Deutschland

Ich liebe Deutschland!

I now call Münster, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, “home”. It’s not a huge city (about 300,000) but it’s just the perfect size for me. The city center is just a short walk or bike ride away. There are lots of cute shops and restaurants.

My host family has made the adjustment a breeze for me. I don’t remember how many times I would ask them silly questions about their culture. They even trusted me enough to cook a Thanksgiving dinner, which they loved. It’s been a lot of fun learning about their family traditions, but also sharing my culture with them, too. The kids have become part of my life, and even though I won’t live with them forever, I hope to keep a relationship with them.

In August I took a three-week beginner German course, where I learned some of the basics, and also met other foreigners. Learning German was just like I expected: tough. Although I still have a long way to go, I’ve learned a lot. It’s a little intimidating ordering at a restaurant, or asking where something is at the store. Living with a German family has definitely improved my German language skills. I hope to someday be fluent in German. 🙂

There’s been a few cultural differences I’ve experienced. Obviously the number one thing is the language barrier. Communicating with the children was difficult at first, but in just five months I can speak some German, and they can speak some English.

Another thing? Ice. Yes, the kind you put in your drink. Luckily, my host family has a refrigerator with an ice machine, but it’s actually not common here. When you go to a restaurant, or even to a McDonald’s, your Coke is served without ice. It sounds silly, but I miss going to Sonic and getting a Cherry Limeade with ice filled all the way to the top.

For many Americans, beer is one of the first things that come to mind when we think about Germany. So, yes, of course I attended Oktoberfest in Münster. It was a fun experience, to say the least.

My favorite food? Currywurst, of course! If you haven’t tried curry ketchup, you haven’t lived. It’s basically bratwurst with warm curry ketchup on top. Amaaaazing.

It’s no surprise everywhere in Europe has a rich history with century-old buildings. One of my favorite things about Germany is all of the beautiful castles and palaces. I’ve only seen a handful, but I hope to soon cross more off the list.

It the next few months I plan to travel to Berlin and Hamburg, which I’m sure I’ll love!

My favorite thing about Germany, though, is actually a person.

It was a rainy Saturday night when I met the man I now call my boyfriend. We come from two very different cultures, but it feels like I’ve known Niklas forever. OK, sounds a little clichè, I know. We have so much fun together, even though half of the time we’re laughing about language misunderstandings, or cultural differences. He wears socks with Birkenstock’s as his house shoes, and I absolutely love it. Oh, and he can cook, too. Meeting him has been my favorite adventure.