiting and gave a presentation. It was super cool and he is way nice, he even talked about me in his speech and would make comments in English just for me… like a secret joke or something, even though everyone else understood, I knew he was just talking to me. I honestly can’t remember a time where I’ve been more excited about Rotary.. and more proud to be the daughter of a prominent Rotarian, and have knowledge of Rotary. It was simply amazing.

Rotary is totally neat.

SEND SONNY’S SWEET BARBECUE SAUCE.

October 1 Journal
Seven cups of coffee and one presidential debate later……. My goodness… I need to cut back….
But anywho… my current feelings right now are…. CRAWL UNDER THE COVERS AND DON’T COME OUT TILL WINTER IS OVER. Now today is October 1, 2008… The weather forecast for Sarasota, Florida is what you folks would call a chilly day…. The current weather is 85˚… feels like 88˚… the sun is shining!!!!!

Now here, you ask… 39˚… feels like 36˚….. precipitating……. It’s doing that weird mist rain thing again…. Basically… it’s effing freezing.

OH! And get this…. While your Florida sun is setting at a normal 7:20pm… My sun is down, gone… it leaves at around 6:30 and it’s not gonna come up again until 7:30 the next morning… and ya know like… 2 months ago when I got here… the sun didn’t set until 10:30….

At least I have warm clothes right? NO WAY JOSE… cause if I wear my winter parka, I’ll get stared at cause it’s really not THAT cold, but if I wear my wool jacket, I’m freezing!!!!! I suppose I’ll deal with the stares and wear the big puffy one.. I will NOT turn into a Jenny-sicle… I’ll save that for when winter comes (oh dear god this is only autumn).

Yes, you will receive weather complaints from now until it starts getting warm again… and I’m pretty sure my definition of warm will change drastically by the time this year is over.

On a lighter note… literally… Have you ever seen someone with black hair? I have… it’s like.. a super popular choice of color here… But it’s rarely natural… Now in Florida it’s quite common to see blondes with dark roots growing in… But have you ever witnessed the phenomenon of black hair with PLATINUM BLONDE ROOTS? Not me… not till I got here… It looks funny… like they have a scalp disease.

When I didn’t have school, I thought I was going to go nuts… but now I’m back in school… and I’m pretty sure I’m going to go insane… I mean… I despise school… high school at least…. My college courses are GREAT! I realllllllllyyyyyyyyy love them… But throw me in a geography class with a bunch of 15 year olds and a teacher who is too nervous to talk to me, once he figures out that I’m even in there…. I’m going positively mad!

The whole friend situation… well I suppose that’s coming along… Kind of.. I feel more like I’m rewinding now that the initial ‘cool-she’s-foreign-phase’ has gone.. I have people to spend time with, but really only one friend… well I consider him a friend. The rest of the people I spend time with seen to help me out and take me under their wing, but if you asked them if I was their FRIEND… the answer would probably be no… or not really. It’s hard not having someone close here to talk to… I know it will take time though. =].

At my college classes there’s this ranskalainen (French person) (I learned ‘Ranska’ really well because my family’s favorite salad dressing is French. =]) who talks to me… and a German guy… and a girl from Hungary.. and this Chinese girl who’s fascinated by me… and a Nigerian boy who asks me out on lunch dates at least once a week… Everyone there is so nice, and since they are all from all over the world and this isn’t home for them it’s easy to relate. The only downside is that they are all twenty-somethings and I happen to be a seventeen year old (despite my wishes).

I have my first exam on October 13th… Finnish… gross. BUT! My friend Sampsa (yes, the real friend)… we are meeting 3 to 5 times a week so he can tutor me and teach me Finnish before he packs up to spend a month or two in Florida this winter…. (yes he’s seriously going to Florida for about 2 months) (yes, you can meet him if you drive him places around Florida) (he’ll be 19) (yes, he’s cute).

This past weekend I had a Rotary district camp… I got to see all the exchange students in my district.. most importantly my best friend Hope. When we got to camp and were finally reunited, we hugged… and immediately began talking. Not the slow English we usually speak with the Finns, but excited-teenage-girl-English… for anyone but us, I’m sure it was frightening… we talked at top speeds about anything and everything without stopping to breathe for three straight hours. I’m not even exaggerating. Poor Hope has a bad host family… an 80 year old host father who pays people to come spend time with Hope… and a 60 year old host mother who doesn’t allow Hope to use the microwave because it gives off evil negative energy……

The weekend at camp was pretty lame, despite all of us staying up until four in the morning every night talking around bonfires and coffee…. and seeing Hope. The ONLY thing Rotary had planned for us was a five-hour nature hike through… nature? The guide was an ancient Finnish man who looked like he was about to keel over at any second… and smoked an entire pack of cigarettes… and then a pipe cause he ran out of ciggs… all on this hike…. Now before we went into the thicket he showed us the map… and pointed at where we were… and where we were going… and what path to take… The only problem was… he was shaking SO badly… that when he pointed to one spot… he pointed at half of the paper…. He also got lost in the woods a few times and confused… a lot . It’s not smart to send a dying man with Alzheimer’s who cannot communicate with the people he’s guiding into the woods… it’s just not something you do…….

But I am safe and not lost in the forest which is a good thing…..

I really love the Spice Girls.

WELL! I know I’ve said this before.. but I’ll say it again because I was reminded of it again today… the smallest things trigger emotional instability. Here’s my story… this is what happened. It’s short.. I promise.

This morning I had to wake up at 6:30am… and as I’ve been over before… It’s very dark at this time. Back in Florida when I had to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, my daddy would be awake already with his cup o joe…. On the computer or reading the paper… Usually just got out of the shower and smells like his cologne and aftershave…. Then we’d ride to school together and I would sleep and he would listen to Jimmy Buffett and things just worked. Well… this morning there was a daddy reading the paper (not drinking coffee cause if he drinks it in the morning he gets a stomach ache)… and he smelled of cologne and aftershave… But he wasn’t my daddy… And then we drove to school.. and listened to some cheesy Finnish music (which I love).. But it wasn’t the same.. and made me wish my daddy could drive me to school early on Wednesday mornings. But it’s coo it’s coo.

I really like the letter ö. It sounds quite ugly… but it’s just so fun to say…

Friday is my two month anniversary of being here. Whoa nelly.

I need to find the post office.. I walked around for 30 minutes on Tuesday looking for it… then I got cold and gave up and bought coffee instead. =].

JEI KAHVIA.

Here would be proof that I am going insane.. but I love my home here.<3.

A conversation between my mother and I online… a discussion that began by trying to find a good place to talk to myself…….

JENNY: i dont have a car to be alone in
KAREN: you have the bees
JENNY: they sting me
JENNY: ;i prefer the dead ones
KAREN: have you been stung?
JENNY: that why i give the dead ones names
JENNY: no not yet, but i dont want to risk it.
JENNY: ill stick to the deceased
KAREN: ah
KAREN: lol
KAREN: the bee cryptkeeper
KAREN: thats you
JENNY: IT IS!
JENNY: whooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
KAREN: you can have little bee funeral pyres
JENNY: perfect!
JENNY: i should make tiny headstones and make a beegraveyard!
KAREN: um
KAREN: perhaps you have been alone in the countryside a wee bit long?

Tomorrow, I will microwave the mashed potatoes my host mom made tonight. Then, I will eat them.

October 12 Journal

Today would be the Sunday before Monday… and a lovely Sunday it is…. aurinko paistaa (the sun is shining)… it’s kahdeksan (8) degrees… I have to go rake more leaves… I couldn’t picture a better Sunday before Monday.
I’m assuming most of you probably thought that I was admitted to the local mental hospital after my last journal… BUT! Lucky for me I escaped that one.

Not too much exciting has been going on except my excessive coffee drinking and knitting. So far I have knit two scarves and now I’m attempting a pair of socks. Right now it’s just one sock, just the ankle part… and if the heel doesn’t go well these will be very tight legwarmers.

The other morning I woke up to get ready for school… I stumbled out of my room unconsciously to the coffee pot to brew my daily cup or two (my friend Jessica and I miss rhyming).. when my host dad said to me, ‘Wear many cloth, it.. quite… COLD.’ Staggering ever so gracefully to the window where the thermometer is, I took one look and immediately was horrified. It read -4˚ and the outside was completely covered in the thickest frost I had ever seen.

So taking his advice, I put on much cloth and got ready to take on the day. I wore… three pairs of socks, tights, blue jeans, a tank top, a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a sweater, a thicker sweater, a wool coat, a scarf I knit, a pair of boots, a hat, two pairs of gloves… and… I think that’s it. And I was still cold. Winter is going to be very long and very cruel this year.

OH! I am officially a high school drop out… kind of. I DID graduate in the States so I don’t think this is as severe BUT! I am no longer attending the high school in town. I am a student at Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu… a business school here in town on the big hill. I love it there. I love my classes, I love everything. I’m even learning how to deal with the Nigerian boy who refuses to take no for an answer.

Tomorrow, the Monday after Sunday, I have an exam…. a Finnish exam. Gross. Hopefully I’ll do super well.. I actually had another encounter with a salesperson at the store the other day when I was buying some tape. I understood what she asked. I replied calmly and appropriately and it was neat. BUT! I actually had a COMPLETE conversation with a woman the other night whilst I was schmoozing with the adults at a birthday party. She spoke to me only in Finnish and then I would respond in English… and I understood her!! It was for sure a breakthrough.

So although my comprehension skills are rising, my speaking skills have plateaud at.. well.. nothing. BUT! I do see my English skills to be on the decline. Not only am I completely unable to type ever.. I find myself thinking in the broken English my family and friends use. Such as…. ‘I will pick up you half eight.’ This means… ‘I will pick you up at 7:30.’ Or ‘I throw away you and if friends to coffee I throw away them too.’ This means, ‘I can drop you off and if your friends come over for coffee I can drop them off at home too.’ It’s a terrible way to think. I was talking to my friend online last night and decided to go for sauna.. so I said to her ‘I think I go sauna, but I come to back.’ Meaning… ‘I think I am going to go for sauna, but I’ll be back.’ When I come home I don’t think anyone will be able to understand me… maybe I’ll just stay here……….

I will leave you today with…

*spoken with snotty British accent in big chair in front of fireplace with a pipe* …

The Art of Raking Leaves.

If you want to be a successful leaf raker you must follow these simple rules.

1. Put on thick socks, sweatpants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, special leaf raking jacket, cotton gloves, special leaf raking gloves, and super sexy rubber boots.

Now you are ready to begin.

2. Go outside and find the area of the backyard (or front yard) that is covered entirely with leaves.
3. Pick up rake.
4. Begin to rake.
5. Keep raking leaves until you have piles.
6. Once you have achieved pile status you should find your wheelbarrow.
7. When wheelbarrow is located, roll it to desired leaf pile.
8. Begin to pick up as many leaves as you can in your arms and put into wheelbarrow.

Note: To make the least amount of wheelbarrow trips, smush as many leaves in the wheelbarrow as possible… if necessary, sit on the leaves in the wheelbarrow for maximum smushage.

9. Wheel wheelbarrow to big rock.
10. Dump leaves behind big rock.
11. Repeat steps 8 through 10 until all leaves are picked up.
12. Go inside.
13. Remove all clothing and dump in laundry room.
14. Put on clean clothes.
15. Go to refrigerator.
16. Remove giant bottle of Fanta.
17. Pour glass of Fanta.
18. Enjoy Fanta.

KiitosKiitos.

Next week I will divulge all my deepest secrets about how to keep bees warm in the winter….

It involves tiny bee-sweaters.

October 20 Journal

So this weekend I went to Helsinki for the first time. I realllllllyyyyyyy loved it. I think my exchange year would have been much different if I was in Helsinki. BUT! I’m in Kuopio.. or as Ranjani pronounces it…. Kuopo. Jere and I call it that now… it’s our little inside joke. =].
On Saturday in Helsinki, after we ate breakfast, my host parents let Jere and I roam Helsinki on our own… Helsinki is HUGE!! There was a huge shopping district near our hotel that we explored thoroughly. We went into 876852 stores and he would put on mini fashion shows for me when he would try things on. THEN! We took the underground about 15 minutes outside of where we were into the actual centrum of the city. There was a gigantic shopping mall that we took over. He likes to pretend we’re gangsters and then we walk around saying ‘yo’ and ‘Minä olen niin huppu’ (I’m so hood) a lot. We tried on every super cute hat in every store we went in taking pictures along the way. He even found me a balloon and bought me an ice cream cone. We really are like brother and sister. It’s cute and we just had the best time.

We stopped for coffee in the centrum and talked for a while.. I asked him if it was weird having me live in his home with his family… and he said ‘No. It will be weird when you’re gone.’ Finns aren’t people to really express things like that very often, and it was very touching… I almost cried… but then I didn’t because we bought hats.

I’ve never had a brother before… I’m going to miss little Jere a lot when I switch host families. Like… a lot a lot.

I’ve gotten extremely close with my host mom Anne too. The night we got home from Helsinki I showered and unpacked my bags and then went to go sit on the couch with the rest of the family and watch television. I felt a need for some ‘Mommy comfort’ and sat next to Anne… She wrapped a blanket around me and let me snuggle against her and she put her arm around me. We spent the next hour talking about the relationship a mother has with her daughter and how different girls are from boys.

I am a part of this family here and it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. Anne calls me her daughter and treats me as such. Kari and I have our inside jokes and make each other laugh a lot because of his poor English and my poor Finnish. The two of us are always learning from each other. Jere and I have grown close in a way that only a brother and a sister could, a relationship I cannot explain. Even my older brother Jani, although I don’t see him very often, every time he’s here he asks me to say jäätelö tötterö (ice cream cone) (it sounds kind of like YAA-TELL-UH TUH-TER-UH) (when I try and say it sounds like YAA-TELL-UH DUH-DUH-DUH) because he thinks it’s hilarious and he tries to get me to eat candies that he knows I don’t like at all.

It’s lovely and I will protest moving even though I know I have to.

I started my second Jakso (school session, like a quarter) today. I have the same classes plus a new one that’s like… Organizational somethingorother in Internationalsomething Businessstuff. It will be good, although I don’t know how well I’ll do with the business aspect of things… we shall seeeeee.

AND OMG! My favorite Finnish soap opera is on!!! SALATUT ELÄMÄT!!! I don’t understand most of it.. but it’s funny to watch. It’s actually the only Finnish soap opera… but I can still call it my favorite.

The other night that show where they give people a lie detector test and if they answer the questions truthfully, they get money, was on. It was a beauty queen from… some state… And she was kind of obnoxious. BUT! It was funny.

Today I ran into Jarkko in front of Coffee House… so we got coffee… well he got coffee…. I’m trying to cut back. It was nice bumping into a familiar face.

So I went to check on the bees last week… and well… I don’t think they’re there anymore… I think they might be sleeping. I hope so. I hope they’re not dead. I only name the dead ones. And there are a lot of freaking bees. I don’t have time to name all of them.

Sampsa and I discussed what to do with bees in the winter. I thought that if we knit them tiny bee sweaters with six sleeves and itty bitty buttons they’d be happy. So if I see one buzzing, I’ll be sure to give it a nice cozy sweater.

Now everyone warned me the first few weeks I was here that I was going to get really depressed at the end of autumn and not come out of it until spring. WELL! I laughed it off and didn’t think anything of it. I can handle no sunlight for five or six months. I can handle the sun not beginning to come up until 8 am at the end of October and setting at 6 pm… The days just keep getting shorter and shorter… and it keeps getting colder and colder. I find myself slipping into bouts of this Finnish depression that claims the Finns every winter and it’s not fun!

I suppose they were right, those Finns. I would like to take this time to thank Al for sending me to a place where you can see people change on the streets as the weeks wear on. People walk quicker now and keep their heads down, they smile less, they talk less if at all. This is worse than the Finnish Flu people. And it’s not just hitting me… IT’S ATTACKING EVERYONE!!!! OH NO, MR. BILL!!! (Like Daddy says).

I believe it is now time for some more funny things that makes Finland, well… Finland.

1) Plastic bags cost money at the grocery store

2) You bag your own groceries.

3) If you want a shopping cart, you have to stick a 2€ coin in the handle to unlock it from its chain attaching it to the other carts… and if you want your money back you must return the cart to the front of the store and relock it.

4) When a stranger smiles at you, you assume 3 things
a) He’s drunk
b) He’s American
c) He’s insane

5) We put our dishes in the “wet cupboard” to dry

6) Silence is fun

7) NEVER expect a response from a group you are giving a presentation to…. EVER. They will not smile, they will not laugh, they will not ask questions, they will not participate… This holds true for class in school.

8) No one EVER sits in the first row

9) School lunches are free! Hurrah for Pea Soup (gross)!

10) People don’t buy food in advance and stock up… which I think they should, like squirrels so they don’t have to go out in the winter.

11) Finn’s NEVER walk across the street without the green man showing, even if there are no cars in sight.

12) Nothing is open before 10 am, after 7 pm, or on Sundays.

13) Hugging is reserved for sexual foreplay

14) There is sex on TV

15) They sometimes censor curse words… sometimes.

16) If people are talking on the train / bus, you assume:
a) they are foreign
b) they are drunk
c) they are Swedish-speaking Finns
d) all of the above

17) Sauna is part of your daily routine.

18) People answer the phone by saying their name, not hello

19) When you ask Mitä kuuluu? (how are you) people actually think you want a detailed response

19) When you pass someone on the side walk, you ignore their presence

20) Awkward silence doesn’t exist. It’s just silence.

21) Breaks in the conversation are common… and it’s okay.

22) You NEVER start a conversation with someone you don’t know

23) People are openly racist.

24) Expect to get stared at no matter what you look like.

25) People are not very educated in other cultures of the world.

26) You never command a Finn to do something

27) Prices are deceiving. Something in the states that would be $19 is usually 19€…

I’ll have more later I assure you…

Jere and I are watching a documentary called The Girl with Eight Limbs.

I think that’s enough for this entry.

I’ll be sure to write before I head off to the Canary Islands for a vacation. =].

October 27 Journal

GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE GIRAFFE!
GUESS WHAT I SAW ON SATURDAY?!

Just guess.

If you guessed a giraffe… you’re very wrong.

I SAW A REAL LIVE IN THE NATURE MOOSE. A MOOSE!

OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS HUGE! IT WAS AMAZING. MAJESTIC. PERFECT. I want one. BUT! Right after it crossed the road in front of our car it stood in the ticket of trees and stared at us as we stared at him… Then my host dad says… The moose has to cross lake over there. I inquired about the moose’s swimming abilities… but sure enough, they can swim! I then pondered what you would do if you were taking a nice swim in the lake when all of a sudden a moose swam by? I would of course grab his antlers and have him drag me through the lake… How fun would that be?!

In other news… We were over for dinner at my 3rd host family’s house… they are close friends with the family I’m with now… AND! My 3rd host dad is like… 6’ 8’’. Thuper tall. And reallllyyyy funny. I’m excited to live with them.

I love my host brother Jere. He’s the best brother ever. He’s started finding it fun to speak in Finnish really fast to his friends and throw my name in there randomly so I think he’s talking about me… I’ve started beating him up.<3. JUST KIDDING! He’s perfect. The best little brother I could ever ask for… Of course my horse.

This morning I was standing at the bus stop patiently awaiting my chariot when an elderly woman came up to me… I said ‘Huomenta’ and went back to listening to my iPod. She replied with an excessively cheery ‘HYVÄÄ HUOMENTA!!’ and began jabbering away in Finnish. I freaked out a bit and responded with, ‘…..Uhhhhh… Minä en puhu suomea!’ *shifty sideways glances* This means ‘I don’t speak Finnish.’ It was too early to muster my Finnish vocabulary. But the funny thing here is that… when you tell someone here you don’t speak Finnish… in Finnish…. They continue talking. REALLY fast. Well I tried the best I could… and understood some of what she said. And I tried to reply in my best Finnish. She was very kind. She asked me where I lived… and I told her the family I’m living with and she rambled on about how Anne has three boys or something like that I guess….. THEN she pointed to the school across the street and asked if I went there… and I said ‘Minä opiskelen Savonia-Ammattikorkeakoulu.’ Which directly translates into… I study Savonia University of Applied Sciences. I don’t know how to say ‘at’… there is no word for it… you just add something to the end of the place you study at or live in or go to. It’s confusing… anywho… She understood and asked me what I study… and I forgot the word for internationally business… so I said ‘boo-see-ness’ hoping she’d understand my suomalainen (Finnish) version of the word business… and she did.

When I told my host parents about this just a few minutes ago, they were laughing hysterically and thought it was GREAT! It turns out that the woman I was talking to… here in the village… they call her… ‘Pipity Popity Muumi’ or something like that… maybe ‘Bipity Bopity Muumi.’ She very friendly and very talkative… and I think the next time I see Pipity Popity Muumi I will invite her over for coffee to hone my Finnish skillz.

Today I walked from school to town with a French girl from my class… she’s really nice and we had a really nice chat.

Speaking of people from school…. This past Friday I was invited to the like… 22nd birthday party of this German girl I go to school with… All of us international students in my classes were crammed in a tiny student flat… about 30 of us. I believe we represented about 10 different countries. I think one of the best parts of the night was when it was time to sing happy birthday… it was repeating many times in everyone’s home language which was REALLY fun to hear…. It was sung in: – German – English – French – Lithuanian – Russian – Italian – Spanish – Chinese – Hungarian – Polish – Finnish. Very cool. Very very cool. It was funny because everyone was picking on Saulius (from Lithuania) calling him the ‘baby brother’ because he was born in 1987 when everyone else was born in 1986…. And then when I mentioned to them that I was only 17… They firstly didn’t believe me… and when they finally did… they laughed and hugged me and told me that even though I’m the little one of the group, we’re all a makeshift family so far from home and that it doesn’t matter because they thought I was much older anyways. It was nice to be ‘accepted’ in a way… I’ve been going to school with all of them since August, but since I just started going there full time I haven’t bonded with them until now. It’s a good feeling.

On a different note…. Something VERY interesting happened Saturday night…

Cultural analysts would consider this occurrence a lingual breakthrough… I however would like to argue. We exchange students were told that probably around the three month mark we would dream in our target language… and it would be cool and exciting… WELL FOLKS… I did it; I dreamt in Finnish. Was incredible? I suppose I should answer, ”Yes. YES! Positively stupendous!” But I’m not going to… Yes you said we’d dream in our language… but you didn’t specify if we would understand it or not! I had an entire lengthy dream… or possibly a nightmare… of me in a hospital and a woman and a nurse screaming at me frantically in Finnish like something was terribly terribly wrong… but I couldn’t understand…

Gosh. Way to prepare us for everything. I almost wet the bed.

November 18 Journal

Mark my words Al Kalter, the next time you consider sending some poor unknowing girl to the tippy top of the universe, I will personally destroy the brain cells that think this is a good idea, unless you provide her with a parka the size of Russia, multiple pairs of long underwear, and the sun. Yes the sun.
I have a new favorite song…

Olen omena
Olen omena
Olen pyöreä omenaaaaaaa
Olen omena
Olen omena
Olen punainen omenaaaaaaaaaaa!

It saysssss.

I’m an apple
I’m an apple
I’m a round appleeeeeeeeee.
I’m an apple
I’m an apple
I’m a red appleeeeeeeee.

If you would like to hear this song with your own ears, please visit… http://koti.mbnet.fi/stick/omena.mp3, or if you’d like to listen while watching a beautifully choreographed slideshow of apples, please visit… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyydCyOHJkg.

Did you know that it is 2:11 in the afternoon and it’s already getting dark? I mean, the sun never came out to begin with, it was gross and grey and dead looking from the second I opened my eyes… but honestly, 2 o’clock?!

Since my last journal there have been quite a few things going on…

Tuesday October 28th marks the day we lost my grandmother. She passed away that morning and my mother told me the news via instant message when I got home from school. I can honestly say I had the weirdest feeling when she told me. I was at peace because I knew my grandmother had not been ‘alive’ for years, but of course, any loss is devastating. I also was overwhelmed with the notion that I am thousands and thousands of miles away and my mommy’s mommy just died and I can’t give her a hug and I can’t be there with her and I can’t go to the funeral and I can’t do anything because I’m so goddamn far away. It broke my heart to not be able to just be there. The funeral is next week and it makes me sick thinking that I cannot go.

On a lighter note…

It snowed for the first time on November 1st. The biggest snowflakes I had ever seen in my entire life. Bigger than cars. Bigger than dinosaurs. Bigger than… we have awesome rock formations here. From the ice age. Rock formations and trees. I don’t think the trees are from the ice age though…

Other than that I don’t really recall much of that week… it was far too long ago.

BUT! LAST WEEK…

I was in the Canary Islands… It’s part of Spain, but kind of like… off the coast of Morocco… yes. And I will now take this time to recount every second of my trip.

So we left on Wednesday the 5th to the airport for a long journey…

We boarded the plane and I’m pretty sure somebody planned it so I got the worst seat ever… it was the last row of a middle section with a huge box behind me preventing any reclinage… and I had zero leg room… and those of you who know me know how long (or maybe how short) my legs are… they are practically non-existent… and I had no LEG ROOM! For like… 6 hours? We flew from Kuopio to Madrid and then… we didn’t switch planes in Madrid, we switched pilots, and THEN, we flew to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

Despite my lack of room and uncomfortableness, the plane ride was funny… I honestly have never seen so much alcohol consumed in a single flight… EVER! I swear every adult on the plane ordered at least two beers, a bottle of wine (half size), two liquors, and then a bottle of whatever they were selling on the duty free cart.

(I’d like to explain the word ‘we’ for a moment… We is not my host family and I, we is… My host family, my third host family, and another family that they’re all friends with… 13 of us total. We were very loud… and all of our seats were situated very close to each other… I felt bad for the other people on the plane.)

We finally stumbled into our resort at around 1:30am in Spain, 3:30am in Finland… we had been traveling all day, so I showered and passed out in our little cottage we (my host family, not all 13 of us) rented.

Thursday morning I woke up much too early and went to get breakfast in the dining room with my host family… I actually ate bacon and enjoyed it… and the apple juice was too strong. After that I decided to explore the grounds and take pictures of everything… I was kind of sad because I didn’t think I would have anyone to spend the week with. Later we went to the pool and for naps and to a shopping center…

We went to a pizza place for dinner which was very nice and I talked to some of the people my age that were with us… Oskari (3rd host brother), Vera (his girlfriend), and Pipsa (the daughter of the other family). We decided to hit the nightlife after dinner together, so once we finished our meals we walked around the area we were in looking for a good place to dance. WELL! All there were were gay bars… and me being the only one fluent in English, not only was I recruited to ride shotty in the cab, but I had to talk to one of the servers at a bar to find out where a good place to go was… Well this was not any server. This was a man with diamond stud earrings in a black speedo with a bunny tail, bunny ears, and a bow tie… The first words out of his mouth were “Hello Darling!” I was glad I was talking to him and not the 6’7’’ ‘woman’ working at Dave’s Drag and Comedy Club next door. He told us that nothing would really be open until about 12:30am (it was only 9:30), but the best places to go were upstairs and to the left. Perfect. =]. As we were walking through the center square of this shopping area, a man dressed as a clown was walking around causing mischief and we were his next victims… he snuck up behind us and scared the crap out of us… and then as we kept walking I felt an arm around me and I thought it was Pipsa, but it was the clown… and he proceeded to scoop me up and start carrying me to the other side of the square trying to pass me off to innocent bystanders… very funny, but he passed me to some other guy who ALSO kept walking which was when I politely asked him to put me down and he did and I caught up with the others. So we went back to the hotel to get all dressed up and a few hours later we went back, upstairs and to the left… There were four nightclubs and a shop up here… all proudly waving rainbow flags and complete with drag queens and well… it was uncomfortable… especially for Oskari, and the shop was… a gay sex shop… WELL! We hightailed it out of there just before a drag queen snatched us and tried to find somewhere else to go.

We ended up catching a cab and going to another area of town where we found LOTS of places to dance.

The place we ended up staying at had muscley waiters dressed in black speedos and bowties and all of their skin was painted in gold glitter. Mother would have loved it.

We danced and danced until about 3am. I met a lot of people from all over the world… mostly weird guys who were trying to chat me up as they attempted to dance upon my leg which was a major no-no. This one guy from Canada thought he had me though cause he was from Canada and I’m from the United States, poor guy.

The next day we lounged by the pool and then went to the beach… a very nice beach… Lots of sand… and water… and naked people. I’ve experienced so much nudity since being here… I can’t even being to explain. Anyways… it was a nude beach, well… you didn’t have to wear a bathing suit… There’s nothing like watching an old naked couple go walking hand in hand through the sand dunes… (ew).

That night the four of us went shopping and I bought shoes… we then went back to the cottages and played Uno and Riisi until about midnight when we went to sleep.

I was awoken around 1am to the noise of my little brother dancing back into our room after being out with his two friends… (two 14 year olds and a 16 year old). I of course woke up, he’s not as sneaky as I am… and he was rather talkative… so he kept me up for about 2 more hours telling me everything about his night and asking me questions and we just had good talks.

The next day we went to a shopping mall (haven’t been in a mall since Florida!) and shopped… a lot… Vera and Pipsa were worse than me! And I’m a serial shopper… Oskari hung out with us for the first hour or so, bless his heart he was so patient, but then went off to find the boys.

That evening after showers and naps the four of us went out dancing again, this time we knew where to go and wasted no time. Lucky for me, the Canadian wasn’t there!!! But an old English man found me and shimmied his way over (he must have been at least 35) and whispered in my ear that he had a friend who liked me but was rather shy and would really love to talk to me… he proceeded to pull me over to the bar to this other middle aged English man and introduced us and I said hello and while he was turned to the bartender in search of a drink to buy me, I snuck away with Pipsa… The rest of the night if this man would come dancing in our direction, whoever noticed would shout ‘VANHA MIES’ (old man!) and we’d slide to another part of the dance floor.

Sunday was Fathers’ Day, but in the morning all of us kids went to a water park built into the side of a mountain which was fun! I even got a little sunburned! AND! There were sea lions! They are SO CUTE. I want one. We showered and napped and then went out to a nice Italian dinner all thirteen of us. Dinner was lovely and the man singing at the restaurant serenaded us and brought us sombreros and maracas (way too much fun). Pipsa and Anne ended up on stage singing with him and he left them to sing alone and came to dance with me since Jere wouldn’t dance with me.

Monday each family rented a car and went their separate ways navigating through the mountains on the other side of the island. It was absolutely gorgeous even though I thought I was going to be sick the entire car ride… Kari’s driving plus mountains equates to possibly a space shuttle being steered by an anthropomorphous Macaca fascicularis on amphetamines. =D. We took some fantastic pictures and got lunch at a cute local restaurant perching atop the mountains.

Pipsa and Vera and I had some fun after our daily naps doing each others hair up in pretty curls and being girly until it was time for us to hit the town again. We got food and went to the club… this time no Canadian and no old English man, just a young English man who proclaimed his undying love for me (mind you I’ve never met this man in my life) who kept telling me how much he was in love with me all night and I swear if we didn’t leave when we did he would have proposed right there on the dance floor… But aside from all these men getting in my way, Pipsa and Vera and I had an AMAZING time dancing together while Oskari held all of our purses and bought us bottles of water from the bar when we wanted them (3€ for the smallest water bottle I’ve seen in my life).

Tuesday we relaxed poolside until it got a bit breezy… we then went for more naps! That being our last night, we wanted to go out for a nice dinner so we found a cute little restaurant and had a nice time. The young boys were bored so when they finished eating they went to take pictures of themselves at the resort. Vera and Oskari went off shopping somewhere, and Pipsa and I went with the adults to an underground Finnish karaoke bar. We had a blast, Pipsa and Anne sang a lot and Pipsa’s dad danced with me and tried to teach me how to step one-two something something to the left right backwards crisscross spin thing… which I was horrible at… but Kari taught me to waltz which was so fun and so nice and it was just such a nice evening. Pipsa and I really had bonded this week and laughed all night long.

Wednesday we woke up at three to catch our plane back to Finland (woooo).

The Saturday after we got back we went to the main square to watch them light the big Christmas tree and see a fireworks show. I had a great time, I ending up spending the evening there with like… 12 other exchange students here all through Rotary or ASF.

I’m knitting some amazing socks right now.

Yesterday was my first day back to school after being on vacation… and let me tell you how fantastic it was…

Woo. Yay. Fun. It was -7° and it had snowed the night before and and and… the ground was hard and cold… and the bus was 15 minutes late… and and and I kept slipping cause I wore the wrong boots and and and… I fell once, but no one saw I don’t think, still thoroughly embarrassing… and and and… I could barely stay awake in class and and and… it was crummy.

There was one good part about my day though…

I was asked if I speak fluent Canadian… Instead of explaining that we both speak English and there is just a different accent…

I told him.

I speak fluent Canadian…

December 14 Journal

It’s been a while dear friends… quite a long while… For many twists have etched themselves into the stone of my life… A consuming reality…
This pretty little package of life reminds me of those washcloths Santa sticks in your stocking each year… Ya know, the ones that are the size of a cookie wrapped in plastic and then you put them in a cup of tepid water and in 30 minutes you have a full size washcloth with Winnie the Pooh on it textured like a soft sandpaper…

Look at it like this… you begin in a sheltered armor of childhood, secure from the big bad world… you slowly unwrap the plastic lining of your youth and quest into adolescence… this is short lived as young adulthood submerges you in undulating adventure, each precious second ticking by until you are gasping for air… Always immersed in that pool for entirely too long, strangled by the forces opposing your liberation, you wait as you writhe for freedom… Finally you are released from the watery prison, but twisted and squeezed painfully, just to achieve the full effect… By this time, you are fully grown and left to dry… you do your job and sometimes it turns out that you have fulfilled everyone’s hopes and dreams of you, and sometimes you are a disappointment, not what someone had in mind… sometimes you think you are on one side of this spectrum and sometimes on another, but really… when it comes right down to it…

You’re still a cheap washcloth textured like soft sandpaper…

I however… am the washcloth that everyone anticipates… Softer than expected… with a nice design… I’m the washcloth of your dreams simply because I want to be.

My glass of water is currently called Petonen, the second most dangerous part of Finland. I call it my glass of water because these past four months have been meticulously confusing my washcloth self… I went into this experience submerged, as most of us exchange students have… but have been ripped from my glass many too many times and twisted and wrung viciously only to be placed back in the water… I think it’s just so I have plenty of time to become better in my little viscous cocoon. Being compressed and mangled so many times leaves my muscles sore and my mind exhausted… Afterwards I feel stronger than before, it’s an incredible phenomenon.

Anyways… I do live in the second most dangerous part of Finland… I am proud to say I live in this Finnish ghetto… it’s exhilarating… Much more exhilarating than my tiny village of Rytky, although I do miss that bee farm.

I switched host family’s November 22nd… it was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do since being here. I had grown SO close with the Keränens that leaving them was like leaving home all over again, but worse… I don’t know why, but I cried more when I left my first host family than when I left my real parents. I felt kind of bad though… Anne and I stood in the kitchen of my second host family crying and hugging for a very long time……

My new family is very different from my home, very different from my first host family too. I have four host brothers and sisters. Rita (18 female), Reko (15 male), Roni (10 male), Rosa (6 female). Now… I have a very open mind… I also have a terrible disease…. It was diagnosed at a very young age and has hindered my ability to live normally for many many years…

I have OCS, better known as… this is very difficult for me to talk about, a very sensitive subject…

HELLO, I AM JENNIFER, AND I HAVE ‘ONLY CHILD SYNDROME.’

There… now it’s out in the open. Symptoms of OCS: enjoys peace, enjoys quiet, hates yelling, doesn’t understand why children cry a lot, likes to be alone, has own things and does not need others’ things, nor hopes other needs owns things…

This home is never quiet… it was very difficult to get used to, and I don’t think I ever can get used to that for it is something I really just don’t enjoy… but it’s okay… I vow never to have more than two children when I have kids… you can quote me on that, write it down, stamp it, get my signature, I will not have more than two children. One is perfectly sufficient.

The eighteen year old and I get along very well… we’re very different with different friends and different fun-making activities, but we get along… the fifteen year old and I also get along… he’s funny and plays the guitar REALLY well… the ten year old…. I’m sure he’s a very nice child… but we have a bit of a communication barrier… because he doesn’t speak or understand English yet… and he doesn’t speak Finnish to me either……

The six year old… I won’t get into everything… but she likes coming into my room and poking me…. she likes sitting on my bed and saying random words in Finnish and having me repeat her even though I don’t know what the words mean… she likes sitting under my desk and ‘fixing’ it with tools while I work on homework… she likes cuddling with me in bed when I watch Across the Universe… she likes playing myyra (mole) in my bed by crawling underneath the covers from the foot of my bed up to my face… she likes singing and dancing… she goes to a German kindergarten and speaks some German… she’s loud… she’s six. I like her best when she’s quiet and cuddly… other times when she’s loud… and poking me… I have a strong urge to punt her across the foyer… but I don’t… because I’m a lovely washcloth.

It’s warm tonight… 36°F… 2°C… that’s the warmest it’s been in a long time…

The most exciting recent event in my adventure here was a trip to Lapland, which Cindy had talked about a bit. I’ll add. =].

I got on the bus at approximately 11:52pm Friday December 5th. I was reunited with my lovely friend Hope and we had many things to update each other on. The bus ride was ridiculously long, but I slept VERY well… The beauty of being small… I had a pillow and blanket and I fit perfectly on two seats. I’d have to say the best part was being reunited with my two best friend Chris and Trey… 3 of the Rotary busses had ended up stopping at the same time at the same ABC (truck stop kind of place)… and I saw Trey first and attacked with a nice run jump hug and then saw Chris who was out of it like usual… and I was like… HEY! Where the hell have you been?! He had practically fallen off the face of the Earth… We were happy to be back together again, the three of us.

We still had a few hours of bus ride after that and we went to our separate busses (they were together which made me jealous) and headed up to the Arctic Circle. We arrived around 11:45 the next morning… and went and found our rooms and then had lunch and thennnnnn… they took us to the ski slopes for fun in the snow. I went snowboarding… and I didn’t break any bones. None. I was rather proud.

After snowboarding we had much free time at the hotel, which was nice. It was nice being able to relax with my friends. At language camp Chris and Trey and I started a tradition of sorts called Story Time. Chris is an excellent reader and we would hide in one of their rooms during circle games and have Chris read When You Are Engulfed In Flames to us… As soon as we could we tried to hide in Trey’s room and have a bit of Story Time, but we couldn’t find the book… so Chris read interesting discoveries of UrbanDictionary… a crowd formed and Story Time was no longer ours.

Later that evening they had planned a nice dinner for us… In the middle of the woods… in the freezing cold… Outside… In the woods… We ate reindeer soup and had crepes and hot juice… Hot juice is NOT a thirst quencher let me tell you… they were a fan of this hot juice crap all weekend.

We then went back to the hotel and had story time until the grumpy Rotarians made us all go back to our own rooms.

Well, as Cindy said, our room was the best… It was huge and even though we had five girls in there (Jocelyn from Washington State, Stephanie from California, Hope from OHIO [Ohio Cindy], Cindy from Florida, and me)… it was still huge… We also had a sauna in our room… an amenity that only we had. We wanted to begin the second part of our evening with a nice sauna… but we couldn’t figure out how to work the stupid thing… It seemed nearly impossible… Knobs with no descriptions, holes that we thought would light up but don’t! How ever was it possible that we could make these seemingly normal wooden room turn into a hot steamy bath of joy and joyness?!

Stephanie decided to run up to the front desk to ask… we were about 20 feet away from the desk and even though it was 15 minutes after curfew, she thought she could make it…. Well, well, well, as we have learned… old Finnish Rotarian men are veryyyyyy sneaakkkyyyyyyyy. One popped up right around the corner and asked her what she was doing… she started to say she needed to ask a question at the front desk about the sauna because it wasn’t working. He cut her off after two words and told her what she should be doing which was going back to her room and sleeping (he has no compassion, we later learned, in English, only compassion in Finnish). She said ‘Yes, but!’ And before she could get another words out of her mouth he chases her back to her room repeating ‘Yeah, but. Yeah, but. Yeah, but.’ Over and over again… From that point forward, since we don’t know the names of our lovely Rotarian guys, he was given the name ‘Yeah, but’.

That evening continued with some events that probably shouldn’t be addressed, but for the betterment of society as a whole, I will speak of them.

After Yeah, but… we knew we couldn’t leave the room again… Unfortunately we had two smokers in the group who wanted one more… I jokingly suggested that they smoke out the window, not thinking that they actually would…

Well this window, you see, had two glass things with heavy wooden things and heavy and complicated and stuff… and so they propped the window open with their heads and free hand as they leaned as far out the window as possible trying to exhale in sync so they could waft the smoke outside and close one of the windows to prevent it from coming back in…

As you are most likely suspecting, this went horribly wrong… Well, not horribly, but it was pretty much an epic fail… They did smoke their cigarettes, buttttttttt… the entire room smelled. Bad. So we propped open the window of doom with a ski boot and brain stormed…. I showered and left the bathroom door open so the steamy goodness of my shower with good smelling shampoo and conditioner scents permeating through the room… the girls rubbed orange peels together and then all showered with the door open as well… It was quite the fest…

Once the smell seemed to be gone, we began the real fun.

Take one guess at what you think our next activity was…

Consider these factors…

It’s midnight, in the Arctic circle, in a hotel room… with…

5 TEENAGE GIRLS.

TRUTH OR DARE!

Duh!

Of course I was first and me being no pansy, I chose Dare. I was dared to run into the hall and run all the way down and knock on 3 doors and then come back…

WELLLLLL… Me in all of my brilliance, I knocked on the way down the hall not on the way back, which probably wasn’t the smartest… But lucky for me I’m super speedy with my legs of steel, so I made it back to the room safely

Next I dared Cindy to eat 10 pieces of salmiakki candies all at once! It’s a good one I promise… Just ask her how great it was!

After that the girls got tired so we made a circle on the giant bed (three twin beds pushed together) and played… Truth or Truth. Which turned into Ask-Jenny-a-Bunch-of-Weird-Questions-Cause-She-Has-the-Best-Stories.

We then laid in a very Finnish silence till one of us turned off the lights and we went to bed… after 10 more minutes of giggling of course.

The next morning we woke up and got breakfast in our pj’s and got ready for DAY 2 on the slopes.

If I may be so bold as to say that I (quote) Shredded up those sick slopes, man dude. (end-quote). (Quote) I made that snow my b*$#@. (end-quote). Right after I (quote) Ate gnarly sh!t (end-quote).

See, not only did I learn to snowboard, but I also learned some of their neat lingo.

The first time I fell really hard, I was heading down the slope and lost balance or something and ended up sliding about 20 feet face first in the snow… Dave boarded up next to me and yelled “CONGRATULATIONS JEN, You just ate your first shit.” I don’t understand why they refer to snow as fecal matter honestly because it actually tastes rather nice and it feels better than falling on asphalt or hard wood floors or metal spikes.

Growing thoroughly exhausted from falling and riding the impossible ski lift and falling and actually getting the hang of the falling leaf technique… we called it a day and went up to the lodge for hot cocoa and pool. Before we went to the lodge, Chris and Trey had to turn in their skis in the equipment room because they rented theirs… I went with them and even though it didn’t take too long, we ended up sitting in the equipment room arguing over which Pringle flavor is better and why Chris like Jaffa and isn’t a fan of Pepsi and… We took a survey of all the people who came in… Sour Cream and Onion took the cake much to their dismay… damn Original lovers.

There was a boy in the lodge that really got on Chris’ nerves. And it was hilarious. I won’t tell this tale… cause your really just had to be there.

On the bus ride back to the hotel Chris and I discussed blood types and the importance of knowledge of your own blood type and that of your partner’s. It was very interesting… We continued the rest of the weekend by introducing ourselves to people we didn’t know with…

“Hi, I’m (insert name here.) What is your favorite Pringle flavor, red or green, and what’s your blood type?”

Then you can have knowledge.

Anyways… that evening we had dinner and went to a school to use their gym. Each country had to perform something, a song, dance, skit… anything.

WELL! Us Americans were very unprepared… And we all really lacked any sort of real talent…

I told them I knew songs. They said OH! LIKE WHAT?! I said wellllll… I know the Jellyfish Song, the Froggie Song, the Penguin Company Song, the Herman the Worm Song, the Oreo Cookie Song, the……..

So this lead to me singing the Oreo Cookie Song, alone, in front of 130 exchange students and then leading them all in a rousing round of the Hokey Pokey.

The rest of the weekend people kept asking for encores of the Oreo song… It really is a good song.

We all hung out together back at the hotel for a bit until we were sent back to our rooms… where us girls, all exhausted, fell asleep almost right away.

The next morning I thought for real I was dead, or dying. Every muscle in my body was SCREAMING at me. Muscles I never knew existed. I could not move my body. Hope dragged me out of bed and I hobbled to the dining room in tights and sweats and a sweater looking positively ravishing and ate bread. Lots of bread.

This day was Monday. They had a fun filled day of Lappish fun for us to have fun with. We took the bus to an old woman’s house… She wore traditional Sammi clothes and showed us her old house and then showed us a slideshow… on a slide machine… like the huge projector things that go ‘CLA-CHICK’ when you change pictures. I slept through this… But I did catch the part where we learned how to castrate reindeer with our teeth.

Then we fed reindeer moss. Real reindeer, real moss. They were SO cute!

We took the bus to a museum then… and watched a documentary on nature… which I also slept through.

THEN!

WE!

WENT!

TO!

SWEDEN!

We were right near the Swedish border so we went and took pictures for like 10 minutes. It was glorious. I even sent Heath a text message saying ‘GUESS WHAT?! I’M IN SWEDEN!!!! WOOOOO!!!!!” Cause that’s how exciting it was.

We went back to the hotel for lunch and thennnnn.

We had a snowmobile ride… well… it was three snowmobiles with carts attached for like… 8 people to sit in… And… I was late… so I got to ride on the snowmobile! It was exciting. We went up to this teepee thing where they had some reindeer and sleighs. And we went on a reindeer sleigh ride. It was intense… We of course had the fastest reindeer!

After the reindeer we went snowshoeing… it’s not really fun. We played human dominoes though… One girl fell down and took another girl with her and we all just tipped over down the long line of us District 1430-ers.

We went to a husky place… except non-native-English speakers can’t say husky sleds… they say… ‘hushky sledges.’

We saw baby hushky puppies and went on hushky sledge rides and it was soooooo lovely. It felt like Christmas. Really Christmas.

We went back to the hotel after that for quiet time before dinner, which wasn’t very quiet… Story time was nice though.

Dinner was a candle-lit dinner that we were supposed to get dressed up for… there was a delicious chocolately dessert, Thibault from Belgium ate all of mine though… The nerve.

Rotary had recruited a Sammi singer guy to sing for us and it was very nice… and funny… he was a hilarious man. Then the oldies from Australia gave gifts to their newbie’s… but Kuopio doesn’t have oldies… ours got sent home… so we didn’t get anything… And then the tutors did a hilarious dance….

After this assembly the exchange students threw room parties… A dance party up in the Mexicans room, a different party with the Aussies, Story Time in Trey’s room… It was a wild time.

We all got sent back to our room at around 2:30am. Well… for five of us girls, we were silly… and had two room keys… and they were all locked in the room. And reception was closed… So we sat in the hall in a circle of prayer to Santa or something and hummed a bit hoping the master key would work and it didn’t… so we slept in rooms with the tutors… which turned out to be super fun… Hope and I were with Ella and we had the best night ever! She was an exchange student 5 years ago and we ate and talked and listened to music all night.

We woke up early the next morning to pack our things and get ready to leave.

On our last day in Lapland we drove to Rovaniemi to go to the place where the real Santa Claus lives. Santa’s Village was adorable and soooo Christmasy. There was a post office where you could send letter to people at home from the real Santa and and AND! This was the place that if kids mail a card to Santa, it goes to. They sort them right in the post office in the back area and you can see it… and talk to the sorter lady. She said that they receive nearly 800,000 letters each year. They read every single one… If the letter has a return address, Santa will send them a letter back, ALWAYS. (Keep this in mind parents).

We also went into Santa’s real lair… It was creepy so I think it was a lair. And met him… He speaks 15 different languages… We got a nice picture with him too!!! ONLY 7 EUROS!

Chris and Trey and I shared a soda with three straws and then got back on the busses to go to lunch…

Then it was time to say the goodbyes.

It was a very emotional time, because for most of us, we won’t see each other again until May, and this was the last time the Aussies would all be together… They all leave in less than a month now.

As sad as it was to see them all crying and hugging each other, it kind of made you feel a little warmer… realizing that I too will be sad to leave this icy tundra.

I will leave you with this…

I have deciphered the phenomenon of Europeans and their smell…

It’s not that they don’t wear deodorant…
It’s just that it doesn’t work…

Thank you Mommy for sending Secret Powder Fresh for Christmas.

January 9 Journal

The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming!
In Russia the most extravagant holiday of the year is New Years. Their favorite way to celebrate is to come to Kuopio, Finland to ski. And when they aren’t skiing they pillage the 75% off racks (of which there are many….) (after Christmas sales)… and raid the McDonalds and pizza places and the streets yelling in their language that sounds an awful lot like paska. Don’t get me wrong… I have nothing against the Russians…. I mean… I’m part Russian myself! BUT! For the love of salamanders, I would really appreciate it if the would refrain from cluttering up my small city with their pushy attitudes and fur….

Which leads me to my next point…

You can ALWAYS pick out a Russian by the inordinate amounts of fur that they wear. Fur coats with ridiculous fur hats and fur scarves and fur boots and fur furfur! I wonder how many animals died in the creation of the Russians’ winter wardrobe. Although I think since the Russians are here and wearing their furs it puts the Finns at ease and makes them think it’s okay to whip out their extensive fur collection and parade around town. When they bump into you and you say ‘PerkeleVenajalainen’ and then realize they’re really Finns cleverly disguised as a Russian, it’s a bit embarrassing… All I’m trying to say…. Is it’s time to get rid of the fur and get this town back to normal!

You see… the Finns hatred of the Russians began many a moon ago when the Russians were mean and bossy and controlled Finland… after Sweden controlled Finland of course. Now… Finns still hold a grudge because they find the Russians very annoying… they don’t really mind the Swedes… and the only reason they actually put up with Russians is because they boost our economy and I’m assuming because they allow them free reign to bust out the furs.

ANYWAYS!

Many things have occurred since the last time I wrote.

Recall the family I told you about in my last entry? WHELLLLL…. I moved. I am now living with my Rotarian counselor right in the center of the city and this pleases me. Details are unnecessary… but I will say this… I am now eating cookies in my room at 10:05 at night and in the rest of the house…. do you know what I hear?

Silence.

It’s beautiful.

You know, I was thinking… and it’s really strange because I used to have very interesting stories because everything was new and exciting and story making… BUT NOWWW! It’s all too normal. I find that in the first few months of my exchange each day was an event. I could remember everyday and everything and it was always new and fun and new. Now instead of living each day as an individual experience… I’m just living. Days happen without anything out of the ordinary… each day is just a day and sometimes it’s memorable, but most of the time it’s just a day. A normal day…

And sometimes… realizing that you can just have a normal day is more extraordinary.

How was your Christmas?

Mine was…

…I will post a note of warning to the new bounty of Outbounds preparing themselves* for their exchange year…

Please don’t read this and then get really mad at me for being scary or anything… but… Just don’t blame me if this gives you holiday jitters. Exchange is fabulous, but it’s not a piece of cake (I love cake).

Now, mind you, things with my second host family were a bit rocky (I had only lived with them for about 3 or 4 weeks before Christmas), so I won’t go into details, but this… this was the worst Christmas of my life.

Dinner… for dinner, they make ham (I’m not a ham fan), and three types of latikos. Latikos are three different pureed dishes. I don’t know about you, but I stopped eating purees before I was potty trained. Purees are made by Gerber, not Christmas delights. So dinner, was gross… oh! And to drink with dinner… I had a nice yummy glass of apple juice like my 6-year-old host sister. NOMMI! Juice, ham, purees. Fabulous. After dinner, they set up… microphones and amplifiers in the living room. For what purpose you may ask? Oh, just to sing Christmas carols in Finnish, of which I was not provided with lyrics to join in the festivities. Singing was followed by Santa driving to our house in an old Toyota and passing out gifts and… SINGING MORE SONGS. I was rather bitter by this point. For the record, I’ve never been the jolly Christmassy type. We opened lots of presents… the ones I received were very nice. Then as I sat in my chair as the family mingled with themselves… not exactly bothering to talk to me, except for the cousin who was nice, I politely excused myself and did what any bad exchange student would do.

I cried on my bed until Mommy and Daddy and Grampa and Rose logged on Skype to talk to me. And you know what? That cheered me right up. Relying on home while you’re here to get through the tough shit is typically a major no-no. But sometimes… Christmas just isn’t Christmas without family. Especially when the one you’re residing with doesn’t really meld you in.

Some facts about a Finnish Christmas
– Christmas in Finland is Christmas Eve
– Christmas Day is not celebrated
– Santa comes directly to your living room… ours came at 6:30pm
– When asked what Santa drives… the answer is not a sleigh, but a Toyota circa 1987
– You eat ham and latikos for weeks after Christmas
– Once the latikos are gone, you eat pea and ham soup with the left over ham
– I can sing Christmas carols in Finnish really well when provided with lyrics
– One of the pureed dishes happens to be pureed carrots
– White Christmases are lovely until your host mom decides you should shovel the driveway
– It doesn’t matter if Christmases are white when it’s only light out for 2 hours
– I solemnly swear never again to celebrate Christmas in Finland again

Now that you’ve relished in my delightful Christmas… I’ll move on to a more joyous topic…

FRIENDS!

I have them. It’s neat.

No but for real I do. I have a nice little gaggle and it’s lovely. We spend so much time together that they noticed I have a slight stutter. My friend Stephanie has a lisp… and we were talking about speech impediments because she was telling us about the kid in hew speech thewapy class who couldn’t say his aw’s… which led to us questioning the person who labeled stutters as stutters and lisps as lisps, for they are extremely difficult for those who have the said problem to say.

In Kuopio, Finland there are many fun activities for people my age to do… I will provide you with a list of fun things to do in Kuopio.

– sit in Coffee House
– smoke cigarettes in Kongi
– Go in Sokos to stay warm
– try on perfumes while in Sokos trying to stay warm
– sit in Hesburger
– sit in McDonalds
– stand outside and stare at giant clock/thermometer on top of the bank and curse whenever it switches from the time to the temperature
– repeat

Here’s a dictionary so you know what I’m talking about.

Coffee House: favorite coffee shop in town, also the most expensive

Hesburger: Finnish McDonalds

Kongi: Tunnel area between Sokos and Coffee House where all the gothic kids hang out, also a choice spot to watch drunks get arrested and drug deals

Sit: Sitting in a coffee shop or fast food place typically means, one of more persons purchases something so we don’t get kicked out… then we sit there for hours until were bored of there… then move to next sitting place and repeat.

Sokos: Big department store

Temperature: -4 is a warm day, -8 is comfortable, -20 (the most common reading) makes you want to shoot yourself

As of now, I have no other things to tell… but I will.

Happy January… I can’t believe it’s been almost 6 months!

*Did you know that the word ‘themselves’ does not technically exist? Well, of course it does, but the way in which I used it is completely improper and grammatically incorrect. I should have said ‘preparing himself or herself’ or if that’s not politically correct for feminists across the globe ‘preparing herself or himself.’ But as a writer I find that this disrupts the flow and good writing must have a proper flow, just like a good freestylin’.

February 1 Journal

February of the year 2009 may very well be my favorite month since February 1998, although I would consider February 2009 to be ranked higher because I did not appreciate what February of 1998 truly had to offer. It is the most symmetrically beautiful and aesthetically pleasing month. With a calendar that starts the week on Sunday, February of 2009 has 4 perfect weeks of 7 days all aligned perfectly in succession the way life is supposed to be. While nothing truly exciting is going on this month except for an appointment with my therapist, I’d like to appreciate the simplicity of living in a perfect calendar month.
My life here in Finland is so blisteringly simple, that I can’t help but twist everything into contorted versions of complexity because I don’t know how to do simple. I am unable to focus on anything, no matter how effortless. Blame it on my uncanny ability to seek every possible entity of life that could possibly put stress upon my shoulders, or place the blame on my utter insanity… it really could go either way I think.

I did have something rather exciting occur in my life recently though. Would you like to know what? This really was the highlight of a rather low period…

An exchange student in Ecuador named Anna found me on Facebook and sent me a lengthy message. The contents of this message are really what blew my mind. She’s Finnish and is keeping a blog “openly wondering, complaining and at the same time loving the Latino way of life.” She said she was wondering one day about what exchange students in Finland feel about the culture she is so accustomed to and Google searched it. She found her way to my journal somehow and said she couldn’t stop reading it. She read it from top to bottom and said, and I quote “I can’t really say anything else but that I AM UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY IN LOVE WITH IT,” she also added ©©© to the end of that. By the time I finished reading her message I swear I just couldn’t stop smiling. It really is miraculous how this huge world we live in can be so small… I won’t lie; it also felt really good to have my writing complimented. I felt so honored that an exchange student in Ecuador, not even through Rotary just randomly found my writing.

It really does mesmerize me though. A Finnish girl in Ecuador who lives in Helsinki but parents grew up in Kuopio reads my writing… Joonas, currently in Florida, whose family I lived with here in Finland knows Vivian, a Taiwanese girl who lived with my family in Florida…. One of my closest Finnish friends’ here in Finland used to live in Clearwater, Florida… Another Finnish friend of mine spends every Christmas vacation in Sarasota, Florida on Longboat Key with his family… It’s just so hard to imagine how small our world really is. When living in an environment like most do, you don’t get the opportunity to see the wonder of internationalization. It shocks me, it really does.

So I’ve begun writing a book in my free time… because I get bored really easily and find writing something fun to do… I want to write about my exchange and base it off my journals that I write… My only problem is that I don’t know whether I should rework the whole thing and use my journals as the basis, or make it a compilation of my journals Sex and the City style. I could really use some solid input.

I suppose it’s a short one for today, but it’s better than nothing huh?

Oh, you know what I find incredibly difficult to type? And it’s kind of a problem sometimes because I have to type it frequently… It’s exchange… and the scary thing is that now that I’m thinking about it I actually typed it right on the first try this time… although I do keep screwing up nearly every other word I type. Goodness.

Exhange.

Exhcnage.

Exchange.

Exhange.

Sometimes it works… sometimes it doesn’t.

Exhcaneg.

Exhanvge.

Exhcanege.

Yes, I really actually tried… no I did not sit here for ten minutes typing out different ways to misspell exchange.

Well… Till next time.

February 17 Journal
A Word on Customs… in the Office of Customs.
I have a premonition that the postal workers of the world believe my family is composed of felons and drug smugglers. Every time my parents send me a package I am told to pick it up from the customs office. My other American friends, they pick their packages up at the post office. So either:

1. a) Finland’s postal service believes my family is sending me illegal materials

2) Believe I am ultra suspicious therefore I must be surveyed

or the most logical explanation…

III) They want to explore my box of goodies.

Now when I go to pick up my boxes, it’s usually a middle-aged Finnish male who attempts to make jokes and asks what I’m being sent. They always ask if I’m being sent drugs. They also cut open my boxes and go exploring.

Last time, when I ordered new boots, the man opened the box and said, “Oh, you ordered boots.” This is after his initial, what did you order question, of which I replied, “Boots.” Then he asked with fascination, “Are these leather?” I responded with, “They’re suede.” He then proceeded to stroke my boots for five seconds longer than necessary.

This time however, after the initial, “Are there drugs in here?” question, a different man proceeded to open my package. He looked inside, “Ooooh, Skittles” (pronounced: ‘skeet-lays’). Rummaging with his right and holding up a larger object on top with his left, he found things and said out loud what they were with growing interest: hair products, granola bars, candies, diet coke, contacts. Then… he realized that the things he was holding in his left hand were, much to his surprise, bras. He then proceeded to stare at them with awe for five seconds longer than necessary.

I have come to some conclusions about the customs of people who work at the customs office (great play on words, huh?):

1. a) They find pleasure in looking through other peoples’ goodies.

2) They are all men.

III) They all giggle.

dee) They look scary, but are really giant fluffballs.

finally) They all have a passion for fashion… and undergarments apparently.

March 2 Journal

An exchange year is filled to the brim with being busy. Stress is a natural factor… between moving to new houses constantly, or at least it seems so, making friends, becoming comfortable, learning the way around town… But now, dear people, I am officially past that part of exchange. Yes, it’s over. I have moved into my final host house with my final host family in my final host room. I also have an amazing close-knit group of friends AND I haven’t gotten lost in months. I’d say this is quite the achievement.
It’s becoming more and more strange that I will be leaving my best friends in four short months. I have grown so close to my friends here, it’s hard to describe. I have created bonds with people that typically take years to form, and I’ve made them in a matter of months. The looming reality of leaving home originally seems daunting and slightly depressing, leaving your family and friends behind while you go on an amazing journey that you feel should be shared with those people you care for so deeply… In retrospect, you will come back to them… However those people who you grow to love and are with you every step of your exchange… growing and changing and exploring life… they are the ones that you leave and you don’t know the next time you will see them. They share such an extraordinary part of your soul and your heart and in reality, some you may never see again. Going home seems so close, like a pesty next door neighbor. I won’t lie, going home will be lovely, seeing my friends and family and being warm… It will be happy. But this life I’ve created for myself here is so comfortable and normal, it’s hard to imagine the drastic change that will be made so soon.

When I had been here four months, I thought, WOW, I can’t believe how long I’ve been here… Now I think I have four months left, and I see that I will spend a huge chunk of March in Sweden and then April not much will happen, nor May, just live, and then it’s June and I have Eurotour and then 10 days after Eurotour I will be HOME. Which essentially leaves me two months in Finland which is really scary and I’m actually feeling a panic attack coming on because I just realized this and while it’s the beginning of March, soon it will be the end of March because months go by so quickly which is great because then I get my Rotary allowance, but I also have to buy a new bus card, but I only have to reload it two more times and and and and….

It is so horribly cold here I think I might freeze to death… It’s been cold since October, and freezing since November… and and and…

I find I have nothing to write about because I do nothing exciting really.. It would be like you telling me what you do in a normal day… my life should be more exciting than yours because I’m an exchange student for goodness sake. But it’s not and I appreciate that SO much. Having something exciting to do everyday would spoil life because then nothing would be exciting anymore. Am I right?

I enjoy coffee.. I went a while where I cut WAYYY back, but my new host family drink it a lot. I like it.

I hope Flagler College doesn’t read my journals and decide not to allow me to come in the Autumn because they think I’d be better off in an asylum…

Oh the tribulations of life….

April 5 Journal

At heart, I am a passionate person. The problem I frequently come by is that I am a tough critic on what is allowed to be the recipient of my devotion. I jumped from hobby to hobby throughout my childhood, possibly in search of that one thing I could partake in with unrequited love.
I found horseback riding eventually and this, this I loved. However in the world of horses there is pressure. I am not one who enjoys pressure.

I enjoy knitting and traveling, eating and sleeping, talking and swinging on swings.

This year I knew would be a year of self discovery while I explored the world that lies outside of my safe haven of home. I find this idea rather peculiar… Finding yourself through everything that is not you. It seems like the ultimate challenge, but yet, sometimes, when the world that surrounds you is dissimilar, possibly even a polar opposite, your reflection stares back at you with crystal clarity.

In two months, I will leave Finland with more of myself than I came with.

I found my passion in words. In your words, in our words, in my words. It mystifies me still being able to fill a page with words, words that I have chosen to put together to express myself, and then to have people read them and to have these people enjoy the words that I have chosen to put together to express myself.

Next year when I go to Flagler College, I know what I will study in my educational pursuits. I have a goal in sight for myself. A goal that I know is achievable and a goal that I will enjoy to the fullest.

I will write. For you, for them, and for myself.

On a completely different rambling note, I read something very interesting the other day. Due to scientific and medical advances it is said that people currently under the age of forty have the potential to live for centuries. A geneticist at Cambridge University has stated this. Other scientists, doctors, geneticists, and nanotech experts insist that not only is the idea of postponing or even reversing aging possible, but a goal that is achievable in time to benefit those of us alive today.

Sounds neat right? I mean this one lady says that the first person to live to 1,000 years old is living today. However I read in another place why immortality would really be a terrible terrible idea. As you grow older your perception of time speeds up. This would be fine if everyone was immortal, but let’s say our life-span remains the same as it is on average now. You’ve been through numerous relationships and numerous deaths of relationships and time is still continuing to speed up in your mind. Essentially this makes what would seem a life-long relationship seem like 5 minutes, right? Eventually this would get so bad you’d be completely unable to form relationships and you’d be fast-forwarding until the sun decides to expand and the Earth begins to cook and then what?

Immortality would be really lame.

This journal consisted nearly entirely of my endless frippery… and didn’t have any life in Finland stuff…

I swear there really isn’t anything I haven’t already told you before… Except possibly… yes.

At this kebab and pizza place I discovered the most greatest of discoveries… For 3 euros I can get an entire dinner sized plate piled high with French fries. Besides the 50 cent ice cream cones from Hesburger, I think this might be the best deal in the city.

For those of you wondering what this kebab I speak of is… it’s not shish kebab. No. Shish kebab is for lame-os.

WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION – DÖNER KEBAB

‘Döner kebab, literally “rotating kebab” in Turkish, is sliced lamb, beef or chicken, slowly roasted on a vertical rotating spit. It is similar to gyros and shawarma. Döner kebab is most popularly served in pita bread, as it is best known, with salad, but is also served in a dish with a salad and bread or French fries on the side, or used for Turkish pizzas called pide or “kebabpizza”. Take-out döner kebab or shawarma restaurants are common in many parts of Europe. Döner kebab is said to be the best-selling fast food in Germany and Poland as well as being popular in many other European countries, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. In Australia and the UK, kebabs (or döner meat and chips) are most popularly eaten after a night out, representing a large part of nightlife culture. As a result, many kebab shops (and vans) will do their main business in the hours around closing time for local pubs and clubs (usually from 10 pm to 4 am). The same applies for the Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Scandinavia. It is therefore not uncommon to find similar late-night kebab vending shops in holiday-clubbing destinations such as Ibiza. Health concerns about döner kebab, including unacceptable salt and fat levels and improper labeling of meat used, are repeatedly reported in UK media. The German-style döner kebab was supposedly invented by a Turkish immigrant in Berlin in the 1970s, and became a popular German take-away food during the 1990s, but is almost exclusively sold by Turks and considered a Turkish specialty in Germany.’

April 22 Journal

Today smelled like happiness.
I woke up and I didn’t know it yet, but today indeed smelled like happiness. It was so perfectly appeasing in everyway.

Today was simply whimsical. There is no better way to describe it.

The sun glittered its gems lightly on my pale skin, the breeze playfully tousling with my hair … I walked down the street with myself without a care in the world and couldn’t help but let my lips curl into a smile. I was flood with the most beautiful happiness… oh sweet Spring.

I can sense my dreams tingling through my spine… I want to take hold of them and make them real and I want to do it now.

I want to do it today, this perfectly whimsical day.

May 5 Journal

So in this here part of the world there’s a little celebration called Vappu… celebrating the beginning of summer.
My Vappu went like this.

In the morning I came to town. The city center was more crowded than I’d ever seen it. Most people were enjoying the sun, some were dressed in funny costumes. My friends and I bought ice cream cones and bottles of bubbles and enjoyed them to the fullest. Later on we moved to my friend Stephanie’s house to put on our costumes!!!! I wore purple leopard print tights, black shorts, a black t-shirt, lots of necklaces, rainbow fake eyelashes, and I curled my hair to the extreme. Then we taught our friend Saniya how to eat a taco. =].

We went down to the lake around 4 pm and it was packed… by 6 there were thousands of people there. It was one giant party… absolute madness. The party had started before we arrived and lasted until a little after midnight… when everyone wandered into town to find some food.

There were a few interesting things I saw that night.

Beginning at about 7pm police officers in groups of three began walking around… observing, not really doing anything… which was fine and dandy. Then around 10:30 there were paramedics walking around in groups of threes, I assume to pump stomachs or rescue drunkards from the frozen lake. I witnessed one of the paramedics in ‘action.’

The three were wandering around looking to see if someone needed help. There was a girl, with her friend, head between her legs, puking probably from the likes of alcohol poisoning… this girl looked REALLY bad. The paramedics walked by… one looked at her, hesitated… looked again… looked slightly disgusted… and then walked away. Didn’t ask if she needed help. Didn’t offer any sort of assistance, didn’t notify a police officer to get her address and drive her home… Just kept walking. They were efficient!

I also witnessed boys pushing other boys in a stolen shopping cart… pushing them into curbs, railings over the lake, innocent bystanders….

My favorite part of the evening however was in the city. My friends and I meandered towards the city around 12:30am in search of nourishment like the rest of the city of Kuopio. We first went to a stand inside the center market trying to find some food that was cheap and fast… Stephanie wanted a cheeseburger so we asked the woman how much it would be… she began to open a package of the microwavable cheeseburgers you buy at the store 2 for 3.49€… and told us… 7€. That’s $9.25 for a microwavable cheeseburger. At Hesburger, our favorite fast food joint… you can get a burger (similar to a Big Mac, but better), fries, and a drink for 7.10€. The audacity of food vendors. ANYWAYS! That wasn’t my favorite part… it’s leading up to my favorite part… I just didn’t realize how much explaining I wanted to do for the prep, so yes. After the whole food vendor ordeal we went to Hesburger. We didn’t go there in the first place because it was packed… but anyways… so we got there, go to the door…. and guess what’s at the door… A bouncer… like at a night club or bar… one of those huge scary guys with the headset wearing all black looking menacing… My friend Milla goes first, he searches her bag, finds empty cans of cider in it and won’t let her in. Stephanie goes… she has no bag… She puts her arms in the air, tells the guy she has nothing, he looks at her suspiciously and lets her in. Next I go. This man fondles my bag for a good 30 seconds… looks me in the eyes and grants me entrance to the fast food restaurant. Our friend Jarkko who Stephanie and I used as our bodyguard was coming in after me, but since there were too many people in the Hesburger at the time they wouldn’t let him in until more people left. It was absolutely ridiculous… and hilarious.

I don’t have much other news. Well, I did laundry yesterday.

You know I cannot wait to have a clothes dryer again. Seriously… I put my clothes up to dry yesterday at like… 5pm… and some of them still aren’t dry today. Clothes dryers and fabric softener.

…Moving on…

If I’m remembering correctly… in one of my prior journals I wrote a bit about the less than efficient deodorant over here… Well…. the weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the people are perspirating…

This warm weather has come upon us Kuopiolainens rather abruptly. I think people here have a bit of a complex about leaving their beloved jackets at home… Everyone seems to be bundled up. IT’S HOT OUT! Not nearly as hot as Florida… but a t-shirt and shorts would be appropriate attire with this weather.

Now they can wear their coats and scarves all year long if they want… but for the love of my organs, please, PLEASE, buy some deodorant that works.

Yetserday I was taking the bus to town, minding my own business, enjoying the nice weather… when all of a sudden the bus stops and more people begin to get on. Not a problem in the least. One particular man though, with dirty blue jeans, a t-shirt and black overcoat, bald on top, full hair on the sides that looked like it had been dyed orange in an attempt to go stylishly blonde… with brown roots an inch thick underneath…. sweaty… and smiling like he was up to something… he chooses the empty seat in front of me… and I knew. I thought to myself… ‘In six seconds I won’t be able to breathe… one… two… three… four… five… six…….’ My nostrils burned, my eyes began to water. This man must have been the smelliest man on the planet.

HOLY SCHMOKES… I wrote the words prior to these earlier today… and I am so glad I waited to send this in!

Something exciting happened today!

I decided to trek into town… I was on a mission. Mission: Glue Stick. I decide to take bus number 20 because the bus stop is closer to my house and I was feeling lazy… I usually take bus 16. As we approach the Shell station two bus stops past mine, midturn, the bus stops. The bus driver makes everyone get off the bus, walk to the next bus stop and wait for another bus (which only took 5 minutes) but still… Everyday is an adventure with public transportation.

Mission: Glue Stick was a success.

OH! ANDDDDDD…. I was watching television and a commercial came on for M&amp;M’s which is ironic because I ate M&amp;M’s just yesterday! But anyways… it was in Finnish of course… Well what happened was the red M&amp;M was standing and the the yellow M&amp;M walked up… but he was red too… and the red M&amp;M asked him what happened and the M&amp;M that’s supposed to be yellow said that he went to sauna and he had a sauna branch with him that you beat yourself (or friends!) with in the sauna for an extra something…. and he had leaves stuck to him… and then the red M&amp;M said… ARE YOU CRAZY! YOU’LL MELT! And then the yellow M&amp;M who is still red shrugs and then changes from red to yellow…. It was so Finnish… the voices sounded like the same male Finnish voices in every other commercial…. even though they were M&amp;M’s….

 

Joanie’s Bio

 Hey everyone! My name is Joanie Davis, I’m 15 years old and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I’m a Sophomore at Bartram Trail High School, and I enjoy drawing, painting, and writing. I also enjoy tubing on the St. Johns River and surfing in the summer. My favorite classes in school are Math and Fashion Production.

My family and friends are very important to me. It will be hard leaving them for almost a year, but the experience of being an exchange student is totally worth it. I live with my mom, dad, and my younger sister Ashley. She’s 12 and attends Switzerland Point Middle School (No, it’s not in Switzerland). I also have two pets, a Siberian Husky named Bandit, and a Lovebird named Sunshine. I have many friends that I enjoy spending time with. On weekends we go tubing, jet skiing, and sometimes to the movies and mall.

I am so excited, and still in shock that I have the chance to be an exchange student. I am thrilled that I will be spending my junior year in Germany. It was my first choice (lucky me), and I am so excited I don’t want to wait 5 months before I get to go. I will be spending almost a year in Germany, learning the language, culture, and meeting new people. This would probably be the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life. Thanks Rotary for allowing me to have this amazing opportunity.

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July 22 Journal

 Hi everyone! Although I have not yet left on my exchange, I would still like to write a journal about how I’m feeling before I embark on this year long journey. I have only 13 days before I leave and it doesn’t feel real yet. It has not hit me that I will be leaving my friends and family and live in another country for a year. Every time I tell someone that they look at me like I’m crazy. Often people ask me if I’m scared, excited, or nervous. But honestly, I don’t feel any of those emotions. I actually don’t feel any emotion I can possible think of. It’s something new, weird, and I just can’t explain it. This is a strange thing for me because I can usually explain how I feel in any situation but not in this one. Only someone that has or will be an exchange student knows what this odd feeling is like.

On July 11th my friend Anne went back to Denmark. It was a really sad day , and our group was crying so hard. Just like a car accident everyone stared at us as they walked by. Although it was terribly upsetting for everyone, I felt happy at the same time. This wasn’t a “goodbye” it was more of a “see you soon”. This is something I’m going to remember when it comes time for me to come back home. It takes a lot of sadness out of the leaving and makes it a lot more joyous. I think this experience will prepare me for my exchange.

Lucky for me, I’ve been talking to my first host family for a lot longer than most outbounds. I’ve really become attached to them, and I feel like I know them good enough to feel very comfortable in their home. I will have one host sister name Leonie. She is the cutest little girl I’ve ever seen. My host parents are so nice, and completely different from my parents. I am really excited about finally getting to meet them. That’s the only emotion I can find that fits any part of my exchange. I’m excited to meet my new family.

After I finished writing this, I read Katie’s journal and almost screamed when I read the part about the indescribable emotion. I think we’ll need to find a good name for it.

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August 25 Journal

 Hallo! I had been homesick before I’d ever left the country. A week before I left it started. I felt like I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. The night before I left was awful. I was terribly depressed, and I was crying a lot. The next morning my mom woke me and asked if I still wanted to do this. I wanted to say no so bad. The last thing I wanted to do was get on the airplane and leave for a year. The first night in Germany I was so homesick I wanted to leave so bad. It lasted 3 days and out of nowhere it stopped. I wanted to stay, I didn’t want to leave. And everyday I am so happy that I decided to go, because I have met so many great people and I would have missed out on a chance of a lifetime.

I’m not going to write about my flight to Germany because it was so uneventful, it’s not even worth writing about. 7 hour layover in Detroit, ancient airplane, and loss of all my knowledge of the German language covers just about everything. So I’ve been in Germany for about three weeks, and it’s everything I imagined it would be. I have already been attending school for two weeks. If you think going to high school in your own country is tough, imagine going to high school in an unfamiliar place, with little knowledge of the language, and not a single friend as far as the eye can see. That was a terrifying experience for me. Never in my life have I been nervous to go to school , but that all changed August 13th. I woke up and I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. I couldn’t stop freaking out, I was hyperventilating, and my heart was beating so hard I could hear it. It took about an hour before I could even start to get ready to go. Because it was my first day, my host mom drove me to school. As soon as we turned into the parking lot I started freaking out again. I kept asking myself ”What’s wrong with you?” I couldn’t calm down; it was terrible. I had no clue where I was going, and I most definitely couldn’t ask anyone because I wasn’t ready for everyone to know that I was foreign. I finally found my first class and quickly took a seat in the very back, and immediately a girl started talking to me. It was the fastest I have ever heard anyone speak. She must have said every word in German in about 2 minutes. I just stared at her for a really long time. My eyes must have been popping out of my head. She then gasped, grabbed me by the arm and exclaimed ”ARE YOU JOANIE?” My cover was blown and 20 pairs of eyes were staring at me. I quickly nodded my head and she smiled and looked really excited. This was just the start of a very crazy day.

School had ended and I had to take the city bus home. I was by myself, and my German is at the level of a 4 year old. I walked on the bus, swiped my bus card and took a seat. It was about 3 minutes into the ride when I heard the bus driver speaking over the intercom. I didn’t know what he was saying so I just sat there. Soon everyone on the bus was staring at me as the driver continued talking. His voice seamed a bit more irritated so I figured he was talking to me. I turned to the girl next to me and asked ”What is he saying?” Strange enough she answered me in French. I searched around panicking and the girl called out ”English!” Thankfully a very, very nice man on the bus spoke English and told me the driver wanted to see my card. I couldn’t understand why. SO I walked to the front of the bus almost falling over because he was a terrible driver and showed him my card. He thought I hadn’t swiped it , though it made a very loud, distinct ”Beep.” The whole ride home everyone continued to stare at me and whispered.

Since that day, things have been getting better and better. I’ve met so many great people, and seen some amazing things. Like the cathedral in Köln. Whoa. So big I couldn’t fit the entire thing into a picture no matter where I stood. And the only disco in Neuss. About the size of my room and 200 people inside. If you are the least bit claustrophobic I highly suggest that you never go there.

This is a terrible summary of everything that’s happened so far, but I want you to read my journals so I’ll keep all of them short.

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September 17 Journal

 Hi everyone!

I’ve lost track of how long I’ve been here, although I am aware it hasn’t been long. It’s really strange because it feels like a lifetime already. Since the very first day of my exchange I’ve experienced every emotion a person can experience. Things are really bipolar all the time, and there are times when you think you need a therapist. Like I said in my second journal, in the beginning things were awful. But shortly after everything was so marvelous I didn’t think such a feeling could exist. But out of nowhere another emotion hit me. I wasn’t that excited like I used to be. When I would go to festivals, and to the the disco when I first arrived it was like Christmas morning. Now all those things feel more like Easter. There might be a present waiting for you that morning. but it’s nothing like Christmas. But now I realize I’m in the next step of my exchange, ‘Boredom’. Everything feels so routine, and I’m a little uninterested in my friends, and the plans they make. Now my bus rides are so uneventful, it’s saddening. Thankfully in 2 weeks I will be embarking on a journey around Germany, for a full 2 weeks. I’m so excited for that, because during that time I’ll probably miss my friends so much that when I return, I am excited to see them all again and do whatever it is they have planned. Whether it’s making scary movies in the basement of the apartment, or shopping in Düsseldorf. I know the feeling of boredom passes eventually, so I’m having to be really creative so I can keep myself occupied until things become ‘marvelous’ again.

Neuß Schützenfest

Enough talking about emotions, now I want to tell you about all the fun stuff I’ve been doing these past few weeks. I went to Neuß Schützenfest (the biggest in Germany) it felt so much like the County Fair, the only difference was the significant lack of mullets, funnel cakes, and country music. Last weekend I went to Rotex Weekend (which was quite unorganized I might add). There were 72 of us in a tiny gym, and we had our sleeping bags crammed in any place we could find. All night we fought one another for space and our blankets. We used our clothing as pillows and yoga mats as mattresses. (All you future Outbounds better not complain about those bunks at Lake Yale.)

Fun Facts About Germany:

*Deodorant is optional -The older you are the more ‘optional’ it becomes.

*Unlike the yellow bus you take to school, my 16 wheeled Mercedes will not wait for you. You can chase it down, swear at it, and beat on the door, you will not be getting on that bus.

*There is no such thing as ‘No room’ on the bus.

*There are only 3 flavors of chips here, and no they are not ranch, cheese, or salt and vinegar

*People eat 2-3 sandwiches during the school day

*In the grocery store, there is every jelly flavor you can think of (even strawberry vanilla), too bad Grape is not one of them.

*People will freak out if you drink water from the sink.

*People will stare at you if you are caught using hand sanitizer, but once they smell it they start covering their faces like noxious gas has just entered the room.

*The Fanta here tastes like orange cough syrup. ew

 

November 6 Journal

 Tonight I have decided I will stop procrastinating, and finally do my Germany Tour journal. Everyone has been asking me about it, wondering where it is, but it’s here now. This journal will only be about this incredible two week tour around Germany I went on a month ago. I’ll write another journal later letting you all know what I’ve been up to this past month.

First stop on the tour was Heidelberg. I must say, this was probably the most gorgeous city I’ve ever seen in my life. It could possibly be due to the fact that the sun was shining for once, but the city was pretty nice too. Heidelberg is home to the oldest university in Germany and has a really ugly destroyed castle sitting above the city. It looks really cool until you find out it’s not 2000 years old, the French just decided to do some renovations. Walking up to see that castle was terrible, it was so steep and so early in the morning, it was unbearable. Needless to say my legs hurt bad.

Next was Freiburg. I was also really impressed with this city. It was really similar to Heidelberg, only instead of a castle, there is the church Münster. My new host dad lived in this city. He wanted me to tell you that. Also my legs and everything else on my body hurt from the day before.

Then we went to Füssen and Oberammergau. This day was the worst workout of my life. The day before in Freiburg me and a few others got lost one night and walked around for hours so our legs hurt really really bad. Then the next day we walked up a mountain to see the castle Neuschwanstein. Normal people ride in a wagon pulled by a horse, but the tour decided to be cheap and make us walk up this terrible slope. My legs were already killing me from the past 3 days of climbing and walking. I tried to hitch a ride on the back of a wagon. My plan failed and I ended up walking uphill for another 35 minutes. We finally reached the top and I smiled at the thought that I would be walking downhill on a nice paved road. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead of taking the road (I don’t know why we didn’t) we took an even steeper wet, rocky, and dangerous trail back down. I slipped so many times it no longer scared me when it happened, I just expected it. I almost cried when we finally reached the bottom.

We got on the bus and were ready to go to Oberammergau. We were staying in a little house on a small mountain. My legs were practically incapable of moving and I hadn’t slept in 4 days. We finally reach our destination and were about to go up the mountain when suddenly the bus turns around, and stops. Guess what, the bus can’t make it up so we get to carry our gigantic suitcases up a mountain. I’m not kidding, it was raining, cold, my suitcase weighed as much as it did when I left the US (50 lbs exactly) and I have to carry the stupid thing up the mountain. I honestly didn’t think I could carry myself up the mountain.

Two and a half hours later we reached the top and it looked like we were in ”hillbilly town” I was shocked, I saw a small hut and two outhouses and almost screamed. ”Oh my God! We’re staying in that!!!!” Those were my exact words. But there is good news and bad news to this, good news we weren’t staying there. Bad news where were staying is another 45 minutes up the mountain.

When we actually got there I was relieved to see a cute Bavarian house and the smiling faces of the family who owned it. I was very relieved, but my legs were dead. Being the aggressive person I am I raced to the front of the line and called the room with 4 people (I had slept in the room of 16 the night before, one big bed for 16 people). I was very excited because I was going to get to sleep that night. The minute I walked into the room I wanted to walk right back out. I think the owner must have shot and stuffed every animal on the mountain. The room was filled with these scary dead animals. I had a mountain lion looking creature above my head staring at me as I slept all night. Needless to say I didn’t sleep so well.

Then we went to Munich. We went to Oktoberfest, enough said. Next we went to Dachau, 1 hour out of Munich. We went to a concentration camp and was mortified. As I walked through the gates I kept on thinking of all the people that walked through those very same gates that never made it out. We walked through the museum and then saw the gas chambers. Nobody was very cheerful for the rest of the day.

Next we went to Berlin. I absolutely love that city. There is so much history and so many interesting things. I felt so rushed, I don’t feel like I saw it, but what I did see of it I really like. I saw the bare Berlin Wall, I saw Soviet watch towers, and stood on a piece of sidewalk in front of an apartment complex where Hitler’s bunker was buried. It was a little odd thinking that there was a bunker below my feet because it was just a regular sidewalk. I also went to Check Point Charlie. I didn’t have my passport so I couldn’t get the stamps. I was bummed.

I feel that Germany Tour will be very similar to Euro Tour, so I’m going to share a little advice with everyone.

*Pack light, you have to carry your suitcase up and down 6 flights of stares everyday

*Don’t bring an ATM card with you , bring cash. You will spend all of your free time looking for a specific bank.

*Get used to nasty things. The youth hostels are pretty disgusting.

*Your diet will consist of Haribo, chocolate, McDonalds, Dönner, hostel sink water, and beer.

*Don’t forget a towel

*Bring your Ipod, Ipod charger, camera, extra memory card, and camera charger.

*Don’t expect to sleep at all

*Don’t expect to sleep on the bus, the Brazilians never shut up and sing just to make you mad.

*Don’t sleep on the bus, your friends aren’t always your friends.

*Don’t buy the souvenirs next to Checkpoint Charlie, Neuschwanstein etc.; walk two streets down and the exact same things are 2€ cheaper.

Well that’s all for now. I’ll have my next journal up in the next few days.

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December 14 Journal

 ”I’ll have my next journal up in the next few days.” Ok, so it’s been a couple days later (38 to be exact) it looks like I didn’t procrastinate at all and this journal is right on time.

There’s too much to cram into this one journal, so I think I will just talk about current issues. I think I will start this journal talking about how Christmas-obsessed these Germans are. It’s crazy! They remind me a lot of the Whos from ” The Grinch that Stole Christmas”. There’s Christmas lights hanging on absolutely everything you can put lights on, there’s Christmas trees on every corner, the windows in every store are frosted and have snowflakes, lights, and ornaments from top to bottom. I’ve run into people a few times because I was walking and staring at the same time. Every city has a Christmas Market and it’s fantastic, hand-made ornaments, gifts, waffles, and of course the humongous portions of fries. During Christmas they sell a special drink called ” Glühwein”. It’s hot wine with rum and sugar. It tastes amazing, and everywhere you go someone forces you to try it no matter how many times you say ”I’ve had it before” you will end up drinking a huge mug of this stuff.

I’m going to be completely honest. Germans have the worst case of OCD in the world. Clothes must be folded in your closet as if it were in a department store, shoes go from, sandals, to converse, to heels, to boots. The hangers must all be facing the same way, clothes must be evenly spaced apart when hung, your scarves must be folded in half twice then put on hanger. Your bed must be made the way you see it in IKEA’s model bedrooms. In the shower after you’re done using it you must clean the hair out of the drain, spray it down with some nasty spray and wipe it dry with a towel. Next you have to open the window and wipe every last bit of water off of the floor. It’s literally a chore to take a shower.

There are a lot of immigrants from Turkey and the Middle East in Germany. Whenever they ask someone questions about you it’s ”Is she married?” , ”How may kids does she have?” , and ”How old is she?” Or they will randomly walk up to you and ask you those same questions. One day a Syrian woman from my German class walked up to me and asked me the three questions. I said no to the first two and sixteen to the last. She bugged her eyes out at me ”Sixteen and you’re not married!” ”What will your parents do with you?” I couldn’t help but laugh a little, it was hilarious. She then said, “I have a very nice cousin who I can introduce you to. You’re parents will thank me so much for this.” I told her no thanks and that my parents really aren’t worried about me getting married. She looked at me weird and walked to her bike.

The next day I rode my bike to my German lessons and and almost crashed into the bike racks as I saw this woman standing there with a 25 year old man. I pretended like I didn’t see her and walked toward the door of the VHS. She called out ”Johnny, Johnny!” I turned around and she was standing there beaming, I walked over and she told me that this was her cousin and she told me he wanted to marry me. ”WHAT!!” I exclaimed and I ran as fast as I could to the the door, ran up the stairs and sat in my seat 4 minutes early for class. I was so shocked, I thought this kind of stuff only happened in Thailand, but apparently I was very wrong. Needless to say my little Syrian friend has not talked to me since.

My German is not as good as I thought it would be at this point. But I understand 90 % of everything that is said to me. I don’t speak German that well, but I can give directions, order food anywhere, ask people questions, tell people what I’m going to do today and so on. I’ve been here four months, and I’ve thought about how much I’ve accomplished in learning this language and I think I’m doing pretty good so far. If in a matter of four months I have become capable of understanding the German language, imagine how well I will be able to speak German in another four months. When I think about that I’m no longer disappointed, I’m very proud of myself. Some people may know their language a lot better than I do, but as long as I am happy with what I know, that’s all that matters.

Well, that’s all for now. I promise my next journal will be a lot more exciting because there will be a lot going on here for the next couple weeks.

Oh, and by the way, I’m fat now. Thanks Germany.

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January 10 Journal

 During the holiday break, exchange students can explore their country without worrying about school, visit with the other exchange students, and find themselves doing the dumbest things possible.

Christmas was a very interesting experience for me. We didn’t get to see the tree until Christmas Eve and everyone just tears open their presents and presents that don’t even belong to them. Maybe it’s just my host family, but that was really strange. It was all over in 10 minutes and then we went to bed. The next day was Christmas, but that has absolutely no significance here other than the fact that ”haha all the stores are closed! Looks like you’re going to walk around with no deodorant!” It was bad, but I stole some from my friend who has about 6 cans. But still the stores were closed so I had to find some way to entertain myself. All my friends were at their Grandparents’ house, so I rode the Regio Bahn (small train that connects with very small cities) aimlessly for a few hours. I know I’m lame, but a lot of exchange students do that, and it really gives you time to just sit and listen to your iPod for a while. I have a schokoticket so I can go anywhere from the Düsseldorf area to Dortmund. It’s pretty nice having that ticket because you can see different cities, and meet up with some people you know.

The next day was the day after Christmas, and for some stupid reason the shops were still closed, but my exchange student friends were free that day and we decided to just walk around Düsseldorf for a couple hours and sit in Starbucks for 2 hours. We are all in the HBF (train station) and we go down the escalator that wasn’t moving, it suddenly turns on and starts going up. Strike one for foreigners. I live in Düsseldorf, so I know the city and which train goes where, but my friend Stefan thought he did too. He was yelling ”This is the right one, this is the right one!” It definitely wasn’t, the ”right” train didn’t come for another minute. But he insisted. It was the end station for this train because it said ”Düsseldorf HBF” on the side. I don’t know why I got on, because no one else was on, I knew it was wrong. I figured they would yell at us so Stefan would know that he’s an idiot and should never lead the way. But instead of anyone stopping us or telling us to get off, the train shuts its doors, and goes flying off into some dark scary tunnel. Then the lights go out. I immediately screamed ”Stefan you ____!!!” I’ll let you use your imagination for that one. So, we’re underground in this train, it’s really really dark, and really really cold. Then suddenly I heard this loud slam noise as the train rocked side to side. I thought another train had hit us, but it was only the wind of another train going by a bit faster than it should have. It scared all 4 of us to the point where…I heard the sound of a bottle top popping off. ”Are you drinking a beer!?” I exclaimed to my friend Alli. She replied with ”Why not?” I couldn’t help but start laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. 15 minutes later we see a man with a flashlight walking along the edge of the train, it was the driver, so we knew we’d be out of here soon, but what on earth do we say to this guy. Luckily my friend Stefan has been studying German since her was 8, and without any trouble explained what happened. The driver rolled his eyes and thought we were the dumbest people on earth. I think that might be strike 2, possibly 3. That was pretty bad.

Sauerkraut. OK that stuff, I cannot eat it. It’s awful. I almost die every time I have to eat it. My host mom bought this industrial sized bag, filled with little bags of sauerkraut. So we’ve been eating sauerkraut everyday since Christmas. This still is really gross. She’s gotten bored with just plain sauerkraut so she’s been using her imagination a lot, and figuring out what she can make with it. Once it was mixed with pineapple, another with time with raisins (Germans don’t like it when you tell them you don’t like something, even when they insist you, don’t). This evening she was making a quick dinner for me and my host brother, before she and my host dad went to a Cabaret. I figured bread and butter. I was ok with that until I got upstairs and smelled the stench of you know what. Sauerkraut. ”Oh please no.” I whispered quietly while walking up the steps. I looked in this bowl, and it was some kind of sauerkraut soup. I was really grossed out. But never showed it. There was a big bottle of Chili-Garlic sauce on the table, and in attempt to mask the flavor, I dumped a huge blob of it right in the center of my soup. Everyone else did so, but my soup was the only one that was red. I knew I had put waaaayy too much in my soup. I was so scared to eat it, but I did anyway. It tasted like sauerkraut and really wasn’t spicy at all. Halfway through eating this stuff and trying not to gag my stomach burned like fire. But I still had half a bowl to go and I almost cried, but I ate it anyway. I had the worst heartburn of my life. Now I know what everyone’s talking about when they say Tums are a must in India.

The other day I was waiting for a friend at a bus stop. I got really tired and lazy so I leaned up against the fence of someone’s yard or something. I didn’t turn around to look. I was in deep thought while staring at the cars on the street. When suddenly something bit my elbow. It scared me and I screamed like a little girl. I had leaned up against a farmer’s house and a DONKEY bit my elbow. I’ve never really seen a donkey before so I’m just going by Shrek here. My host dad thinks it was a pony. but that thing was so ugly . If that was a pony, why on earth would every little girl on earth want one. That thing was a donkey and I will stand by my words.

Well, that’s pretty much all that’s happened since I last wrote. I promise I’ll write again soon.

Bis dann

 

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 May 15 Journal

 I can’t believe it was January the last time I wrote a journal. Time just goes by too fast. It’s really sad because I only have 24 days left in Germany. I can easily remember sitting in my room with 9 months to go wishing it would move just a bit faster. It’s not that I wasn’t interested in the things around me, it’s just 9 months looks like a long time, too much time. But really, it’s no where near enough time. I never want my exchange to end. I’ve had my ups and downs this year. No matter how terrible it can be sometimes, I will honestly say this has been the best year of my life. I have learned and grown so much, and I have met so many amazing people, and I can speak German. I know Germany now, I can live life here as easy as I could in the US. Coming to Germany, I thought I was going to learn a language and a new culture. I’ve learned that, plus I’m the master of German transportation. The buses, trains, subways, everything. I’ve also learned the more useful measuring system. (Science will be so much easier now.) It’s just a shame that I’ve learned all these things, and I’m now going home in 4 weeks. I now understand what the Rotex meant when they said it wasn’t enough time.

I’ve been extremely busy these past few months, so I’ve been unable to write my journal. Now let’s go back to February. Towards the end of February we celebrate Karneval. Many countries celebrate it, but I’d like to think Germany has the best one in Europe. I live in Düsseldorf so I was in one of the 2 best cities in Germany to celebrate Karneval. I also celebrated in Köln, the city in Germany with the biggest celebration. I went to a Rotex Weekend for 2 of the days and had so much fun. We had to dress up in costumes, it was mandatory. If you didn’t have a costume they made you wear a plastic garbage bag.

Next in March I had my birthday on the 12th. I went out to a really nice restaurant with my host mom, my host sister, and 3 of my friends. It was probably one of the smallest birthdays I’ve had; but I was so happy to see that people I’ve known for less than a year would come to my house in the pouring rain, to deliver a cake and sing me happy birthday. Only a few days after that my parents came. That was a really weird experience. I just kept thinking that they don’t belong here. It was really unusual seeing them in this setting. It’s the same way I’m going to feel when my German friends come and visit me in Florida. It’s a little odd. I associate my parents with beach, sun, my house, Jacksonville. Not Germany, trains, my hangouts. I think it took 3 days to get over the weirdness.

The day my parents left I went on Eurotour with Andee. The tour was 3 weeks long. I have never gone that long without sleep before. I had the time of my life. in 21 days we went to Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Padua, Venice, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Nice, Monaco, Avignon, Geneva, and Paris. I got to see so many amazing things, and spend every waking moment with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met in my life. It was incredible.

What’s also incredible is the grade I got on my German Exam. I took an exam last week with 14 other foreigners. These exams prepare you for the exam that decides whether you stay in Germany or not. (I’m only 1 exam away from taking that one. But I don’t need to take it.) I took my exam last week, 6 months behind in the book. (I took it early because I won’t be hear in September.) This exam consisted of a reading, hearing, writing, and a speaking section. It was really hard I was so nervous the whole time. I got 94 out 100 points on that exam. It was a very good day.

It’s really scary knowing that your exchange is ending in only a few short weeks. I’m homesick and I haven’t even left yet. I’m really don’t want to leave, the last thing I want to do is go home, I’m not ready yet. I feel the exact same way as I did coming over. I guess it really shows that I’ve become attached to this place. I will miss the friends I’ve made here so much. I’ve become so close to them in just one short year.

Thanks Rotary, none of this would have happened without you.

Joey’s Bio

 Hello Everyone,

My name is Joey Simpson. I’m presently a junior at Titusville High School, but am fortunate enough to be able to spend my senior year overseas as a Rotary Youth Exchange student!

I was born in Altamonte Springs, FL, and moved to Titusville, FL when I was six weeks old. I have lived here ever since. Our house is right on the Indian River, and we have a great view of launches from Kennedy Space Center. I live with my parents and my two cats, Tiger and Cocoa. I also have two older brothers who have both moved out for college already, making me a single child of sorts.

Growing up on a river sparked an interest of wildlife and nature in me at a young age. I like just about anything to do with nature now. I also like doing things related to theater. I have been involved in our local theater since elementary school, and now it seems I spend all my time there. When I’m not at school or the theater though, I’m probably hanging out at a friends playing rock band or at the beach.

I am anxiously awaiting my upcoming trip, and plan to make the best of it. I hope to learn as much as I can and make friends with everyone I meet.

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October 12 Journal

 So I have been in Germany for quite some time now, and I have gotten the hang of things. The longer I’m here though, the more I love it.

I’m living in a small town called Dormagen, and it’s directly in between two huge cities, Düsseldorf and Köln. This makes for amazing opportunities. In Köln, there is a huge cathedral, called the Dom. In fact, it’s so big, it took over 700 years to build! It’s the most beautiful building I have seen, the only bad part about it, is that it’s impossible to take a good picture of it, but I tried my best. Then in Düsseldorf, there are many beautiful places. On my second weekend here, my host family took me on a bike ride to Düsseldorf, and a village called Zons. Both are along the Rhine River, so we were able to just follow it. As you enter Zons, it feels like you traveled back in time a few hundred years. There are old streets and remains of old city walls. Here, I had some of my first German ice cream, which puts American ice cream to shame. After Zons, we continued on to the city of Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf is amazing! It has an awesome TV tower with a restaurant on the top that spins around, so you can view the entire city while you eat. Everywhere in Düsseldorf is beautiful too. It’s all clean and has trees all over, making it nice.

The school here is also really awesome though. I go to Norbert Gymnasium, and it’s supposedly a really good school for some reason unknown to me. The school schedule here is completely different than schools in America. I have ten classes, and everyday I have different ones than the day before. For example, on Monday I have English, Math, Spanish, and Physics. The next day I have Religion, Sports, and Biology. Then on Wednesday, I have two hours in the middle of the school day where I have absolutely nothing, and can do whatever I want! Well whatever within reason.

Aside from ordinary days, I’ve seen some pretty cool things. My host club, Dormagen Rotary Club, went to see a huge power plant that was being constructed, and invited me along with them. Here too, I had the problem of not being able to fit whole buildings into my small camera. I can’t remember exactly how many mega watts the plant produced, but it was enough to power all of NYC, so it was a lot!

 

 

Then on another weekend, my host family took me down to Karlsruhe, a city in the south of Germany. Here, they showed me the Black Forest, named so because all the trees are so close together it’s black. It was beautiful, and there were many mountains, which for me, coming from Florida, was fascinating. They also took me to see a castle in Karlsruhe! It wasn’t at all like I was expecting, it was a lot more modern style rather than the ones in Monty Python.

Well this doesn’t even begin to cover what all I’ve been up, but it’ll have to do. Already, I’m adjusted to life here in Germany and have some great friends. I now understand why other outbounds have said they can’t thank Rotary enough.

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November 16 Journal

 Liebe Leser,

I am now entering my fourth month here in Germany, and I must say, the last six weeks were the most amazing by far. They started with me on a two week vacation in Turkey, and ended with me doing an internship by the local fire department.

Urlaub (Vacation): I am staying in a Bundes (State) called Nord-Rhein Westfalen. In Nord-Rhein Westfalen, all of the students have a two week break from the end of September until the beginning of October. During this time, Germany is said to be cold and rainy, in general not pretty. So my host family always goes on vacation in the South of Europe, where it’s still warm and sunny. This year, they planned for Turkey, and invited me along with them. We stayed at a resort called Magic Life Club in Antalya. The great thing about this resort, was that it was Austrian owned, so everyone there spoke German, and it was all-inclusive. With an all inclusive resort, you can always eat food and join in on sports or activities for free. So during the day, I would play volley ball with a bunch of other people, play tennis with my host brother, or just lounge on the beach. There were also sailing and wind surfing classes for free. So I had to go to Turkey to learn it, but I can now wind surf. After dinner every night, the entertainment team performed a show in a big amphitheater. They were professional level and different every night.

When Germans vacation in Turkey, they always leave extra space in their suitcases, because you can buy clothes for amazing prices there. Apparently it’s legal to make fake copies of name brand, so you can find prices in Turkey for under half of the prices here in Germany. The only problem is that you have to haggle the prices down. Fortunately for me, my host parents happened to be great at this. I only bought two t-shirts, but they were a Lacoste polo and a Ralph Lauren polo, costing only 10 Euros together. I don’t think that’s too bad. However, I have heard cases of people getting polos for only 2 Euros before.

Praktikum (Internship): For the past two weeks, everyone in my grade at school did a Praktikum, or an internship. Everyone else had planned with a teacher last year, where they would like to intern at, and the school arranged it for them. I on the other hand, learned about it two weeks before it started and had to arrange it on my own. Luckily for me, I’m with a Rotary family, and they said I could probably do my Praktikum with someone from Rotary. So after looking through the Rotary book with the names of everyone and their jobs, the choice was narrowed down to two. A man that had a travel agency, and my third host mom, who’s the fire chief in Dormagen. It turned out that the man who owned the travel agency was staying at his vacation house in Orlando, and unable to be contacted by us. My third host mom, Frau Voss, came through though.

So for the past two school weeks, I attended the main fire department in Dormagen, Germany. While there, I learned about most of the equipment used on the fire trucks and how to check to see if some equipment, such as hoses, are still functional. I even got to go to one fire. It was at a factory where they produce colors, I assume in the form of paint but I’m not too sure. Anyways, it was caused by someone mixing together two chemicals that apparently don’t respond well to each other, resulting in a chemical reaction. For insurance purposes, I had to stay by the fire truck, but it was still interesting to see how they go about putting out a fire caused by a chemical reaction. And nobody was injured by the incident.

Then to top everything off, last Tuesday was the start of Carnival in Köln! Though the real thing’s not until February, the official start was on November 11. Carnival in Köln, is a huge thing by the way. We even get six days off in February for the real thing. Anyways, what I saw was a only a glimpse to what the real thing will be, which is crazy, because I thought the first day was crazy. Everyone had strange costumes on and partying to old German music. It was fun though, and now I can’t wait for the whole picture of what Carnival is.

Kevin’s Bio

 Hey,

My name is Kevin Turnquest and I’m from Freeport, Grand Bahama. I am 15 and currently a senior at Sunland Baptist Academy and I have been chosen to be a part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program this year.

I have a lot of hobbies such as bike riding and playing baseball but my favorite one is American Football. A league was recently started in GB and my team is the Freeport Fire and this past season we had a record of 0-6. Football is my favorite hobby because it requires a strategic mind and sharp reflexes and it’s really really fun.

When I have free time, I like to read a book, use the computer, hang out with my friends, and do pretty much everything a normal teenager likes to do.

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September 23 Journal

 Well I’ve been here for 3 weeks now and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! Thanks again Rotary!

I arrived on September 1st, having traveled for the last 18 hours by myself non-stop, I was in Italia (insert carefree Whoo-hoo here), armed only with my suitcases, Rotary blazer (which doesn’t help as people here don’t know what Rotary is), my English – Italian dictionaries and my minimal (and boy do I mean minimal) knowledge of the Italian language. The minute I stepped off of the plane in Genoa, my heart began to pound and a million questions zoomed around in my head. “Wow I’m really here, Wonder what it’s like?”, “Will my host family like me?”, “Will they even recognize me?”, “Uh-Oh, what do they look like!” just to name a few. I was scared out of my mind! As I got out of the baggage claim area I didn’t see anyone and my heart immediately dropped as I started to think they forgot about me. Then as soon as I rounded the corner I saw them and I knew immediately it was them. Although their jumping up and down and screaming my name probably helped J.

I joined them and immediately felt at home. On the drive home we talked about the rules and our upcoming vacation to France and Spain only THREE days after I arrived. Right then and there I knew this was going to be a very fun year.

So three days later and me still a bit jet-lagged, we took off on a ferry to Barcelona, Spain. My first thought as my host dad Roberto drove the car off of the boat was, “Whoa, I can’t believe I’m in Spain!”, little did I know this same phrase would cross my mind after we crossed the French border. While in Barcelona we did a lot of sightseeing and visited a lot of old churches and continued closer and closer to France with each day. Unfortunately our trip got cut short because I got a splitting migraine and after a consultation with a Spanish emergency room (Spanish hospitals are really nice by the way), my host parents decided the best thing to do would be to head straight home.

After cena (dinner) and a sunset stroll along the beach in Nice (yes, I still got to stop in France for a few hours), we continued on our way to home sweet home.

Fast forward 2 weeks to my first day of school!! As exciting as this statement may sound I was the exact opposite. I was a bit…unhappy that I had to go to school after I already swore on graduation day that I was never going back to high school. And on top of that I’m a ninth grader! So as you can see it’s nearly impossible to explain to my teachers why I’m not the most focused student in the class because I graduated (graduation age here = 19, my graduation age = 15, result = big confusion) but somehow I’ve managed to make my point relatively clear through sign language and some help (OK a lot of help) from my classmates. By the way, apparently in Genova, being from the Bahamas automatically elevates you to the status of BMOC (Big Man On Campus). In the words of the immortal Bugs Bunny, “Who wuddah thunk it?”.

So I think I’ve rambled on enough for now (I’ve got to write these things more often) so just one more point: Grazie a mille Rotary for making this possible!!

Kevin

P.S. Can’t figure it out? Then find an online dictionary J.

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March 6 Journal

 Wowwww it’s been a long time!

I realize I haven’t exactly been regular with my reports and probably should give some long excuse but there really is none (the dog ate my homework doesn’t exactly fit this context), so, Rotary, I really am deeply and truly sorry and I promise to try to be a bit more regular with my reports.

Ok, so it’s been a while and I’m not sure if I can remember everything but I’ll try to summarize although it hasn’t exactly been action packed over here.

October

 

October was…..interesting. I had my first (& only) Rotary meeting on the 13th. That night Jeanette (the only other student in my city) and I went to a little “bar” type deal called a trattoria and waited to meet our district chairman Dante Salme. After all of the pleasantries and the typical half hour spent stuffing ourselves with meat and cheese, we headed on our way. I was so excited! Now back home my dad is a Rotarian so I’m usually at Rotary meetings and events fairly often so I had an idea of what to expect. Two words. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Here Rotary is a bit more uptight. Okay a lot more uptight. They wanted everything done as close to the rules as possible including eating which got a bit awkward when I used the wrong fork :-S. But at least the food was good! =D

 

Fast forward to my birthday. Usually this is a time when I’m excited, I mean come on!! How many times do you turn 16?! That’s driving age!! (if I lived in the States that is.) But sadly I wasn’t. Not because I missed my family or anything like that but I simply just wasn’t feeling the whole birthday/party scene. Of course no one listened so I ended up being pleasantly surprised by a group of random people with food and music. Guess I was having a parrrrrr-tayyy!! We sat around and ate a bunch of junk food and later went out to a movie. Surprisingly it wasn’t that bad actually.

November

November was pretty boring. I just went to school every day for what seems like forever. School days start at 7:45 and school ends at about 13:45 although it always feels soooooooooooooo much longer. Every day I have extra Italian classes after school on the other side of town which is like an hour away so I usually get home around 7.30/8. In day school (it’s how I differentiate [Yes the dictionary was brought out for that one]), the students don’t change rooms for every class, the teachers do. Most of the students here have been in the same class for years upon years so they are all extremely close to each other and on top of that they spend all day every day studying. This makes it a little harder to fit in, but they all so try to help me with any problem with Italian or anything which is GREATLY appreciated. November in a nutshell.

December

By far the best month I’ve had in Italy. This probably had a lot to do with my first dream in ITALIAN!! Okay so I didn’t understand most of it. Or realize it was Italian until after I woke up but I still had one!! xD. December was actually my most hectic month here. My host family was going to visit their son also on exchange in California for Christmas which meant I had to find a place to stay for Christmas and New Years. Oddio!!

After a long time of searching I had what I believe was my first “EUREKA!!!” moment since I’ve been in Italy. I remembered that Anna from Italy was staying with my family back home so I asked her to ask her family if it was okay if I could stay there for X-Mas and they said….Wait for it….YES!!! I was so excited that I didn’t have to spend my Christmas on a park bench across the street (I mean the hobos are cool and all but they give me dirty looks…) and that I got to go to a different city, not to mention an island!!

First thought off the plain: “Great Scott Batman!! (Ok not really but the real one isn’t too nice) I smell salt-flavored air!!” Then the 50 degree weather (it was about 30 in Genova when I left but with the combination of my beloved sea-breeze this felt wayyyyyy colder) hit me like a slap in the face. Back home I rarely went to the beach even though it was only across the street but as any Bahamian will tell you, being landlocked sucks!! By this time my salt-air savorating (pretty sure not a word but I think you can get the picture) was being interrupted by the line of passengers waiting to get off the plane. Oops! I hurried off to get my bags and meet my new host family for 2 weeks.

From the minute I saw them I got a strange feeling and for what felt the first time since I’ve been in Italy, I actually felt completely at ease like I was really truly home. We headed home for dinner and for once I actually ate pasta with vigor! (Never been big on Italian food) Weird huh?

Christmas eve we ate a giant meal with family and there was a mad dash to the tree which kinda tipped me off to what time it was. Presents!!! Naturally I meandered over to the tree thinking that there were no presents for me (I was just happy enough to be there), when I got a bulge of brightly colored wrapping paper to the face. Guess I was wrong! 😀 Altogether I got 2 shirts, a scarf, and some cologne. Not half bad for someone who expected nothing! After the present opening (1 am) we went to bed because the next day we were leaving to go spend a few days in the mountains! Sadly I didn’t have any visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in my head that night :-(.

For New Years there was another humongous dinner at a family friend’s house. At first when they told me I knew a member of the family from before I came to Italy, I racked my brain trying to figure out who it could be. Then it hit me. Daniele! Danny was a student in district 6990 last year and he was a pretty cool guy so I figured I wouldn’t be too bored after the eating. Plus it would be nice to hear from someone who knew pretty good English. So we get there and sit down to eat only to find out the Danny was in a different city over New Years. I was a bit disappointed but I didn’t let that stop me from stuffing myself until I could barely walk.

After dinner the adults got up to go for a walk to a nearby piazza but as I stated early, both myself and the other (permanent) exchange student living with Carlo and Angela could barely get up from our seats at the dinner table so we just sat and watched TV while the adults went on their little giro (Tour..Also turn, rotate, spin and a whole lot of other things). By the time we were able to breathe properly again the adults were back and ready to go home so we went downstairs (albeit at a much slower and slightly more painful pace than before) and headed home. The next thing I remember is waking up the next day around 4 with major hunger pains despite having eaten enough for two the night before. Oh the irony.

January

Happy New Year!!! This held both good and bad for me. Good because I got to see a New Year! Bad because I didn’t want to leave Cagliari in just 2 days!! I had only been there for 2 weeks but I fit right in almost like I’d been there all of my life! Not to mention I was on an island! The beach (as murky as it may have been) was in the air!! But sadly all good things must come to an end so on the 3rd after a rather tearful goodbye (not from me), I left Cagliari for Genova. As my plane pulled out of the gate a sudden realization dawned on me. This holiday season I was prepared for homesickness to to rear its ugly and beat me silly with it’s bat of sadness but strangely I wasn’t homesick. I was…content.

When I got off the train from Milano (had to make a connection) I was struck again by an extremely unexpected feeling of coming home. I’ve always thought that while I’ve enjoyed my time in Italia for the most part I probably wouldn’t miss it but this trip showed me that maybe, JUST maybe, Italy’s starting to grow on me.

Grazie a Rotary, non solamente RYE-Florida, ma anche Il Rotary Club of Lucaya per questa esperienza. Vi Ringrazio troppissimo.

Thanks Rotary, not only RYE-Florida, but also the Rotary Club of Lucaya for this experience. Thank you soooo much.

Kevin

Kyle’s Bio

 Hey everybody! I’m Kyle McCormick, a newly selected and very excited foreign exchange student. I know that this experience is going to be a turning point in my life and I can’t wait to pursue this opportunity.

Up until sixth grade, our mom home schooled me and my twin sister, Katie. We took advantage of the free time we were given and picked up violin at the age of four. Both of us have been playing ever since and I even started giving private lessons myself. Along with violin, we play a little piano and guitar. Music is a big thing in my life and always will be.

Besides music, I have been involved in other activities including dance, art, sports, and skateboarding. All of these have had a part in molding me into the person I am today.

I have always been one for adventure and I love going other places. Ranging from trips all over the U.S.A. on my snowboarding extravaganzas, to touring China for the heck of it, traveling has always come as a huge excitement.

I presently attend a small public high school called St. Petersburg Collegiate, which provides students with the opportunity to graduate high school with an associates degree as well. I started my actual schooling in sixth grade when I went to Pinellas Park Middle School for the MEGSSS program. In seventh grade, I joined a Civil Air Patrol unit stationed out of Northside Christian School, and I loved the administration there so much that I transferred to Northside School in eighth grade, where I stayed for two years, competing in every sport and excelling in school.

That’s pretty much a biography about me in a nutshell, although as interesting as I may or may not sound, I am very fun and outgoing in person.

I’d like to extend my appreciation from my family, to the Rotary Club all the way to the families that I will be staying with. Thank you all very much.

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August 13 Journal

 So I am a week away from departing on my long adventure to Taiwan. As anxious and excited as I am, I am also afraid. I’m afraid of what I’m getting into… will the people like me? But what I’m most afraid of is what my life will be like when I come home. Who are my true friends? Will I be successful in Taiwan? I have never had so many emotions thrown together at once but it’s one of the most indescribable excitements I have ever experienced. I know deep down that I will be happy no matter what I do and I know I will work my hardest in Taiwan to make a good impression on the people and show them what a good mature American boy is like.

It’s so hard to say goodbye to friends, especially if I do not know if I will ever see some of them again. I love a lot of people here and am confident that when I come back they will still be here for me as I would be for them. This is the biggest adventure of my life and I plan to take full advantage of this awesome and amazing opportunity I am given. After weeks of stressing over assignments and making new friends with people that have the same interests as me and dealing with the unknowing of my final destination I am very well prepared to begin my adventure. I leave August 21st, which is in about a week, and I am going through every mixed emotion combination and I am courageous enough to admit that I am scared and confident enough to say that I will be successful. I thank you all who have made this possible.

Wish me luck on my adventure!!!

HERE I COME TAIPEI!!!

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August 27 Journal

 I arrived here in Taiwan on August 23rd and was very awake. The flights were long and sleepless and the food they give you on the airplane make you constipated in case anybody wanted to know that…. I was picked up by my Rotary Club president along with his son, my host father and sister. They had a big sign for me and everything, so knowing where to go was not hard. It was rather awkward at first because after they took a picture with me they kinda just stood there staring at me and I was like um…ok now what!? I don’t speak your language and you hardly speak mine so what are we going to do!! Fortunately Steven (my Rotary club president’s son) was an exchange student to Indiana last year and his English was good enough I had somebody to talk to. T

hey asked me if I was tired and I wasn’t so they took me out to dinner. I impressed them as well as myself when my chopstick abilities were still good enough to pick up little things on the table. The food is so different from American food and I’m not sure if I like it or not yet. I got to where I am going to be living for the next few months and was surprised when I found out that it was an apartment building in the middle of Yung He. By the way, (Young Hee) is not the proper pronunciation for the city I’m living in, much to the dismay of many of you probable readers. Taipei is a HUMONGOUS city which is divided up into many sections, Yung He being one of them and I live on the 7th floor of the apartment complex. I have my own room with my own air conditioning unit which I take full advantage of every night. To all you people who continuously whine and moan about how hot Florida is…hush yourself…because you have NO earthly clue how hot it is here. So much for me not having acne anymore…hahaha that’s ok.

Anyways when I got to my house, I met my host mother who didn’t show much of an interest in me, but I think that was because she was so busy trying to make everything perfect haha. I didn’t sleep all night much because of the jet lag, but partially because the bed is…well here try this…find a sauna the size of a small laundry room and set up a 2×4 piece of wood in the middle of it, put a sheet over the piece of wood and there you have it…my bedroom! HAHA Don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining. It took a few nights of getting used to but I’m very glad I have my own room and a bed to sleep on. The next day I met with all the other exchange students at a school where we had our orientation. All of them are very nice and I know I will be seeing a lot more of them. I did a few other smaller things that day which aren’t very interesting so I will talk about something else…hmm..

OH! up until this morning….which by the way it is August 27th and I have been here 4 days. Up until this morning I have not been able to sleep past 6:30. It was horrible!! I think my sleeping habits will be much more normal here in the upcoming days and I can’t wait.

I did errands with my younger host sister and my host mother on the 25th as well as went to my school and registered. When I was walking with Li-Ting (my sister) an elderly gentleman was walking towards us and stared at me as if I had 3 heads or like I was some escaped alien from Area 51. I enthralled him enough to make him stop, turn around and continue to stare at my backside as if to ensure I was a real human being. I don’t know whether to feel honored or awkward but I am getting used to being stared at. I like to tell myself that it’s because they have never seen such a fine looking young man, even though it’s really because white people are scarce here in Taiwan.

I have become relatively comfortable with using the Tijay Wren (MRT or Subway) system here in Taiwan – it is very easy. I went to Taipei city with a few of the other Rotary students I met and had a really great time shopping and exploring. The city is so huge but it is so much fun. Today I went to Da’an which is a very very beautiful public park. I took the bus system there all by myself today and once again impressed myself and my host mom when not only did I make it there without being lost, but I made it home too!!

I forgot to mention that one thing that made my day when I first arrived was that the outlets here are the same as in Florida so I don’t have to worry about getting a converter! My parents gave me a SIM card for a cell phone as well as an old phone and they politely refused to change it into English so I’m stuck with a cell phone in Chinese hahaha. One thing that really made me laugh is that while walking the other day, I heard Fur Elise blasting from around the street corner and I thought to myself OH! they have ice-cream trucks here in Taiwan too!! But when the source of the rather irritating jingle came into sight, it was a giant gross garbage truck blasting Fur Elise. How hilarious.

In my down time as well I taught my little sister Li-Ting how to play both parts of Heart and Soul on the piano. That was a HUGE mistake because for at least 6 straight hours she played the same 4 chords over and over and over and over and over and over again. It would have got annoying but I mostly felt pleased because I knew that she was enjoying herself because she had something to play on the keyboard.

Well….That about sums up my first 4 days. I have experienced so much more than just this mere journal entry but words can not describe the excitement and new things that I am experiencing. I am working hard at learning Chinese and have picked up many new words and phrases but am sometimes annoyed when I learn one phrase, then learn another, then forget the first one I just learned, because everything sounds so similar. But I know that eventually I will get the hang of it. Thank you all for you time and I will continue to appreciate your support and love.

Tzi Dian!!

Ling Ki Long

Kyle

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September 18 Journal

 I am presently sitting in a puddle of sweat, typing this new journal and as potentially uncomfortable as I could be, complaining is out of the question because of the love I have for this country, my surroundings and feelings for the people here. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing of a time I am having. I’ll try to begin at the best spot, but might backtrack if I remember something important…

School. Let’s start there! I love school. That’s a fact and statement you will probably only hear once from my mouth, but school here is so much different then school in Florida, and probably everywhere else in America. It is me and three other students at WanFang senior high school. I don’t like two of the other exchange students (one is from Germany and one is from Denmark) because they are way too spoiled and hard to please and have proved they would rather sit by themselves in the library then socialize with the people here. I just don’t like the disrespect. The other girl from America I like, because we can relate on a lot of things and she is just as interested as I am and we learn from each other.

School starts at 8 o’clock in the morning and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, I sit through a 4 hour long intensive Chinese class with about 9 other students and it helps in small ways, but you would be surprised how much of the language you can pick up just hanging out with the local people here. I am very happy with my Chinese so far, but am always asking questions like “how do you sayy….” whenever I can and no matter who I ask they are always thrilled to help me out. I am eager to learn more and more and more and push myself harder than I even thought I would. If anybody reading this didn’t know before, um…Chinese is a rather DIFFICULT language and it takes a lot of determination to learn, but I am so excited about it I think I will do just fine =]].

OK back to school. The administration didn’t really know what to do with us 4 at the beginning because they didn’t want us going to our classes because it was the first weeks of school and they want the students to be focused on themselves not us alien creatures, so for the first week or two we kinda just did P.E. with some classes or sat around in a classroom watching movies or swimming with our counselors. Our counselors, by the way, are the cutest most helpful people I have ever met, and I appreciate the amount of effort they put into trying to make us as comfortable as possible. I was so excited about meeting my classmates the first chance I got, I went and joined them for an English class and, was intensely interrogated by the teacher and classmates for a good hour. It was very fun and very humorous and could write an entry about that alone. I went into more detail in my handwritten journal…

If you are young and non-Taiwanese and want to know what it’s like to be treated like a god, who can’t screw up and is perfect at anything, please join me in Taiwan. The students and administration and local residents are so easily impressed, I am always being complimented about things that I never imagined I would be complimented in. I am always humble and thank them so much and pick out things about them that I like and compliment them equally as much. I make an effort to remember everybody’s name and a little something about everybody I meet, but when like 25 new people surround you everyday taking pictures with you and etc, it’s a little hard to remember EVERY name. Especially when names are weird. Some people’s names aren’t even English names like “Medicare…and DeeDee….and Joyfulness.” haha it’s so funny but it’s just another thing I love here.

Anyways….school….school is great – the cafeteria serves like…real food at lunch, it’s so cool! And so cheap too! Students don’t change classes, teachers move classes and each class is 50 min long. There is a 10 min break between each class and between two classes later in the afternoon there is actually a 20 min session called “clean the environment” where every student is assigned a different part of the school, and they mop sweep, wash, wipe, and dust everything. It’s so cool! The school stays very clean. We get out of school at 4 and everyday I hang out with new people and make new friends and do new things. Most kids go to “cram school” which is school after school, usually from 5 to 9 and then they get home…study till about 1 in the morning and then go to sleep. It’s ridiculous.

Kids love to play basketball here, so my skills are improving! I’m horrible at basketball, but of course to them I’m like the best ever and I always say NO IM NOT!! hahaha and they laugh with me. It so ridiculously hot outside that if you climb up stairs for all of 5 seconds, you will be sweating. I’m surprised I’m not drowning in the humidity!! And forget being even semi close to being dry if you play sports outside! After basketball everyday I could probably get away with “oh yea, just got out of the pool” and people would believe me! The girls are active participants in playing sports too which is really cool! Nobody thinks anything is “dumb” and if they do they don’t complain about it, they just do what they’re told!!

I have ventured all over Taipei city and am very familiar with the MRT system and semi good with the bus. I take two buses to school and usually choose how I get home. We went through a typhoon last weekend which is just like a hurricane. I was stuck at home, bored and lonely, but didn’t once think about complaining. My host parents are very nice, slightly weird and I have many stories about them which are more accurately explained in person but most of them are humorous. Let’s just say my host mother truly believes that mentally challenged people are aliens from another planet….

Culture shock hasn’t been much of an issue for me. I found that I am very aware of my surroundings and can easily change the little things that might be rude or awkward here. If somebody tells me not to do something, or warns me not to do something, I listen to them and sometimes my actions or words make people laugh and I have to explain myself. Like when people sneeze here it is automatic for me to say “Bless you!” and they just look at me like I’m nuts! So I let out a big sigh and grin and start to explain the best way I can that…”in America…when people “achoo” people say “bless you” because of the whole heart stopping for a second and it’s just polite” blah blah, and sometimes I get an understanding nod, or sometimes I get a nod with a look of “I don’t understand a word you’re saying” smile and we both just laugh, whoever it might be. People love to sing here. Karaoke is a big thing.

I will try to post more entries to keep all my readers updated but it’s kinda late right now and I have another early day tomorrow! No offense to anybody in Florida, but I’m not homesick at all! But don’t worry – I miss every one of you dearly. It is now that I truly realize how eternally grateful I will be to Al Kalter and my parents and to every single person who has made this possible. You have no idea what this means to me. =]

Until next time,

Kyle McCormick

p.s. “special note to my grandfather”

My host dad and host uncles all have not one, but multiple little “tools that help you slide your foot into your shoe.” I know that you’re the only one in America that still uses those but don’t worry, all the old Asian people here use them too! hahahaha <3

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October 23 Journal

 Where to begin…

Every day here is filled with excitement but when it comes down to writing journals or remembering little things that have happened it’s nearly impossible!

Lately the weather has been cooling down and it’s really fantastic. It’s so beautiful here and it’s really enjoyable…School is still fun…I guess… It’s getting rather boring because the excitement of being in a new place with new faces and things to see and do has slightly worn off but I think will never entirely go away. The other day actually my school had a little track meet…I guess I would call it a track meet….It was more like a qualifying run where the top 6 fastest people from the school will have a final race on the school’s anniversary which is a very big festival. I happened to tell one of my classmates that I was a fast runner in the beginning of the year, and like every other non important small detail of my life they remembered that and I was selected from my class, along with another boy, to go race. It was just the 100 meter dash but I was excited and also nervous because my little legs haven’t practiced sprinting in a very long time.

Anyways…After 400 other boys ran, it was my turn to race against the other people in my group and I did very well. I think actually I got 1st place out of everybody, not to brag or anything (sticks chest out slightly) but I was proud of myself and it was also great to represent my class in a good way. Wahoo 105!! (my class number) Now I have to run at the final school race on the 17th of November and I’m anxious and nervous but like usual will try my best.

After school everyday I either go to dance practice or wherever else I want to go. Dance club is like a hip hop/ popping dance and it’s very new for me and very fun and I learn a lot. I went to this teen dance club/party thing last weekend and so many people can dance so well here it’s really fantastic. I hope that I can learn something from them.

If I don’t go to dance, I go play pool with my gazillion other friends from different schools. Playing pool here is very cheap and very very fun and it’s a great place to hang out and talk with people and make new friends.

No matter where you go there are always Taiwanese people who are experts at a game or a talent or some sort of thing. Like, I went to a big arcade a while ago and there was every game you could possibly imagine. And on every machine like dance dance revolution, or guitar hero or some drum game, there was always a horde of people surrounding one or more people who just were amazing at that game. There were two guys once, that were dancing on this dance game and it was similar to dance dance revolution (it’s a dancing game where you have to jump on 4 different arrows at a certain time) but while moving your feet you had to move you hands under these sensors so it was more interactive. Not only did these guys blow the game away but they had a DANCE ROUTINE!! Spins and jumps and flamboyant head thrusts and wrist waves. Oh god it was hilarious and unbelievable. While one was dancing, the other would be behind him doing the exact same thing with his eyes closed, as if practicing. It was so funny.

I have two very very good friends here. Alex (Wei Jun) from Belgium and Rodrigo (Chung Un) from Mexico. We love hanging out with each other. We hang out with other exchange students sometimes but we have created a top secret club called “Culture day”…Not really top secret anymore haha but it’s a lot of fun. We go to different parts of Taipei and we walk up to random people or into random stores and we just start talking to people. We find it very very fun, and many people love talking to us. It provides us with a great opportunity to use our Chinese and learn more and more, we learn about people, make friends, and explore everything. It’s really funny when I go places with a group of people and some girl or some guy from a store runs out and says hello to me and the people that I am with look at me like “what the hell?!” and I just smile and say ehh…Culture day… It’s so much fun.

A very popular place here is called ximen. There are many many stores and things to do, and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night if you go there you can watch live performances of street performers most of whom, like I mentioned before, are Amazing at what they do, so the artists, singers, dancers, or puppeteers are quite honestly breath taking to watch. Like I said before…It’s so much fun

Rotary here is…well, weird, strange, and fun. My Rotary club is very nice and the most popular activity that we do is hiking. God do I despise hiking now. Wait let me rephrase that…It’s not hiking, it’s like a 75 degree slippery rock climb. Oh it’s horrible, BUT once I reached the climax of the climb and stood and gazed at the beautiful tropical mountains and forests, as stressful and exhausting as the hike was, I’d never felt more alive, successful, and grateful for what I had just done. Rotary always has 273,430 hour long lunches after hikes with an insane amount of food, so it wasn’t all that bad =]]

I am having the time of my life here no matter where I go, who I talk to, or what I do. I never think “boy get me out of here”. I take advantage of every situation and expand my knowledge of the country and people everyday. This is such a wonderful convenient place to live.

One thing I do wonder about however, is that living here is almost like living in a false utopia. For instance, the news never says anything about the war going on. Never any depressing information. Even the newspaper is all local things, people getting arrested, male prostitutes being caught, upcoming celebrations, silly things like that, never anything happening worldwide. It is very strange to me. Kids here nearly shudder when I tell them that yes, I have shot a gun. Some kids didn’t even know what happened on September 11th even after explaining to them what happened. All of them are well informed about the schools in other countries, the politics definitely and other important facts, but nothing about the worldwide tragedies. If there is news about it, it is not on for weeks and weeks, it is just there and gone in an instant. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. It seems to be working for the country because until you come here, you will never understand the peaceful living conditions that I am living in, the kindness of people, and how people obey laws, respect elders and work hard and try their best at everything. Taiwan is really a fantastic place and I wish I could be here forever.

I hope this provides you with a good enough update on me. =]] I will post again soon and maybe next time I will have more interesting, hopefully humorous stories to share with you.

Until next time!

Kyle!!!

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November 11 Journal

 I’m sitting in the Library at school right now, and decided to type up another journal….you’re welcome…

Like usual, Taiwan is fabulous and exciting. The weather has FINALLY started to cool down, and it gets dark before 5 now. It went from being really really hot, to being cold and rainy, but as of now I prefer the cool wet. I have talked to some other exchange students, from Florida, and from everywhere else around the world and am glad to hear that most of them are having as good of a time as I am having. Some however, are finding out that other countries are not as kind as their home country. It makes me feel even more grateful that I am here in Taiwan because everybody is very kind and very nice.

A few years ago when I was in Hong Kong, I noticed that many of the elderly men (and even some women) had moles on their faces or necks that had multiple, I’m talkin’ 7 or 8, long dark hairs growing out of the moles. Yes, it’s disgusting as it sounds, and upon my arrival here in Taiwan, I noticed the same fashion. I have finally figured out WHY!! Ahem… The Asian culture has a tradition that if you have these moles on your body that sprout hairs, it means you will have a long and happy life. But if you cut the hairs, your life will be short and miserable. I am so happy I am mole free. =P

Lately, some not so good events have occurred, but everybody is ok. One of my really good friends from Mexico received news that his best friend committed suicide and we were able to help him get through the loss, because all of us students here (like I’m sure every other Rotary youth exchange district is) are very close with one another and help each other out with different things. It’s really great and we are all so thankful for the friendships and the relationships we have made here.

Two of my friends got hit by a motorcycle yesterday, and they are both ok, and thinking back on the event we all laugh very much. It was their stupid mistake but even typing it now makes me chuckle.

My Chinese is coming along quite well. It is such a hard language but, thankfully we have the Chinese classes and we learn as much as we can in them. Reading and writing are coming along, and it’s such a great feeling when you respond to somebody in Chinese and their face lights up with surprise and they say Ni ting Dong ma? (which means like… you understand talk?) and you say Dway! (yes). They get so excited and of course ramble on at 2894 miles an hour in Chinese and then look at you waiting desperately to hear you speak Chinese again, but you just laugh and say I’m sorry!! And they laugh with you. All of the exchange students here want to continue Chinese class through our whole exchange and we are trying our best to convince the Rotary clubs here to please please please pay for us. haha We learn so much in the classes and I know that, after a few months I will be fluent enough to survive on my own here, but if having a Chinese class all year long, I would be so much better!! The thought of it is so exciting and I can’t wait until that day comes.

Xie Xie Ni men!

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February 1 Journal

 As I lay on my traditional rock hard Taiwanese bed with surprising comfort, I listened to all of the noises of the city; the honking of cars and motorcycles, the rather annoying garbage truck that blast the beginning of Fur Elise over and over and over again, some young child screaming because they are being beaten over homework…(ok I’m kidding about that)…and every other little sound that i can hear from my bedroom. I thought to myself “wow, this is so…normal!” I remember the first few nights here and it was as if I was placed in a new world of sound where every little noise was so new and so different, it made everything so much more exciting!

I am now at that point in my exchange where everything isn’t “new” anymore – it’s now home. I have made lifetime friendships with people here already and they have become my temporary family here and the experience is unbelievable. At times I find myself thinking about the craziest things, for example. “wow I’ve been here for 5 months already! that went by incredibly fast! soon it will be over, and I’ll be back home and then soon I’ll be done with college…then soon I’ll be old! then ill DIE! OMG what’s heaven like!?!?!” Haha. It must sound silly to you “the reader” haha but if I had this discussion with an exchange student he would relate perfectly. It’s pretty cool how far I have come with the language and the cultural adaptation within 5 months.

The most recent “new” cultural thing I have experienced was Chinese new year…..Here is what I was expecting…

A giant parade that lasted for hours with huge dragons with people under them doing that dance thing, and beautiful lanterns that float up into the sky and little fire boats that sail down the river and drinking and celebrating and lots and lots of fun…

not at all…

The day before the new year, it was “clean the house from top to bottom”. Which (contrary to my mother’s belief) I’m rather good at, so I helped out with what I could haha. The next day and the following 3 or 4 days is all family oriented dinners and breakfasts and visiting relatives. No parades or cool little dragon people. =[. But please don’t get me wrong, I still had a fantastic time. American Christmas is very similar, because it’s family oriented, you have breakfast or a big dinner and another aspect of Chinese new year is a thing called “home bao” or “the red envelope”. This is a symbolic tradition where the older people in the family give the kids money for a safe healthy new year. So needless to say the holiday didn’t turn out all that bad. =]

The weather here is beautiful. Well usually it’s beautiful. It’s the same as Florida, rainy one day, sunny the next. I have a pleasantly long new year vacation from my school, so I have spent a lot of time with my Taiwanese friends, or exchange student friends, checking out hot springs and different places around Taipei city.

I’m still getting used to the food here. When I’m on my own, I can buy my own food. Ya know, food that LOOKS good. Every dinner I eat with grandparents or my host parents is another…..”ummm actually…I’d prefer an MRE thank you!” (for all you non military people an MRE is a “meal ready to eat”). Pig liver, pig colon and intestine and throat, squid, jellyfish, different rectums of different creatures I don’t even want to know. I find it humorous and ironic that the Pig (considered one of the foulest creatures on the earth by many people) is the one of the animals here that people eat every single part of it. Except the lungs. Tail, feet, head, eyes, EVERYTHING. OH and another hilarious thing is that the Chinese word for pig is pronounced…..(“Jew”). I couldn’t forget that even if I tried too. =]

I’m still having the time of my life here, and continue to learn things and am forever falling in love with Taiwan.

Kyle

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June 9 Journal

 The dreaded time has come, and the goodbyes and farewells begin. I have been here in Taiwan now for about 9 or so months, and wow, let me tell you this has been the fastest year of my life.

Throughout this year, I have witnessed and experienced things I would never have imagined to experience. I can speak Chinese! Literally, me and my best friend were talking the other day, and we both became very proud of ourselves because we realized, we can talk about anything we want to!! Ya, we might use a lot of “this thing or that thing” but we can communicate with people that cannot speak English. At this point in time, I wish I didn’t have to go home, not only because of the people and the place, but I feel that my Chinese is good enough that all I need to learn now is vocabulary. Within the group of exchange students I’m in, lately many many people have become hidden inside themselves, all dealing with the fact that yes, it’s over and where did the time go. I had one day, where I was just so depressed and sad and furious and after that, I realized that, NO! now is not the time to be pessimistic, it’s a time to reflect upon what all of us just went through, and to look forward to the future and seeing people again! Yes, of course I am sad, but if everybody in my group of friends just sits around all day frightened by the mixed emotions flowing through them, nothing will be OK. So I have promoted myself to be the one who cheers everybody up, and so far…it’s working!

The saddest part about it is not “oh my god I’ll never see you again blah blah” but the fact that all of us…the family that we have made, will never be together again. I know I will see people again in different places, but never again will all of us be in Taipei Taiwan singing along to Chinese music or eating weird food together. That is what gets at me most, but not enough to ruin the last month I have here.

On a more positive interesting note, almost every night I dream in Chinese. It’s got to be the weirdest thing ever. My sister (from Florida) was with me one time on a bus here in Taiwan and SHE was speaking Chinese… sooo creepy. But one of the coolest things I have ever accomplished.

The weather here has become very hot again, but it’s still tolerable. I’m now just about done with school and I can’t tell you how thankful I am for that. Every high school student reading this should be so thankful that you don’t go through what these kids go through. And no, it’s not a good thing. School is school and ya gotta do it, but Taiwanese people take it wayyy overboard. I know kids here who wake up every single day at 5:30, school at 7:30 to 5:30, then an hour break, then to “cram school” from 6:30 to 9:30 come home and do allll of their homework and go to sleep around 1:30 and do it all over again. Saturdays usually included. It’s insane. But nevertheless, I have more Taiwanese friends then I can count and it’s a little embarrassing when I bump into somebody and they say “WHOA! Kyle oh my god long time no seee!!” and I’m like…”uhh ohh!!! hiiiiii”…not recalling their face or name. But I’ve gotten good at faking it so they don’t feel unimportant.

I love the culture here. No matter where I go or who I meet, I always fit in. They are all so friendly and kind. I’m looking forward to coming back to Taiwan next year to study at a college here, that has a special Chinese class that has a great record. Sorry, change of subject really quick, but after not writing English words for soo long, some of them look really weird!! Haha, I forgot how to spell some of the simplest words and all of us exchange students laugh when one of us stupidly asks how to spell something very simple. Sometimes, I talk to foreigners in Chinese after they speak English to me. Or I find myself saying Chinese grammar while speaking English. It’s fantastic.

I don’t know what to expect from people when I get home. Of course all of my “friends” will ask me “oh! so how was Taiwan?” and that question is the worst question you could ask any exchange student upon their return. Imagine going to Mars for a year, having the adventure of your life, and meeting 100 best friends that are forever; then going home and having somebody ask you “oh how was Mars?”… It is impossible to explain in words the greatest experience of your life and just trying to explain it almost frustrates me because it’s so hard to convey the emotion and friendships and the adventures that I had here. Every day is a new story and a new quest so I could sit down with somebody and talk to them for months about Taiwan. When people say “being an exchange student is an adventure of a lifetime” they aren’t kidding. Unfortunately all good things come to an end, but where good times end, better times begin I hope, and I’m anxiously looking forward to coming back here to pursue my goals in Chinese.

Like I mentioned earlier, I could talk or type all day about things I’m feeling or thinking about and I don’t really know how to stop! Haha. This past year has been fantastic and not a day has gone by that I’ve regretted coming to Taiwan.

I’d like to end this journal with a quote by Anatole France: “One must never lose time in vainly regretting the past or in complaining against the changes which cause us discomfort, for change is the essence of life.”

Everything is changing yet again for all of us exchange students, and I realize that it is up to us to support each other, and to look forward to the future, even if the future doesn’t look promising. Change is the essence of life, so we all must deal with this, for the time has come to say goodbye, but for me, goodbye is just the first step to “HELLO AGAIN!!!!!”=DDD

Thanks everybody who made this possible. You know who you are and I am forever grateful.

Love always,

Kyle

Kyle’s Bio

 Hello! I’m Kyle Steed, and I’m seventeen years old. I’ve lived in Jacksonville all of my life so far, with my parents and younger brother, Aaron. I am a senior at Stanton College Preparatory School (’08!) and loving it. And by that I mean “not failing.”

As for things I do with my time– My brother and I are involved in the youth group at our Presbyterian church quite a bit, and I occasionally play music there. I’ve played violin for almost four years now and I’m not too bad. I got into the violin because I took a liking to classical music, and though that’s definitely my favorite kind, I’ll listen to anything as long as it doesn’t hurt to. Literature is something I’ve recently developed a greater appreciation for, and I enjoy reading the old classics. Lastly, I like learning all I can about world cultures and languages, and one of my hobbies would definitely be staying up-to-date on world affairs. I’d like to study as many languages as possible in college.

A foreign exchange was definitely not something I had seriously considered before one of my teachers suggested that I do it, but I’ve since become very excited about it and can’t imagine not doing it now. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and I plan to make the most I can out of it.

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September 16 Journal

 Moin moin!

So I’ve finally gotten around to writing my journal! I apologize for keeping you all in such suspense. I’ll start with my first day here, since I find airport stories so uninteresting:

I arrived in Bremen around 10:30 in the morning and met my host brother, Peter, outside the gate. We didn’t recognize each other at first, because the only pictures my family had seen of me were taken when I had my awesome long hair, and my family (for whatever reason) expected me to be really tall. My host mother said that, before I came, she was afraid I wouldn’t be able to fit in the bed. Anyway, I eventually found Peter, and he immediately started speaking to me in German on fast-forward. I’ve taken four years’ worth of German in school and could only laugh when he spoke to me because, I’ll be honest, I thought I wouldn’t have a very tough time with the language. A minute with him, nodding and smiling as these words flew out of his mouth, made me realize how much work I had ahead of me. Ingrid, my host mother, came from parking the car, and we made our way back to the parking lot with my cart of 120 lbs or so full of stuff. The ride to Oldenburg wasn’t very long, and we had a nice conversation over the German countryside in Denglish, my combination of German and English. When we got home and unloaded my luggage, my host mother realized how much of what I had brought was clothes. She actually looked a little bit frightened, while I thought that I had done a good job of keeping things to a minimum. Relatively. She told me that here, they wear the same shirt two or three times before washing it, and jeans maybe half a month or so (we’ve recently agreed to split the job of ironing the laundry). The rest of the day is a blur, since I hadn’t slept at all on the flights to Deutschland. We ate some salad, and then I went to bed sometime thereafter.

The first week, I went on a couple bicycle tours with the family. We rode to Bad Zwischenahn, a little village situated near a lake, and on a course through the country around Oldenburg with a stop at a German Melkhus (“milk-house”), where I had a fantastic chocolate shake. My host father, Gerd, goes on real bike tours through different countries, so for him these were a breeze. I’m already boring myself with this journal so I think I’ll take a different approach:

My Family

I’m so happy to be with my current host family. Peter’s very patient with me, and always invites me to go out with him and his friends. Still though, after a month of being here, I really need to devote all my attention to understanding him when he speaks. He speaks crazy-fast. I am seriously considering organizing a party the day I can have a flawless conversation with him. My host mother seems just as happy to have me here as I am to be here. She was an exchange student in America some years ago, so of course she knows just how I feel (and can speak great English). And then my host father is awesome. He speaks English perfectly, too, and with a slightly British/Irish accent, and he blurts things out in English in the middle of long strings of German. I always find myself laughing around him. The family has taken to calling me der Keilige, a combination of my name and the German word for “holy,” heilig. And then apparently, I fit in very well with the family! A few people have said to Peter “Oh! You look like you could pass for part of the family!”

The City

Oldenburg is a great place for an exchange. With 160,000 people, it’s large enough to keep you occupied, and small enough where you can see plenty of people you know during a simple walk through downtown. We live just a couple kilometers from farms and the countryside while having all the benefits of a larger city. And at the moment, Oldenburg is having a couple-weeks-long celebration of its 900th anniversary, so on weekends there’s always plenty going on around town.

School

I’ve been in school for about four weeks now, and things certainly are moving along. My host mother arranged for me to go to Peter’s school shortly after school started, which I’m very grateful for. The first school I went to was pretty depressing, but the one I’m at now is great: it’s smaller and warmer, and now after these few weeks I’m really starting to feel like I’m a part of the school. I’ve joined the school’s choir and symphony, which are the two things the school’s known throughout Oldenburg for, and I can’t wait for our next practice. As for the lessons, I must admit that they’re pretty boring. But hey, that’s school, right? Oh! I love the situation they have here with schedules. There are some days where I’ll have two hours of classes and then two free hours before my next class, during which we’re free to go anywhere and do whatever. The school is so close to our house that I usually just ride my bike home and chill; or if friends have the same hours off, then we walk downtown (right across the street) and grab something to eat. Speaking of eating, people can and do bring their dogs inside restaurants and department stores here, which I found pretty odd. And department stores! I didn’t really believe people when they told me that clothes here are expensive, but they really are. My host mother took me to what she called “one of the cheaper stores” and I seriously thought she was pulling my leg, maybe with her German sense of humor, when I looked at the prices of everything. But she was serious. Maybe I should make a “Miscellaneous” topic for things like this to go under.

Food

I think I like the food here. For breakfast, Frühstück, on weekdays I have this incredible cereal-stuff called Müsli, with little bits of chocolate in it. Breakfast on weekends is bread (German bread is great) with butter and then wurst, cheese, jam or prosciutto-type meat; a soft-boiled egg; freshly-squeezed orange juice; and some tea. The main meal of the day, Mittagessen, is usually in the afternoon, which I really like now. It didn’t take much to get used to coming home from school to a great meal (Gerd cooks fantastically). And then the evening meal, Abendbrot (literally,“evening bread”), is bread with the things I mentioned before. I thought I’d be pigging out here in Germany, but I’ve actually kept my appetite under control. No, really.

The Language

I’m quite proud of the progress I’m making with German. It’s not incredible, to be sure, but it’s clear. I am very happy now to have been placed in Germany, because my four years of German have really made a difference. Of course I’m nowhere near fluent, but I’m at the point now where I don’t plan everything that I’m going to say to someone before I walk up and talk to them (making sure I have grammar and word order right, etc.). And boy does it feel good to carry on a conversation at a “native” speed! It seems like these words are just starting to line up by themselves, coming without thinking. And then I’m starting to think in German now! It’s still little phrases that I think in, but it feels great nonetheless. I love this language. Some words are so literal (Dasein: existence, literally “there being”) and then there are those massive words that German’s known for: I mean how great is it to be able to write words like Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeitor Stoffwechselzwischenprodukte on a regular basis in school?

Miscellaneous

Germans do have a sense of humor. Sometimes it can be a little odd, though, where you ask yourself “was he serious about that or not?” and no, he wasn’t serious. Germans overall take a little more time to make friends with than is the case with most Americans. French fries are to be eaten swimming in mayonnaise. When eating dinner at the table, I had to train myself to keep my left arm on the tabletop. The first day here, my host mother asked my why I keep my left hand in my lap when I eat and I thought “Well, because I’m not using it!” But now I’ve learned to let it not be used on the table. Our bathroom here at home has a urinal. The windows here are marvels. It took me about fifteen minutes to figure out the windows in my room. And speaking of, the Germans really like to open their windows and let the fresh air in. In school, if the students ever need to draw a straight line at all (to underline a word, draw a graph, double-underline a word), out comes the straight-edge!

I think I’ll bring this journal to a close. Before I do, though, I’d like to say how very, very much I appreciate being given this opportunity by Rotary and my family. I can say I’ve never loved a club up until now, and I thank everyone involved for such an incredible chance. I fully intend to make the most out of this year!

Tschüß!

Kyle

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November 21 Journal

 Grüß euch!

After three packed months of life here in Germany, I’m feeling pretty settled and German. I eat like a German, I dress like a German (after finally having bought socks that aren’t white), I commute like a German, and try to talk like a German. As an added bonus, I even looked German to begin with!

I’ve been traveling quite a bit since my last journal. On the Day of German Unity, October 3rd, I went with my future host family to Hamburg for the celebrations, and to visit the city a bit. We stayed for three days and saw the biggest model train exhibit in the world, climbed to the top of a cathedral, and did some shopping. I had fun talking with their seven year-old son, Rasmus, and I can’t wait to have him as my host brother. During the two weeks of Fall Break, I went with my current host family to London for a week, where I thoroughly enjoyed being a German tourist and having little girls look at me funny because I was speaking German with my host-mom – and afterwards I went on a trip through northern Germany with the other inbounds of my district, with a stop in my favorite European city, Berlin. I had been to most of the places we stopped at before because I had come to Germany for a week as a tourist about a year and a half ago, so I knew all the sights to take my inbound friends to in our free time.

Now to Oldenburg- I’ve managed to find my place in a circle of friends, many of whom, coincidentally, have been exchange students. It seems like a fifth of the people in my class have spent a year somewhere; which is different from home, where I knew of no one in my school who had spent a year abroad (outside of Rev). Having such friends has been a blessing. They understand what I’m going through, how hard the process of integration can be, and make it a point to engage me when I’m otherwise clueless as to what’s going on (which is happening markedly less often).

Just a week ago, I went with the upper classes in my school on a Orchester- und Chorfahrt, where the school’s choir and orchestra go to an enormous youth hostel for four days and do nothing but practice. It was intense (I played violin so much that my teeth hurt- go figure), but I managed to get acquainted with students from the 13th grade (I’m in 12th) and had a lot of good conversations- being able to carry on a conversation without saying “nochmal, bitte” (say that again) always feels so rewarding. At any rate, I got to be the first violin for one night (that was an ego boost) and now I’m looking forward to our Advent Concert, held in Oldenburg’s cathedral. It should be fantastic.

Speaking of carrying on conversations, I’m doing very well with German, if I may say so. There are still times when not knowing the simplest word derails my carefully assembled sentences, or rarely when I’m thinking too quickly I do this odd regression into American English pronunciation that happens involuntarily and can be pretty funny. If any of you are acquainted with Mark Twain’s The Awful German Language, then you’ve got something of a view into what it’s like to learn German. I often find myself laughing at how true it can be. I’ve improved very much in thinking in German, though, despite occasional slip up: for example, with the way that German grammar is laid out, I sometimes start this epic sentence and totally forget what I’m talking about because of how many sub-parentheses I’ve made (Like: “The baker, who works at the bakery, which was burned down by a boy earlier, who has a mother named Martha, who knits socks in her free time, which are usually of good quality, is an honest man). The Germans make sentences like those for sport and chuckle at the faces I make as I try to sort it all out in my head.

Lately I’ve started taking tennis lessons with my host brother, and I try to go biking after school regularly around the area. My host parents have a bit of that German Wanderlust inside and we go for strolls in the Ammerland, the flat farmland nearby Oldenburg, or, like one time, in the forests near a little town called Dötlingen, which- interesting fact- was actually chosen by the Third Reich as a model village.

Halloween wasn’t really celebrated here. My host-nieces are among the kids who go around asking for candy on Halloween night, but it’s still a growing trend (that, oddly enough, started in Europe, came to America and is now on its way back to Europe). My host-dad showed his unhappiness with the little German trick-or-treaters by proceeding to drop tomatoes in their bags. It seems like the US election day was the more celebrated holiday, and I can’t say how glad I am that that’s over. My German friends interest themselves particularly in American politics and I don’t know if I could’ve taken anymore of their questioning!

The days here have gotten awfully short, to where it’s dark sometime between 4pm and 5, and just today it’s started to snow, though it’s this awful North German snow that melts when it hits the ground. And its starting to feel more like Christmas. I’ve discovered Pfeffernüsse, these cookie-like things that taste like gingerbread men, and then German Christmas cookies are pretty good too. There’s a big Christmas tree in the square in front of the city and I can’t wait to see everything lit up!

Well this is a shorter journal. I’ll be sure to make the next one longer. Till then! Enjoy the Florida weather for me!

Michael’s Bio

 Hello Everyone,

My name is Michael Natelli, I’m 16 years old and I’ve lived in Plantation, Florida all my life. I am the vice president of my sophomore class at the Sagemont Upper School in Weston, which I have attended for 11 years. I like photography, movies, and hanging out with friends and I’m the photo/design editor of my school’s yearbook. I also have a part-time job at a Japanese restaurant and I’m really excited to find out which country I will be assigned to.

As the photo/design editor of the yearbook, I am responsible for overseeing all pictures in the yearbook and managing design. Well, that’s my official job; in actuality I take almost every single picture that ends up in the yearbook, newspaper, school website, misc. publications and anything else that requires pictures. I’m kind of the “photography slave,” but I love every second of it, even though photography is not my career aspiration. I cover everything from sports (GO LIONS!) to drama, clubs to the art department to publicity shots for the school; so I am the unofficial school photographer.

I kind of a linguist; I have a bunch of books of many different languages, and I love to learn different phrases in different languages. I take Spanish in school and I’ve been teaching myself Japanese for almost 2 years. I’ve also started to pick up a little Korean from the (non Rotary) exchange students at my school. I’m extremely multicultural and I love food from all around the world. (obviously, I work at a Japanese restaurant, and nothing’s better than free sushi!)

Well it seems that I’ve started rambling so in conclusion, I would like to thank Rotary for making this possible, and I look forward to meeting new people and making new friends on the greatest adventure of my life.

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July 29 Journal

 Hej alla!

The day of my departure has been rapidly approaching and I’m beginning to feel extremely apprehensive and nervous, but at the same time excited. Tomorrow I will have to leave the place I have called home for the past 16 years and depart to a foreign country to which I have never been.

It always seemed that I would never leave, or that my departure date was so far away that it would never come, and I always pushed it to the back of my mind. Yesterday I had to finish packing everything I own into two suitcases and try to force them closed while somehow managing to keep them under 50 pounds. There’s a funny story behind this: I don’t have a scale in my house, so I had to drive my suitcases to Publix and weigh them on their scale while all the other shoppers give me strange looks. Doing this at 10:30 at night probably didn’t help either…

Tomorrow I will have to say goodbye to my family and part with them for a year. It will be a very sad occasion for both them and me, and it will be very hard to walk away knowing that I won’t see them again for a year; the impact is finally setting in. But it’s all good because the excitement of the year to come overpowers any feelings of sadness, and I can’t wait to leave! I know the feeling that Joanie and Katie are talking about!

I would just like to thank Rotary for this amazing opportunity and also to thank Al for putting up with my craziness and not giving up on me.

Well the journey begins tomorrow and the next time I write, it will be from Sweden!!

Michael

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August 17 Journal

 Well I’ve been here for over two weeks, so I guess its about time to write my first journal from Sweden. It’s hard to sum it all up; so many things have happened, so I have to try my best to summarize. Here we go…

Let’s start with the flight. My flight left at 9:25, which meant, according to Bokoff Kaplan, that I should’ve been at the airport at around 6:30, but in reality we arrived a lot later… The lady at the check in counter was kind enough to overlook the fact that one of my bags was exactly 51.00 pounds and went a whole step further by giving my parents passes that would allow them past security to say goodbye to me. So after a tough goodbye I stepped on to the plane and I realized that my adventure had finally begun. The flight was relatively uneventful and I landed in Detroit earlier than expected and found myself in the middle of a huge terminal with no idea of where to go. So I put on my blazer and my “Rotary smile” and approached a lady at a ticket counter and then found out where my next gate was. Upon reaching my gate, I met two other girls going to Sweden from California and South Carolina and so we sat talking and eventually our group grew larger until there were about 8 of us all heading for Sweden. After the five hour layover, we boarded the plane to Amsterdam and in about another seven and a half hours, we were there. We formed a little exchange student “clump” near the gate of our next flight to Stockholm/Arlanda and waited to board and then about two and half hours later we landed in Sweden. We went to the baggage claim and after finally getting all of our luggage, we headed to the exit to find our host families, or to other connecting flights. I was met by my host parents and my Rotary counselor and we went to their car to drive about an hour to their home.

By this time, I had been awake for many, many hours without any sleep; we had all been talking during the whole flight from Detroit so by the time I had arrived in Stockholm, I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours. So by the time I arrived home, I was about ready to pass out, but my host parents said that I should try to stay awake for the rest of the day so I would wake up the next day on Swedish time. So about after an hour they told me that they were going to IKEA to pick out a desk for my room and asked me if I wanted to come, and despite barely being able to stay awake, I decided to go. On the way there I was thinking, “Wow, I’ve just arrived in Sweden, and what’s the first thing that I do? Go to IKEA!” How wonderfully stereotypical. (For those of you who don’t know, IKEA is a Swedish furniture store.) I was surprised to find that mostly everything was the same as in the American stores, even the food at the restaurant was mostly the same. So after purchasing the desk and dragging it to the car we headed home and I fought the desire to fall asleep.

Moving ahead, over the next couple of days I traveled into the city center, which is completely closed off to traffic and only pedestrians and bikes are allowed. Everybody rides bikes here and most people are reluctant to take their cars. I’ve experienced the unique aspect of Swedish culture; fika, which is kind of like a coffee or tea break where one gathers with friends and drinks coffee and eats kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) while just talking and relaxing. This can be done several times a day and many people do so. I’ve been to a cultural festival with a lot of people selling crafts and various preserves while dressed in traditional clothing with folk music playing in the background. I’ve been to Stockholm twice already, once to pick up my host sister from the train station and again for just general sightseeing. The most notable sights were Gamla Stan (the old town) and the Vasa museum which contains a perfectly preserved (at least for now) ship that sank over 333 years ago in Stockholm harbor. I’ve even managed to open a bank account even after they insisted on a letter from the Swedish Rotary proving that I wasn’t lying and that I really was here on exchange.

I gave a speech to my Rotary club about myself in Swedish, which was terrifying, but they all liked it and said that my Swedish was amazing considering I had only been there for four days. (I did have a little help from my host dad. Ok, maybe a lot of help…) I’ve baked bread and eaten pancakes for dinner and drank tap water. That caused some initial culture shock, because I always drank bottled water at home, but here it tastes just like bottled water and now I’m hooked. My host family also has this magical contraption that carbonates the water and they also have a magic coffee machine that can make a cup of coffee in about ten seconds from actually coffee beans (not instant).

School starts in a few days and I’ll be going to language camp during the second week so that should be a lot of fun. Well this journal is starting to get very long, so I think I’ll have to end it for now, so until next time,

Hej då

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August 21 Journal

 Today was a very interesting day as it was my first day of school. I awoke at the horrid hour of 6:45 or qvart i sju and then got ready for school. After a breakfast of yogurt and cereal (mixed together, because that’s how they eat it here) I left the house at 7:30 or halv åtta and headed for the bus stop which was about a five minute walk away. I waited for the bus for a while and paid for my fare with a text message (it’s 5 kronor cheaper that way) and then got on the bus. At the next stop, Anna (from Australia) got on; this was no coincidence, it was carefully planned, and a few stops later, Iliyas (from France) got on and then we rode into town where we got off and walked in the rain for about ten minutes to school. As soon as we arrived Anna started saying hi to everyone and we felt all sad because we didn’t know anyone yet… but then I saw a bunch of people that I knew and I started saying hej and then I felt better about myself. ^_^

We all gathered in the Aulan (like an auditorium) and then they gave a speech about what a great year it will be (of which I did not understand a single word) and then we headed to our respective classes. So we all met in a room and they said some words about the upcoming year and thankfully one of my friends, Viktor, translated for me and then we got calendars (planners/agendas) and then we left to go to our next class (even though it was for a while). That’s one thing very different about Swedish schools; there is a lot of free time in between classes. Then one of my teachers (Stina) pulled me aside and was nice enough to take me to the office to get my meal card, bus card and locker key. The meal card is to ensure that non-students or former students or homeless people don’t try to come and get a free meal and you scan it every time you go in, which is kinda cool. The bus card is for anybody that lives more than 6 kilometers away from school so they can ride the city bus for free (the city buses here are sooooooo nice and they’re really big and green) twice a day (once to school and once back) or if you want you can ride the bike to school and then use the bus card to go into town later… And finally, the locker key; well it’s not that exciting but the lockers here actually have keys instead of combination locks so that’s cool, and the locks say “FINLAND” on them, which I thought was rather funny.

After this I found my classmates hanging out in the hall so I stayed with them until my next class: English. It was actually a lot of fun because the teacher was American and spoke 100% English during the whole class; not a single word of Swedish. We practiced some tongue twisters, then we practiced saying Shakespeare-era insults at each other (Thou are an onion-eyed serpent’s egg!) and then we did a group exercise that involved telling a story, with each group member adding on from the last. Our group’s story mysteriously paralleled the plot of the movie Speed, but that wasn’t my fault, the guy who started the story made it about a bus with a bomb that explodes if the bus goes under 50…

After English we went to Chemistry and everyone warned me that the teacher was really mean and nasty, but when I met her, she seemed very nice, but maybe that’s just because I’m an exchange student… Haha I actually like that she spoke very clearly and I could understand a little bit, but when she started using bigger words she lost me.

After this we had lunch which consisted of some kind of soup with bread and this nasty “pancakes” that were neither American nor Swedish style; they were square and mushy and rather disgusting… but everything else was good.

After lunch we had a “Language block”, so I decided to go check out Spanish 2 to see if it was too easy. They only offer Spanish 2 or 4 for my schedule, and I have already taken Spanish 2 back home, but I figured it might be nice to take a class where I actually know what’s going on… There were only about 5 others in the classroom, but the teacher seemed nice enough and she could speak Swedish, English and Spanish, so it wasn’t too hard to communicate with her. But after about 10 minutes she said we were done even though we hadn’t learned anything, so we left and she gave us textbooks to take.

So I met up again with my friends and we had some time to fika, so we ate kanelbullar and drank coffee while we talked about stuff. People always keep asking me why I chose Sweden, and now every time someone asks me, I try to come up with a really crazy answer, like “I LOVE Abba” or something funny like that. It’s a good way to break the ice anyway. …dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen….

Moving along, we had physics, which was absolutely impossible to understand, and also absolutely impossible to stay awake during. So I basically stared at the floor and fell asleep with my eyes open.. Then finally the class was over and we headed to what I thought was Swedish class, but turned out to be Biology.

The room was really interesting, probably to a downright distracting point, because the side of the room where I was sitting had about 6 fish tanks of various sizes all filled with different types of fish and tons upon tons of algae. Two of the tanks were really small and had only algae in them, I think this was so some type of study. The teacher passed out some information about a field experiment that we are going to conduct in a small town outside of Uppsala. We are going to spend one night there and conduct various experiments on the water and aquatic life there and since I’m not getting any grades and I can barely understand them, I’m just tagging along and getting closer to my classmates. This was the final class of the day, so after that I left and I was able to find my way home on the bus all by myself! And I also got to use my fancy new bus card, which was fun because you have to wave it in front of the machine and then hit a button, but mine wouldn’t register, so I had to stand there for a while waving my card around like an idiot while people stared. Well it actually wasn’t that bad… I got it after like three tries, so maybe I’m exaggerating…

So I arrived home and then remembered that I was having dinner at one of my Rotary contact person’s house so I got ready and then she came to pick me up. Her son was leaving on exchange for Ireland this Saturday so she wanted me to meet him before I left. Dinner was nice and during the meal, vi pratade bara svenska (we spoke only Swedish), which really boosted my confidence level and made me more confident. For some reason it was easier to understand them than just about any other Swedish person I have met… maybe it was because we used a lot of “Swenglish,” so I guess we didn’t truly speak only Swedish.

So tomorrow is my second day of school, and it will probably be a little better than today because I won’t be so tired, and hopefully I can try to understand a little more. And maybe I will actually try speaking Swedish with my friends, because I have to say, with some guilt, that it is way too easy to just let them speak English because they are so willing to practice speaking it. I’ll have to insist: bara svenska! bara svenska! ingen engelska! After school tomorrow, my host family is taking me up a little north and we are going to see my host aunt perform in a play, and then we will go sailing if the weather permits, so I am greatly looking forward to this, so until next time,

Hej då!

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November 16 Journal

 Ok, so it’s been quite a while since my last journal entry, so let’s try to sum up what I’ve done in the past two months. It’s winter now, so some of these events happened back in fall, it’s not necessarily in chronological order, it’s kind of just a random mix of absolutely everything!

Before I tell about all the fun things I’ve been doing, I’ll first talk about some of the little ideas that I’ve written down to make sure I mentioned them here, they are just a couple of random thoughts. In my spare time (the little amount that I do have of it) I’ve been teaching myself to play the piano when nobody’s home; it’s become a little hobby of mine. I also want to mention that Swedish people love to get naked, whether it’s at school, at the gym, at home, or at the “Tea Society,” there is never an excuse needed to get naked; it must just be a Swedish thing that I haven’t fully grasped yet…

Language/Språk

Way back in September we had our Language camp which was held in Eskilstuna, the former murder capital of Sweden, and got to meet all the other exchange students in our area. It was very late compared to the other districts in Sweden, but it was still a lot of fun even if I didn’t learn that much. It was because it was so late that I didn’t learn very much because I had already learned all the basics from just being here. We still had an unbelievable amount of fun there.

I have to say that I am actually extremely surprised at how well I can speak Swedish now, at the risk of sounding like I’m bragging. I can pretty much understand about 70% of what goes on in school (which is better than the >2% when I first started). I have a lot of Swedish friends and they speak Swedish to me. I speak Swedish almost completely with my host family and rarely have to use English. I am able to order food and shop for things without any help. It seems that actually this week I improved a ton, I’m not sure why, but this week was just amazing! (in terms of language)

School

I really like school here because it is so different from American school. My schedule is crazy and I have so many breaks and some weeks I never have to go in before 10:00. Mondays, for example usually run from 10:15 until 12:35 and that’s it, and every other Thursday school starts at 1:20! At first it was really hard to understand, but now I’m actually getting much better and I’m able to follow along for the most part.

Mushrooms!

Now this may sound a little strange, but I’ve gone mushroom picking several times with my family in different places; mushroom picking is like a national pastime here. We will just drive out to some forest somewhere and just go right in and start searching for mushrooms. There is a law here called “Allemansrätten” which means “Every Man’s Right” which allows you to just go wherever you please and not have to worry about who owns the property. You are allowed to pick mushrooms and berries and even camp the night anywhere, as long as you do not disturb the nature or leave any trace. This “law” is what allows activities such as mushroom and berry picking to be performed. It’s pretty cool actually, everyone is laid back and they don’t put up fences around everything.

Surstömming

I have had the experience of eating something called Surströmming since I’ve been here. It is very Swedish, as most other people wouldn’t dare to eat or even go near it. Surströmming is basically fermented herring that comes in these bloated looking cans that expand from all the gasses that build up during the fermentation process. It has a smell that could kill animals and small children; it’s so bad that you never open it inside the house, always outside.

Höst Lov: Fall Vacation

There is much to say about höst lovet på Gotland (the vacation on Gotland). I had a fun time, but the week was a weird combination of feelings. Let’s start from the beginning…

We left on Saturday afternoon and drove for about 2 hours south east to a town who’s name has escaped me and then boarded the ferry. After about three hours we arrived on Gotland and it was around 11:30 at night. Since we had taken two cars but had only brought one on the ferry, we had to take two trips so Katarina (host mom), Per (host dad) and Amanda (host sister) drove to the house which is about 7 kilometers away from Visby (the main city in Gotland) and we stayed with mormor (Katarina’s mother aka host grandma) and explored the city for a little while. There was not much to see at night but it was still pretty cool. After about 25 minutes Per came back and took us to their house. They had just finished building the house and had also just finished putting all the finishing touches on it recently, so it was beautiful and all brand-new feeling. Little did we know that a flaw in the house’s design would be it’s ultimate downfall… Amanda, Anna (from Australia) , Iliyas (from France) and I all slept in one room, which was pretty cool because it had like a little loft in it which housed other beds so we were all comfortable.

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very nice so we didn’t get to explore around the island as much as we would have liked to. During the whole time we mostly spent our time indoors, and the two times that we did make it into Visby (the biggest city), it was either really cool and very very windy or cold and raining. The weather was not very nice. It also didn’t help when we found out that it was snowing in Ekilstuna on Thursday night and then it started snowing in Uppsala (where I live) on Friday.

On Saturday morning we woke up at 6:00 and then got ready to head back home. We did get one nice surprise; there was heavy frost outside so the grass was all frozen and white and there was frost on the car. It was about -5C out which was pretty cool, but it didn’t feel all that cold. After the 3 hour ferry ride (on the floor in a corridor because all the tables and seats were taken) we got back to mainland Sweden and then headed home.

I was delighted to see that there was still some “snow” left. I use the term lightly because it used to be snow, but snow it’s just a thin little layer of slush. But it’s still snow, and I was excited!!

Stockholm

I’ve been to Stockholm several times since I’ve been here, but the most notable was probably when I went with my class. For our Swedish class we all went to see Hamlet at this really old theater in Stockholm, it was really cool. I had a very hard time understanding what was going on, but I knew the general story line so it was ok for me, it was just very hard to understand the “Shakespearian” Swedish. The play was a modern adaptation and I thought it was very well done.

I’ve also done all the touristy things in Stockholm, like going into Gamla Stan (the old town) and seeing the castle and the Vasa Museum.

Snow!!

It’s snowed twice here; once when we were on vacation (as previously mentioned) and again today, actually. I was so excited because my host sister woke me up and told me that it was snowing and I didn’t believe her, I just thought she was trying to wake me up. But sure enough, I looked out the window and it was snowing a little bit, not too much, but it was still snow! It melted as soon as it hit the ground because it was about 2 degrees out. It’s already snowing a lot in the northern parts of Sweden (I’m in the center-ish area).

District Conference

We also had a conference here with our district (2350) in Uppsala so all the other exchange students came here. We had to perform something for all the Rotarians that represented out country, so all decided to sing songs that represented our various countries (USA, Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand and Argentina). So Michael (from Michigan) and I, “the two American Michaels,” sang “The 50 States That Rhyme.” After the conference we all hung out around Uppsala and we showed everybody else around.

Halloween Party

 

Last night we had a (late) Halloween party with the other exchange students in our district. Despite that fact that Halloween was two weeks ago, we all got dressed up and had a party at Anna’s (from Australia) house here in Uppsala. We ate a lot of candy and danced and had really fun time.

So that’s about it, I may have forgotten some things, but if I remember I’ll add them in, so until next time,

Hej då!

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January 20 Journal

 Ok I figure it’s about time to update everyone on what I’ve been doing so far, so here we go. I suppose I’ll just take it chronologically with everything that I can remember since my last journal.

So, starting from where I left off in November… That next weekend my friend Miranda from Canada who lives about 2 hours away came to Uppsala for the weekend and we hung out with Iliyas from France and also my Swedish friend Anton. (I do actually have Swedish friends, I guess I just don’t write about them much…) We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the snow. I almost forgot about the snow actually, it seems like it was so long ago… We got about a foot of snow, maybe even more, it was amazing! So we had a lot of fun playing in the snow during the weekend.

The snow was so much fun while it lasted. During the week we went to Sunnerstabacken, a hill (or kind of like a basin) right near my house and åkte pulka (I’m not really sure what that’s called in English, I suppose going on a sled). It was a lot of fun; I went with Anton, Gen from Australia and Amanda, my host sister. We had two “sleds;” one round one and one that could hold two people so we took turns going down the hill. I went again the next day with Gen and Iliyas and we had just as much fun as before. We threw snowballs at each other, wrestled in snow and buried Iliyas in the snow.

Unfortunately the magic of the snow was short lived because it melted that Thursday, well not entirely, but pretty much most of it, and it was all just slippery slush that was really annoying to walk on. So I had another boring week at school, nothing notable happened, the fun started again on the weekend. Rotary organized a weekend in Stockholm for us with all the exchange students in the three districts in our area (so we all already know each other because we went to language camp together). It was fun, we went to the Vasa Museum (even though I’ve already been there with my host mom) and to Skansen which is like this big park/zoo/cultural fair in the middle of Stockholm. We stayed in a hostel on Saturday night which was surprisingly nice and actually really cool. On Saturday night we had our oldies from the Southern Hemisphere talk about how their years had been and it was just so sad because they would be going home in less than a month, so they were all crying; it was very emotional for all of us. So on Sunday we went home which was sad because it the last time that we would see some of our oldies. On the train ride back to Uppsala we had to sit on the floor because some insensitive Swedish people’s luggage needed seats more than we did. That’s why they invented luggage racks on the trains, people!!

The next weekend Miranda came again with Emmanuel from France, who both live in the same town (Eskilstuna) and we hung out during the weekend which was a lot of fun. We had the whole Uppsala crew (Anna, Gen, Iliyas and I) plus our two friends from E-tuna (our nickname for their town) together which was really cool, we hung out for like the whole weekend.

The next week there was nothing too notable that occurred except on Wednesday where I watched Iliyas play innebandy (indoor bandy, which is a sport kind of like hockey but on foot; it is usually played on ice, but innebandy is inside and on foot) which was really funny because it was students against teachers, and all the students were dressed in Lucia clothes (more on that a little later). I also had my final exam in Physics A on Thursday which was really stressful; I studied really hard for it, which was a lot of work because I had to try to learn in like one week what the rest of the class had learned in a year (Physics A stretches over year one and into half of year 2, which I think is really stupid…). I didn’t have to take it but I wanted to at least give it a shot. I failed; I got 7 points and you needed at least 12 to pass, but that’s ok, I didn’t really expect to pass anyway.

The real high point of the week was the Luciatåg in school on Friday. Every 13th of December is Lucia in Sweden which celebrates Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucia) from Italy (still have no idea why they have a holiday to honor an Italian saint in Sweden…). It was a concert in school where we dressed up in traditional clothes, which consisted of a long white robe and held candles while singing about seven songs in Swedish in front of the whole school. It was mortifying, but I think I did pretty well; we had been practicing for about a month. I still didn’t know all the words to all of the songs; it’s really hard to memorize songs in your non-native language, but I was able to cheat a little and hide the lyrics to a few songs in my candle, because it had like a plate around it on the bottom to catch the wax. I also forgot to mention that I saw one Lucia performance before this in Domkyrkan (the enormous church in the middle of Uppsala) on Thursday. On Saturday I went to yet another Lucia performance in the concert hall, which was really nice, but I have to say that after that I was thoroughly Lucia’ed out.

The next day Iliyas and I went by train to Upplands Väsby to have lunch with the other exchange students from our district at our District chairperson’s house (our version of Al) which was huge and out a little in the countryside. She is so unbelievably nice and we love her so much. We had lunch and talked a little about upcoming events later in the year, like going to the Ice Hotel and skiing in Åre and she showed us her scrapbook from when she went on exchange to America.

The next week was relatively uneventful until Thursday where a bunch of the clubs and societies put on a performance called Kul i Jul, which means like Fun in Christmas, it was pretty funny even though it was a little hard to understand at some points. The next day there was another assembly for avslutningen which is like the end of the term and the start of the jullov, or Christmas holiday. That was pretty boring as it was just a bunch of teachers and administrators talking about boring stuff… The real fun started after that where my class had planned to play Lasertag, which was really cool. We played two rounds and I did really horribly on the first round, but actually quite well on the second round.

The next day (Saturday) we left for Gotland (big island off the coast of Sweden) again where we would spend Christmas. It was mostly uneventful there, which I kind of expected, until Christmas, which is celebrated on the 24th here. After dinner we had a visit from tomten (Santa Claus) who came into the house and gave us some presents, it was a shame that my host aunt missed him; she was out buying the newspaper when he came, it was strange though because they had a similar body type… After tomten left, we all opened the rest of our presents which was really nice, I feel so attached to my host family, I don’t want to leave them. We came home from Gotland on the next Sunday.

The next week was really cool, I did a lot of stuff. On Monday, Emmanuel came from Eskilstuna again to hang out. On Tuesday, Anna, Gen, Emmanuel and I went ice skating on a lake outside of Uppsala with Gen’s host family, which was unbelievably fun. When you skate on a lake, you use long skates, which are about one foot in length, which I think makes it easier to skate with. We spent a couple of hours on the ice and then went back home.

The next day Anna, Gen and I went to Eskilstuna because we were going to celebrate New Years at Miranda’s house. We took a really crazy route to get there involving two busses and a train, but it was a lot of fun. We spent the night at Miranda’s and made pizza and cake and also built a fire outside, which kept us warm because it was freezing. We went home the next day.

On Saturday Anna and Gen had a combined goodbye party because they would be leaving in less than a week. It was fun and not as sad as I expected it to be.

The next day we went ice skating again with my host family on a lake right near my house. We skated for about 3 Swedish miles, or about 30 kilometers, it was tiring but really cool, and the long ice skates make it easier because it’s less work.

Next week on Tuesday we went ice skating again with Iliyas which was really cool, and I really am loving all this ice skating and I’m going to miss it so much when spring comes, I’m not sure if there are any indoor rinks nearby…

School started on Thursday which was not very fun, but I guess all good things must eventually come to an end… It was just a regular boring day at school until the afternoon where Iliyas and I met Anna and gave her emotional support because she had to say goodbye to her classmates. We then went home after that

The next day was a day of great sadness because it was the day that Anna and Gen were going home to Australia. My host dad gave Iliyas and I a ride to the airport so we could say goodbye to them. It was really sad and there was a lot of crying. After they left we went home and just spent the rest of the day together and didn’t go to school.

The next week was just same old boringness until Thursday which was my birthday. My class sang Happy Birthday in Swedish to me when I came in (all 4 verses of “Ja, må han leva!”) and they all signed a picture of me and hung it on my locker (which is like a tradition at my school for birthdays). It was really nice of them and made me really happy.

So that pretty much sums up everything I’ve done thus far. I’m going to change host families in about two weeks which is a little sad but will be ok because I know the family really well (Iliyas and I are trading families) and our newbie from Australia is coming in less than a week so we’re going to try our hardest to make him feel at home.

Until next time,

Hej då!

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April 27 Journal

 It’s been quite an amount of time since I’ve written my last journal; I’ve been busy with a lot of different things, but now I’m sitting down and finally writing it. The theme of this journal must definitely be winter and winter sports. I just checked the website to see where I left off and Whoa! I have a lot to say now.

Birthday:

I forgot to mention something about my birthday, probably the most important part of course: my present! My host family surprised me in the morning, burst into my room with a cake and singing “Ja må han leva!” at some horrible hour of the early morning. The most exciting part however was my present; they bought skiing lessons for me at the local ski slope, which is only a 4 minute walk from my house. They wouldn’t be starting for a couple of weeks, so I’ll discuss more about that later.

Vattenfall and Hovgården:

This isn’t the most interesting topic in the world, and probably not the most pleasantly scented, but I figure that I should say something about it anyway. On the 27th of January, shortly after my last journal left off, I went on a field trip with my class to two places called Vattenfall and Hovgården. Vattenfall was the first place that we visited, and it is located a little bit outside of the city center near Boländerna, where all the big box stores and IKEA are. It is this big collection of buildings with a huge smokestack in the middle that billowed out white steam into the fresh winter air. Vattenfall is the name of the main energy company in Uppsala, and they produce energy (duh!) and something called fjärrvärme, which translates as ”district heating,” which I’ve never heard of. I’m not sure if it just doesn’t exist in the US, or just that we never need to have heating in Florida. Anyway, they burn the city’s garbage here in this big scary-looking furnace (that had a little window where you could peer in) which is converted to energy and the leftover heat is used to heat up water to skin scalding temperatures which is them pumped out to homes and businesses in Uppsala. They use the hot water to heat the houses (in the heating elements on the wall) and also for just general hot water. It’s almost unlimited, you never have to worry about the hot water heater running out of hot water here! So we learned a lot about garbage collection, energy production and heating in the city so it was an educational visit that was at least interesting. I didn’t think it smelled nearly as bad there as I thought it would, little did I know that the smell was yet to come.

We took a bus to somewhere outside of the city, a place called Hovgården. It is basically just a large outside dump/landfill/compost heap/heavy items dump that had a horrible odor. Unfortunately the temperature was just a little above freezing (unusually warm) so it was all ”muddy” (although I don’t think it was really mud…) and soggy on the ground. Here they take care of the garbage that can’t be burnt, such as large metal items like cars or refrigerators and take them apart and do various things with them. The main attraction, however, was the big landfill, which was accompanied by several smaller compost heaps that were steaming, literally and giving off a not-so-pleasant smell. We learned a little about what they do here, but nobody was interested, they just wanted to get out of the cold and the smell, so after about an hour of learning about how much garbage smells we finally caught a bus back into the city. That pretty much details that day. Oh, I also forgot that I got locked out of the house that day and my phone was completely drained of battery so I had to wait for my host sister to come home and let me in.

New Exchange Student:

As mentioned in my last post, our beloved Australians went home in January. We now have a new Australian guy that’s living in our town and we’re working to make him feel welcome. His name is Anthony and he goes to my school, just in a different class.

New Host Family:

At the end of the month, on a Sunday, I switched host families with Iliyas (from France). It was sad because I had become very attached to my first host family and really felt like I was a part of their family. It turned out to be not nearly as tough as I thought it would be, and I already knew the family very well because I had been there so many times. They are really nice and I feel welcome and accepted. My host parent’s names are Ewa and Jan Svensk and they have 3 children: one, Linnea is on exchange in Spain (I met her before she left), the other, Erik is 16 and lives at home, and Tina has her own apartment.

Ski Lessons:

As I had mentioned, I received skiing lessons from my first host family back on my birthday, and they were 2 nights a week for 3 weeks. I went with my friend Iliyas because his host parents also bought the same lessons for him so it was really cool. We were a small group of 5 people, so we got a lot of individual attention. We also met a girl from our school there; she was in our group so that was cool to make a new friend.

The first lesson was hard; we were on a very small hill, but the mini lift was broken so we had to climb our way up each time on our own so it was very annoying. I had a hard time stopping, also, so I was beginning to think that I would never get the hang of it… But as we took more lessons I got better, and we eventually moved on to the bigger slopes. There were 3 slopes at Sunnerstabacken: 1 really little one and two bigger ones: they were not that tall, and also not long at all, but rather steep. It was good practice, and we went almost every night in between the lessons to get even more practice. It was just so much fun! All this practicing did have a reason, however, which I will explain shortly.

Järvsö:

At the end of the second week of my skiing lessons, my school had a Friluftsdag or ”Free Air Day,” which is basically just a day where everyone in the second year does winter sports. Skiing was one of the options so I jumped at the opportunity to get better. We went to a town called Järvsö to the north, it’s near Hudiksvall, so it’s actually in about the center of Sweden (in terms of North-South). It was about a 3 hour bus ride away and when we got there I was so excited. The slopes were really big, much bigger and longer than any that I had seen before, so I was both nervous and excited. The day went really well, I hung out with some different people from my class and got closer to them, which is good because Swedish people can be difficult to get close to sometimes. I even tried 2 black slopes, and I surprisingly didn’t fall or die! So I was very pleased, and I knew that I was ready for the big skiing trip that was to come.

Åre:

During sportlov, or sport vacation, in February, my host family was going to visit their daughter in Spain and my first host family was going skiing in Åre, Scandinavia’s biggest ski resort. They have an apartment right next to one of the major lifts, seriously like 3 minutes walking, so it was so convenient and great. We drove about 7 hours to get there and it was night when we did, so Iliyas and I spent the first night just exploring the little town. The next day was when the real fun would start. Iliyas’ host sister Amanda (my former host sister) also brought a friend so the four of us went up to the top together and started a day of excellent skiing. We split up after a while so it was just Iliyas and I. Luckily we didn’t get lost in the giant resort; there were so many slopes and lifts that all led to different places. The next days were the same, just excellent skiing all day. We were really luckily on the first two days because it was really sunny and beautiful, despite being very cold; on the third day it was not really sunny, but about -17 degrees Celsius out, so it was very cold, but all the movement from skiing really does keep you warm.

Later in the week we met a girl that Iliyas had met at Sunnerstabacken before and her friend, so it was really cool to have some friends to go skiing with. We skied for a total of 6 days, and it was just great, we had such a great time, and I am so glad that I was able to have this experience. Tack så mycket Familjen Nielsen och Rotary! (Thank you so much Nielsen family and Rotary!)

Swedish:

This brings me to another point: Swedish. I have to say that by now I consider myself pretty much fluent; I can understand everything that goes on around and I can express myself. I have to say that it really is an amazing feeling when you can express yourself in another language. It took a lot of work, however, and I felt that it took about 6 whole months of being here before approaching fluency and then another month or so to finally realize it. I’m not saying that I’m a master at Swedish or anything, but I have to say that I deserve some credit because there are some people that have been here as long as me that can barely get by; they just speak English the whole time and have never bothered to learn Swedish. My secret is: just speak it! If you want to learn a language, then just speak it, make an effort, it will be rewarded. People are usually very helpful and are even honored that you are taking the time to learn their language. Studying before does help, it gives you a good basis (yes, this is directed at you, future outbounds), but the easiest way to learn the language is to be immersed in it, and forced to speak it.

I really like reading in Swedish too, I’ve read a few Swedish books that nobody had probably ever heard of, but now I’m reading The Kite Runner in Swedish (it’s called Flyga Drake) for my Swedish class in school. It’s difficult, but I really like it. Enough about Swedish now.

March:

The month of March just kinda flew by, nothing that interesting happened, it was mostly just doing homework, working on online classes and hanging out a little with friends, nothing too interesting to report here.

Spring has finally started to come, the snow all melted and it was a little bit warm here (about 10 degrees Celsius), which was nice until it snowed again and was cold for another week. The weather here is a bit tricky.

Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi!!

This has to be the highlight of these past few months, along with skiing in Åre. You have probably never heard of Kiruna and would be afraid to try to even pronounce Jukkasjärvi. These are two cities, well actually one city and one small town up in the very north of Sweden, about a 16 hour train ride away from Uppsala. They are not too far from the Sweden/Norway/Finland border up at the top and they are a good way above the Arctic Circle. Needless to say, it is still cold there, despite the fact that the rest of the country was seeing snow, and temperatures in around 15 degrees Celsius. It was a bit of a shock going from T-shirt weather back up to the Great White North, I was finally accepting that winter was over and then BAM! back up to the cold!

You may be wondering what there is to see up at the North Pole (ok, not really at the North Pole, but very very far north). Well the city of Kiruna has about 17,000 residents, has a thriving mine, whose cracks are causing the entire city to picked up and moved 1 kilometer away, and a rich Sami culture (the Sami people are the indigenous people of Scandinavia). They also have the Esrange Space center, where they launch rockets and satellites into space. Other than that, it’s most just snow. Oh, I forgot something, the nearby town of Jukkasjärvi is home to the ICEHOTEL, which is known around the world for being, well a hotel completely made of ice and snow. But more on that later.

We traveled up to Kiruna with 2 other Rotary districts, which new people that we had never met before, so it was really cool to make some new contacts. The train ride was fun, but sleeping on a train is not so much fun, I have to say. We stayed in a youth hostel in the center of the city. On the first day we met up with some girls from the local high school that go in the Tourism program and they used us as a project and showed us around the town and organized the rest of the trip’s events. We arrived in the morning so we spent the rest of the day just seeing the city itself and some attractions like an old church and the city hall, which was voted to be Sweden’s prettiest building (on the inside) for that year, although we didn’t think it was anything amazing, but we all kept our mouths shut… That night we ate pizza which was the first time I’ve had non-microwave pizza in 8 months, so I devoured it. That night we went to the girls’ school and hung out, played Singstar and reverse hide and seek (where one person hides and the whole group has to find them, the last one to find them is then “it”). We misplaced a Mexican, and it took us a really long time to find him; he hid really well. Everyone was running around the school calling his name and also yelling “Taco!” which I thought was offensive, but funny.

The next day, we went on a snowmobile safari. Since we were a big group we had about 12 snowmobiles pulling a bunch of sleds behind them that we were all sitting in. We rode for over an hour and saw some reindeer along the way. We found out that every reindeer is owned by a Sami person, so if you shoot them or hit them with a snowmobile you can get heavily fined or go to jail, so we had to stop a lot and wait for them to go away. We finally arrived at a frozen lake (although you could never tell because there was so much snow everywhere) and the girls started building a fire. There was a bunch things for us to do, including ice fishing, sledding or riding the snowmobiles up to a nearby mountain, which I decided to do, it was much different being on the back of the snowmobile instead of in a sled behind it. It was a bumpy ride, but it’s similar to riding on a jetski. After soaking up a really nice view from the top of the mountain we headed back and ate some hamburgers that they cooked over the fire, which was funny because the fire itself was in a deep hole of snow over two feet deep. It was really cold, and we were all freezing from being outside for such a long time, although it was rather warm for Kiruna, which in the middle of winter gets temperatures of around -30 Celsius, while now it was only between -10 and -5. We eventually headed back, which took around an hour and then went swimming (in an indoor pool) before heading to dinner at the girls’ school. They put on a whole little dinner production, which was nicely done and followed a performance by Sami songs from two Sami girls in the class.

The next day was the final day, and also the highlight of the trip. The day started off with a visit to the Esrange Space Center, where rockets from all over Europe are launched. Virgin Galatic is going to use it for “Spaceport Sweden” with their commercial space travel service that is set to start in a few years, along with another spaceport in New Mexico. It was interesting to see, it was kind of like a mini Kennedy Space Center, and everything was covered in snow, so there wasn’t all the much to see, but we need get to go inside one building where a bunch of German scientists were preparing this telescope that would be launched in the summer. It was cool because we got to get a lot closer to things than one does at say, Kennedy Space center. We went inside a launch silo and went into the control room, which had a really cool big red “FIRE” button that everyone was tempted to press. It was pretty interesting and the guide was informative, but everybody was really excited for what was to come after the space center.

We then took a bus from the space center to the small village of Jukkasjärvi and ate lunch at “Restaurant.” It was the only restaurant in Jukkasjärvi, so I suppose it didn’t need a name, the sign just said “Restaurant.” It was actually the restaurant for the ICEHOTEL and was located across the street. After a good meal of reindeer meat (first time eating that in my life) we headed excitedly over to the ICEHOTEL itself. The whole area was really big, consisting of a shop, a reception area, warm (non-ice) villas that you can stay in and a building with lockers, showers and bathrooms for those who were staying in the ice rooms. The hotel was surprisingly big, much bigger than I had originally thought that it would be. It consisted of around 70-something rooms; I had thought that it was only a couple. 20-something of these rooms were custom designed art suites which all had unique artwork in ice. We started out with a tour, which began in the Ice Chapel, where a lot of people get married every year, there are even baptisms, although those are not as popular… everything was amazingly designed, and the guide was very informative. We then proceeded into the hotel itself, saw the ice reception area and the main hall, which was enormous and branched out into six corridors where the ice rooms were. We also got a look at the “ABSOLUT ICEBAR” (yes they do go a little overkill with the all capital letters) where you can buy drinks in ice glasses (both alcoholic and non alcoholic). Then the tour guide set us free to explore the hotel by ourselves, so that’s exactly what we did; we went into every room and I took approximately 80,000 pictures (ok, maybe it was only like 400…). I can’t even put into words what it was like, it was just such an amazing experience. Everything was made out of ice, it was just so beautiful, and the ice suites were all amazingly done; the artists were so creative. This was something that I have been looking forward to doing ever since I found out that I was coming to Sweden; I had always been hoping to make it here, even if I had to go by myself, but it was really great that Rotary here was able to organize something for us, because it was a lot of fun to be with the other exchange students. Thank you so much Rotary Sweden for organizing this, and thank you RYE Florida for making it possible!

Now some closing thoughts. I came back from Kiruna and it’s been about 3 weeks now. Spring has come and it’s getting really warm here, around 15 Celsius and getting hotter, so it’s really nice to be able to go outside again without heavy jackets on. Hopefully I can regain a bit of tan that has been lost from 6 months of long sleeves and pants, so we’ll see how that goes.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Rotary once again for this amazing experience! You have no idea how much I appreciate it!

Until next time!

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July 18 Journal

 So now I’m sitting down once again to write a journal, probably my final one, so be prepared for a long one, as a lot has happened in the past amount of time since my last journal.

Valborg

The first interesting topic to cover would be Valborg, which is a Swedish holiday celebrated on the 30th of April. Like many other Swedish holidays, Valborg is celebrated mostly by extreme drinking. Just kidding, there are actually some traditions and other events that happen between and or during the drinking. Valborg is meant to celebrate the arrival of spring, and most Swedes like to start the day with a champagne breakfast. In Uppsala this is usually followed by watching the försränningen on the river in the center of town. This is where many of the university students float down the river on self made ”boats” and try to stay afloat even after going down the small waterfall downstream. The entire population of Uppsala (this is the fourth largest city in Sweden) packs along the river and space is tight; everyone’s inner sadistic side really wants to see the poor students crash and have their boats destroyed. These “boats” have all different shapes and designs, ranging from actual boats (one looked like a Viking Line Ferry) to random objects (such as a floating toilet). After this most people go home because they are so tired from waking up so early to get a good spot by the river. Lunch is then eaten and the rest of the day is spent relaxing with a nice dinner at the end of the day.

Sundbyberg

The next interesting event was a Rotary-organized trip to Sundbyberg, which is a small municipality in Stockholm. It is actually the smallest municipality in Sweden, and it covers an area of about 7 km². The day started with a visit to a “make your own CD” studio, where we split into groups of six and recorded 3 songs. The first two groups recorded “Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA and “Wonder Wall” by Oasis, respectively, but our last group was very mixed; there were no two people from the same country and the majority were from non-English speaking countries (finally!). Needless to say, it was a little difficult to find a song that all of us were familiar with, so we wound up settling on none other than the legendary Ms. Britney Spears. That’s right, we recorded “Oops I Did it Again” for our track on the CD. This certainly shows the impact of a pop icon such as Britney Spears has on the world.

After leaving the studio we headed to a small botanical garden in Sundbyberg, which was really pretty because it had a bunch of flowers that were just beginning to bloom. Now maybe the old me wouldn’t get that excited about flowers, but the new me definitely appreciates them because after a long cold winter with no sun, little things like some flowers really brighten up your day. After a nice stroll in the park we went to the Rotary Club of Sundbyberg for lunch. After we ate we all had to stand up one by one and introduce ourselves and the Rotarians asked us questions from a list, such as “what is the biggest difference between (insert country here) and Sweden?” It was then that I realized how ungrateful some of the other exchange students are. It was really sad to see what little effort they had put into learning Swedish; after being here for 8/9 months (at this time), one would expect that they would be able to understand and respond to basic questions such as those. I can understand that the southern hemisphere people who came in January would of course not be as good at Swedish yet, but I think it is unacceptable to be unable to speak even basic Swedish after 8/9 months. I hope that everybody in Sweden realizes how grateful I am, because I think one of the best ways to show it is by actually learning the language; I think it disgustingly unacceptable and disrespectful to not learn the language of your host country. Now I seem to be getting off topic however, so back to Sundbyberg… After eating lunch we went to the town hall and watched a presentation (all in Swedish, and I can say about 90% of the room was completely lost, what a shame) about the history of Sweden’s smallest municipality. After that we just had free time for the rest of the day to just wander around together and just hang out; generally what exchange students do best!

Sailing

It was also around this time that I began a sailing course down on the lake right near my house. I went with my friend Iliyas from France, we figured it would be something fun to do together, as we had taken ski lessons together in the winter. Unfortunately it wasn’t what we expected; it wasn’t a beginner’s “Learn to Sail” course, it was more just a sailing club for people that already could sail, and most of them were much younger than us, In any case, it was still fun and we did learn a bit, although I definitely can’t say that I would feel comfortable enough sailing alone or without somebody else that knew how to sail. Every Tuesday and Thursday we would head to Skarholmen where the boats were kept. The boats we sailed in were known as “två krona” and were about 12 feet long and could hold between 2 and 4 people. It was interesting to learn all the sailing vocabulary; all new concepts to me because I have never sailed before. All in all it was a fun experience, but at times I felt mostly just like dead weight because I didn’t really know what I was doing. At least my dead weight helps keep the boat from tipping on a windy day!

Fjuckby

Oh dear. Yes, Fjuckby, no, it’s not a typo, it’s actually the name of a very small town/village here in Uppland (the region in which I live), about 18 kilometers from my house in Uppsala. After I found it while randomly searching on a map, I knew I had to go and take some pictures. So I dragged my best Swedish friend Anton with me there. It’s not the easiest place to find; we had to take one of the city busses out to the very end of the line to a place called Lövstalöt and then walk another 4 kilometers to get there, through fields and a small forest. I had a map, but Google Maps didn’t really give the correct location so we had to wander a bit and eventually found it. We met some sheep along the way that were really nice and came up to us to let us pet them. We finally made it there, but there was nothing really interesting there, mostly just houses. The main attraction, however, was the signs that marked the name of the village: Fjuckby. In case you are wondering, it’s pronounced “fyook-bee” in Swedish, and the spelling has changed from a more ancient spelling of Fjukeby, which is slightly less funny. It is also the location of an ancient rune stone, but this is really common in small Swedish villages such as this, so that wasn’t all that exciting. I hope this post doesn’t offend anybody!

Fika och chillar

The same week that I made my adventure to Fjuckby I also received a visit from a good friend that I flew over to Sweden with. Her name is Meredith and she was the second exchange student I met on my journey over to Sweden (not counting ones I had met in the US). She called me up out of the blue (excuse the cliché) because she would be coming down to Uppsala. I spent the day with her and Anthony (other exchange student in Uppsala from Australia) showing her around Uppsala and going for fika (Swedish word for going to a café, eating pastries, drinking coffee, and talking for hours, no real English equivalent). Later that night I met up with a Swedish friend from my class, Viktor, and we played pool and hung out for a few hours in town, which was a lot of fun.

The next day we followed her to Stockholm because we had the day off from school (Kristi Himmelsfärdsdag, something not celebrated in the US) and met up with some of the other exchange students and had a grand old time as we usually do.

Linnea och Anna

It was also around this time that my host sister Linnea came home from her exchange in Spain, she had only been there for about nine months; I met her before she left and will spend 2 months with her before I leave. I like to think that I made the most out of my year by staying as long as possible to enjoy every last second of my time here.

Another very exciting event was getting to see my oldie from Australia, Anna, who had gone home back in January. She came back to Sweden for a month to see her host sister graduate and to see her friends again. It was really great to see her again, I realized how much I missed her while she was gone. Exchange is really something special, you make instant unbreakable bonds with so many people, and the hardest part is saying goodbye, and knowing that you might not get to see them again. But more on this later, this is only the tip of the iceberg…

Katte-Skrapan Kampen

The school I attend here in Uppsala is something like 600 years old and has had a rival school here for probably almost as long called Lundellska Skolan. My school, Katte (Katedralskolan) and Skrapan (Lundellska Skolan) have been at war forever and every year there is one day where they both compete in mixed athletic events. Skrapan has won for the last 15 years or so, and everyone always hopes that this year will be the year that Katte wins. After a long day outside in the cold rain it was finally over and the winner was announced: Katte! It was a big surprise and everybody was very happy and excited. After the events everybody rushed to the nearest café to fika and warm up a bit.

Eskilstuna

As some of my more avid readers may recall, Eskilstuna is the place where my district had it’s language camp (along with our two other friend districts) and it’s also where a bunch of my exchange student friends live. I went to Eskilstuna for a goodbye party for Michael from Canada and to celebrate Brenton from Australia’s 18th Birthday. The goodbye party was a complete surprise and he had no idea that we had gathered 20 people to meet him, he thought it was just going to be the 5 people that lived in Eskilstuna. We grilled hotdogs outside and hung out in this park for the day and then went back to Brenton’s house for the night. The next day we celebrated Brenton’s birthday at his house; we baked a cake and people bought him presents, overall it was a fun experience.

Last Day of School

The next day was the last day of school, known as Avslutningen, where everyone gathers in the auditorium and the principal says a few words about the year. We were surprised when she called Iliyas and I up to the stage to receive some presents from the school, we both got a book and a pin with the school’s logo on it, and a big round of applause from the whole school. After the assembly we broke up into our individual classes (mine is NV2, Naturvetenskap, natural sciences, year 2) and had a little fika in the classroom. My best friend Anton then called me up and presented me with a red Katte sweatshirt that the class all pooled together to buy for me, which was really nice. The head teacher for our class, who is also our class mentor, Swedish teacher and my Swedish as another language teacher presented me with a book of Swedish poetry, because we didn’t have enough to time this year to read enough Swedish poetry, according to her. I was so grateful for everything that the class had done for me, they had been so nice and accepting for the whole year. Tack så jättemycket till alla er i NV2 på Katte!

After a little while the class went outside to a field near the school and we played a game called brändboll, something I had never played or heard of before. It is like baseball except there is no pitcher, you have to throw the ball and hit it yourself, and you have to make it to the bases before the person standing in the center gets the ball and says brand (burn). I personally think it was more interesting than baseball, but that’s just my opinion. I had fun in any case. After playing we went into the center of town and ate lunch at this nice restaurant; my class treated me to the meal, which was really nice. After that it started pouring so we decided to head to somebody’s house and we chose Stina’s, which is in Sävja, a little far out from town but still nice. The plan was that almost everybody would come but it turned out just being about 7 people including myself that showed up. We wound up playing Trivial Pursuit for a few hours, which was not nearly as hard as I expected, despite the fact that it was in Swedish. I felt like I really got closer to some of my classmates that day, it’s a shame that it’s the last day of school, but oh well.

That Saturday, I wanted to get out of the house so I went with Anton to his family’s summer house (all Swedish people have summer houses/cottages, some every have several) in Sandika, which is near Östhammar, which is near the coast, about an hour from Uppsala. It rained the whole day so we wound up just hanging out inside and watching TV, but it was still a nice change.

Riksdagen

On Monday I was invited by Hamza from France to take a tour of Sweden’s Parliament building in Stockholm along with a few of the other exchange students because his counselor works there. It was really interesting to see how the government in Sweden looks, and the building was really beautifully decorated on the inside. We even got to go in and watch a debate on the parliament floor. It was just something about some environmental policy, so it wasn’t extremely interesting, but it was still really cool to sit in and see what everything looks like.

That night I was invited to a movie night at Emma from my class’ house. They hadn’t decided on a movie yet but by the time everyone got there we wound up just watching Mean Girls on TV, which I hadn’t seen before and was actually quite funny.

Pool Party

That Wednesday my class had a pool party at Viktor’s house. Many of you may be wondering if there are any pools in Sweden, and if so are they ever warm enough to bathe in, well he has a pool, yes it’s outside, and yes the water was very cold despite the fact that they had a heater. It was a cool 24 degrees Celsius, which is about 75.4, a bit too cold for my taste, but I went in anyway and had a fun time. At least I wasn’t the only one that thought it was cold, most of the other Swedish people thought it was pretty cold; I was pretty proud of myself because I managed to stay in for longer than most of them. We spent the rest of the day chilling in and out of the pool and enjoying the sun. We wound up going to McDonald’s later because it was the cheapest thing in town and the easiest way to feed 20+ people. It was after we ate that I had to say goodbye to many of my friends, most likely for good, because I would be away for a large part of the summer and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to see any of them again before I went home. It was really sad because I felt like I had just finally gotten to know them, and then I had to say goodbye, possibly forever. But that’s all part of being an exchange student, and I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up!

Midsommar

Midsommar is another one of those Swedish-people-getting-really-drunk-and-then-dancing-around-a-phallic-shaped-pole-pretending-to-be-frogs kind of holidays, not too dissimilar to Valborg, previously described. I went with my host family to Hudiksvall, where they have their summer house and we spent Midsommar with their friends that live there. Overall it wasn’t the most interesting holiday, except for watching full grown adults jumping around a pole pretending to be frogs, a phenomenon I like to call “små grodorna complex.” It was also funny to see the Swedish people sing about small bumble bees in between drinking snaps (which by the way is pronounced as it’s spelled, there is no “sh” sound in snaps), something I like to call the “Vi äro små humlor vi complex.”

Final Rotary Meeting

I had to wake up early the next Monday to go to my final Rotary meeting for the year and thank all the Rotarians for having me and for basically giving me tons of money to live off of for the year (the students in Uppsala got almost double the amount of money that the rest of the students in Sweden got). Since I had already given my presentation about myself on my fourth day here (a bit of a mortifying experience, but definitely mortifying in a good way, if that’s possible), so I just had to sit through the meeting and then thank a bunch of people and give out a ton of hugs. I received a present from the former president, who has been so nice to me this year, which was a book about Uppland (the region in which I live).

My club is a breakfast club, so I still had a ton of time for the rest of the day to pack in all the things I had planned. I met my friend Anton and we hung out in town and then I met Viktor to give him back his jacket that I had borrowed. We then met up with a few other people from my class and we decided that we would go to a movie tonight, despite the fact that I needed to pack tonight for a big trip that I would be taking the next day, but more on that later. So after eating lunch with them I rushed home and did several loads of wash and then quickly shoved everything in a bag and got ready to go out again for the movie that night. We saw the new Terminator movie, it was pretty good, but I hadn’t seen the first ones, lots of killing robots. It was good, though, because they treated me to the movie, they really are so nice. At the end I had to head home, and also say goodbye to a few people, which is always really sad.

Eurotour

One of the main highlights of the year I have to say was the Eurotour. It had to be one of the greatest adventures of my life, excluding of course my whole exchange to Sweden. Our group consisted of 68 exchange students from all over Sweden, who came from many different countries, it was really an awesome multicultural experience, many people from different cultures exploring many different cultures together. We visited 7 countries in 18 days, it was only a taste of each country, but it really was awesome. We visited Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, France and Belgium. I won’t go on and on about each country in detail because then it would go on for pages and pages and this report is already really long. But I will say that Poland was very nice, Prague was absolutely gorgeous, hiking in the Alps in Austria was awesome, Italy has great food, Paris was just beautiful, and Belgium has good chocolate and waffles.

All in all the entire trip felt like a mini-exchange in itself, and coming home gave me a preview of what it will be like to come home to the US, really scary and honestly kind of horrible. It’s not to say that I don’t want to come home, because part of me does (albeit an extremely small part), but I have met so many great people and made so many lifelong friends that I just really don’t want to leave. But that is just part of exchange and life goes on; we’ll all stay in contact and now we all have to plan tons of trips all over the world to see our best friends. As quoted from a speech that someone read at the end of the tour that somebody else had written: “It’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later.” It really doesn’t have to be goodbye forever, even though it may seem like it is, they are my friends for life, and I know that I’ll see them again some day.

As I write this, I only have 9 days left in Sweden and it’s really starting to scare me. Leaving off on a sad and serious note,

Michael

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July 27 Journal

 Now I’m sitting down to write what will most likely be my final journal for the year, it’s not very much of a journal compared to my other ones, more of a random collection of some thoughts. Today was my final full day in Sweden and I am leaving the country tomorrow. If it was up to me I would be staying here forever, but that can’t be helped; it is a natural part of exchange.

I have to say that this year has been the best of my life so far; it has been such an amazing experience, I don’t even know how to begin describing it. I’ve had so much fun and met so many people, but mostly this year has been a big learning experience. I have learned so much about the world around me and about other cultures, but most of all I’ve learned so much about myself. I can reflect back on the year and see how much I have changed as well; I definitely know that my parents are not getting back the same Michael that they sent away to Sweden almost one year ago, and whether it’s a good thing or not is yet to be determined. I think it’s a good thing, I feel that I have been able to improve on my weaknesses and become a better person. I hope everybody else feels the same way; I know that many people are expecting the same Michael to come back, and they may be shocked to find otherwise. But so goes exchange.

The hardest part about going home is not so much leaving the country, it’s more leaving all the lifelong friends that I have made here. This last week has been very tough and downright depressing because I’ve had to say goodbye to so many friends for indefinite periods of time, possibly forever. This has to be the absolute best and worst thing about exchange; you get to meet so many amazing people and then before you know it you are ripped apart from them. Luckily we live in a time of modern technology with things such as skype, so the world gets a little smaller, but it is still very hard to say goodbye to people that you have become so close to. But I knew what I was getting into when I signed up, and now I’ve mentally prepared myself to go home now and I think I’m ready to face it.

And finally just one final thought. I would just like to thank Rotary and all the Rotarians in both Florida and Sweden for everything that they have done for not only me, but for all the other exchange students this year, in previous years and in the years to come. This really has been the best experience of my life, I don’t even know how to put into words how grateful I am for this. Thank you so much, tack så hemskt mycket för allt ni har gjort.

Linda’s Bio

 Hello, my name is Linda Rogers and I am a Senior at Paxon SAS in Jacksonville, Florida. After having been a host sister to approximately fifteen foreign exchange students and going to Turkey on a very successful Short-Term Rotary Exchange myself, I finally decided my Junior year that I would become a Long-Term Rotary Exchange Student the year after I graduated. And as those who know me best are already aware, once I decide that I will do something, I do it. So here I am writing a bio for Rotary upon acceptance into the exchange program.

My friends often laugh when I start a statement with “I have five older brothers and…” and that’s because they know that being raised the youngest of eight children, five of which are boys, has had a lot to do with who I am today and the insights that I have on life. I have found that for me being the youngest of so many siblings didn’t mean being spoiled, it meant being brought up much quicker and being held to more mature standards than my peers. But don’t misunderstand me, I am not bitter because of this, I don’t resent the added pressure or the feelings of needing to “measure up.” I embrace it. I am above all thankful for the opportunities that God has given me to grow and learn in the shadow of so many teachers, whether it be by example or non-example. I think that to understand me you must understand where I come from.

That being said I am very much an individual. I do not hide behind the excuses of “upbringing” that are so common today and I want people to know who I am aside from my family, albeit because of them. Simply put I am a nurturer. My goal in life is to make enough money to be able to dedicate myself and my resources to accomplishing something bigger than “me”. I will become a foreign ministries missionary with a monetary ability to compliment my servant’s heart. I hope to be able to positively impact the lives of people, that I know from past missionary experience are yearning for people in their lives to give them a hand up and a boost of faith.

I hope that this bio gives you an introductory glimpse of who Linda is until my journal entries start, and with them come more revelations as to the finer points of “me.”

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October 8 Journal

 Finding my place here has been all at once exciting, confusing, frustrating, and invigorating. My host family is very supportive, and dynamic enough to offer me many outlets, but there is no amount of support that can fully pad the blow of being ripped from the womb of childhood and thrown into a life where you don’t know the norms and you don’t understand what is expected of you. I was prepared for differences, I have traveled internationally before, spending as much as a month abroad at one time, so I have felt this sort of thing before and I knew it was coming. That does not change that it is going to happen. It is like the doctor saying, “Get ready, I’m going to give you a shot.” We have all had shots before, and we are “ready” for it when it comes, but that does not mean that the shot does not hurt. It also does not mean that the shot loses its worth. No matter the unpleasantness involved, the growth and respect gained from this experience cannot be outweighed. I have only been here to benefit from this for a fraction of what I will be, yet I am already feeling the reward and I am already able to see the opportunity for continued advancement. It is not easy, it is not a step that would be beneficial for everyone, and it is not the kind of thing that just anyone would feel empowered by, but for some, for the “right” people, there is no substitute for a Rotary Youth Exchange.

Two weeks ago, I started going to a school here in Surat for the deaf and dumb on a daily basis. I began there because I wanted a service project, but at this point, I do not feel like I am serving anyone but myself. Those who have been involved with the school much longer than I have insist that my friendships and conversations are building much needed confidence in a group of people who feel (and generally are) overlooked by society and their own families. Logically I know this to be true but it is hard to see how something that requires no self-sacrifice, which actually gives me some of my happiest moments here, can be serving someone else. This is not an entirely radical idea for me though. I often indicate “service work” when questioned about my plans for the future or my current “extra-curriculars,” but I have rarely felt such deeds to be serving. These activities, rather, are my fun time, my go out and enjoy myself moments. Last Friday night I was talking to my Mom about the next day’s schedule and after telling her that I could not go to “my” school, as I call it, on Saturday because I had to take an exam at the same time at my regular high school she said, “So tomorrow ‘yea, holiday!’” (this is what we always say when there is no work or school one day), but I told her, “No, it’s not ‘yea holiday’ for this, it’s ‘aww man… holiday…’” We both had a good laugh, but it was true. Going to Surat School for the Deaf and Dumb daily has been the most fun I have had here, apart from spending ‘quality time’ with my family.

I have particularly enjoyed picking up the sign language here so that I can actually communicate with the students. One of the students in my class, Mohsin, has taken to teaching me new words every day. Once he got a picture book from one of the primary classes so that he could point at an apple, a monkey, or a jeep, and then demonstrate the sign for me. After two weeks in that school I can officially communicate much better in sign than in Gujarati, I think mainly because most everyone here speaks English on a fairly regular basis except for the students at my school. Even as I am writing this (it’s Saturday afternoon) I cannot wait for Monday so I can go see my friends again.

I hope that all of the exchange students are taking advantage of this aspect of the Rotary Exchange experience. There are many programs available for foreign exchange, but I think that the opportunity for service while abroad is what really sets Rotary apart from the others. Since Rotary is not a for-profit organization that focuses on exchange, but rather an international service club which also offers student exchange as one of its contributions to society, the potential for students to get hands on with service is boundless.

I know that many people considering a Rotary Youth Exchange are reading these journals to get a feel for the program and whether or not it is right for them. If this is you, I challenge you to “dig deep.” Realize that there are obstacles. Understand that moments are going to be painful. See where you are going to be asked to give of yourself. Then, after acknowledging the hardships, accept the call and go for it, forget your own minimal inconveniences and grasp the first big opportunity of your life to do something bigger than yourself, and help Rotary to establish widespread cultural understanding and to realize a vision of service above self.   

Election Reflection – Do we care that he’s black?

 This piece was originally written in response to the “My President is black!” statuses displayed by many on Facebook and the resulting notes and comments that criticized such statuses.

I see the good intentions behind many of your arguments that we should not be at all excited because he is black but only because he is our President. I know that there is a certain amount of ignorance feeding the enthusiastic “My President is black!” assertions, but there is an importance to this characteristic alone. Whether those shouting about the magnitude of having a black President see the genuine value of this attribute or only what they want to see in his skin color is irrelevant. We should all be equal. Our skin should have no bearing on other’s views, especially in a country like America founded by someone else’s minority, partially for the purpose of escaping such discriminations. The truth is, though, that our country does not work that way. Moreover, the world has noticed.

I was surprised, in fact, by the volume of foreigners who dislike America not for Bush or the “War on Terror” (not that there are not many of those as well) but because they feel that the Land of Opportunity has become the Land of Hypocrisy. We shout at the world about human rights and equality for all, but then cringe when we see a black man running for President. Sure, we finally now voted him to the position, but look at what a marvel the race was. How many people stared in wonder (if not horror) at a black man rising so far up the political ladder? Why, after so many decades of American “equality”, do we just now have, not only a non-white President-elect, but before that a serious non-white contender for the spot? Have you any idea the way foreign newspapers laughed at the uproar (both positive and negative) we gave over a non-white candidate? Or any clue how many articles jibed at our pre-election insinuations that Obama was a Muslim? That such a political rebuttal would even come up in our “politically correct” homeland tickled many a foreign fancy.

The reality, as few of us see from the inside, is that we are not as advanced as we think. We are a nation who still struggles with inequalities, discrimination, misconceptions, and ignorance. That is not all bad, though, because we are struggling! Electing a non-white as our Chief Executive is a huge step for us. Maybe doing so should not be. Maybe so long after we told the world that we view all individuals as equals and that each man has the same rights as each other man we should not even blink at this characteristic of our new President. The truth is, however, that we were not as far along as we considered ourselves. The recent hubbub proves that our claims were premature.

Considering that, electing a black man in and of itself is colossal for our country. Yes, in some ways, our vote is an indicator of how far we have come, but the real point is even bigger. Finally putting a non-white at the head of our country is another catalyst to stretch us to where many of us thought we already were and beyond. We now make the ignorant and the sheltered look at a strong, worthy man running our nation who does not fit the mold their minds hold for our leaders. I do not think that Obama is perfect. I do not agree with everything he says and thinks. The same will be true for anyone, though, and I do believe this man capable of guiding not only our country, but also the world’s view of us, even as we strengthen who “us” is.

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December 16 Journal

 The mind of an exchange student is a frightening place. Not so much in reference to the thoughts housed there, but more accurately regarding the speed with which those thoughts take shape, multiply, and even disappear. I was a child only a few months ago. Even as a child, adults and other young people regarded me as mature and mindful, but still I was a child. Then I left for India and was thus put on a fast track to adulthood. I am sure that at some unrecognizable instant in the last four months, the universe ceased to acknowledge my youth and instead observed a woman in the place where life had so recently housed a child. Although I can only speculate as to the timing of that instant, I know full well the moment when I recognized that growth for myself.

Caring for two sick girls on a cross-country train last week, I decided that plain crackers would be a crucial medicine and set out to buy a few packs. I got off at the station that I thought was New Delhi, knowing that would give me twenty-five minutes to procure the goods and safely re-board. Seven minutes later, crackers in hand, I turned to see my train pulling out of the station. After chastising myself for breathing a curse at the sight of the caboose, I made my way to the booking office.

“English?” I asked hopefully. A headshake and a curt index fingering aimed towards the office door were the only response the man stationed in the raggedly upholstered swivel chair could afford me.

I found another office and repeated my inquiry.

“Thoda, thoda,” a slightly more heartening answer.

“I’ve missed the train headed for Surat. Do you know of any way that I could re-board?”

The cocked eyebrow that greeted this little monologue had time only to make me question my previous hopes before two men who had witnessed my predicament showed up over my right shoulder. A round of Hindi later (where I was able to make out the words “girl”, “biscuits”, and “train”) the station worker led me out to the platform. We walked about five steps to the right before he seemed to change his mind, stopped, and then turned to take eight steps in the opposite direction before stopping again. The station worker reproduced the indecisive face of just a few moments prior as a small crowd formed around us. A young man wearing a purple turban initiated conversation with my “Follow the Leader” director. This time I understood “problem”, “help”, and “metro” from the short dialogue.

“Follow me. I’ll show you where the metro is and you can catch that to New Delhi Station,” this from the man with the purple turban.

As we walked through the station doors, I considered that this man could be a murderer, a thief, or a rapist. He could also be a really nice guy going out of his way to help you, a little voice censured me. When he asked me where I was from I decided not to lie, as most of the American exchange students had taken to doing since November 26.

“The U.S., Florida.”

“That’s cool, I’ve been to California.” Followed by an amiable, bearded smile.

I remember thinking how glad I was that I gave a straight answer, that smile was definitely worth the risk involved, real or imagined.

When we reached the token counter he asked if I knew how to travel by metro, mentioning that I’d have to switch lines half way through. He was satisfied with my quick affirmation, and I took a last view of my turbaned hero as he rushed off to catch his train.

There were only two men in line ahead of me at the counter but as the first man walked away a third man artfully slid in front of me.

“Oh please, bhai, please,” accompanied by what I hoped was a convincingly pleading look. Surprisingly he stepped aside and I was able to approach the token vendor without further delay.

Rushing through the station a few moments later, I thought about situations I’d previously been in that made this experience so painless for me; being alone and stuck over night in a New York airport due to inclement weather on my way home from Turkey three years ago; learning my way around the D.C. Metro station just two weeks before coming to India, after spending the first eighteen years of my life completely ignorant of any subway system; taking the New Delhi Metro just a few days earlier on a spontaneous trip to KFC with my fellow exchange students, thereby familiarizing myself with the slight differences in this system.

I reached the platform just as a shuttle arrived and gratefully stepped into a near empty compartment. For the next three stops I thanked God for everything that was happening to me; being in India; touring the Golden City, Jaisalmer Desert, the Taj Mahal, and Dharamshala; building friendships with people from around the world; meeting a nice young man in a purple turban; even for getting an extra little opportunity to see Delhi, or at least the Delhi Metro Station. As I gripped the cool metal of the metro handrail in my right hand and twisted the rough chain of my escapulario* up to my lips with my left, I felt- rather than thought- you have become a woman.

On more than one previous occasion, I had thought of myself as a woman. I strove to conduct myself as a woman and I hoped that others looked at me as a woman. If someone had asked me how I considered myself an hour before that moment, sitting on the train I would have told him I was an adult. Still, for all of my rationalizations, logical thoughts, and convincing arguments, I would not have believed myself, no matter how credible the words felt on my lips or how many listeners regarded those words as truth. After that moment, however, I would not have the chance to answer that question truthfully because the question would never again be posed to me. People do not ask an adult who she is because her maturity is apparent. The question of adulthood is reserved for children.

*escapulario- a necklace popular among Catholics in Brazil. There are two icons on the chain, one to rest on the back of the wearer’s neck and one to hang down the front as a pendant. The icons often portray the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus, but may also depict one of the Catholic saints. Escapularios are believed to watch over the wearer from all sides, which is why there must be two icons.

Mariya’s Bio

 My name is Mariya Davis. I was born in California on January 1st,1992. Soon after, I moved to Canada with my mother and younger sister. I attended Catholic school from 3rd grade to 8th grade until my family re-located to Tamarac Florida .

During elementary school and middle school I played many sports such as basketball, softball, volleyball, track as well as skiing and snowboarding. My favorite holidays have always been New Years’ and I have had an obsession with Justin Timberlake since Nsync! I also love to dance to Spice Girls and Grease (I know ALL the lyrics).

From as far back as I can remember I have traveled and visited places such as Quebec, Florida, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Toronto and more. Now I go to J. P. Taravella High School and I love it.

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August 29 Journal

 India is beautiful. I’ve been here for almost three weeks and I have managed to get onto the front page of the newspaper, on television, go on a road trip, see an amazing Hindi movie at the movie theatre, and attend an Indian wedding. I’ve also been to a Rotarian’s farm and saw a monkey! My host family is very kind and helpful. I’m sorry if I seem all over the place, there is just so much to tell and I don’t want to forget anything!

On Aug. 15th (which is their Independence day) I visited an old fort used during British rule that is only opened on Aug. 15 and Jan. 25th. It was very nice and had a lot of interesting history. My new favorite food is chapati with cream and guava jelly! I keep catching myself singing Hindi songs and saying words I don’t exactly know the meaning of. Everything in India seems so be more intense. The sugar is sweeter, the food is more spicy, the bugs are bigger, and everything is greener. There are a lot of stray dogs and cats that roam the streets. The driving is insane. It is very scary and between all the trucks, cars, people, and animals walking through the streets at any given time of day or night, I am relieved I will not be driving!

I’ve met the other inbounds and I like every one of them very much. Actually, everyone that I have met so far has been very nice and I am feeling very comfortable here.

P.S. Samosas are absolutely delicious and I recommend them!

-Mariya 😀

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October 16 Journal

 The last month has been very eventful, never a dull moment. My host brother has been in town with his wife and I like them both a lot. He recently won a big golf tournament so we went out to celebrate. That was when it happened…

The friendly waiter gave us our spicy chicken and it was delicious. Then my host mom said ‘This chicken is so spicy, I can’t take it. Don’t you think it’s spicy Mariya?’ When I replied no she told me I had made the transition into a true Indian. I couldn’t believe it and I wanted to scream, and sing and do a silly dance. I feel like I’ve leaped through a threshold to a new dimension of the universe where everything makes sense. I’m finally starting to mesh with the Indian people and I don’t feel like the awkward foreigner trying to figure out what’s going on. I’m used to my friends having a conversation in Hindi and then translating it for me after. It feels so good to tell them ‘No that’s ok, I got it’. My grammar skills are horrid now though but my Hindi is getting better.

I will be attending RYLA on the 28th and leaving for my south India tour directly from there on the first of November. I also realized EVERYTHING costs money and I was actually excited about the free conditioner that came with my shampoo (which is very unlike me).

I also want to apologize for turning in my assignments late because I get so frustrated when people are LATE nowadays! Everything here has to be a long, drawn out process. I can’t stand going to the bank. There is no such thing as quick and it makes me very stressed.

Thankfully, that is the only thing making me stressed here. Everyone is very kind and the other inbounds are very cool. My family has also decided to keep me the whole year! All I can think about is the bangles and silk saris I’m going to get in the south and how much fun Goa is going to be!

I am off of school right now for Divali holidays and I am taking ceramic classes in the morning. I also purchased a Tabla (Indian drum) the other day and I as well as the other inbounds are taking classes in the evening. I am enjoying myself very much and I’m going to miss custard apples, rose water and fresh cream a lot when I leave.

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November 28 Journal

 I just got back home from my ‘South India Tour’. It was amazing. First we visited Hyderabad where you can purchase some of the most beautiful bangles in India. While there, we saw the Birla temple, Golkunda Fort and had a blast at Ramoji Film studio which is somewhat like an Indian version of Universal Studios. After that we moved on to Chennai and Mahabalipuram. There we enjoyed the beaches and saw marvelous stone monuments dating back to the 7th century.

After that we took the night train to Bangalore which is an experience in itself. We were in second class NON-AC sleepers that were very crowded. But it’s not really as bad as it sounds as long as you don’t use the toilet! In Bangalore we went to Banargatta National Park where we saw many lions and tigers. Later that day we visited a Botanical Garden that I could have stayed in for the rest of my life. I can’t recall a time in my entire life when I’ve felt that calm and happy. It was like stepping out of the normal world and into the flower garden in Alice in Wonderland. The city of Bangalore is also very western and I felt very ‘at home’ there.

Sadly we had to leave and travel 220km to Hassan. Once there we climbed the 300 + stairs to the world’s largest monolithic statue Sharavan Balgola. It was exhausting but very rewarding. Continuing on to Mysore which is nicknamed ‘city of palaces’, I didn’t know I was about to fall in love. Not with a boy but with Mysore Palace. I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as it. Every square inch of the palace is decorated with highly detailed designs that are bright in color. The doors are carved with teak wood and ivory and the walls are painted delicately with red and gold designs. All of the floors are made from marble and I can’t even describe the chandeliers and jade stain glass ceilings. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to take pictures inside the palace so afterwards I purchased some post cards of the palace but they aren’t HALF as beautiful.

I didn’t think I could see anything as gorgeous as the Mysore Palace until we arrived in Ooty the next day. Ooty is located high in the mountains and I got car sick while we drove up the steep mountain. That drive was one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve had on my exchange so far because the road is not necessarily made for two cars to pass each other let alone two tour buses. So when another bus was on its way down the mountain our bus had to get as close as it could to the edge of the cliff, and a couple times I thought I was going to have a heart attack. But it was worth it because Ooty was FABULOUS.

On the terrace of our hotel rooms we could see all of the mountains and the city nestled perfectly in between them. The view was breath-taking and I want to live there one day. It was the only place on the tour that was cold and it was a bit strange considering everywhere else we’d been so far had been scorching hot but it was in the mountains so it made sense. In Pollachi we went to a water park that is supposed to be #1 in Asia. It was loads of fun but little did I know my fun would soon be cut short when we arrived at the hotel.

It was very late and everywhere was closed so our only option was to eat at the hotel restaurant. Because of the language barrier as people in the south do not speak English or Hindi, our orders were wrong so we took them from our rooms and back down to the restaurant. By then the kitchen was closed and the only thing we could have was some kind of vegetable curry in curd. At first I felt fine but the next morning i woke up severely sick and I spent the whole day vomiting. But that did not stop me from riding an elephant, no way.

The next day we went to Munnar and Thakkadi where we enjoyed a show of the traditional dance called Kathakali which happens to be what we are learning for our district conference in January. We also experienced full body massages and steam baths for the first time. In Allappy we spent the night on a house boat in the back waters of Kerala. In Kanyakumari I saw my first black sand beach and made lots of friends as it was a very touristy resort. I also came across a Tibetan store that had the most unique and beautiful merchandise.

Then we moved on to Kovalam which is the very tip of India and on a clear night you can see the lights from Sri Lanka! In Cochin we saw the famous Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis church, Fort Cochi, a Jewish synagogue and the Dutch Palace which were all very interesting. And last be definitely not least Goa.

The beaches in Goa were amazing but the hawkers were terrible. I surprised myself while I was there. I kept staring at the foreigners like I’d never seen one until I realized ‘hey you’re foreign too’. It was quite peculiar really. I had delicious cashews, seafood and MEAT while I was there which made me extremely excited!

Everything was going perfect until I lost my bank card. As soon as I realized I didn’t have it I went into a panic. After about five minutes of ‘ohmygods’ and childish whining I remembered that I had left it in the ATM! I rushed back as fast as possible but it was gone and I was devastated. The thing that after you take your money you have to press another button to retrieve your card but I was in such a hurry I hadn’t noticed. I felt so stupid! He told me that when someone from the bank came to refill the machine he would also take out the cards as well but I would have to go all the way to the branch to get it back. So the next day I took a bus and a boat to the city. When I got there it didn’t take long to find the bank but my worries were not over just yet. When I told the lady the story she simply said “By policy, we are not allowed to hold any cards that are not from our bank…that card has been destroyed”. Her words rang in my head over and over and she must have saw the sick look on my face because she told me to wait while she went to get another man. THANK-GOODNESS he had my card and he gave it back to me after I showed him my passport. I was so relieved I actually danced when I left the office.

Goa was our last stop and after a month of traveling I was ready to go ‘home’. I arrived in Nagpur station at 6 am and I was so happy to see my host family. My host sister is here with her son and I really enjoy being with all of them. I miss all of the exchange students from my district but they will all be coming to Nagpur for Christmas in a couple weeks. My days are filled with ceramics, dance and tabla classes and I’m very excited because my birthday is coming soon and I don’t know what to expect!

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January 3 Journal

 I’m 17 !

I wish I could say my Christmas was fantastic, exhilarating and full of excitement but sadly, it was not. I’ve been so busy with all of my classes that I FORGOT it was Christmas until I got to my yoga class and my instructor wished me a ‘merry Christmas’. That night all of the exchange students in my city and I went to an expensive restaurant to get western food which didn’t end up being very tasty. During dinner we all talked about how we celebrate Christmas in our home countries and what our families cook. It was a very dull Christmas, no Christmas cookies, no stockings, no Christmas tree, no watching ‘The Grinch’ on Christmas eve and no Christmas spirit. But I was not the least bit disappointed because I am full of Indian spirit and I didn’t even miss Christmas. I felt a little awkward being the only one at the dinner table not ‘home-sick’. And it’s a good thing I wasn’t because I don’t think I would have been very good comforting them if I was.

I have yoga, tabla and dance classes every day, but I am currently out of town practicing dance routines with the other exchange students in my district for our district conference on the 10th of January. New years eve was a lot of fun. Rotary organized a function for all of the exchange students in the district and we ate and danced to Bollywood music all night. At midnight they all sang happy birthday to me and threw me into the pool! My birthday was definitely a lot of fun. It was even more fun because the next day I got a flood of ‘happy birthday’ emails from the US, and because of the time difference it felt like I had TWO birthdays! We will be performing a classical dance and a bhangra dance (another Indian dance). We are also showcasing all of the festivals of India through dance, then we are all participating in an instrumental fusion. I’m very excited and I have to say that I am really not looking forward to leaving India anytime soon.

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January 14 Journal

 I have reached a new height in my exchange.

Tonight my new friends and I prepared a pasta dinner and it was amazing. While I was making the sauce, the aromas from it made me have several flashbacks to my home life in the US and Canada. It made me think of my mom making dinner, and watching kids shows on television with my sister. I remembered all of the things my sister and I would giggle about and how we used to play monopoly and barbies for hours. I didn’t realize how much I actually miss her.

It was odd because instead of feeling sad and homesick, I felt happy. Not because I was away from the people I love, but because the closeness of the friends I have made here in India really remind me of my own family. And although I have definitely had way better pasta then what I made tonight, it was the bond I shared with my friends that made it that good (cliche I know!).

I miss my family terribly and all of the things we used to do together (uno!) but I have to say that I haven’t been this happy in a while. I love India and I didn’t know I could actually feel at ‘home’ away from ‘home’ but I guess home is wherever you are happy. The saddest part is that it’s almost over and I will be leaving home once again……

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March 10 Journal

 I have just recently returned from my North Tour. We visited: Calcutta, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jalsaimer, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Agra, Amritsir, Dharmsala, Manali and Delhi. Overall it was a very good trip and I had a lot of fun with the other exchange students. Darjeeling, Sikkim, Dharmsala and Manali are all located in the Himalayan Mountains and are absolutely gorgeous. When we began our journey through the mountains I could hardly speak, I was so amazed at the natural beauty. When you are up in the mountains you feel so alive, so connected to nature and the air is so fresh, clean and un-polluted. There is a large Tibetan population in these places as well which was wonderful to experience. I had heard about them but up until now I didn’t know much about them and their hardships when they were forced to leave their homes when Tibet was taken over by China. I also had the privilege of visiting a Tibetan orphanage where I got to play with the kids and talk to them. I also was lucky enough to get my hands on some of the beautiful handicrafts made 100% by the Tibetan people. Despite having altitude sickness, I was so sad to leave this lovely paradise.

Calcutta is my least favourite city I’ve seen in India. It is very crowded, dusty and hot but it does have an interesting market. Bodh Gaya is where Buddha reached enlightenment under the Bodhi tree (banyan tree). I have absolutely fallen in love with the Buddhist religion and I am seriously considering become Buddhist. It just makes so much sense to me and I’ve never felt as at home in a church, Hindu temple, mosque or synagogue as I do in the Buddhist temple. I could go on and on about how much I love and respect Buddhism but this report would become quite boring if I did so. Varanasi is the most important Hindu center in India. Jaipur (the pink city) was gorgeous and very interesting to see.

Jalsaimer was CRAZY. We rode camels through the desert and I enjoyed the experience but I have no desire to do it EVER again. We watched a fantastic Rajasthani performance and got to take part in the dancing at the end of the night. I had so much fun and laughed so hard my stomach hurt. After our typical Rajasthani dinner that did not lack in spices, we spent the night on the dunes in tents. In the morning we got up early to watch the sun rise. Rajasthani desert sand is so different from Florida beach sand, it’s dry and soft and feels almost like liquid. Jodhpur (the blue city) was a lot of fun and our guide for that day was very knowledgeable and helpful. We visited a huge fort that had a million secret rooms decorated in the most extravagant detail I’ve ever seen.

Then we finally arrived in Agra. From our hotel we had a view of the Taj Mahal and to be completely honest I was a tad disappointed. From a distance it doesn’t look nearly as pearly white and beautiful as the pictures, but when I was standing face to face with it I almost forgot to breathe. My thoughts were “Oh my god! I’m here, I’m in front of the Taj Mahal, I’ve done it! I’m really in India! I rock!” I got happy tears in my eyes and just stood there for a minute taking it all in. We went inside and after we were off to the less famous, red fort. Next came Amritsir in the state of Punjab where we saw the Golden temple which is the holiest place according to Sikh religion. (The Sikh people are the ones we commonly see wearing turbans.) The temple was very pretty and it was cool to see it up close because it is in a lot of Hindi movies I’ve seen. And last but definitely not least was Delhi. Delhi is a very Cosmopolitan city and has a western feel to it. It also has the largest market in Asia called Karol Bagh. Unfortunately we only spent one day there. We were also fortunate enough to visit the Indian-Pakistan border and watch the changing of the guards. We had a dance party in the street and then joined everyone in chanting patriotic chants and proudly waving their Indian flags. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

These days I am enjoying the little time I have left, and looking forward to playing Holi (festival of colours). Recently, a friend and I went to an ice-cream shop and the owner began to have a conversation with me about my travels to Russia and asked me how my schooling was going. I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about and he apologized and told me I looked just his friend’s daughter. It was a very funny situation. I will be attending a ten day Vipassana meditation course starting the 25th of this month where I won’t be able to talk, write, gesture, read or receive phone calls at all for the full ten days. What you do is meditate and participate in activities and learn the techniques of controlling your mind and nourishing your spirit. I know it’s going to be very difficult to focus but I feel this is something I need to do.

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June 15 Journal

 As the last of my mendhi fades from my hands, the sounds of India still play in my head. The smells are still vivid and the memories are clear as day. I WENT TO INDIA. I cannot describe my feelings when I returned, as there aren’t any words to describe it. I don’t believe I would have been better suited in another country and if I had the chance to do it again, I would do it exactly the same.

If I could talk to my younger self before the exchange I would tell her to STOP WORRYING SO MUCH, everything sorts itself out. I would tell her to enjoy every moment being with her host family and the other exchange students because she will miss them the most. I would tell her that India is somewhat like what she pictured in her mind and that all those years of dressing up like an ‘Indian princess’ and her love for Aladdin would ultimately have a great impact on the rest of her life. I would tell her that she would grow out of her shyness and into something beautiful, just have patience. If I would have told her she was going to get two root canals, learn every bollywood actors’ name, discover a new favorite food, get into an accident, ride a yak or dance in front of 1200 people, she would have never believed me.

India is the unknown. I don’t feel like it can be categorized with any other country. It is everything in itself. Only in India will you find as many different languages, foods and customs as there are people. Only in India does old and new collide to create something extraordinary and unbelievable. The colors of India never fail to distract me from what I’m doing, and when I’m flipping through the channels and I come across a program on India, I always watch it. Not because I really need more information about the Taj Mahal or how great of a vacation spot Goa is, but because I’ve been there, I’ve lived it and I know that country. My country.

I believe feeling is believing. I was fortunate enough to be hosted by a Muslim family my entire stay in India. Before the exchange I had some difficult feelings about Islam that were ultimately because I was un-informed. My host family treated me with the utmost kindness and respect and I felt like I was a part of their family. I have a special place in my heart for Islam which no-one can take away from me. I also fell in love with Buddhism and Hinduism while I was overseas and I have taken some of their values to practice in my own life.

I’ve learned we are all people that make decisions. And as a result of that, there is no way to judge a religion or group of people based on anything else but their actions and character. I believe there is no such thing as a bad person, just a person who makes bad decisions. I’ve learned I love my life and I am going to live it as happy and full as I possibly can. I’ve learned I love, love, love India and everything about it. This is a discovery that has taken me most of my exchange year and a few weeks of being home to fully figure out. I believe I was sent to India for a reason and I believe in myself. This is not the end for me. Not even close… 🙂

Thank-you Rotary International for helping me to make my dreams real.

A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Patty’s Bio

 Let me begin by saying: Sa-wat-dee, Kon-nichiwa, Ni hao, Griass God, and Bonjour! These, of course, are all greetings from (just a few of) the possible counties I’ll be living in next year. And trust me, there is no possible way to describe my emotions; to simply say ‘I’m excited’ would be a complete understatement.

Now to the introduction: My name is Patricia O’Brien, yet I generally go by Patty or Patty Anne. I’m 16 years old and currently a sophomore at Matanzas High School. I participate in the clubs CMPS (Community Problem Solvers), FPS (Future Problem Solves), and Leo’s club (basically just an under branch of the Lions club). I also spend a lot of my free time drawing, painting, and (my personal favorite) sculpting, which, unfortunately, I can only do in my art class. Now, add all that up to my school load and it’s needless to say, “I’m a very busy girl”, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love having something to do, anything to do, which has me constantly taking risks and trying new things when the world gets too dull. I guess you could say my life motto is “Life was meant to be lived” and I tend to live up to that at the fullest.

I’m not sure how to describe myself besides saying that I’m a ‘typical Floridian girl’. I love hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and adventuring out of the house to see and do things. I would also consider myself to be a friendly and outgoing person. I love meeting new people and making new friends. I enjoy my alone time too though; I usually spend it reading, journal writing, catching up on schoolwork, or doing my art things.

Now, there is no way I can introduce myself without talking about the important people in my life, my family. I have two wonderful parents, a bright, funny sister, and an amazing best friend (who’s practically another sister). Through out the application and interviewing process my family has stuck by my side to encourage me, share in my excitement, and listen to me ramble for hours on end about how much I want this. I truly believe they want this for me almost as much as I want it for myself, what more could I ask from them?

I’ve already fallen in love with being an exchange student and I can’t wait to meet the other 2008-09 exchangees. It is here I feel I should say: thank you SO much for this amazing opportunity Rotary! I’ll do everything I can to represent this state, our country, and the organization in the best way possible!

Until next time (when the journey really begins),

Patricia O’Brien

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August 10 Journal

 I’ve yet to set foot on the island of Taiwan and already I feel like I have morphed into a new, older, and more adventurous person. If I were to go back a year and stand next to the old “me”, applying to be what I am now, you would see two complete strangers.

Of course, the immediate differences would be noted on my appearance. For years I had long locks reaching towards my belly button and braces covering my smile. Not anymore. My braces are due off in a few days and I had my hair chopped off around my shoulder and chin yesterday. I love this new mature and grounded “me”. I feel ready to take on every new adventure and tackle every new hardship thrown my way. And for this, I thank Rotary.

I can hardly imagine the way my life will be in Tainan, Taiwan. My first host family, among everyone else I’ve talked to there, seem like the kindest and most loving people I could have ever hoped for. And, believe it or not, I’m not afraid. All I feel racing through me is an eagerness to explore and a bottomless need for change. But, I guess that’s what makes me an exchange student…

It’s less then eleven days now.

(Soon to be) from the other side of the globe,

Patty

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August 29 Journal

 I must have started, erased, and restarted this journal entry a hundred times now. It’s impossible to find the perfect opening, a quick intro that sums up the feelings I hold concerning my new surroundings. If at all possible, I feel everything. Every emotion to ever touch me, throughout my whole life, is now regathering in the pit of my stomach. The best way to explain this is to say that I am completely overwhelmed, but in a good way.

I love Taiwan, it’s a mystery I’m dying to further explore.

Although there are many things that take getting used to, I refuse to use the term “dislike”. There are only things I love, things I like, and things that are an “aquired taste”. This open mindset has helped me to try and retry many things.

My arrival to Taiwan was not ideal. I was sick and tired. Upon arriving at my first host family’s house, I vomited. Not the best first impression…

I brushed my teeth and went to sleep in a daze, not taking in any sights for the night. I woke up around 3:00 AM and finally took in my surroundings. My bedroom is on the 23rd floor of a building and I have a wall to wall window over-looking the city. It’s so beautiful. On the stories below me there is a shopping mall, a HUGE book store, and a Starbucks. It’s like heaven. <3

The other day my host family took me to a very nice Japanese restaurant to meet with their friends. We had our own room in the restaurant and after about five minutes, the other family arrived. They had two daughters, eleven and nine, who raced to see who could sit across from me. The oldest won and stared at me for a long moment before saying, “Oh! You’re so BEAUTIFUL!” I nearly fell out of my seat laughing. Once I got myself together I told her she was beautiful too, and I believe that comment made her day. <3

Every where I go people stare, point, and tell me I’m gorgeous. It’s soo… odd. In America I was just another teenage girl, but here I’m a fair-skinned, curly-haired, Beauty. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’m stopped in the street by people pleading to take a picture with me. I feel like a star.

After a full day wandering throughout the city I begin to forget how different I am (believe it or not) and once I return home and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, my face shocks me. It’s as if I expect myself to magically morph into a tan, slanted-eyed girl.

Actually, since I’ve been here I’ve only seen one other white person. It was an older woman and my eyes flew to her the same way everyone here notices me; she stood out like a sore thumb. It was interesting to see the contrast though, to finally understand how I look to the Taiwanese.

Today, eight days since my departure, I took my first trip through the city alone. It was amazing. With every step I took into the unknown, my heart would skip a beat. Since I didn’t have any bread crumbs to mark my way, I developed my own system of traveling; I used the Seven Elevens. You see, Seven Eleven is found on EVERY corner here in Taiwan… So, as I made my way through the streets I made mental notes, for example “Turn right at the brick Seven Eleven, Go straight until I hit the white Seven Eleven… Turn left at the two story Seven Eleven… And when I hit the pink Seven Eleven, I’m almost home.” It’s a very amusing way to get around…

The food of Taiwan is… impossible to describe. It would like trying to describe “American food”… Taiwan is mix of Chinese and Japanese for the primary dishes, yet has influences from Korea, Europe, Thailand…. It’s like all these different cuisines came together to become “Taiwanese”… See?… it’s hard to explain.

Maybe it’s just my girly-ness kicking in, but I have to say one of my favorite aspects of Taiwanese culture is the clothing! The common fashions would be what we consider “Grunge”, “peasant”, “girly”, and “earthy” all rolled into one. Good thing clothes are so cheap here, or I would be completely broke by now. Hehe

So, With much love from my world,

Patty

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September 3 Journal

 I’m going to Japan . Let me repeat that… I’M GOING TO JAPAN!

That’s right, this October I’m packing up and heading out to spend a week or two in Japan … I’m not sure just where in Japan I’ll be… But that doesn’t even matter, because I’M GOING TO JAPAN! Whoot!

Well, now that I got that bundle of excitement off my chest… I’ll fill you in on my recent adventures. Starting with… the first day of school…

So, let me begin by saying school in Taiwan is the nothing like school back here in the states… For example… here are a just a FEW differences:

Matanzas High School:

+ 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

+ You can wear anything as long as it’s not showing your booty or too much cleavage, and you can pair it with any type of shoes you want. (Ah, flipflops are heaven <3)

+ The student body is made up of both boys and girls

+ The students switch classes every period.

+ You pretty much get to select the classes you want to take.

+The school has many clubs, sports, and activities for after hours.

Deguang Catholic Girls’ High School:

+ 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM

+ You have to wear a school uniform, sailor style, paired with solid black or white sneakers. (I have Sailor Moon flash-backs daily)

+ As it says in the name, we are all girls.

+ Teachers switch classes every period. (which is good… because there’s no way I’m going up and down 6 stories every hour)

+ After lunch is nap time, which lasts for an hour.

Anyways, my first day of school wasn’t even a real “school day”. In Taiwan, they hold a huge opening ceremony on the first day to celebrate the upcoming semester. Basically, the principal gets up and speaks for hours, and then the middle school students perform some traditional dances…

So, I sat in the auditorium (the very first row), for what felt like an eternity, and listened to the Chinese music and speeches fly over my head. Honestly, I didn’t have the slightest clue what they were saying… so I started to doze off when I finally heard my name being called. They proceed to have me climb onto the stage (Which caused me to trip and fall… like most things in the world), handed me the microphone, turned me to face the THREE THOUSAND students before me (it was like an endless sea of Asian faces), and told me to speak… My heart stopped; I was certain that I was about to make a complete fool of myself.

Yet, the second I opened my mouth to say “Ni Hao”, the whole crowd broke out into a very long “Awwwwwwwwwww”, followed by a jumble of compliments like, “She’s so CUTE!”

After they finally settled down some, I began to tell them little things about myself in Chinese. Mainly just, “I come from America, from Florida …” “I’m learning Chinese, but very slowly…” “I’m happy to be here……” and so forth.

I swear, with every Chinese word I said, they would break into a huge applause and cheer. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been a brighter shade of red.

The next day was my first day of classes, if you could even call them that… As an exchange student, I have the easiest possible schedule. I’d type out the whole thing… but I have eight periods a day, that change for each day of the week… and it’s really not that exciting of a list. To sum it up though, I have a lot of Chinese classes and free time. Also, instead of getting out at 7:00, they let me go at 5:00. Whoot!

This is only for the first half of the year though. Next semester, when my Chinese is much better, I have to attend the regular classes with the Taiwanese students.

On to more interesting things now… Sitting in homeroom today, my classmates surrounded me, then began playing rock-paper-scissors to see who had to ask the first question. (Taiwanese girls are so shy!) The loser giggled nervously for a long time, and I thought she was going to run out the door… but then she finally asked me, in very broken English, “Do you haaaaaave…. a… Boyfriend….?” I nearly fell out of seat laughing. EVERYONE asks me this…

I mean, I’m from the other side of the planet… they could ask me ANYTHING about the culture… food… even the pop-culture… but no, they’re all dying to talk about American boys. It’s hilarious.

Well, I have Chinese lessons in a few moments, so I’m going to have to cut this short.

Until next time,

Patty

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September 23 Journal

 You may, or may not, have been wondering where I’ve been these past few weeks. Honestly, I don’t have much of an excuse for not writing; I do indeed see a computer everyday. However, my mind has been reduced to a similar structure as jelly, and I’m quite sure that I’m possibly the worst or most passionate exchange student here.

My understanding of the culture, although never complete, is vast enough to where I can safely say that Taiwan and I mesh perfectly together. I couldn’t imagine my life without this place; it’s as if I’m no longer that silly girl longing to have a taste of life. Now, I feel as if I have finally become the person I’ve always wanted to be, yet never mustered up the courage TO be, until now.

So why do I feel like the worst possible exchange student? Well, I must admit, I’m struggling with the Chinese language. Big time. Perhaps I’m not being fair to myself, a good portion of the other exchange students come from other Asians countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, and have studied the Chinese language for far longer then I have. Yet, I constantly find myself comparing and feel as if shrinking in their presence.

It’s not that I don’t TRY, honestly I do, but sometimes it’s near impossible to wrap my mind around Mandarin. Lately I’ve actually been considering the reasons WHY I’ve had my difficulties and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m trying too hard. I completely understand how all of you back home will find this comment absurd, but I’ve realized that I’ve been looking at Chinese in a far too literal way. You can’t take two languages as polar opposite as Mandarin and English and expect the direct translation to make sense. It never will. So what is my new approach to all of this you may ask? I’m going to leave my English out of it altogether. The only way to learn this hassle of a language is to relate it to things, thoughts, smells, touch… but never words. By strictly keeping my memory at Chinese-into-picture, I eliminate the translating process and thus, save myself a whole lot of confusion.

Maybe I sound a little full of myself, to consider me among the most passionate exchange students in Taiwan, but I couldn’t imagine anyone loving this island greater. In fact, some exchange students in my city spend a great deal of time crying and longing to poof home. This of which, gets under my skin and makes me want to shake them… the only reason their exchange isn’t as amazing as they had hoped, is because they refuse to adapt to the culture. They’re in their right, I suppose; Taiwan is a very hard place to settle into. Those first two weeks were a constant struggle, fun beyond belief, but a struggle nonetheless. The food is like nothing I’ve ever been faced with. Yet, smells and tastes that had made my stomach turn just a short time ago, now fill me with hunger and desire. I guess my “acquired taste” theory was right, thank-you-very-much. :]

I’m sure you all are far more interested in what I DID over what I THINK, so I’ll begin my recap now… starting with, the week before, and the day of, the 21st.

Now, all my friends and family whom were dreading this exchange can tell you that the 21st marked my one month anniversary of my departure abroad… and ironically enough; it also happened to be my 17th birthday. Go figure.

I’ll tell you now, I dreaded that day like the plague. Just thinking about it made me well up with tears. Actually, just a week before, I had been sitting in my English conversation class when we began the unit on “Holidays and Birthdays”. We all had to answer basic questions and I held myself together until finally the teacher read out loud, “How would you feel if you were alone on your birthday?” My flood gates opened right then and there.

As it turns out, I had plans that night to go to the night market with a group of classmates after school, yet at the last minute they changed the plans and decided instead to spend the evening at one of the house of one of the girls. We played Uno, ate Taiwanese BBQ, her father tried to set me up with her brother, and they brought out a cake. Of course, I’m an oblivious girl and my first thought was, “Oh we’re having cake to celebrate the Moon Festival! Yummy!” That is… until they began to sing “Happy Birthday”. It was such a simple gesture, but it was so touching that I didn’t even mind that it was the funniest tasting cake I’ve ever had. <3

Of course, that was not the end of it. Ah, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice… Well, that’s exactly what happened.

The Friday before my birthday (occurring on Sunday) went by like any other Friday. I went to the library, helped out in English class, had nap time… and so forth. Then, last period came. Generally, this time is reserved for clubs, tests, studying… so I didn’t find it out of the normal that the class was taking a test… then Vivian (my closest friend here) came over and said she was done and said she would take me outside to spare me my boredom. Honestly, I was completely tired and would have rather slept, but I gave in and we went down stairs. We walked through the school museum, went to the band room (where a few people played songs just for me), and walked around the track… Being a silly little girl, I didn’t think anything strange of the phone calls Viv kept getting; I just plowed through, talking aimlessly about nothing in particular. Finally, she said we should go upstairs, which is a big task I might add… try going up and down 4 flights of stairs 5 times a day… Not fun. Anyways, we go to the room and Vivian cracked the door open, talked to someone, and then shut it again. Suddenly, she turned to me with a look of horror and said that we were in trouble because the teacher had come back and we had left without permission. I was dreading facing the wrath behind the door; our homeroom teacher can yell like no other… But when the door burst open, all I saw were 54 girls singing “Happy Birthday”, a huge CHOCOLATE cake, the chalk board decorated beautifully, and cards and presents. Tears swelled my eyes as I repeated “xie xie” to everyone. I’ve never been so touched in my life. Finally, I felt ok with my birthday. <3

Of course, I had more plans for the ACTUAL day of my birthday… I had invited Vivian over and she, my mama, Kim, and I went out to a BEAUTIFUL Japanese restaurant, where I received my third cake. Then, Viv and I spent the whole day walking through the city and shopping.

I wasn’t even shy about all the people staring; I’ve gotten used to it a long while ago.

Which I will go ahead and agree with Kyle and say: we are treated like royalty here. Being a fair skinned, big eyed American in Taiwan is just as magnificent as glowing gold and floating in the air. I’m treated like a complete and total princess. I’ve had strangers beg to take a picture with me, shop owners give me free things, random people blow me kisses, and my host family spoils me as if I were their own baby girl.

Recently, I received a pair of sneakers from a family friend (who I though was odd to ask for my shoe size..) valued at $100 US dollars. Apparently he is the owner of a HUGE company (over 80,000 employees) that produces the materials used for major shoe brands, like Nike…

How on earth will I adjust back to my American life?

Anyways, I have plans to go to Sun Moon Lake tomorrow and the following day. It’s BEAUTIFUL. Google it, you’ll see… it’s paradise. <3 I’ll be sure to tell you all about it soon!

From my side of the globe to yours, Patty

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December 25 Journal

 I haven’t written since the end of September…? Seriously..?

You know, the funny thing is that, before I came I promised myself that I would be one of those outbounds that updated their journal all the time and documented every little interesting thing to happen in their life. However, that proved to be a lot more challenging than previously thought.

Of course, I can’t make up for the lost time… However, I can offer you two things: 1. This will be the most lengthy entry in the history of Youth Exchange (perhaps not, but I intend to try) 2. You have my promise, full-on vow, that I will try much harder in the future.

First off, I’d love to address the future outbounds of 2009-2010. I haven’t even reached my half-year mark and I’m already jealous of you all. I’d trade my entire Poke’mon card collection (and mind you, I have nearly all of the first editions) to go back to the beginning of my exchange, back to the second I got Taiwan, and re-do everything I didn’t do well enough. I’d start with studying Chinese at least 4 hours a day. Seriously, you lucky kids coming to Taiwan have NO CLUE what you’re in for. We have a lot of exchange students here from Indonesia and Thailand that have been studying Chinese for years, and you’ll come here with your itty-bitty knowledge (probably waaaay off tone) and get your butt handed to you. I’m not trying to scare, just warn you. I might anger a few of our other outbounds with this next comment, but I think language-wise, Taiwan is the one of the hardest; right up there on the scale with India, Thailand, and Japan. Argue all you want, but we have TONES. Plus, Taiwan doesn’t only speak Chinese. A LOT of people speak Taiwanese, which has eight tones compared to Chinese’s four… and then we have the people that speak Japanese… and to top it all off we write in Traditional Chinese, NOT simplified.

I’ll admit, I wish I could hand pick who gets to come to my country. Right now, I feel as if there’s a lot of “dead weight” exchangees here… I get so annoyed when I’m sitting in a room and hear others go on about how they hate Taiwan. Seriously..? I get the urge to shake them and yell, “Then why are you here?!?”

Taiwan is a HARD place, there’s no changing that fact. The culture is tight, social behavior has solid boundaries, and the adults will keep you on a tight leash. Adjusting is the key to cracking this place. You can’t isolate yourself. I began doing that a few months back, as I felt the rising language pressure, food pressure, behavior pressure… and so forth… If you retreat and lower your efforts, no one is going to pick you back up. They have high expectations here, if you fall below them, you might as well go home.

My biggest nightmare is actually getting sent home. I’m trying my hardest, and feel as though I’m among the mid-top of the kids from the Americas… but I still don’t think I’m good enough. I eat what I’m given but I still can’t do certain things… Have you guys tried red sushi before…?

Well, in Taiwan, people like to color their sodas and such, just for kicks, or to please kids… whatever… Well, it’s no secret that I love sushi, so, as a special treat from my Chinese Teacher, for getting a 98% on my Chinese test (Squeeee!), she brought me in some sushi. Well… among the sushi were a few red rolls wrapped around… something or another… and I was like, “Oh pretty, Red sushi!” and I popped one in my mouth and was, right away, overtaken by this strong taste of iron. So, I broke my own rule (the Never Ask What I’m Eating rule) and asked my classmate what it was. Well, it wasn’t food coloring, I can tell you that. Turns out, it’s a famous Tainan dish where they mix the rice in RAW DUCK BLOOD until it’s nice and gooey, then they wrap it around stuff. So, I ended up doing one of the rudest things you could do in Taiwan; I spit it out. My classmate was the only one to bear witness, so I got away with it. There was a moment of silence as I tried to make my insides remain, well, inside. Then, my classmate leans over and asks, “Well… if you don’t want to eat it… can I have it?” Yup, lovely. She gobbled them all down within seconds. GEH

Can you believe these people think that I’M insane for mixing peanut butter and jelly…?

Speaking of sushi though… let’s roll back in time to mid October when I, da-da-da-dun, went to JAPAN. I’ll tell you, as giddy as I was for that trip; I was dreading the plane ride. I honestly think I could go my whole life without ever stepping foot on another plane. You should see my frequent flyer miles… Well, anyways, I get to Japan with the whole Rotary gang and their wives. I’m the only exchange student along; however, one couple brought their two children, a little girl (8) and a little boy (5). I was quickly appointed Keeper of the Children and they became my BFFs.

I’m not sure how, but me and Taiwanese kids get along so perfectly. Like, we can cross the language barrier within seconds and make up our own way to communicate. We talk through motions, games, and sound effects… it’s amazing.

So, as we practically lived on the tour bus all day, and went from site-to-site, I kept the little duo quiet and happy. We pretended to be ninjas, animals, secret agents… everything.

It was a very amazing trip; each night, we stayed in a different hotel. The second was the most gorgeous of them all… it was right IN FRONT of Mt. Fuji and it had a spa and hot springs facing the mountain… you could just relax and take in the scene… Ahhhh… Heaven.

Oh, this was actually my second visit to a public bath (aka getting naked with strangers), and I’ve gotten quite used to it. I guess I should mention my trip to Sun Moon Lake, which actually came before Japan… but my mind is obviously very unorganized… so please bear with me.

Well, although Japan was over-all amazing, there is one memory that sticks out the furthest that was quite less then “amazing”. It was the last day of our trip, we’re riding in the tour bus for a few hours, then stop for a quick visit at this famous temple… we all get out, walk around, I play with the kids, and then we all visit the gift shop. I pick out a couple little things for my friends, then I turn around and everyone is GONE. Not like, they walked back to the tour bus without me and I had to run to catch up… they went back to the tour bus without me and LEFT.

I was alone at the temple for, oh say, over a half hour..? (I might be lowering the time to make my Rotary sound less neglecting…XD ) Finally, I started to get all teary and had my “helpless little girl face on” and people began asking me if I was ok, did I need help… and all I could do was speak Chinese to them.

Oh, I’d like to point at that when you’re a foreigner in Japan, and start speaking Chinese, they think you’re a complete idiot who studied the wrong language before your trip… I obviously don’t LOOK Taiwanese…

Well, it was actually the tour guide that noticed my absence and they came back and he raced down to get me. I was so happy I could have kissed him, but of course I didn’t because that’s COMPLETELY taboo in Asia.

We made our flight and all was well. I even got the most amazing present from the parents of the two kids. It was this stuffed Bunny with these cute dresses… I know, I know, I’m not five; but I love it like a five year old would. XD

I’ll admit, I was extremely happy to return to Taiwan and I now see that Rotary was completely right; Taiwan suits me better then Japan. Uh, not that I ever questioned you guys…. *darts eyes*

Ok, now to the details of my Sun Moon Lake trip. I went right up into the MOUNTAINS of central Taiwan. It was the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. Ever. More beautiful then Japan..? Of course, but I’m completely biased… so don’t take my word for it.

I went to an AMAZING Buddhist temple, with a gorgeous view of the lake and mountains… I spent late hours at the spa, swimming with strangers in my birthday suit… It was paradise.

Oh, have you ever been the only white girl in a room full of naked people? Everyone STARES. Like, I’m used to that in a normal Taiwanese setting; but this was pretty awkward.

Well, Halloween had me a little bummed out, seeing as it was one of my favorite holidays back in the States. However, my school arranged this HUGE Halloween celebration. Correction: my school decided to have ME arrange this huge Halloween celebration… A TV news crew came (I have a link to the video somewhere…) and I had two newspaper interviews. No lie. For the next few days I had people come up to me and be like, “OH! You’re THAT girl! I read about you!” I also had to give a speech to my WHOLE school (roughly 1000+ girls) about how we celebrate it, why, and so forth. During this all, I had to “dress up” and since I didn’t bring a costume, I made do with wearing everything I owned, doing crazy hair and make up, and then calling myself a “Freak” for Halloween.

Believe it or not, the holiday that really hit the hardest though was Thanksgiving. I fell into a huge slump and craved turkey like crazy. I probably would have killed for a bowl of stuffing and a can of cranberry sauce…

Then, came Christmas; twas very interesting. And, by “interesting” I mean it doesn’t exist here.

They did hold a Christmas Party / mandatory Chinese speech contest; isn’t that a back-handed gesture? I actually did well enough to place and win a little prize, so it was all good.

OH. So we went up to this “farm” in the mountains for the weekend. They had pigs just running around, and roosters and chickens everywhere. Very cute, until they slaughter, gut, and roast a little piggy right in front of you, then try to serve it up as dinner. Lovely.

Well, there’s this nature trail up through the mountains with more stairs then the Eiffel Tower. More stairs then THREE Eiffel towers… Very exhausting.

So, you know those creepy swinging bridges you see in movies? The ones that connect one cliff to another with this huge abyss below, possibly plunging straight to the fiery depths of hell…? Well, THAT kind of bridge would look pretty safe compared to the one I crossed… Our bridges did not have a floor; you had to walk across a metal rope (regular width) with one rope for the right hand, and one for the left… then, every half foot there was a rope that connected the hand ropes to the feet rope. So, it looked as if you were walking across a big “V”. Once you cross to the other side, there is a metal swing on a cable (you manually pull it back via rope) that you can ride to the other side of the cliff. This swing does not have buckle… it has nothing… just you, a tiny chair, flying millions of feet above the world, at top speed. Of course, we all rode it a million times. There was this net (falling apart in most places) below the swing and bridge, and if you fell, and were lucky enough to hit at an intact part of the net, you’d live. So, after everyone rides, no one falls, and we deem it safe, we decide to take it to the next level; we put TWO people in the swing at once.

I’m not sure how, but whenever there’s a stupid idea, I get volunteered… probably because they know I won’t say “no”… Geh. Well, I sit in the LAP of this one girl, and we swing across and safely make it to the other side. Since that went smoothly enough, out next plan is to try it with three people… BAD IDEA. Once again, I’m not only one of the people to go; I’m also the one on TOP. Jenna sat down on the swing, David sat in her lap, and then I sat in David’s lap.

Well, we all got into the swing-contraption, tried to adjust ourselves, then decided this is not going to work, so we’re like, “We’re not doing this” and we’re about to get up when the person holding us back lets go of the rope and sends us flying across. We’re not even to the half way point and my butt is completely off. I’m hanging on by two hands, Jenna tried to wrap her feet around my legs, and David, in attempt to grab my waist, pulls my shirt up. So now, I’m WAY UP, going FAST, about to slip, and flashing everyone on the other side.

The setup of this swing is where as you reach the other side, you go about another ten meters and your feet are at level with the ground. So, picture this, I’m BELOW the swing, hanging on for dear life, and Jenna has my legs penned down, so when we get to the cliff, I CRASH into it, and they were still holding on to me so I get DRAGGED the 10 meters. My foot never hurt so much in my life. It’s actually a very pretty shade of purple-black-blue, with a huge knot.

And, needless to say, that was my last trip on the swing, thank-you-very-much. I had to wobble all the way down the mountain and when I got to the Rotarians to get some ice, my foot was nearly swollen stuck into the shoe. I declined medical attention though, because I was pretty sure it was just bruised and it seems to be healing fine on its own anyways.

So, we get home safely from that trip and I spend Christmas Eve at school. Yup, no winter vacation here. However, I can’t complain because my school was the only one that had Christmas day off… Ah, the perks of a Catholic school finally show up. XD We did a Secret Santa in my class, and on top of that I had made Christmas cards for each of my classmates, all 54 of them. It took me DAYS, I had the homeroom teacher lend me a copy of the student-list and I hand wrote all their names in Chinese. They came out very nice, if I do say so myself.

For Christmas Day, I went to Shin Kong (Sheeen Gwang) Mall with another exchange student. This mall is roughly 10 stories high, with the top three floors dedicated to a movie theater and two floors full of only food. It might actually be heaven on Earth… I have no idea how I’ll ever enjoy Volusia Mall again…

And, that’s a basic sum-up of life. Of course, there are many things I can’t share in this journal. A lot of the experiences you have as an exchange student are just so personal and touching that you don’t know how to put them into words. It’s just those little things someone says to you, the feeling you get when you understand a sentence being said, and the warm hug of a friend when they see your eyes tearing up… The little blessings are the reason I love this place so much.

Oh, I expect every single person that’s lucky enough to get Taiwan to email me as soon as possible. I have so much inside things you’ll need to know. Just ask a member of Rotary, they’ll be more then happy to give you my contact information. I’m serious, e-mail me. And, if I don’t respond right away, I might not have gotten it, so send it again. I won’t think you’re rude if you jump all over me with questions. Promise.

Also, I’d like to thank my parents, the MV (you know who you are), my friends, Rotary, both in Taiwan and in Florida, for all the support they’ve given me these past few months. I swear I won’t let your hard work go to waste.

Best wishes from my side of the globe, 歐派蒂

P.S. I’d also like to thank Al for not sending me a threatening email about my journal-laziness. I’m sure you were cursing my name over there and wondering why I seemingly fell off the face of the earth… I had to muster a lot of courage to open that Christmas email; I was convinced it would hold some sort of ultimatum… You can officially take me off your hit list now.

P.P.S. I’d also like to point out that this entry came to roughly seven pages on MS Word, which is a fairly decent attempt at lengthy.

Sherise’s Bio

 Hi everybody!

My name is Sherise Dionne Alexis. I will be 18 starting on August 4th and I am honored to be one of the gap year students for Rotary Youth Exchange US outbounds of 2008-2009. In other words, I’ll be finally graduating from my high school after what seemed like an eternity and then volunteering myself to jump into another one. Of course, it will be in Japanese, or Italian, or Spanish, or Danish, or whatever Uzbekistan speaks (6990 interviewers will understand that one ;-P ), or wherever I get sent to.

Oh well, in any case it will be fun. It will certainly be a change from being at little old Northwest Christian Academy for about…15 years. It will be different all right! But some change is good.

It will also be a change from being in Miami. It might be hard since I was born and raised in this city. My inherent “Miami-ness” becomes particularly evident when it drops below 60°F/16°C and I’m FREEZING. And I don’t care what anyone says 50°F/10°C is not refreshing, it’s COLD! That said, I think by some twist of irony, Siberia is in my future…

Anyways, don’t blame me. I come from a very tropical heritage with both of my parents originating from the Caribbean. My mother was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, while my father is from Grenada, St. Croix, Trinidad, and seems to have lived all over. So, as a result, I have my Caribbean heritage to share in addition to the US culture. Of course, those with Caribbean and/or Latin American heritage is not at all uncommon in Miami. So much diversity is exactly what gives the city such flair!

Now for a little more about me specifically…

My interests include: drawing, fashion, graphic arts, traveling, planning to travel, drama, and volleyball.

My dislikes include: roaches, giant Florida roaches (aka our state bird), saying goodbye, packing light.

My non-mainland travel includes: Trinidad with my mom for weddings and visiting relatives, Costa Rica for a church missions trip, St. Croix for a Christmas vacation and to visit relatives, and most recently England for a Leadership Camp.

All-in-all, I am very excited for this opportunity to go somewhere new and spread more happiness and “Sherise-ness” around the globe.

Thanks Rotary!

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August 8 Journal

 Webmaster’s Note: With just a few hours remaining before her departure, Sherise provided this journal, recounting the last ten days of an almost-there exchange student.

The Big 1-0

Hello, all.

I officially have 10 days left until I leave to Brazil. Who would have ever thought that this would be happening?

The big question that everyone keeps asking is “Are you ready?” It’s a very clichéd but safe question, and nonetheless I certainly appreciate the concern. And the short answer is yes. After all, if I could even venture to sign up for such a program, then I was certainly ready from the start. However, the long answer is no.

It’s ironic how the “long” answer is the shorter word, but it lengthens considerably when you count the interrogation that is sure to follow! So no, I am not ready. I don’t really know that much Portuguese or Spanish. I’m not sure what to expect. I am not packed. I couldn’t even grab any old bag and hop on a plane since I don’t even have my passport, visa, and ticket! I have no idea why it is taking so long, and I would be lying if I told you that I’m not worried or that I am in some state of zen-like peace with everything!

I’m freaking out!

However, as much as I am unhappy with dislike detest AM CURRENTLY PISSED OFF with the current situation. The most I can do is sit and wait…and wait…and wait…

I would be ecstatic if I at least had my visa! Jeez! Bureaucracy loves to torment me so…

In any case, I’ve been getting ready. I’ve gotten all the clothes that I want to bring for sure! Now I have to get my electronics together and some gifts.

I do have my pins. (For those who don’t know, it’s a tradition for exchange students to put pins on their Rotary blazers. And as we meet each other and things, we trade pins and other stuff, and so by the end of the year our blazer weighs about 50lbs/23kg and it’s covered with just about everything! And not even necessarily pins.)

Ate breve!

Nove dias!!!

Well now it makes 9 days that I have left. As usual, I woke up this morning at noon (a nasty habit I should get out of since summer is almost complete). And then as I shuffled out of my room at a groggy pace of 1 mile per hour I saw it. I spot the familiar purple and orange of a FedEx envelope, I walked towards it wondering if I had forgotten that I ordered something, but whoa and behold, it was from the Eastern US travel agency for Rotary, Bokoff-Kaplan! Que legal! Meu visto!!! AQUI ESTÁ!!!

In any case, I’m happy.

Also, today was my last choir practice! The choir director and her husband are going to leave soon to go to China, since they are adopting a baby. The baby shower is this weekend. I’m so excited for them! I couldn’t wish a baby to a better couple, they’ve already been parents to everyone else, so they deserve a child of their own! Furthermore this process has been so long and hard, it’s been about 2-3 years since they started, so I’m happy for them that they finally got through.

Aside from that, I went to my last Bible study with Pastor Summers. It was good, it was part of the multiple-part series he is doing on Daniel. And now he is going to Tennessee for vacation, but before he and his wife leave, they have invited me for lunch tomorrow, I better get my theological convictions ready! He’s a very smart man!

Até amanha!

8 days….

Ah! Well now this makes eight days left, and now people, I am finally glad that I can say YES, I have packed!

I made a list of summer goals, and one of them was that I must have all my clothes packed by August. So at least I did one summer goal…YAY!

Hmm…7 days left…

Despite 7 being my favorite number, I really didn’t do anything today, I was just lazy and I sat around.

I’m sorry, I’ll do better next time…

Ate amanha…

6 days…

Okay, well I stayed up really late to change my blog layout. It took ages and…I don’t really like it…Ah well, but at least now it looks like it actually has something to do with the blog, so that’s an improvement.

In any case, as I put the finishing touches on the layout, my phone buzzes and whistles annoyingly–indicating that I have a text message…at 5:58 in the morning…weird… Anywho, it was my friend, Kyle, a fellow Rotary Youth Exchange student and District 4550 inbound from District 7150 New York or something like that. He’s awesome, if my state in Brazil weren’t so large we would so be drinking buddies…except…without the drinking since there’s the whole 4-D’s and all. Anywho, he calls, we chat, and I fall asleep until 5pm and basically waste my whole day.

So basically, so much for doing better today…Desculpe…

Até amanhã!

Well, today made it officially 5 days until I leave.

Being Sunday, I went to church. But before that, I got a surprise when my best friend Priscilla showed up with this huge cake that her mom baked. A delicious strawberry cake! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! It is because my birthday is tomorrow.

But I didn’t have time to dwell on that, since I had to get ready for church. It would be my last service at Northwest Baptist Church for a long time. However, the pastor wasn’t there since he went out of town to visit Tennessee, so the Youth/Associate pastor filled in for him today. He did a really good job, especially considering that he’s leaving to China in 4 days to go and pick up his and his wife’s newly adopted daughter!

I know they’re very excited!

In any case, it was a day of lasts. The last time I’ll be in that church, the last time I’ll see Dave and his wife Kathleen without their newly adopted daughter, the last time I would be up there on stage playing the Alto Sax in the orchestra, and forgetting to unstick the G# on my weird ole sax, the last time I’d be singing 2nd soprano in the choir next to my mom, the last time I’ll babble with my friends before and after church, the last time I’ll be sitting far up front and center, and the last time I’ll figure out how to play the sax with the big ole billowy choir robes in the way.

Lots of lasts. Oh, and it was the birthday of a friend of mine. Besides church, we went to do some last minute shopping, mainly toiletries and presents and stuff, and then we headed back to church for evening service (That’s right, two services in one day! I’m just that hardcore!)

Happy Birthday to Me! With 4 days left…

It’s my birthday! However, since it’s a Monday, it means I sit at home eat cake, and get fatter. It was basically like the rest of my summer…except I’m 18 now, and I have cake…

Mom went to work, dad stayed home, the cable lady came to install a new phone line, since my father is hell bent on running up long distance while I’m abroad, instead of simply using skype.

Oh and as I realized that Barack Obama and I share the same birthday, I realized that I haven’t registered to vote yet…oops…I’ll just do it at the consulate after I leave since there’s no way it would come in the mail in time before I leave.

Anywho, besides answering a few phone calls, reading through texts, and all my birthday greetings on Facebook and Orkut (it’s like myspace/facebook but with a lot of Brazilians and Indians) I have basically done nothing all day.

And I’m fine with that! People don’t truly understand the art of laziness. I’ll clean/pack/whatever tomorrow for sure!

3 Days and I’m being nerdy…

Well I’m trying to mess with my blog so I can be all up and ready to go for a year and not worry about it. Who knew that automatic crossposting would be such a pain? Especially, since the php codes in the wordpress plugins seems to keep disabling each other! Gah!

Vox and Myspace need to get a real api…

2 days…

Well, I do believe it is FINALLY starting to sink in. I’m leaving.

I felt queasy all day. I’m not sure if it was nerves or malnutrition from living off of cereal and kool-aid for the past two weeks (especially since my dad figures that the house doesn’t need food since everyone’s leaving soon since my parents are vacationing in Grenada.)

I spent the day meticulously combing through my travel documents and important e-mails, making sure to follow them closely. After all, I don’t want to get into more trouble before I even leave…

Then, I put the finishing touches on my packing. And now I wonder how petite little 5 foot me is going to carry all that through the airport. But I can’t lighten up, much since one of the dumb bags, itself, weighs 15 pounds when empty, and it’s too expensive to buy some new luggage right now, so I’ll have to work it out. Then the third leg of my flights I might end up paying overage fees since TAM supposedly only allows one, according to the travel agent. I hope I have enough money, since I’m not sure how much it costs since both the site and phone representative were VERY confusing…

Besides that, I did some more nerdy blog stuff and updated my Myspace. I try to cover all my bases.

Anywho, I really should be working on my Powerpoint presentation that I’m supposed to do for when I get there. But I seem to be doing everything but…

And then there was 1…

Well….This is it I’m about to leave in about 10 hours.

I’m so excited that I can’t even sleep!

In any case, my dad left this morning to Grenada. My mom will join him on Sunday. So I had to say goodbye early once for each door we passed. One by the bedroom, one by the front door, one by the gate, and one for the car door. Whew! Well at least I know I’ll be missed!

Other than that, I went to my Rotary Club today. It was fun, I loved being able to say “oh I’m leaving tomorrow!” The power in that “tomorrow”…so cool!

Also, I decided to put in a “happy dollar” today. (Happy dollars is this thing that my club does where they pass around the pouch and people can put in donations as small or large as they want and as they do it, they can share something with the club.) So, I decided to take the opportunity to brag about leaving and saying that “I won’t need dollars anyway, I need reais!”

Sure enough, the Brazilian members took note and suddenly produced 2 reais! So now it shall be my lucky reais.

Also, I got to see the lady who’s picking up Supas Sheth after the meeting. That was pretty cool since I had been speaking to him on Orkut. So I gave her an extra business card of mine to give to him. It’s too bad I’ll miss him as he comes in, but I have things to do!

In any case, after the meeting my mom I took the scenic route home and I was snapping pictures like crazy. I really don’t have enough pictures of Miami the city. So I was trying to get some nice skyscraper shots as we drove down Biscayne Boulevard. Interestingly enough, there were a lot of strikes happening too. I suppose there’s trouble in paradise…

Finally, I got home, changed into some drab clothing and went to get my hair and eyebrows done. After all, I wouldn’t want to go to Brazil looking all messed up. I already have 27 hours worth of flights and layovers to do it for me.

When I got home, my best friend, Priscilla surprised me with a visit. It was great. My cheeks are hurting from laughing so much! I’m glad we got to see each other. I’ve always been so busy lately…But I can’t believe I had to say good bye. I gave her a Hallmark card and a pin to remember me by. I’ll miss her…

Then my godmother and godbrother dropped by to wish me goodbye and give me a birthday gift of a gorgeous leather journal! Very nice!

I also have gotten goodbye calls, texts, and facebook messages. Yet, I haven’t gotten all blubbery yet, maybe I am still in disbelief…

Oh well, I better finish packing…the flight is in hours….

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August 12 Journal

 It was finally here! The day of my departure! Of course, I was not able to savour it as there were a lot of last minute things to do! So I fought all night with iTunes in order to get it to sync some movies to my iPod. After all, I had a loooong flight ahead. And to my horror, the sync was not finished in time when I had to leave. So, grumbling and cursing Apple for condemning its consumers with the most fussy mp3 player ever, I cancelled the sync, ejected, got my stuff, and left.

Now that I was at the airport, I was unusually calm, which is more than I can say for my family. My aunt, mother, sister, cousin, and nephews were there. And my aunt and cousin were fussing over the fact that I had my purse open and telling me all the stuff I already knew as if I had never seen an airport before (Mind you I have traveled plenty of times both domestic and abroad—INCLUDING by myself with none of that silly “unaccompanied minor status” and I’ve fared quite well so far.) Nevertheless, they insisted on giving me packing tips while IN the airport and already checked in. Then they proceeded to tell me all about how I will get robbed because I left my purse open for two seconds even though I had it safely sitting between me, my huge football player sized nephew, and a semicircle of doting relatives. Give me a break…

In any case, I finally left, and of course my mother cried as I hugged and kissed everyone goodbye and went through the security gate. I sat for a moment and then it was boarding time, I was off tooo….

Washington D.C.!

No, I am saying it right. I flew from Miami and UP to D.C. to go to Brazil. But don’t look at me, that was the travel agent’s doing, I’m not going to question their judgment…But to satiate everyone’s curiosity (seriously, every single person that I tell jumps back in horror), I just say in a matter-of-factly tone, “to meet the other exchange students, there’s about 50 of us flying together from what I heard.” There. End of conversation, sure they could have flown to Miami, meet me and THEN go to Brazil, but, like I said, I not questioning it. I’m here, and wishing that I didn’t have to sign a contract condemning me to the exact route back despite the fact that TAM has a direct flight to Miami every Sunday, as many (seriously, many) enjoyed informing me.

But who really cares? It’s Brazil!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Rotary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I digress, so I was in the airplane now. The flight attendant was a former exchange student with Rotary. She recognized the characteristic Rotary blazer. I entered further and I heaved my overweight carry-on overhead, thanking God that I didn’t have to weigh it. I took my seat and asked some guy behind me how long the flight was. He didn’t know, but fortunately a middle aged couple sat beside me. A white lady with too much mascara and a tall black man with a cool-looking hat. I greeted them. Mind you, that this is very significant, as I almost never talk to strangers unless prompted (a fact that earned me a $#^& you ^$%&!!! the day before from some rowdy perverts when I walked home in Miami the other day.) In any case, they didn’t know the time the flight would take either (not like it mattered). I found out that they were on their way to Rome, and they traveled frequently. It was about then that the pilot hinted that something in the plane’s navigation wasn’t working and that they were going to fix it quickly in about 10 minutes, but its okay since they budget minor delays like this into the flight time.

At that point, I turned on my iPod to listen to my music, and to my horror there were no songs since it decided to delete everything, and the new movies did not sync. I reallllllly hate Apple and its amazingly inefficient iPod Touch syncing. (That’s right, I said it! I only bought the wretched thing because it had WiFi and I wanted to get a new nice cell phone after I returned, so go cry fanboys and fangirls! Steve Jobs is officially on my list…)

So, music-less, I sat squirming in my seat with nothing to distract me until the pilot announced that they didn’t have the part and that they were going to ask Jet Blue to borrow it.

Minutes later, he said that they didn’t get it, and then the flight attendant tried to do some damage control and encouraged us to wait. Everyone started grumbling and I chatted with the couple some more. They were worried since they only had a 2 hour layover in London to begin with and the plane has been grounded for 30 minutes and counting. As about 40 minutes passed, people began to leave to try and get rebooked on other flights. I sighed and went into my huge carry-on since I remembered that I brought my old mp3 player so maybe I can practice some Pimsleur…no luck…so I gave up and listened to some FM radio built-in to my ooooold mp3 player as I wondered why Apple consistently refuses to add it when iTunes sucks so bad. Eventually, I got bored with it as the couple going to Rome got their things together. It was an hour now. I wasn’t worried about the delay since Bokoff-Kaplan (the travel agency) sets really long layovers (bless their very intelligent hearts)! However, the plane was about three-quarters empty, and when I asked a flight attendant about the possibility of cancellation, she muttered an extremely vague answer and then muttered something unknown thing in Spanish. Not very encouraging…

I sat down twitching and looked at my phone. The chipper girl in front of me who was on standby in the first place and probably the only person on the plane without a connecting flight was starting to annoy me. They had to fly in the part from San Francisco! Things were not looking good… I called my mom who may have been hiding happiness at the prospect of me coming back, hung up, went into the overhead and pulled out my overweight carry-on bag of doom, then and went into my handy-dandy exchange binder to try and track down the number for Bokoff (which I later realized was on the departure packet in my purse). So, I called and told the representative about my dubious flight, but she advised me to wait it out and if it got cancelled I would have to wait the next day. I hung up horrified at the prospect of making a bunch of long distance calls in broken Portuguese to explain my rescheduled flights, and went on to call my mom again and tell my sister—who lives in D.C. with some mysterious chemistry job for the government—that I would have to rain check on that free lunch she was going to take me on during my formerly long layover. I hung up praying that I the flight would be only delayed after all, and sure enough, the flight attendant told us that we were changing planes! This was announced while I was talking to my mother, to boot! I’m happy it was then since that meant that I only had to hold my cell phone to the plane speaker and she heard everything, so I didn’t have to re-explain.

With a sigh of relief I gathered my things and made my way to the new gate trying not to lose the tiny ticket stub that’s supposed to grant us entrance. I got in the line and started chatting with a girl while simultaneously updating my status on Facebook and the Cultures-Shocked website. We laughed at the irony that the new plane was delayed as well. Eventually the flight attendant finished (their excuse was “cleaning”) and we boarded. Lo and behold! Who sits next to me but the enroute to Rome couple! Their connection was shot at this point.

With new flight, we got to D.C. painlessly. I got off and made my way to D-1 to check-in with the Rotarian, Mr. Wilcox. He said that they were looking for me, and asked to see my ticket, that stuff out of the way, he said I could drop my stuff there and walk around. Having nowhere in mind to go, I dropped my stuff beside an empty seat and sat down. Then two friendly boys introduced himself. One advised me to change some money into reais (Brazilian currency), and then when I asked how far down it was, he offered to walk with me. (Exchange students are so nice!)

So, we went down to the currency desk with a small gaggle of exchange students. My escort and I had a laugh at the mini personalized license plate one girl had on her back, and I said I thought it was cool, and then I suddenly recognized the girl and the other one she was talking to. It was Tess and Sarah from Central New York! (I couldn’t come to the last orientation in Florida, so I did a make up in New York.) So I tapped them on their shoulders and we had this whole “OMG! You’re here and I haven’t seen you in forever” moment in the airport and then my escort took an opportunity to escape (Geez…were we that bad? Haha!).

So, they waited for me to change the money as the poor, overworked lady tried to hunt down some reais to handle all these exchange students enroute to Brazil. But we me freshly armed with $60 USD worth of reais, the Central New York girls and I went our merry way back to D-1. As I got there, there were a few more students. I looked back and suddenly hear my name as Florida’s own Lauren Keister aka “Tangerina” (her capoeira name) waves. And no sooner when I see her and run up I spot Zazu, who calls me Ruby, and she quickly points out Adrienne and tells me that Suzy is around. Those last few names probably meant nothing to you, but other than Lauren, I met those girls through an exchange student website called Cultures Shocked. They are all from New Jersey and they were handled with Bokoff Kaplan as well. Then of course, I saw Asia and Becca from Florida. To my surprise, Andrienne and Lauren already knew each other, but then I realized OF COURSE they do I since already introduced them on Orkut (think Facebook/Myspace but with Brazilians).

On that note, I waved at Kyle from Buffallo, New York who’s actually going to the same district as me, but a different city. And then I asked a girl from Bermuda about Capri Wilson from Bermuda as well who is coming to my district. She would be going to Lauro de Freitas which is just north of me. As a matter of fact, her school is closer to my house than my own school! At this point, I went back to poor Sarah and Tess who sat amazed at my ability to know like half the students already.

It just goes to show that I don’t have to be freakishly outgoing to make friends in exchange-student-land, just be lucky and have Facebook/Orkut.

So, then I go to my bag and pull out my trusty custom pins. I swear that exchange students can smell them! As soon as I did, about 20 heads turned at the jingling sound, and as I handed one out, everyone went mad. I was like, whoa! Who knew they would be such a hit? So, I jumped-started the pin trading a bit. And apparently, people really love me and are quite willing to wear it on their blazers!

It was time to board, and so we made the long trek to our actual gate. My arm was very tired from that overweight carry-on. But at last we were there and boarded. We sat there chatting amongst ourselves as we waited, and I made fun of the Canadian, since she really said “eh”! It was cute! As a consolation, I let her make fun of my “yall.” In any case, it was a joyous occasion, we were on the plane to São Paulo, and I had two seats to myself!

Well…except, about 15 minutes later a tired looking boy, named Keith, shuffles through the ailse and stops beside my seat. So much for my free seat… In any case, as an extension of goodwill I start the applause off (since I make sure we applaud when we find missing students), and I offered him a business card and his choice of pin. But he’s greedy and chose the sketched AND the ”I love/Eu amo Sherise” pins. But hey, at least he asked nicely.

I found out he’s from Long Island, New York and going to São Paulo, making him one of the lucky few with no more connecting flights… (Although I can’t complain, some kids had to actually change airports!)

I watched a movie on the personal TVs, amused myself with the XM radio, and then watched Kill Bill which was the only thing still left on my iPod. So now “Bang Bang” from the opening credits was stuck in my head all night—even at about 3 am when I checked the map on the TV and saw that we were over Guyana. After 9 endless hours of very uncomfortable chairs, and accidentally turning our seat neighbors into pillows in the middle of the night, we FINALLY reach São Paulo. I have never been so happy to go to customs in my life! Well…except for when the Rotarian that’s supposed to be watching us gets detained, and leaves us all standing there dumbfounded until he came back. Oh the irony!

Then we finally go through. It was so cool as the border patrol person said “Vai!” and understood it. (And believe me! At my level of listening comprehension in Portuguese this IS exciting…) So I move right along to baggage claim. I grab a cart and quickly collect the huge blue suitcase. Then I sat there in apprehension waiting for my red duffle as the huge crowd dwindled until it was just me and two other exchange students. Together we form the lost baggage club with Keith leading with BOTH bags lost which totally overshadows mine and the other boy’s one.

In any case, we filed the reports and the man assured us that it would be mailed to us. Apparently, mine never left my first airport. But at least the man was nice enough walk with me and he even taught me some Portuguese as I waited in the customs line. “Eu perdi minha bagagem.”

On the bright side of all of this, I only had to heave one suitcase through the airport to check-in.

With that out of the way, the remaining students that didn’t run off somewhere, stayed together, so I met some more people and gave away some more pins and cards. There was an outbound Brazilian who thought we were her group, and then another girl who got to say hi and bye to her host family. It would seem that her family was on the way to the U.S. that day and leaving her with a temporary family.

A few of the students went on an adventure to buy coffee and we were amazed by the real glass cups, until they had a spaz out moment figuring out that they give them directly back to the counter. Then I gave my pins to the student that I don’t remember seeing before, and one complimented the one I drew. Yay! Flattery! Oh and there was a guy with his violin. How brave! I couldn’t imagine putting an expensive instrument through this journey.

Eventually I had to make my leave. I made my way to the gate, well, until the lady watching up ran up and told me I was going the wrong way. So, making my way through security, I go to the correct gate…well at least it was the one on the ticket…As I reach to the gate it was boarding time, but I saw neither line, people, or even plane! I asked the man at the desk if he spoke English, but I wasn’t that lucky. Fortunately, asking “Onde????” and showing him the ticket was enough to get the point across. Evidentially, there was a gate change. So going to the right gate, I got on the right plane and it had no problems.

What a relief…

I was happy to see a man speaking English on the first row (I sat diagonal to him on the second row). He was from Las Vegas and visiting his fiancé in Salvador. Nice guy. He wasn’t an exchange student, but he fell in love with Brazil when he did the Semester at Sea program in college. We had a nice chat through the flight when I wasn’t cooing in broken Portuguese at the cute little toddler in the front row. Then as we walked out and toward the baggage claim, there were people waiting with bracelets and this instrument thingy that made a cool sound. Mr. Vegas said, “There go the Baianos!” so I guess that’s what they are called.

I got my bag, happy that it arrived even though is was a struggle to handle, and made my way out. Now it was time to meet my family. I walked out slowly, and tried to close my jacket a bit to make the Rotary logo more visible since it was open as the button decided to pop off earlier in São Paulo. (Uh-oh, am I getting fatter?) As I reach the end of the line, I hear a soft “She-ree-see?” I look and see a dark haired woman and a blonde little boy. This is my host mom and host brother!

I’m here! I’m really here!

My host mother went somewhere quickly, leaving me standing with my new brother. He said something, and I didn’t understand a single word. Yipes! Outsmarted by a 9 year old! Let’s restart this, I explained that I didn’t speak much Portuguese, and then asked what his name was, it took about 20 tries to pronounce it right.

Then my host mom came back and we were off to the car. On the ride home, I tried to hold a conversation with my limited Portuguese. It was very hard, but I got through! My pronunciation sucks! It seems books will only take you so far. I think I did well, especially since verb conjugation book, and big dictionary were in my other luggage that vanished, and I completely forgot my crutch…err…I mean phrase book!

My host brother is sooooo cute though. I never had a little brother before. I have nieces and nephews but they’re old enough to have more attitude than I can handle especially since they’re American :p.

When I got home, I was so pleased to see that the house is gorgeous! And there’s a hammock in the living room! I met my host father as he was building an amario? (closet with drawers?) In any case, I was tired, so I unpacked, took a shower, and went to sleep. The next day we would be going to the family’s other house.

In any case, what a day! Getting there is certainly half the fun!

And the moral of the story is that exchange students are nice but, bring nice pins and they will jump you!

Beijos, ~ Sherise or Shereesee now…I guess silent e’s don’t exist here…even words without e’s seem to get e’s at the end as shown by my brother’s attempt to say “cook”. He says “Cookeh” Soooo cute!

Day 2 I woke up, at about 6. My host cousin and roommate had arrived sometime during the night. But I just lay there in bed until the sun rose and then I got up and greeted my host mother. “Bom dia” is pretty to say. I should wake up before noon more often.

I took some picture of the house and host mom let me take a walk around the condominio. It is a nice place, a woman was up early taking a power walk. We are also next to a park and some empty area that they were using for a “festas” the night before. So I suppose Brazil was singing my arrival!

I walk around the whole neighborhood. There weren’t many people out since it was still pretty early. Also, it is a very guarded area with a automatic gate at the front, and a electric fence and/or a wall with broken glass on top surrounding the whole thing.

When I came back, I found out that it was father’s day here. I wish I had a good gift!

I wished him father’s day in in the Portuguese my little brother taught me moments earlier. Then we ate breakfast, and my host dad found my broken Portuguese and my host mother’s broken English very humorous. Afterwards I relaxed on the hammock and Leo (my host brother) wanted to show me something. I still have no idea what is was, I just smiled, nodded, and said yes.

Then I watch a bit of the Olympics until it was time to go to the beach house. It was very pretty like a home out of a magazine, and there was even a maid. There was a little black boy with about 6 years named Paulo, who I later found was adopted. He kept staring at me. I guess maybe because I look normal, but I speak so weird.

There was also 15 year old girl who goes to the school next to mine, and later came a young boy and a girl at 16 and 17. Also there was a woman who spoke English, since she was an exchange student to Minnesota. I feel bad for cheating, but she turned into my translator.

The highlight of the day was me eating an octopus and my host dad asking if I like it. Well it wasn’t bad, but my brother’s explanation that is was like bubble gum was a bit unsettling.

All the adult went to take a name while Leo and Paulo disappeared to the beach or something, leaving me with all these teen. It was an interesting and desperate conversation. Somehow despite their lack of English, they managed to ask me about George Bush.

Later we took a walk to the playground. And my host mom decided to go on this tire on a cord where you slide down. It was funny until the security guard told her to get off, then it was even more hilarious.

We came back and it was time to go. Leo fell asleep on me during the car ride, soooo cute! And now here I am typing three days worth of journals.

I hope my bag comes soon. I want my phrase book, real journal, and Bible. But I guess the fact that I got so far without my books is a feat in itself. Now, my next adventure is to figure out why this computer doesn’t like my digicam.

Well, até logo!

~ Shereesee

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August 14 Journal

 It was my first day of school today, so that meant I had to actually get up early for the first time all summer. So, to be safe, I got up even earlier than the suggested 6:15, so I think I got up at about 5:30! Since I took a bath the night before, I only had to just throw on some clothes and I was ready in about five minutes. So, with my extra time I went on the computer to go and find some more information about my school and bus route, but, of course, I can never stay on track when I go on the computer, so I just messed around until it was time for breakfast.

Soon enough, it was time to go. I thought that I had to take the bus, but I misunderstood. Fortunately, it would appear that either my host dad or host mom will be driving me to school in the morning, but I have to take the bus back.

Thankfully, spared from the walk and the nervous dread I would have to face in finding my stop, I hopped into my mom’s car and we were off. To my surprise, we stopped by a friend of Bianca’s, named Caline. I didn’t know we were making that stop, and I was wondering why we were going the wrong way!

Anyways, Caline is in Bianca`s class and she lives close, so I was simply supposed to follow her all day. Nevertheless, my host mom told me to pay attention in case I need to make the trip alone.

When we reached the school, we went inside and directly into the lion’s den classroom. I looked very lost, as I stumbled in quietly and hesitantly after Caline. The other students seemed pretty uninterested and didn’t pay me much mind other than a curious and brief glance as I passed by.

I tentatively took my seat, and sat there squirming with apprehension all the while. It was irritating. I like to be reasonably in control of things, but I’m here in Brazil—a country that I know very little about other than some shallow knowledge gleaned here or there from various sources before I left. But ultimately, I didn’t really know what to expect!

From what I heard, Brazilian school kids are loud, outgoing, immature, crazy, and unruly during school…yet here I was sitting with a bunch of quiet, well-behaved students, who were sitting pretty calmly and paying attention to the teacher and everything! Not really expecting that! Then suddenly, the teacher asked me something. I was not really paying attention, since the overload of words I had never heard before was going straight over my head, so I couldn’t even try to piece together what she said since by the time I realized she was addressing me, she was done. But apparently the timing was humorous since when I said “que?” it set off a round of boisterous and over-the-top laughter, and just like that I was thrust into the spotlight. If no one realized the intercambista was here, then they certainly knew now!

Nevertheless, it was not nearly as crazy as I had been led to believe. However, the incident set off a fuse.

We continued onward through the Portuguese lesson—it was something about poetry. The teacher handed out copies, and pretty much read from it, verbatim. It was then that I noticed that no one seemed to be bothered about bringing books. It was a relief, since I had no idea what classes I had, and all the books in Bianca’s room looked quite burdensome to carry.

In any case, I read a little, and I think I got the general idea of it, but not completely, since there was apparently a composition we were supposed to do. Fortunately, I was excused on account of how clueless I was! Eventually that class ended and well…remember the fuse metaphor? Well, one of the girls gestured for me to come outside.

*KABOOM!*

It was all a big blur. I was being pulled every which way, introduced, hugged, kissed asked my name repeatedly and it was all very crazy. All the class breaks afterward went similar. And there were a lot of questions about celebrities and Britney Spears. Even the classes were like this, most of the day I was surrounded by a group of girls trying to meet me.

The chemistry teacher spoke English, so she kept saying something to shut up the class before turning around and proceeding to talk to me, which I found ironic and funny. But she was nice.

After that there was another break and I got the grand tour. It’s a nice school. It has sports, music, dance, a stage downstairs, a recording studio, a pool, a food court, a shopping center, a university, and even a travel agency!

Back in class there was a quiz on some book or story called “Minha querida canibal”. I never heard of it , so while I understood the questions somewhat, I put out all kinds of nonsense answers like “Falsa, Europeans don’t eat people.” And “Eu nao sei!!! J Desculpa!”

Then there was lunch break. I didn’t want anything because I have little money left and I could always eat something at home for free. I met some more people like Bianca’s devoted boyfriend (he even wears a necklace with her name on it, how sweet!). Then a group of us hung out in the library a bit. Conversing was a mess, but at least I understood something every once in a while.

Oh, and my nail polish got a lot of compliments. I didn’t realize, pinkish-purple was such a hit! And they liked my watch too.

The last class was quick. They told me that the teacher is very sexy, and then others told me that he is gay. Of course, not that it matters to me, he’s not my type anyway. (But if he’s gay, then I’m CERTAINLY not his type, lol!) Anyway, I’m not sure he realized that I was even in the class. It was very noisy and crazy, and I don’t think he bothered teaching. He just kind of sat down. I was laughing to myself because the girls were moving their desks up close to the front. The boys stayed in the back and just talked and the remaining girls that were not infatuated just sort of sat back and played on their cell phones or iPods.

School ended and while out front, I handed out some business cards I had in my wallet which earned remarks of “Oxente!” and “que lindo!”

Then after buying my school shirt, I took the bus home with Caline and Flavia. I got a little more Portuguese practice, since she doesn’t know that much English.

After such a tiring day, I got home and took a nap!

Of course, I got up later and called my mom for the first time since I got here since my parents left for vacation in Grenada about the same time I left for Brazil, and they were pretty unreachable the whole time.

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August 18 Journal

 My second (Friday) and third (Monday) days of school were good considering that a bit of the initial novelty wore off a bit. But only a bit! Even on my third day I was still meeting teachers since they have some crazy block schedule. And then when the teachers finally note the existence of a kid they have never seen before then the whole class, doesn’t hesitate to yell out about how I’m American, so the teacher should speak English. Then at this point, the teacher usually sends this girl named Goas to translate, but usually, it was something so simple that it didn’t need translating.

Apparently, people like to introduce me as if I don’t know a single word in Portuguese. Oh well, then it just makes it impressive when I spit out a badly formed sentence. It gets really annoying though. A pet peeve of mine is being patronized. I’m not stupid. I do know a little bit of Portuguese, so stop introducing me like if I don’t even know how to say hi! All it is doing is making others scared to talk to me unless they speak English.

And those English speakers are hunters! They’ll find me in the darkest recesses of the school to say “Hi! Hower areh youu?” I hope I don’t have to take English class, that last thing I need is every single English speaker finding out that I’m here. I would rather take Spanish. Plus, I was learning a little in the US. My friend says it’s probably a differently level, but I don’t care, EVERYTHING here is on a different level! I’ve never seen a Philosophy class for 15 year old teens!

Nevertheless, I’m doing okay. I can read a bit, but listening to teachers is very difficult since I can’t seem to process all that Portuguese fast enough, so listening in class is a mess! And in conversations, I really am starting to get quite annoyed with talking to English speakers, when I ask them to repeat or talk slowly in Portuguese, they just say it in English so bad that the Portuguese was easier to understand!

Oh, in other news I went to a party on Saturday. It was really fun and I danced a lot. I danced a lot at the beginning, because it was a little bit dull since the party was just starting, so everyone was playing shy, so I hopped in the middle and started dancing to jump start things a bit. Then I found my new Spanish speaking dancing friend. Afterwards, more people got to the dance floor, and then all these cool songs in Portuguese with specific dances started coming on, and I didn’t know what the heck I was doing! However, it was still fun! I got away with it because I’m just the cute and clueless Americana. That came in handy since there was some dance that I did with some random boy with my class, and it turned out really, really bad! Hahaha! Then there was a random game of hide and seek thrown somewhere in there. I played, because you’re never too old for hide and seek! And running barefoot in the dark while wearing a dress? What’s the worst that can happen?

Anyways, the next day, we went to the grandparents’’ house. They are really nice. There were some other family members there and also, I got to see Joanna again, and she brought her cute little gerbil.

Well anyways, I think I’m adjusting pretty well. I know where the store is, and I know what bus to take home from school. I can figure out where everything is on the computer, and I know where all the keys are hiding on the keyboard! Now to get back to the Portuguese-speaking world!

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November 2 Journal

 Oi galera!

It has been about three months since I made those first tentative steps into the world of Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. I have had my high and low points over these last few months but I still would not trade it for anything. I love being an exchange student. Or better yet, I love being an intercambista!

Then again—I’m still working on my transition into Brasileira. Most people would say I already have the look down. Brazil has more people of African descent than most people realize or the media shows, and then on top of that, I was sent to Bahia with the highest percentage of people of African descent since Salvador was formerly one of the main ports for the Portuguese slave trade. Also, Salvador was the original capital of Brazil. It is a city full of history and culture. I took a wrong bus once, and I got to see the fascinating views of the colonial buildings with the mix of the modern people bustling up and down the streets to conduct their oh-so-important business and once in a while stopping at one of the Afro-Brazilian women in the traditional Salvador dress who serve this food called Acarajé.

Even with my ability to blend in, it has still been nothing short of an ongoing adventure with my “great” Portuguese. Especially, when people ask me for directions—this seems to happen without fail. And then I usually don’t realize that they are talking to me until they finish the sentence and are looking at me and wondering if I’m deaf or retarded. I’ll usually ask them to repeat, thinking that my accent would give away that I’m not from here and they’ll go away, but no, I look like a Bahiana therefore I simply MUST be a Bahiana! That’s all there is to it! It’s a hit or miss, sometimes I can answer their question, sometime I can’t, sometimes I can’t figure out what they’re saying and they’ll get fed up and run off. One time, this lady repeated about 5 times before saying (in Portuguese, of course) something along the lines of “My God! What’s wrong with you, it’s like you speak English or something!” Followed by her grabbing her bag and friend and stomping off in a dramatic fashion.

And I still don’t really understand my host brother—but I don’t think anyone does. All I know, is that the annoyingness of a little brother can transcend language barriers.

In any case, most of my time here involves school. I wake up early every day, but it is in vain because my host parents run on Brazilian standard time which is a bit like normal time, except at LEAST an hour late. When I finally do show up, it is still very difficult. I don’t really understand much of the lectures, and then things like Physics or Chemistry completely elude me no matter what language it’s in! Furthermore, it has been quite an adjustment—I knew I’d be in a class of younger people. Previous exchange students warned me, but I didn’t expect 15 year olds! I think they are even more immature than American 15 year olds! And class regularly descends into pandemonium (and they love to laugh—loudly.). It makes me wonder where they get the time to learn anything and pass their tests especially when school ends at noon, and they still get an hour long break during the day to eat. But I suppose it’s not so bad, although the boy/girl-craziness can really drive me insane. They seem to be in love with being in love!

The school itself is pretty cool. Every week there’s a live concert where we eat lunch. Also for the science classes, sometimes we get to put on these fancy lab coats and go into the adjoined University (Faculdade Jorge Amado) and do experiments. Although, I’m a bit nervous trusting some of those crazy boys with chemicals and acids during the Chemistry labs. Also as part of school we are required to do a sport. Originally, I wanted to do capoeira, but since they didn’t offer it this year, I opted for volleyball. We are terrible but it is still fun.

Outside of school, I still managed to do some capoeira lesson. I go to the same place as this other exchange student from Eugene, Oregon. I’m not that good yet, but the little I know looks pretty cool in my opinion.

I’ve also joined the Interact club which is a community service type deal. Me and the other two exchange students that go (Greg from Canada, and Kevin from Germany) are always so lost in the meetings and the Portuguese and clanging bells (Rotary loves those bells!) completely goes over our heads

Recently we had the Interact Forum in Lauro de Freitas (city just north of Salvador) and it was so fun! I got to see the other exchange students from this district for the first time since orientation and also got to see the late newcomers. In addition to that, there were all the other Brazilian Interact members too, so it was a nice large crowd of people to meet. And at some point I ended up dancing in front of everyone and getting a standing ovation. Ah! Good times! There were also the presentations that I tried to help the newcomer exchange student from Michigan understand (she only arrived in Brazil the night before), but it was more like the blind leading the blind. And then my favorite part was the Festa de Brega which was some tacky clothes party. Tons of fun! My new friends Flávia and Rafael got to teach me the Brazilian dances of Funk, Arrocha, and Forró. I miss that weekend!

Besides that, I haven’t done much with them yet, since most of my adventures are in trying to get there in the first place since it’s pretty darn far. But I’m used to that. I’ve been living in bairro (neighborhood/district in Salvador) of Stella Maris, and EVERYTHING is far from me except the beach. We don’t even have our own post office so I’d have to go to the next bairro over to Itapuã. Furthermore, I use the bus, and that leads to so many adventures…

Aside from that my life isn’t thaaaaat busy. Sometimes I go to a festa or a show, but it’s hard since I can never get someone to drive me, and I’m not crazy enough to use the bus in the middle of the night here. Salvador is great, but I still have to be careful.

Anyways, that’s all for now.

In the words of a popular song, “Tchau, I have to go now, I have to go now! Tchau!”

Beijos,

Shoreesa? One day, I’ll be plain old Sherise again.

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January 28 Journal

 Olá gente!

I’m quite alive and well and I have survived the holiday season away from my natural family—but that is not to say that I didn’t miss everyone like crazy! I was with “saudades” as we say in Brazil (Which is like “longing”). Throughout all of this I certainly have had a bit of extra time since I am on Summer vacation at the moment with the lovely reversed seasons under the equator. So, I filled my days with laziness around the house, walks on the beach with no particular aim in mind, bus trips, hanging out with friends, going to the mall and being broke with about 10 reais left in my pocket (which is about $5 US at the moment).

But Thanksgiving was certainly hard. It was the first Thanksgiving away from family, turkey, and all the mouthwatering side dishes. I was perfectly homesick that day and home alone on top of that, so I couldn’t resist whipping out the headset and taking a little Skype trip to my family in the US—all the while hoping the internet would not randomly die again. To everyone’s delight, I got through in all the webcam glory and I got the chance to show off my newly acquired Brazilian dancing skills (which are actually quite horrid by the way).

But after my little Thanksgiving regression, I was back into my life in Brazil. And by the end of the month, my district had the interviews for the selection outbound exchange students for 2009-2010. And to my surprise, my fellow inbounds in Salvador and I would be the ones asking the questions. The poor kiddies were so nervous, and it was so weird to interview some of my own friends! But during that, me and the Rotex (who was former exchange student to Australia) were certainly having fun. Including an attempt to get at least one of the more confident interviewees to charm us with a solo. Overall, we learned a valuable lesson about giving me and an equally crazy Rotex authority and putting us in the same room. But in retrospect, if we are going to use the same questions in English from the Rotary website, we should have probably translated ahead of time. Apparently, the word “role-model” does not translate well to Portuguese.

Shortly afterward, it was time to change houses. How weird after I got so used to my other house. I didn’t move very far from my original location, though. I was still far from the main city area—technically, even farther. In any case, the family is very nice. Their eldest daughter is currently doing an exchange in Michigan, and their youngest daughter of two years is sooo cute! Although, I guess this means no more epic samurai battles with my host brother from the first house. I’ll be trading in my karate for tea cups and Barbies. The parents are nice—pretty goofy at times too. My only complaint is their most unfortunate adoration of olives. Yuck! But besides that, really cool, and the dad’s going to teach me how to play the guitar…this could be interesting, or potentially dangerous for that guitar.

Oh, and my name changed again. Now it’s something like Cheh-rees since my dad is determined not to just pronounce it the Brazilian way. I never thought my name would be so complicated! Sher-ise. But I’ll answer to them all. It’s all a lot better than my nickname at school—“Xorica” which is basically “Public Display of Affection” in Portuguese (it wasn’t an earned nickname, by the way! Just a play off the pronunciation of my name).

After finishing off November and the beginning of my vacation, I found December to be a very busy month. It started off with more volunteering with the Interact Club. We were planning a Christmas party for an orphanage and it was really fun when the day came. Although, I managed to get tackled by a bunch of kids, and told that I make a scary clown after making the mistake of letting Alexember do my make up. That aside, it was a major success and everyone was deeply touched by my impromptu solo of Jingle Bells and giving complimentary German lessons with the student from Germany (sure…I don’t speak German, but that’s beside the point!)

Then I went on to take two trips out of town back to back.

The first was to Lençóis in the hilly interior area of Bahia. Our group consisted of 7 exchange students and 2 Brazilians. It was a ton of walking and hiking up hills, and to cliffs and water falls, but the views were amazing! And considering that I’m not very nature-y, that’s saying a lot. My favorite part was to actually swim in the waterfalls. Some of us took the extra initiative and found some nice high rocks to jump from. It was such a fun week! After all that hiking and jumping from rock to rock while hoping I didn’t fall into some dark abyss, I was so tired! But I had to force myself to find some more energy anyway, to explore the small town during the evenings. By the last night, me and one of the German exchange students were so tired that we plopped down at some restaurant in the town center, and refused to budge the whole night—instead opting to order more drinks and explore the tropical juice menu so that the restaurant wouldn’t kick us out. The other members of our group came and left various time usually amazed by the fact that we were still there. Eventually, they got so fed up with our sitting that they conspired against us and dragged us away kicking and screaming. I can imagine what a sight that must have been to the poor unsuspecting Brazilians. Especially, since the German and I coincidentally look the most Brazilian of our group, so it must have appeared quite strange to the locals that these gringos were randomly assaulting some Brazilians. I’m sure the waiter was the most confused since we didn’t even order anything alcoholic, but alas, exchange students are always weird.

But anyways, it was beautiful!

When I finally got back to Salvador, it was only long enough to wash my clothes and pack again. This time it was with my host family to my father’s home town of Nova Canaã. It’s a very small town more inland again. So, early morning on the 24th of December, I was shoving my recently washed clothes right back into my bag. And at about 9 we left, but not before a humorous session of “where are the keys?” Then we embarked on our journey which took about 9 hours in total. It would have been shorter, but we stopped to buy oranges, buy a table, eat a full sized Brazilian lunch (which are huge, by the way), run out of gas, and when my poor little sister got carsick. It was quite a change from my usual road trips with my mom and dad back in the US. Especially, since my real dad doesn’t stop the car for ANYTHING, leaving me to learn that I should not eat, drink, or even dream of him stopping the car until we reach our destination, or he will speed off from a gas station without me (again…)

In any case, we got there in time to celebrate Christmas Eve and we spent Christmas and New Years there with his quite sizeable family. It was definitely a real small town. Everyone know everyone and the favorite pastime of everyone seemed to be going to the town square. Almost everything was in walking distance since anything further was farmland. But if you didn’t want to walk, there were plenty of motorcycles, and a waiting fleet of moto-taxis, instead of regular cabs and city buses I had become so used to seeing in Salvador. In addition, it was not an odd sight to see someone walk by on a horse, it was a pretty rural area after all with plenty of farms and ranches. I got to see plenty of horses, cattle, chickens, and the like. I even got to ride horses a lot, which was really fun! During the evenings I usually got taken to the town center, and one time to the neighboring town Iguai. There was a show going on at the time, so I got to watch a little. I saw another two shows in Nova Canaã since they were having this big party/concert thingy. So I got to make some pitiful attempts at Forró (which is a dance) – maybe one day I’ll stop sucking at it, but seeing how little improvement I’ve made on that during 4 months, it’s doubtful.

In any case, it was really cool being there too. And I think we stayed about 15 days. His family was very receptive and made no hesitation to drag me around places. Oh, and the views were great! The hilly horizons made for a very picturesque scene as my father, uncle, and I rode horses through the area.

And some of you are probably wondering how holidays work in Brazil. Well, for Thanksgiving, no one really celebrates it. The big holidays are Christmas and New Years! Although, it was a change of pace to not have a tall live pine tree, like I usually do back home. But they usually at least set up a little tree in the living room. I saw a lot of Christmas lights all over, though. By Christmas Eve, I was in Nova Canaã, where we celebrated by singing the very long Brazilian version of Happy Birthday, and then eating.

For New Years, we ate some more. It was the first time I didn’t do a countdown, but I don’t think anyone had an accurate watch, and we couldn’t countdown with the rest of the country on the TV, since Bahia has a different time zone. After many attempts for people to explain, I still cannot grasp why, so I’ll just go with “Bahia felt like being different and confusing travelers.”

Eventually, it was time to leave and make that lonnnngggg drive back to Salvador. But this time we took a detour and took the ferry-boat from the Itaparica Island, which is an island between the main peninsula area of Salvador, and the rest of Bahia. So we parked the car on the boat, and then we could go walk around on top as it headed to Salvador. It was great timing since the sun was setting, so I got to enjoy that view of orangey clouds and the cityscape. I just wish I had my camera!

When I returned to Salvador, I slipped back into my summery lifestyle of beaches and relaxing, as well as hanging out with some of the other exchange students that I hadn’t seen in months despite being in the vicinity. We even got to meet up with one of the big groups of exchange students that were currently touring the Northeast of Brazil. It was great, I even saw a girl who was on the same huge flight as me. She recognized me because all those months ago I gave her one of my increasingly famous “I love/Eu amo Sherise” face pins. Then I got to hear all their adventures on the bus, including some freaky rash. All in all, it was really cool to see other exchange students from all over Brazil. Hopefully, I get to take the big tour of Amazon and get a bunch of bus stories too (minus the weird infections as I will be stocking up on sanitizer and watching out for lice. Ick!).

Anyways, that’s all for now. See? I’m alive! And on my way to a big show called Festival de Verão at the end of January and then Carnival in February.

Pictures coming soon when I find an internet connection in Brazil that likes me.

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March 11 Journal

 Well, this isn’t so much a journal, but a photo dump of 40+ pictures with my commentary.

Enjoy! J

 

 Teacher: Now let’s move on to the Revolution that occurred in Russia. Here’s a picture depicting—

Random Student: Carnaval?

I couldn’t make these moments up if I tried…

And also let me take this opportunity to explain Carnaval in Brazil which is the infamous huge week long party that happens in Brasil each February.

Carnaval in Salvador is actually the biggest in the world and consistently gets the Guinness World Record. The Carnaval in Salvador is nothing like the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro—that more foreigners know for the large and colorful floats and competing samba schools. Rather, the Carnaval Salvador is about the people participating instead of just watching and going “how pretty” like other places *cough*Rio*cough*. As a matter of fact, walking around during Carnaval, one can find many people from other parts of Brazil—especially Rio. I can even quote some Cariocas (which is the name for people from Rio) who say they prefer Carnaval in Salvador.

In Salvador, Carnaval takes up miles of street where people and large trucks go slowly down each day partying into the wee hours of the morning before resting up and starting again. The trucks are called “trio electronicos” and on each of them there is a different singer or band that performs all night, every night.

People have these options in Carnaval Salvador.

1. Run away. This is not for the faint of heart. That is why this is a set aside holiday including days off from school. Quite a few people take this opportunity to vacation in other, calmer parts of Brazil.

2. Stay home. Others that don’t want to leave the city, but are not the partying type or don’t feel up to the traffic and crowds can always just stay home. Carnaval is broadcasted live on the local channels, giving people a chance to see without descending into the madness.

3. Camarotes. People can stay in camarotes which are the set aside sections high up and away from the Carnaval revelers. They’re pretty expensive, but safer, so that the people who can afford them can safely watch the action from above. Not the best option if you want to dance, since it can get crowded towards the front, and people get mad if you move. This is really preferred by the people who want to sit far away from the action but still say they were there…they probably should have gone to Rio.

4. Blocos. People can also join a bloco, like I did, which is the roped off section of people that walk by the trucks. When you join this you get a t-shirt called an “abadá” for each day. But since these shirts are so huge and ugly, people usually get creative and cut them up, which helps since it gets SO HOT in the middle of the crowds. There is usually a different performer for each day so people usually buy the abadás for whatever bloco has their favorite singers or even mix-and-match different bloco days, but since I had to go with the Rotary group and only got to go 3 days, I didn’t get to choose. But it was fun anyway. We start from the beginning of the route and walk beside the truck as it slowly makes its way up the route. All the while everyone is dancing as whatever singer is on that truck is performing. Wear sneakers! They keep going until dawn. But if you pay a little extra, you can get the VIP shirts that give you the option of going on the trucks, and partying from there. (Or you could just “know a guy” and get in free like we did.) In my opinion, the truck is the best way to roll, especially with the performer right there in front of you!

5. Pipoca. Finally, you can be in the pipoca which are just the rest of the crowds that gather around without being in a bloco or camarote. It’s just as fun, but even more dangerous, since basically all bets are off. Moving through the thick crowds is a task, and when you see the crowd parting quickly, it is time to move since that means the Carnaval police are coming, and if you don’t move, they’ll move you. You don’t want to upset the Carnaval police, but at least they’re effective at keeping the peace even though, ironically, they are hardly peaceful. It reminds me of the storming of the castle during the Russian Revolution too…

Zhoe’s Bio

 Hola! J

My name is Zhoe Solaun, I am sixteen years old and I am a sophomore attending Buchholz High School. I am proud, thrilled, and grateful to have the opportunity during my junior year to be a candidate for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program! I am excited to go to Argentina to have the opportunity: to learn everything about it and to live there for a year!

My life has been an unexpected journey through changes of moving from one city to another, my parents getting divorced and new additions to my family. I was adopted from China at the age of two and a half years old. I moved to Gainesville, Florida three years ago, after living in Singapore, Canada, and Ponte Vedra Beach for eight years. Moving around brought along new changes; especially moving from the beach to a farm. I live on a 10-acre chestnut farm with cows, pigs, and chickens. I live with my mom and step dad, Sandra and Randy; older sister, Sierra who is 16; younger sister Havana who is 15, and Dakota, my two year old brother.

I am very well-rounded as I am open to different ideas; I have been lucky to have traveled to a lot of places (Japan, Malaysia, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica), which fueled my desire to see more countries. I have played competitive tennis for 5 years. The hobby I enjoy the most is making jewelry. I design macramé bracelets and also work with beads. I stay busy with school work, reading, doing chores, getting together with friends, listening to music and baking.

I thank the Rotary for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and thank all my family and friends for their support on my new adventure. I am going to miss everything about my life, but I am eager for what lays ahead as I will be able learn, build relationships, grow, create memories and understand more about the world from the journey that I am about to embark upon.

Chau!

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August 9 Journal

 Soon To Be…

I came into this program with the vision of being an exchange student, knowing that I would I embrace a new culture and be fluent in a foreign language. I remember the stress of the application papers, which was the beginning of my independency. The stress of the interview rooms is incomparable to the mixed tides of nerves and excitement of minimal days left until my departure. I get chills when a plane flies overhead, but I feel the thrill of everything that I have learned and all the new things before me!

I have less than a week left and overwhelming emotions of excitement and nervousness are indescribable! Through the journals I have read, I am able to relate and am speechless; as it has already been said and every word is true! The stories are extraordinary of the impact this experience has made on people; as I have already grown as a person. The emotions that students have felt and are feeling of excitement, overwhelming and curiosity have all seeped into my emotions of being confused in how to express to others.

The reiterated idea that this experience would be a minimum of three years, but the growth and memories will last a lifetime, has already become reality to me. I have grown as a person as my seed has been sowed to become more open, independent and cultured throughout this year as it has soared by and through the journey I am about to embark upon.

I am fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity. “One can never be too thankful!” But my gratitude to the support and encouragement of Rotary, family, and friends is sent with love from a young girl; who will embark upon a journey of a lifetime to help make a difference!

A debt of gratitude is owed to Rotary forever and for always!

Thank you for: Making (my) dreams come true!

Muchas besos de una chica!

<3 Zhoe <3

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September 25 Journal

 ¡Hola,

I remember just a year ago, I had dreams of living in a different country. Just this past year, I would visualize myself in the memories shared by Rotex. Reading the experiences of the outbound journals have been enlightening. Now it is my turn to share my experience! For me, it has been a month and a half in Argentina, which my dream has become a reality; thanks to Rotary!

Prior to my departure, I was able experience from a point a view of the culture shock an exchange student (Belen) that my family is hosting. I was jealous of my family having a new family member. I had created a friendship with her through the emails and my final days. I asked many questions about everything she was experiencing, that I would soon experience. My biggest worry was how I would be able to cope with the culture shock. Her sharing everything with me relieved much stress, but the difference was I had a language barrier.

August 15th the day of my departure! The packing situation that was thought to be impossible to pack a whole year’s luggage in two suitcases; had been completed the night before. The last days were complicated to describe as they were calm, but stressful in trying to get everything done prior to my departure. I had given my final goodbyes to my sisters prior to my departure date. The car ride to the Jacksonville Airport seemed eternal; as there were outbursts of my brother’s tantrums, music playing in the background and little conversation. My emotions were confused of how to act, as there were feelings of nervousness and excitement that were all so overwhelming.

When it came time for the ultimate goodbyes to my parents, I held on to them as I recollected on the memories we had shared together. At that moment, I embraced them with gratitude and love for everything they had done for me and taught me. Sobs of tears streamed down without a single weep. They were tears that confused my emotions of how I felt. I was worried by the thoughts of change that I would experience and the person that I would become. (Was I ready for this?) I was excited and happy for everything that this year would offer, but overwhelmed as my heart pounded and there were thoughts of everything to worry about and countering memories of Rotex.

On the plane, I was exhausted from everything. I reflected on everything that I had already experienced from this program. (The curiosity I had when going into this program, the stress during the application and interview process, the time wanting to know my acceptance into the program, the year in preparation for the exchange of trying to learn everything about the language, culture and myself; and the excitement for my departure date.) I envisioned of things that I would experience, wiped away my continuous tears and eventually relaxed my emotions with music playing from my earphones.

When I arrived in Miami, it struck me that I was free; but alone. It was my turn to learn, be independent, differentiate the best decision to make and take responsibility for everything. I was able to meet up with Rolly who was departing for Ecuador. He had no worries about this experience, which relieved my worries of this experience. (Rolly, thank you for you insightful excitement!) On my flight, I joined with eleven other exchange students that were from the New England states, Hawaii and Canada. From reuniting with other exchange students that were in the same situation as I was; I was carefree!

All I heard was people speaking Spanish. It felt like I had forgotten all my Spanish as I did not understand anything that was being said. Passing through customs, security and immigration was a breeze. Taking my final steps down the hallway with my rolling suitcases, I saw my host parents with sign (Zohe) on the opposite side of the sliding glass doors at the arrival gate. I turned back to the exchange students, “This is it! Here I go!” I walked through the gates; they embraced me with a warming hugs and smiles. I was able to answer (in Spanish) as they asked me about my trip, but I was exhausted (6:30 a.m.) and did not say much on the two hour drive home. From the backseat window, I watched everything that we drove past and reflected on all the advice that I had been given. I was driven around the town to get familiar with everything and introduced to many people.

The beginning days of my arrival were uneventful. I went through the complications of my wallet being “lost”. My host sister Vicky commented, “Welcome to the jungle,” as she sympathized for the bad luck of my arrival to Argentina. The days were very stressful as I no longer had my wallet with all my documents, money and credit card. I had the emotions of disappointment and shame of my irresponsibility of what had occurred. (Was I responsible enough for this experience?) We filed a report of the stolen wallet, canceled the credit card, and looked into getting new travel documents. Through the stress and worries of having no money, I took from experience to be more aware of my surroundings and think more about decisions that I would make. Three weeks passed and an unexplainable, but fortunate event occurred; my wallet was found with everything that was missing in the glove department of my host father’s car. The situation has been unsolved and inevitable to understand on what happened. We came to the conclusion to put the situation behind us; as no one had an explanation to what had happened. Things settled from the fortune that I had experienced in Argentina.

Aside from the fortune, I was experiencing a new beginning in Argentina! Everything was new and exciting! Everything seemed different, but I was excited for this exchange. (Having a host brother (Rodrigo: 18), has made this adjustment easier). I was introduced to many of Rodrigo’s friends that were gathered in the streets (very common); who were all very welcoming and friendly! On the second day, a party was hosted for me to make friends and meet more people. I ate the authentic Argentine asado for the first that was different, but delicious (there would be many times to come). The night was long, as Argentineans thrive on the nightlife. I was able socialize with many people (in Spanish) and joined in singing renown songs of Bob Marley. The next day, I went to another asado to meet more people. Everyone was very open and social. Some would speak in broken English and others would talk slowly for me to understand their Spanish. An infinite amount of questions were asked of me and of things from the movies, which was my place to breakdown the stereotypes (I loved the attention!). Having met so many people my age within the first days that were all so friendly, made me excited for everything this year.

My first day of school, which I was excited for (a rare occasion) was a Tuesday (Monday was a holiday- San Martin). The school was an agricultural school that would be a whole new experience for me. On my first day of school, I was presented in front of the class that I was exchange student from Florida. I sat in an empty seat (the desks were plastic that were designed for two) next to a boy named Juan Martin. As I sat down, everyone asked me about everything. Everyone introduced their names with a strong Argentinean accent, which I was only able to remember a select few. With the language barrier, I was only able to understand a few questions as they would ask at a rapid rate that I was unable to understand. I later went around the classroom, having the students retell their names and writing them down. Names were difficult to spell as the letters were pronounced differently and some were so hard to understand. I just have to say, I got some good laughs during this process. The class seemed out of control and off task. Everyone was talking, doing anything as they pleased, and no school work. When someone would have a question they would walk over to ask the question or holler over to the teacher to ask the question. It was a normal classroom behavior, but for specific teachers the class would listen and working attentively.

I have become accustomed to school. The school hours are very long (nine hours), so during and at the end of the day I am exhausted, which is when I take a siesta (naps are common). I don’t understand what the students are learning because of the language barrier and all the subjects are related with farming. The classes I enjoy the most are: (another rare occasion) math, chemistry, English, and gym; because the information is easy and I understand what is going on. For the ten other classes I don’t understand, I spend the long hours looking up words in my dictionary (my best friend); copying notes from a neighbor; and who knows what else (as the time passes very slowly). Something new to me are the protests. The governor of the province of Buenos Aires announces a day of no school, trying to promote a raise for the teacher’s salaries. Aside from the protests, when a teacher is missing (common for teachers to have another job) the students socialize and do not have that particular class that day. The school is very small as there a total of three hundred students in all the grades combined of the school. It has been an experience as we take trips to the school farms apart from the school and work in the farm at the school.

As I attend school everyday, I attend all the Rotary meetings every Tuesday. Roughly about twenty-five Rotarians meet for dinner in a Rotary house that is specifically designed for the Arrecifes Rotary Club. The event is very organized and there is much conversation for upcoming events. The first Rotary meeting and the reunion with the Governor were the two occasions that I have had to present a short speech in Spanish. Presenting my speeches were very nerve-wracking as I would hear my heart pounding, voice shaking, and forgetting how to say simple things in Spanish. (Time will come when I will remember everything and be able to say everything smoothly and confidently.) I have attended a Rotary reunion in Pergamino (with Kevin Murphy) to meet the other inbounds, outbounds, and Rotex from my district. The weekend was lots of fun as many activities, games and socializing time were organized.

The friends I have made are always inviting me to join them in whatever they are doing. I have been busy with learning how to dance as I don’t know how and everyone here knows how to dance well. The girls have been very patient and helpful as they have become my dance teachers. The nightlife is going to go dancing, which I have been able to experience. The three nights I have gone have been unbelievable and I look forward to every time I go dancing! Now, I just need to learn how to dance and learn the lyrics to the songs. Popular music is Cumbia and Reggaeton. The music I love, which is a mix of Hip-Hop and Latin music that is amazing!

Apart from everything said, Arrecifes is a very small town that I am able to walk anywhere, as everything is nearby. The town being very small, this means everyone knowing everyone. Argentina is known for its futbol and they are very passionate about the sport. Since I have been here, Argentina won the gold medal in Olympics. Everyone was ecstatic as there was much celebration and pride when winning the gold. It also just so happened, the son (Pablo Zabaleta) of a member from Rotary was on the Olympic team of Argentina. At a Rotary reunion, he presented the son’s jersey, game ball, cleat, and Olympic gold medal; which were incredible! I have been able to join a tennis clinic at nearby club, which has been very convenient. I had the opportunity to partake in a training session with a renowned tennis professional of Argentina (Fernando Agurriez). Hopefully, I will soon partake in some dance classes learning Tango (an important part of the culture of Argentina).

Argentina is known for its beef. I have eaten meat everyday (tasty), which I have started to become accustomed to. I do enjoy the asados and dulce de leche, which are genuine to Argentina. The meals and food are very different. Breakfast does not exist (I am an exception) and dinner usually finishes around at midnight. The people smoking everywhere, especially indoors is still taking some time for me to get accustomed to. With everything being so different, I have started to become accustomed to the beginnings of the culture shock of this exchange. The language barrier has not been too difficult for me, but I am looking into finding a Spanish teacher to help with me with the grammar and conjugation complications.

Every aspect of my dream has magnified as it has become reality. This task indeed of describing everything with words has been a challenge, as this exchange is something that everyone needs to experience! I have already been rewarded with many memories and I am just a month into my exchange. To conclude this entry, Todos son bárbaro!

Until the next time I share my new memories of this experience!!!

Thank you Rotary, family, and friends for all support!

Suerte y muchas besos grandes!

Con cariño Zhoe! <3

P.S. Argentina is the best in the world at fútbol! Fútbol Champions!

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October 27 Journal

 ¡Hola Che!

It has been two months!!!

I sit here in silence as my family takes their scheduled siesta. Picking up, where I left off… Short, sweet, and simple; at its best (But words are incomparable as to live & experiencing this venture!)!

The first day of spring: September 21st. Spring; bring on the sunshine and the warm weather! Spring in Argentina is chilly mornings & nights and noontime with its warmth & sunshine, and occasional cold winds & days that remain overcast. October 18, the time has leaped to be one more hour ahead. Spring is celebrated with festivals for three consecutive weekends. The warmer weather has brought out the bright colors everywhere! The nights are even more special… as the attire of bright colors (Purple!) flourish the crowded dance floors. On the disco floors, the flashings of white lights are changed to the flashing of colorful lights. The nights of dancing are even more gorgeous!

Aside from spring celebrations… It was a Wednesday; I wore the Argentinean flag and went for on a family trip for an experience held at San Pedro. It was gathering of farmers, which my family is very active with the rights of the farmers. Throughout the day, I had an adrenaline rush as I was surrounded; I was one of ten thousand people that gathered wanting representation. My heart just kept pounding as so many things seemed to be taking place! Flags of Argentina and signs were raised that represented one’s pride (Names of cities or mottos of the country). Chants derogatorily referred to the President, there were hollers against the government, and words of Argentina’s protest leaders were praised.

Consequently, I was able to visit the capital for the first time, as I stood before the Congreso (House of Congress) with twenty thousand other people that gathered! The people united in protest, but for various reasons opposing the government. My overwhelming emotions magnified as there were more people, more signs, more flags, more noise, more chanting, and more everything! We marched in the avenue as we surrounded & circled the building. Other than the fact of the twenty thousand strangers that were angry with the government and surrounded me, I took note of the beauty of the small area of the capital that I stood at. Aside from the graffiti and weariness of the building, it was beautiful! The design and architecture of the building was amazing! I was anxious and intrigued to discover much of other sites of Buenos Aires!

A trip to the capital with my family and with upbeat & cheery spirits. Buenos Aires is amazing as it resembles Chicago with its skyscrapers, but relates even to more magnificent Europe with its historical architecture! During the day, the European architecture is an aspect of Buenos Aires that is spectacular; as there is such detail of its articulate architecture! Aside from bright lights and shopping, parks are one’s escape for days of sunshine and a picnic. Elaborate statues and fountains are sprinkled all over the city! La Boca (The Mouth; home to the Boca Juniors), is incredible because of the many different colors and its Tango! The music and dancing was unbelievable as there was such passion being portrayed!

School field trip time (A first that I am not the only tourist!)! We were all were on an adventure to city of Lujan, which entailed a grand & historical basilica. The day was beautiful with sunshine and the Basílica Nacional Nuestra Señor de Luján was remarkable with such detail & beauty! The European architecture was amazing. Much of structure remained intact as it had been built late 1800s (undergone some restoration). The colors of the stained glass windows, the polished marble, the elegant tapestries, the Stations of the Cross, sophisticated statues and the enlightening Altar; were amazing as the aroma was holy and comforting. I had found my peace, as I captivated the moment in the serene atmosphere (I knelt at a pew & prayed.)! There was a lot going on in my head, but it was the first time in Argentina that I took the moment to reflect, think, and feel just (So) relaxed! I am so blessed to have this experience… Thank you Rotary for making my dreams come true! Thank you to my family & friends for their ongoing support!

Final destination, I felt like I was part of the movie cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; as we visited a famous national milk factory, La Serenísma! We gather at the entrance gate (Founders of the golden tickets), watched a presentation, joined by a guide who informed us about the regulations & facts about the factory, we stared with fascination of the process of the milk that it underwent to produce its signature products (Efficiently worked the tedious jobs at an accelerated rate), observed the workers all dressed in white & specialized uniforms (Oompas), and were given souvenirs of the products that it produced.

Homestretch of this entry (Random)! Riding on a machine that sows seeds fertilizes crops, was fun; but riding on a school tractor was even better (Pleasures of going to an agricultural school)! Argentineans love their meat; a traditional food is baked bread with bits of meat! We thought the end of school protest of the capital ended, but for the first time… there was a day that all the public schools (Nationwide) were closed in protest (Teachers wanting a raise in their salaries)! I have been brought into this family as if I was their own… as this has come to be, I do not (sad) want to have to change families (But it is always worthwhile in the end!)!

These past months… Have passed so rapidly and memorably. The venture & time has been a thrill as it has brought forth many new discoveries. I have only experienced a point of sadness when I think of how fast time is passing, but I counter the moment with making every aspect of this experience memorable! I have not felt much homesickness, but the swings pass by so rapid; as I have been able to keep myself active and the realization that I have one year of thrill & venture!

For Rotary! Thank you ever so much: Al Kalter, Brent Williams, Rotary Club of Gainesville, Rotary Club of Arrecifes, all Rotarians and Rotary!

P.S.: My understanding of this experience is to try new things… And in doing so I take pride in having tried the tongue and the small intestines of a cow (Part of Argentineans culture is to eat majority of the meat of a cow). Words to describe the taste…InTeRestIng, CheWy, CrunChy, & CriSpy!

Ciau for now… Teacher planning for me… I am to make a presentation (Minimum an hour) about the United States to my class (In Spanish)!!!

Hasta el proximo vez!

Muchasimas Gracias Rotary!

Mando muchas besos a todos!

<3 Zhoe <3

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December 6 Journal

 ¡Hola!

It has been nearly two months since my last entry. Challengingly, I have spent many hours of much contemplation, writing, erasing and revising to describe this experience.

Just after my last entry, I put myself to work of much stress and contemplation that withheld a minor language barrier. The outcome of the task came to be a presentation of the United States history to my class. The presentation went well, but how I was able to make it endure for two hours remains unanswerable. The material did not interest my classmates much, but they remained intrigued and involved as they smiled with my pronunciations and corrected my grammar. The less eye contact towards the teacher, the prepared slideshow of pictures, and the assistance of the class made the spotlight more relaxing. The homemade cookies restored the energy into my classmates and secreted to a grand applause in the finale!

School overall has become part my routine, but with the energy of my classmates it is has been delightful to attend. I received a 10 on my first math test, which is a perfect score! I am told that I am very smart; as I am able to point to identify countries and explain events of history in geography, be a translator in English and do participate in the schoolwork. (I have got the brains! lol!) I have become an entertainer; as they ask for an encore of my singing (I like the people here, as I am told I such a great singer, lol!)! They laugh with me on my accent as I fail to roll my R’s and unable to open my mouth wide enough to pronounce the word correctly! With becoming more of a student and such energy of my classmates the school days have are a enjoyment (once I arrive). I have attended my first auction, which was a fundraiser put on by the school. I was quite calm compared to the movies (not everything is like the Hollywood). I have been able to talk and answer about my typical lifestyle & reality in the U.S. to my classmates; (the shattering the stereotypes with the exchange of the marvels & actuality of the U.S.) as not everything is like movies!

The end of the year celebration, un campamento! I have just recovered from camping overnight with my classmates at school. First things first, a friend and I had spent the afternoon baking chocolate cookies to bring to our camping classmates. We gathered in the afternoon on a Thursday, cookies were handed out and we were divided into three teams (red, yellow, & green) to participate in some games that include much running! I was on the green team; the first event was a scavenger hunt as we had to solve four hidden riddles. I was able to solve a riddle; as it was in English, and we placed second. As the sun had set, the final game was with the use of flashlights and the objective of the game was to get the signature of counselors that were imitating specific animal sounds. We placed first! As the games were finished, we gathered in around in all sorts of directions. A bonfire was lit, we dined on grilled burgers, small skits were put on by the students (mocking our teachers), there was music & dancing, stories were told, and a midnight stroll to give us a good scare! Sleep was a maximum of two hours; as we went we went to sleep early in the morning if the following day, we were freezing cold, one’s who never went to sleep and there were the early birds who had the pleasure in pranks! As for me & I don’t doubt for anyone else, we all had a wonderful & remarkable time!

At this point, school year has pretty much come to an end & summer break is here! With such great friends I have made, I am a little sad for the end! But looking forward to summer is making me confused on how to feel. I will miss my farm school; as I will be changing schools for a broader experience!

Graduation for my brother! The night was spectacular. All the money raised went towards service projects held by service organization, Club Leones (similar to Rotary)! For the beauty of the night, all the graduates from all the high schools were dressed formally with suits and dresses. It was held under the stars on a patio that was away from city noises. Families and friends gathered at tables as they took pride in their child’s graduation. Couples would model down the runway on stage and pose for the camera flashes. In the finale, fireworks were set off, the music volume was raised and everyone gathered to dance.

As for now, the language is coming along; as the key is to think and translate before speaking. My mind is confused, as there are times where I have a hard time thinking of the words in English, times where my grammar diminished at that instance, and times where I have a foreign accent. Lol.

I have my moments where I forget to think… One morning, I was to wake up my sister. In such a hurry as it was late, I gave her a slight shake and said, “It is time to get up no,” she responded with, “¿Que?” We had a good laugh, as she told me she told me she thought she was dreaming.

I found that I could cook for my family, in a way of giving back. I have not had much history in cooking, but with the recipes and the ingredients at hand, and the hours in the kitchen results to edible meals. The second time round was a beef dish, “Liver and onions is it?” I was teased at the sight of my prepared meal, which did end up being tasty. Overall, I am not too bad of a chef as they continue to use my recipes, lol!

This past month, I realized how much I have bonded with my family. There has been a mood swing of sadness that has overpowered the emotions of excitement for the change to move. Within, I was in rebellion of moving, I had truly bonded with my family, I became their youngest daughter and been truly accustomed. I held back the tears with a strong force of restraint of my final goodbyes to my family. I embraced them and thanked them dearly for everything! I miss my family, the home and my routine that kept me occupied and comfortable! My family was incredible; as they took me in as I was a complete stranger, opened their hearts, home & family as I became their daughter and touched, inspired, comforted, influenced & taught me; as they are forever placed in my heart! But don’t get me wrong, my new family is great as they are very open and welcoming! It is just not the same, but time will take its place (as always)!

The move had me thinking about my family a lot also. I began to miss the comfort of my family and the simple things about my life as my lifestyle has changed! (But I felt that it was just a normal phase of this exchange.) As I missed celebrating Thanksgiving, it was nice to hear and socialize with my family on Thanksgiving! As they have been such a great support and comfort through everything!

A few weekends past, a Rotary reunion was held and it was just as amazing as the last. It is always nice to spend time with other exchange students and talk about our experience as we are all in the same boat and to talk about each other’s cultures! It was a group of four other exchange students (a newcomer from Washington State), which they were all really social & nice. Hopefully, there will be a reunion to meet all the exchange students in Argentina, but I will have to just wait and see!

Thank You Rotary… For your support, service, and this dream come true!

For now, I am looking forward to another graduation celebration of my school! As well as, spending my summer break; who knows what I will do?!

P.S. Don’t be left out in the dark or embarrass yourself; make sure you know who Robbie Williams is!

I miss everyone & the simple things! I send my love to everyone! (But I have never had the urge to return nor have the urge to return; as I want to fulfill this experience with the possibilities of everything! Nonetheless, I still have much work with my Spanish. I am yet to dream in Spanish!)

Besos Grandes! Te amo! Te Extrano! Te Keiro! Con Carino!

Zhoe!

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January 13 Journal

 Time is flying! Another year is gone & another year has begun!

As of now, I have attended a high school graduation. In particular, the graduation for my brother Rodrigo (from the Agrope of Arrecifes)! The night was gorgeous and the celebration was distinct of a short ceremony and formal dinner. Instead of caps and gowns, there were suits and dresses! Individually on center stage, diplomas were received as family pictures taken. Words of gratitude, encouragement and reminiscences were expressed to the graduates. In return, the graduates presented their observations and appreciation of teachers by friendly mocking them (quite entertaining). Indoors in formal scenery… we dined, watched a film in recognition of the alumnus, and ended the night on the dance floor!

The holidays were blissful with a summer heat, my home of such hospitality, my family of sincerity, and holiday spirit of tranquility!

Feliz Navidad! The celebration of Navidad entails the coming of Papá Noel. There was the persistence of the joyful anticipation for 25th to arrive; as there was the traditional gathering of family and exchanging of gifts! The enthusiasms of the holidays were not expressed much from decorations nor sounds of holiday carols, but from one’s emotions that they portrayed. Navidad was very rewarding to me; as I was able to meet new people, travel, discover and experience! I spent Noche Buena and the Navidad in nearby city, Rosario; Santa Fe. The city was gorgeous; as it was as grand as the Capital, but much more tranquil! The family had opened up to me with such emotion and kindness! There was so much energy of such warmth and enthusiasm as it seemed quite overwhelming (too overwhelming, as I had no idea what to say)! The eighteen of us dined at a lengthily decorated table an hour before midnight. All the food was served cold, which was sandwiches, potato salad, and a variety of meat. Everything was overwhelming; as there were conversations of all sorts of directions and all sorts of topics. There was a plentiful amount of food leftover (later for Christmas brunch); as the clock struck midnight we proposed a toast for the special celebration. As it was tradition, we gathered on the rooftop to watch the fireworks glitter the sky! Sparks surrounded us, as the sky was dazzled of colorful sparkles! Bits of chocolate and sweets were served for dessert. Gifts were swapped and unwrapped with much excitement and gratitude! The night was stunning; as everyone reunited and reminisced! It was quite exciting and exhausting as the time passed quickly and the night ended past sunrise!

Prospero Feliz Año Nuevo! Every year seems to be even better, but pass by even faster! The celebration of the New Year was spectacular! It was a celebration of the past year & the start of a new year. In addition, it was the day of my host mother’s birthday! We stayed within the pueblo for celebrative day; but it was divine, quaint and peaceful! We feasted on Asado for the New Year and there was dessert of a birthday cake! We toasted towards the New Year! Not too many fireworks were seen when the clock passed midnight! Reuniting with my friends made the night even more spectacular! We gathered on the patio where their party was set up. A guest singer was presented, the band of my friends entertained and we socialized & reminisced! Argentines are such friendly people who never miss a time to be with friends, times to party nor a night out dancing! The times I spend with my friends are some of the most enjoyable times! They are friends that I will never forget; as we always watch out for one another and have a great time with each other! Dos Mil Nueve!!! Nuestra tiempo disfrutar nuestra adolescentes!

Recently, I was able to go on family camping trip and with some friends to accompany us! There were eleven of us, for one night, but our luggage resembled a week’s worth. The whole experience was enjoyable and laid back. We traveled fifty kilometers to San Pedro, which was a bigger city with a river beach. We camped on the riverside on camping grounds, which was a popular summer location. Despite the summer heat and mosquitoes, we were able to explore, socialize, play cards, play games, cook, relax and have a great time together!

As for me, the school year has ended. Summer has started! I have been spending lots time with my friends; especially swimming! Things are quite relaxed and tranquil. As we just live laid-back and do things when the moment comes! What is taking place in the present, the 10-day Fiesta de Doma y Folkloric in Jesus Maria, Cordoba. It is a festival that portrays the gauchos, folk music and the rodeo (on horses) competitions of Argentina’s culture! Recently, Boca Juniors have won the Opening Champion Tournament of Argentine Soccer (Campeón Torneo Apertura 2008 del Fútbol Argentino), which was as grand (or grander) of a victory of Florida’s Gators NCAA football title (Go Gators!)! I have been able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my Rotary Club! Also through Rotary, I have been a part of the pueblo’s Interact Club. Through Interact, we were able to organize a reunion with Club Leones International (international service program) and put together a Rock Music Concert to raise funds for the community! Everything has gone swell! To mention, how fast time has gone by! I have been here for about five months now and I am just about ready to move to my third family! The adjustment was hard when I moved for the first time, but I am excited for the broader experience!

Thank you Rotary, family, friends and everyone who have supported me! This experience that is actually a reality that I witness has been… overwhelming, thrilling, a blessing, a dream come true, more than one could ever ask for, unforgettable, even greater than I expected, and beyond indescribable & imaginable! An age I do not want to grow older from. A place where I do not want to have to leave! But I will never forget nor leave behind everything that I have experienced!

Te Querio Mucho! Con Cariño! Besos! Deseo Lo Mejor! Espero Que Todo Te Vaya BARBARO!

xoxoxoxox Zhoe xoxoxox  

 

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 May 10 Journal

 One can never be too grateful! Thank you to my dearest family, to overachieving Rotary, and all those thinking of me!

The second family took some time to getting used to. I feel that on both halves: as I the student and for my host family; we had influenced each other for the better. When it became time to change, the realization of such hospitality and warmth I had been given made it difficult to move. Through the mother, the emotions were expressed as the tears came. For me, it was an adjustment that made me realize to always appreciate what you have and one’s attitude matters!

New School. Private Catholic School. I truly do enjoy the school… uniforms, classes, school hours and most of all… MY CLASSMATES! The class is quite entertaining and quite rowdy! WE ARE THE SENIOR CLASS, making it the most memorable and pleasurable and ultimate high school year!

The sound of the whistle blew. It was a penalty call on me. Always learning something new! HAND BALL. Could you imagine someone playing without knowing neither the game nor the rules (there was the thought there is not too much to be explained)? I was in that position, but feeling confident of understanding the game… I learnt from a simple mistake. I was left out on the rule of not being able to enter the white outlined box. The whistle blew, without knowing why I was called on and a sentiment of feeling bad for violating a rule. At that moment I was just guilty but clueless… it was from then on where I truly understand rules of the game!

Celebrate Good Times! The celebration of my birthday will be unforgettable. I was able to realize how much I fitted in and how many memories I have shared. We were a small group celebrating a new year of growth. It was memorable as we reflected on the memories when I was just someone they knew through now; which I have become one of them… LAS CHICHIS!!! I was heartfelt, when I was actually mentioned and told that I had truly become a CHICHI!!!

An evening quite memorable was the visit to Pergamino (Kevin Murphy’s city) with three friends. In size, the city is quite big for Argentina, but quite small for the US. (Similar to the TITLE CITY… Gainesville!). We were let loose to do some shopping, which ended up being window shopping. Next stop… the Bowling Alley! For me, it had been a long time since I had bowled, for one it had been her second time round and for the others it had been their first! We had a some good laughs; as the ball seemed to be quite heavy to give a good toss and there was the continual throws of gutter balls. Final destination… Loco Por Pizza! PIZZA Y PASTA LIBRE, where you are served all the pizza and pasta that you can handle! Never have I consumed so much food. I came in last with a appetizer of Raviolis and four slices of pizza. Pizza was continued to be served to me, as I would give it away. Two friends had a draw with two bowls of raviolis and seven portions of pizza. The champion ended up with two bowls of raviolis and ten portions of pizza! It was intense and memorably quoted, “Argentineans don’t eat to live… they live to eat!”

Third time is the charm! Another time round, where I have become a daughter and sister to a welcoming family and home of such hospitality, which has made this move the hardest!!! Nevertheless, I have found the family, which has become my favorite; one that I truly do not want to have to let go! It has been a full experience with two brothers whose relationships is sweet & sour and a sister who has truly become my best friend (a friendship that is priceless)! I have the parents of a Rotarian who is the owner of CHACRAS DE VINA and a mother, who’s a blood doctor of three hospitals. Adjusting to such a crazy schedule, I have truly enjoyed being part of the family!

Easter Weekend, which meant a break from school! The cabins were fully reserved, which became a stressful time for my father (good for the business). The weekend was quite relaxing and enjoyable as there was the reunion with family.

This exchange year has been memorable as I have had a summer vacation and I have been able to live where people come to vacation! Chacras de Vina (www.chacrasdevinia.com). A lodging area, for those who seek peaceful cabins, fresh air, nature, a spa (under construction) and peaceful pueblo (that is no more than 300 people). One may just have the idea, why one may just not want to move. I have come to enjoy the nature and simple pleasure of the country’s quietness. It is the fresh air and peacefulness that I have taken for granted and will truly miss!

Thank you for granting me this blessed dream come true!

Lots of Love!

Zhoe!

Tim’s Bio

 Ciao! I am Timothy Rushing. I currently live in Brooksville, Florida, a pretty rural area located about an hour away from Tampa and Orlando. I live on a couple of acres. Most of my neighbors have horses. I have two older sisters in their twenties and one younger brother who is age 14. I am currently in the tenth grade. My current academic interests are world history, politics, philosophy and Biblical apologetics. My hobbies include drawing, photography, gaming and soccer. At school I currently serve on the yearbook staff, student government and fullback on the varsity soccer team. Outside school, I volunteer for the local teen court where I can act as a juror, jury foreman or attorney along with other teen volunteers. I am able to help question and sentence teens who have committed crimes in our community.

I’m very excited about traveling to Italy. I have never traveled outside of the United States, except Canada. I just took my first plane flight in 2007…it was to Tennessee and only lasted 45 minutes. I can only imagine what an overnight flight to an overseas destination will be like. I am confident that during my experience as an exchange student I will learn things that will change my life for the better and help me with anything I choose to do in the future. Needless to say, I am grateful for the Rotary Youth Exchange program and am looking forward to this opportunity of a lifetime.

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August 25 Journal

 It’s getting closer now. The moment I have been looking forward to and dreading for quite some time now. Everything seems to be coming together quickly now. For so long it seemed like it would never happen, that it was so far away. But now it’s almost here, a mere week away. Many of my friends from the Rotary camps have already left, others, like me, are still waiting to board their planes and sail into a new and unknown life.

The entire situation has yet to really dawn on me; it’s almost like a dream still. It gets closer and closer with each new event, each new stone on my pathway you could say. Starting with my completion of our amazing Rotary boot camp, and the trip to the Italian consulate in Miami. Then I bought a new hugenormous suitcase. Then just yesterday my going away party! With my friends, family, friends of the family, friends of their friends >_> It was really nice to have all those people there rooting for me and wishing me well. I’d say if not for how excited I am about Italy, it would have been rather depressing. Bah, everything has become so exciting! I cant wait.

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September 27 Journal

 So it has been a magical month. Some parts more like the scary dark magic in Harry Potter as opposed to the happy Unicorn magic. But magical nonetheless. When I first stepped foot off my plane I knew I was in Italy, in good part because it wouldn’t have really made sense if I wasn’t. However the security guard who escorted me to my luggage and then to the interrogation room was speaking Italian, another giveaway. So after having all my bags searched, I was free to go. As I walked down the hallway my heart was racing as I neared the door into the lobby. I had memorized my greetings in Italian, and now I would finally get to use them! The door opened and there was my family with my little host brother holding a sign with my name on, very cute. I dragged my bags over to them with a huge smile, and then it happened. I forgot my Italian greetings, and ended up choking out a raspy “Ciao! “

But of course they still smiled, and greeted me in turn and motioned towards the door. Just in my brief greetings with them, I had a feeling I would like them. Then we walked out into the sun, all the golden pins on my Rotary jacket sparkling like… well, much like gold. And here, standing in the sun, is where I realized, Sardegna was a very hot place. Then we loaded up into their SUV, which here is pronounced “soov” and rode off into the horizon.

When we finally reached home after a decently long drive, I was surprised to see that we had driven past the apartments and then down a road, and the houses kept getting further apart, as well as bigger, and then we turned into my driveway. Our lovely 2 story villa with a pool and a tennis court. Not what I expected. Then my host brother Enrico and my host father Antonio helped me move my 2 bags from the car, and up into my room. Formerly my sister’s room, but she is in America as a Rotary exchange student. It was wonderful, the walls were painted a soft shade of pink, that allowed them to match almost every other aspect of my pink room. On my wall hung a large poster of Leonardo DeCaprio? It already felt like home.

Later on that night, I learned another important lesson. Italian eat A LOT, or at least a lot more than I was used to. I couldn’t even eat half, and then there was 2 courses still left. It goes something like, Pasta, Meat, Salad, and then fruit or ice cream. The ice cream, or gelato, here is much better, but alas no cookies and cream. Then I crawled up the stairs to my room, and let my jet lag sleep itself away :] On a side note, I think I handled jet lag quite well considering, I’m no world traveler, in fact, this is my first time outside of the continental US. But since then I have grown accustomed to my large meals, sometimes even taking seconds. I’m sure I’m putting on the pounds, but my scale is broken, it says I weigh like 64 pounds.. how ridiculous. Heh, only kidding, I understand the concept of kilograms. But the scale is still broken.

In the last month, I have already been to my city mall, which happens to have Sassari’s one and only fast food restaurant, McDonalds! I still haven’t eaten there yet, I’m waiting for the homesickness to kick in before I go down and order some fries though. I have also gotten to go the beautiful Stintino Bay Beach, which sadly, is much more betterer than the beaches in Florida. AND! Sardegna had all it sharks hunted to extinction, sooo, there are no sharks in the water. It has got to be the safest I have ever felt swimming in the ocean. Though, there is a strong possibility that they only told me there was no sharks to get me out of the boat. Then, sadly my host brother had to leave for a month long work program in France. So I had lost my Italian English helper ;[ because with the basic language I had, I could pass for a read up tourist, but I still can’t hold a conversation in Italian. So for a while it was really hard to relay difficult, and in some cases easy questions to my host parents. But they still showed me around, taking me to the ancient fortified city of Alghero, and then their family cabin up in the mountains to check on their mushrooms ;D

Then I started school. The first day went pretty well, everyone was nice, and there was even another exchange student in my class from California. Which considering there are only 18 people in my class, the odds of that would seem very low. So I started making friends with people who sat around me, which is still hard because, Italian to me is still a different language, and it is certainly a lot more difficult than I imagined, but less difficult than German or Japanese, and I thank Rotary very much for seeing it fit to send me to Italy instead!

Oi! There I go getting side tracked again. Well things have been great, my host sister ended up coming home from America, things there didn’t work out so well. But it’s kind of turned into a blessing for me, because she speaks really good English, but still does her best to make me speak in Italian all the time, and she drives me lots of places on her moped. Which leads us to the most important thing, Mopeds, I love them. When I get home I must buy one. I don’t know how I have lived in such ignorance of them in America. But no longer! I have become an advocate of their awesomeness.

Other important things.. School is very different and very boring. I’m glad in a way that I stay in the same class all day, because not only does it save me from being constantly lost in between classes, but I get to become closer with all the students in my class. On the other hand, it does get boring sitting in the same chair all day, and I’m in a lot of advanced classes, and I don’t get to meet as many people as I would if I was always in class with different people. But I’m still quite happy. Also I am taking Italian night classes, which are even more boring, but twice as useful. I walk a lot, I would guess around 3 miles on the average day. I like it.

Italy is great, and I really love it here, and I love my family here. Oh and remember how I said I walked a lot? Well some days I walk a lot more than others… and by that I mean I get lost. Not like “oh wrong street lost,” but like “3 hours later I end up on the other side of town without a cell phone yet, kind of lost.” But, I do get to see lots of the city, and I have only gotten badly lost 5 or 6 times.. and I have been accident free for almost a week now. This is good.

I cant wait to experience more and more wonderful things, and have my language skills grow, and make lots of new friends! Thank you Rotary!

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December 8 Journal

 Once upon a time there was me, in Italy…

Sorry about not keeping things current on here. Generally, I am not one for excuses but I think I will make some anyway. First off, my day is usually broken down into four to five parts: School (Learnerizing), Food (Fattening up), Naptime (Gift from Heaven), Sleep (Alarmclock Denial), and then free time. Free time can either be spent in the city, watching TV, reading, studying, or on the computer. I try to juggle them equally. However, sleeping and eating are the bigger parts of my day, and I often find myself feeling my host family’s pet bear, eating all their food and having my sleep cave in their house. The word for bear in Italian, is Orso. How this affects my ability to write is simple and straight forward, I don’t write when I am either sleeping or eating. Though I suppose not many people do. Also, as suggested, I did not bring a laptop or computer of my own. In fact, I am pretty devoid of any personal electronics. The other three exchange students in my district seem to be welded to their ipods. I gave mine to my brother before I left, After all, how could I ever be bored in Italy? However this also affects my ability to write home, as I try not to be in anyone’s way, and stealing the family computer for an hour to write isn’t something I especially enjoy doing. Today though, everyone seems to be not at home, or tied up in something. Unfortunately, even when I do manage to get on, there are an endless amount of distractions. Though, I try to just reply my myspace comments. Myspace for me is the best medium, people get to see what pictures I post, and I can write them emails, seeing as how whenever I got on a messenger, it seemed that could go on endlessly. So now, just short replies, and done.

But perhaps that’s just me being antisocial and not talking to people, It would seem to be a recent trend of mine, and by recent I mean since the day I landed here. In Italy it has been tougher than ever to make friends. This I am sure is largely to due my retardedness with the language, but also subtle cultural differences seem to make conversation even more impossible. Also, it has been over two months and the novelty of being an American has worn off. There goes that opportunity. Andare, that is the Italian base verb for, to go. As a matter of fact, I would say, that at all my schools in the past I was treated much more like a novelty than here. I suppose it’s almost strange not to be strange, or something improbable like that. However, speaking of things of which I was, and now am not… There really seems not to be much left of who I am. The Timothy Rushing who was once, tremendously popular, clever, smart ( yes clever and smart are not the same), creative, funny… that child seems to no longer exist. I suppose, I am a Hollow. All that I was has been scooped out of me and put someplace for later. Empty. My identity is gone, and so if I have no identity, then I am not someone, and if I am not someone, then I do not exist, if I do not exist, than I am not really in Italy. This would explain why I don’t have friends in Italy, because I am also not there. But I am here, just hollow. Just a seat filler in school, just a mouth to feed at the house, and just a lump in a bed at night. I try not to dwell on it, I suppose that line of thinking has great potential for depression. But then again I suppose many people live lives like I do now. Life goes on. Mine goes a little something like this: At 7:03 My alarm clock goes off, I hit snooze, it comes on again at 7:07, I turn it off, at 7:29 I crawl out of bed, by 7:30 I am in the bathroom to brush my teeth and fix my hair, at 7:38 I go into my room and get dressed, after that, books go back in the bookbag, at 7:50 my coffee is done down stairs, 2 scoops of sugar, done, then it differs, the time we are supposed to leave is at 8:00, however we are always late, my little brother is quite the slow one, In the car I listen to the conversation everyone has, trying to make mental notes of words that I do not understand, most I will forget before the ride is over. We arrive at school at around 8:28, 2 minutes to make it into class. I sit near the front of the class, no, at the front of the class, in the center. These classrooms are boring, No pictures on the wall, no trinkets on the teachers desk. This is a multipurpose classroom, we will be in here 8 hours a day, 6 days a week, with only the teachers to rotate. Because it is a multipurpose class as they all are, and no one teacher is there all day, they leave it as blank and bleak as possible. Just a big off-white box. To me the teachers speak gibberish, Latin, Greek, physics, even if I did understand Italian their words would be lost to me. I choose instead to read a book, or study Italian, sometimes I join the too buy trying to read a small Italian book, and translate the words I don’t know. The day drags on and then its our only break all day, 15 minutes at 11:00 for a snack, and since 800 students with apparently no concept of lunch line, and only one lunch server, I opt to not eat and instead attempt conversation, look out the window (which I could do for hours; to me even the decaying street by our school is pretty enough to look at all day.) Then back to school, and back home, blah blah. Then NapTime. If God was MC Hammer, this would be when he comes down and says ” Stop! Pajama time!”

That is my normal day. At night, there is all sorts of fun things to do, but none of them are very fun as a friendless American, so I either stay at home, or go out with the other exchange students, they are usually all together, so it’s a one stop shop to catch up on all the English you missed out on during the day. It boggles the mind how I am still the worst one here at Italian, well not really I suppose. Equal parts my fault, and people preference to not talk to me. Also, I’m the guy, not that that matters, but some nice guys from school take the girls out all the time to help them with Italian, I don’t invite myself. However, this whole post has been a rather negative post on a rather positive experience. I suppose I would have made this a happy story time email if I didn’t think that not telling people about the bad first months would leave them with only half the story, I understood this would happen, though certainly more to me than to some others, but I’m sure it’s hit other people much harder. After all I’m still here, and I love Italy. It’s just a tough time, and it’s not like we don’t have those in America.

Hah, so I was going to start off my Highlights section with the Rome Trip, but that essentially was a failure of a trip, we all paid 200€ to go to Rome, we thought this would be great, see the greatest city in Rome. It was more or less of a trick. Apparently Rotary wanted us to come to their recruitment meeting in some small town north of Rome, and instead of paying for us, or telling us what was happening, disguised it as a trip to Rome, so we get to Rome, get 5 hours, of a fast moving, on foot tour, we saw the outside of the coliseum, and the outside of the Vatican, and some “Important” fountain, which was under reconstruction.. Also the Parthenon/pantheon which was cool, and I enjoyed, but then it was back to the tram, and to a Rotary meeting hours away. I wanted to cry and or kill someone. Charging me 500$ for a surprise Rotary meeting is a pretty sick thing to do. If you feel sick you can say “Io sento male..” Five hours in that beautiful city.. I could have spent five years, and still be seeing new things. However it was the first time we met the exchangers from Rome, and they were a pretty awesome crowd, only 5 or 6 of them, but us Rotary kids always seem to have an immediate strong sense of comradeship. We are all pretty much from America.

The next exciting thing to happen would be our last Rotary trip, to the city of Nuoro. It’s high up in the mountains of central Sardinia, and I have always liked going up into the mountain, a nice change from the flatness. After the Rotary the other three exchange students and myself climbed to the top of the mountain, and there was a giant statue of Jesus, he sort of caught us by surprise, and one of the girls said “OH MY GOD!” I corrected her with my friendly sarcasm, saying “Actually, that’s Jesus.” If you want to express surprise with a heavenly ring to it in Italy, you may say “Oh mio Dio!” or “Madonna!” So between, the fresh air, the mountains, and Jesus Christ, that trip was certainly one to remember, and lifted my spirits.

Our next upcoming event in planning is Thanksgiving, the holidays never meant a whole lot to my family, but I sure do like country cookin’ ! So the exchange students here in town, the 5 of us, are planning to do a little jig and put together a small Thanksgiving. I can’t wait!

Okay so this post is getting posted a lot late, I have been adding things on as time goes by, so uh sorry about that! Thanksgiving was pretty fun, me and the other 3 exchange students here in Sassari with me, Kelsey, Hillary, and Stephanie. We all took off school and went to Kelsey’s in order to make dinner for 25 people, and we were intense. They don’t have a lot of things we needed for American food, so we had to improvise a lot, and some of our moms sent things we would need, so that was nice! Though some of the packages didn’t make it in time, I swear, package processing here takes like 3 weeks, and that’s after it gets to Italy. So anyway, yeah, we skinned apples, potatoes, carrots, and green beans, as well as mashed them, and baked them, and boiled them, and we made apple pies, caramelized carrots, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and we even bought a big turkey and cooked it! Pfft, it was a beautiful turkey.. Unfortunately, mister know it all Italian host dad of Kelsey, decided to hack the turkey into little pieces BEFORE serving it to everyone, I gotta say I was pretty mad, hadn’t they ever watched television? Anyway, I ate too much and threw up. Yay.. and the Italians didn’t really like the food we made, I guess they aren’t accustomed. But all in all it was a really good experience, and another fun bonding experience with the Rotary kids in my district here! Honestly I’m so glad I have them here.

To sum things up for now: Sometimes Italy can be my own personal hell, and sometimes its actually kinda nice! It’s getting better for the most part, slowly… but surely 😀 I can’t wait for more good experiences! Hopefully the baddie ones stay away! Today we even had fun putting up their Christmas decorations and playing soccer!

(Note the Italian language is hard, but a little boring, they don’t exactly have as many words to choose from here, so a lot of words have three similar meaning, like rottura, means break and turn. Also, Groovy, Fantastic, Neat, Awesome = fantastico. :[ and unlike in English you cant throw random words together, like, what’s that thing-a-ma-bob, or give words cool endings like, lame-ish, or attackerize. This has proven to be rather distasteful as compared to some of my more colorful ways of exciterizing the English language. I mean pretty much they even have to use the same word for hello and goodbye. Lack of imagination I think.) Later loverz 😀

Until Next Time Friends,

Timotheus Rushing

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December 31 Journal

 Greetings everyone and Happy New Year!

One of my biggest resolutions this year is to throw myself even harder into learning the language and making more friends!

Okay recap time. So for the holidays, First on Christmas eve, my host family threw a family only party here at the house, my host uncle flew all the way in from Milan to be here for it. So the whole family (on my host mom’s side) was together for the for Christmas dinner. After dinner we all watched a Christmas soccer montage, which was actually just really boring soccer clips played to Christmas music. Which was weird for me, because I’m used to watching some Christmas movie, if not a comedy than a really away in the manger type movie. I get the feeling they would have liked Jesus better if he had played soccer.

Afterwards, at Midnight, we all got to open our presents, I had bought little presents for everyone in my host family. My host parents, little brother, and grandparents all surprised me by getting me gifts too! I got some pajamas, some after shave, and a belt, which unlike the grinch’s heart, was actually several sizes too big. But they all made me feel closer to my host family. Its weird, now that after a few months, it really does feel like family. I still get the feeling my older host siblings resent me now and then. But oh well! Oh jeez I get so sidetracked!

So then on Christmas day, we didn’t have any presents left, so it was pretty much just a normal day, except we had a nice big lunch. But as far as Christmas days go, it didn’t really feel anything like Christmas, which is what I have heard a lot of exchange students say. Especially the ones who are here with me, who aren’t from Florida. For some of them this isn’t just the first Christmas away from family, but the first Christmas in a place where it doesn’t snow. So all in all, a very bland Christmas. We didn’t really do anything Christmas related even, we didn’t even listen to the Pope’s Christmas speech.

Anyhew… The day after Christmas was much more preferable. My family was going to have a mini Christmas with my dad’s side. So we were heading out to his family’s cabin in the woods type deal. But my host family said I should invite Hillary the other foreign exchange student who is staying with my host dad’s cousin. So I did, and she was able to come. We arrived at the house there, and the slightly colder weather and the smell of smoke in the air already made it feel more like Christmas. We threw a little Christmas feast for everyone who arrived, uncles, aunts, great aunts, grandmas! It was fun, and yummy too! Because let’s face it, I don’t know if I had said this before, but I have eaten better pasta at the Olive Garden. Yeah, so it was nice and yummy food! Later on that night, we ended up playing cards, and singing Christmas songs while my host uncle played the guitar! Finally something a little bit more like Christmas, and it raised my spirits, that while Christmas wasn’t exactly how it should be, it was going to be okay.

Finally, at the end of the week, Kelsey and myself, decided to throw a little Hanukkah party, and she made matzoh ball soup for us, and the other exchange students. That was nice, and tasted pretty good too!

Out of other recent events, probably the most exciting other thing to happen was when all the exchange students in town came over to my house and we all made sandwiches and watched the new Batman movie, and afterwards went exploring and playing Guitar Hero.

Tonight is New Years Eve and I think I will be heading to the Piazza for a big new years concert with an Italian DJ. No plans to get drunk and play with fireworks, how disappointing! ^_^ Sarcasm.

So we shall see how that goes with the concert! Happy new years again to everyone!

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January 11 Journal

 Why Hello there ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the month of January! School has started back up here, so goodbye to Christmas break! But lets take a few steps back for now.

My last post ended off on New Years day, so that seems just about a good of a place to start as any.

Hi-ho.

So New Years was a very interesting experience for me, because, for the most part in America  I have generally just stayed at home with some family and friends at (I was going to say our yearly new years party, but it would really make sense if we did it more than once a year) our new years party. Sipping champagne, laughing at stories from the year, and watching the ball drop in New York on the Television. It was quite different here. The night started out with me dressing up, because even in Italy, going places naked seems to be quite un-acceptable. Nextly, yes nextly.. I went down into town to meet Hillary and Stephanie [( Last names are secrets! But if you’re an exchanger going to sardegna contact me and I’ll try to get you in touch with them too) today seems like a good day for parenthesis!] Right, right.. So I went to Hillary’s house because she lives right in town, about five minutes from the Piazza, which is where we were headed later that night. You know what they say.. location, location, too close to a volcano, location. So her house was a strategic base in our war on walking long distances (Henceforth to be known as the Sassari Foot War of 08-09). Anyway, short story short, we ended up just playing cards and eating ucky Italian cookies, American desserts are so much better you have no idea! So for three hours we played and talked and then bought some hamburgers from a street vendor. Still just the three of us.

Listen: As to why their was not any Italians with us is actually another somewhat long story, involving love, better friends, private parties, and language barriers. So we will let that sleeping dog lie.

So it was the three of us, wandering the city, with nothing but hope and hamburgers, ( yes clothes and friendship, but let’s stick with what’s important). After a while, we had only minutes to midnight! (Minutes to Midnight is a band name, Plz don’t sue me?) Where had the time gone! Certainly not down the toilette, that was working! Not into the sky, I certainly would have seen it up there! It was just gone! So we all rannnnnnnnnnnnnnn… And got to the piazza three minutes early! The party had started at ten, but well it was pretty much just a bunch of old drunkies drinking beer and champagne and listening to music. But, we lead a small town life. But wow, by the time we got there, there must have been two thousand bashed, befuddled, boozed up, buzzed, crocked, feeling no pain, flushed, flying, fuddled, glazed, groggy, high, inebriated, juiced, laced, liquored up, lit, lush, muddled, plastered, potted, seeing double, sloshed, stewed, stoned, tanked, three sheets to the wind, tipsy, totaled, under the influence, under the table, wasted Italians dancing to a light show being blasted across the front of the government building! There was also a band dressed up in all sorts of crazy outfits singing out the lyrics of oldies American songs on the stage! Three minutes later when the clock hit midnight like an angry Chuck Norris in a bad action flick, the light show and the crowd went crazy! People dancing and screaming, and kissing, and throwing firecrackers at each other, smashing glass bottles on the ground, roaring in ecstasy! It was magnificent, I had not help but to dance along with everyone! Not to mention our little group probably knew these American classics better than most the people there. But I’m glad I was able to make it, things like this are the kind of experiences you remember when you come home, I think.

Hi-ho.

Finally, right before break ended there was the Festival of the Befana. If you’re coming to Italy I suggest you do a little further research into it. As to a general over-view, basically a witch is supposed to come to all of Italy and fill your stocking with candy and sweets (which yes means Halloween decorations and Christmas stockings). Anyway, it was kind of a confusing deal for me. On the bright side I got a sock full of candy. >_< Hopefully I won’t end up having to buy two seats on the return flight to America. Thank goodness I still do a lot of that walking thing. Anyway, Befana. Done.

The friend situation is looking up more in recent times, two or three girls from school ask me to hang out after school sometimes, and the boy who sits next to me in class seems to like talking to me. So that helps a little with the sense of failure I was feeling earlier, at least in respect to that particular area of the exchange. So with me now making friends, that has brought all the exchange students in Sassari to a “I finally have friends” status and we all seem much happier. Unfortunately it seems a little out with the old, in with the new. With new friends, we have less time for each other, spend less time talking, and planning our trips, drifting out from our group into our own little niches. While this is good, and what we all want, it’s still a little sad too see the drift. At first when I got here and they were here for me it meant the world, I don’t know what I would have done without them, but in the same way I missed my old friends when I was with them, I miss them when I’m with my new friends here. Time to move on.

Time.. despite the fact that the word time is pretty much my name (Time-Tim) its probably one of my least favorite words. Especially here in Italy. All the pressures it puts on an exchange student, so little time to learn a language, so much time away, the awkward time between responses in Italian, the time it takes to realize things are different here. It seems time is a little clock-work terrorist sometimes. SomeTIMES. On another side note, I do believe that sometime in Italian is “Qualche Volta” which is literally some time. ^_^ If you’re not going to Italy I hope my lessons aren’t boring you! Oh but time time time!!! I have been here more than four months according to the human calendar. Which is actually different from the calendars on Pluto, trust me! But as far as space months go I wouldn’t even know how long I have been here, and that would be quite confusing. The way time has been going for me lately is quite odd. Everything on the day to day basis still seems to be the same, see above posts, but in the boring sameness of the daily grind. Not only does it often seem like time isn’t passing, but sometimes like things that happened haven’t happened at all. All the days being so much the same, sometimes I cant remember if something happened earlier that day, or earlier in the day two weeks ago.. It’s like living a day that lasts 9 months, or an episode of the twilight zone where you wake up and live the same day over for the rest of your life. Luckily, it is only boring and not bad! What would I do then? Perhaps the popsicle people on Pluto know! But I doubt we shall ever find out.

Ha ha ho ho and hee hee.

Back to school! Friends comrades, fellow slaves of cruel professors! We have been reunited in prison once again! Well, at least there is that bright side! For me Italian is still simply just too difficult to be learning physics, science and philosophy. This language barrier doesn’t seem to bother my professors at all. Work, work, work! I must work harder, the teacher is always right! But no not really, I’ll do my best, but they shouldn’t act disappointed. I would like to see their faces if I asked them to a page in my old school books. I imagine if I even offered them the chance they would grudgingly refuse, perhaps even get angry. My, my teachers, aren’t you being unfair! But I will still play your games, no choice ^_^

Study, study! In knowledge there is power, and with power, doors open! When the door at school opens at 2 o’ clock. I am a happy boy.

Done with this post now too! Happy 😀

Thus has declared,

Comrade Rushing!