A Year Abroad

Here is an update of what has happened the last couple days. From the title you can see I’m home now. I may start a new tumblr since my exchange is over. The purpose of this tumblr was to record my thoughts and adventures in Germany.

Saturday was the last time I saw my host family. I woke up early and made everyone pancakes. Then I finished last minute packing and we left for Bremen. It was sad leaving because I don’t know when the next time I will see them and return to Germany. I took the train from Bremen to Duesseldorf and then Duesseldorf to Frankfurt. I was supposed to meet my roomate, Sally in Duesseldorf and we would ride together, but that didn’t work out. I chose to ride first class and it was definitely worth it. I had a lot of space for my luggage and was able to relax. I arrived at Frankfurt airport trainstation and met one of my friends to drop off our bags. After that we headed to the youth hostel to check in. Then enjoyed our last night in Germany with other people from our program.

Sunday I probably had only 2 hours of sleep. We left for the airport at 8 and would be departing around 12. My bags were the perfect weight. We flew from Frankfurt to Washington Dulles. I had issues with my check in from Washington Dulles to Charlotte. The lady at Frankfurt never asked me if I had any other flights after DC so my bag was left at DC until we had things straightened up. I arrived at Charlotte after 7. My mom and siblings met me in the airport. Afterwards my dad picked us up and the first thing I noticed about Carolina was the heat. The air was humid, which is something I’m still not accustomed to. From there we headed to one of my favorite restaurants to meet my cousin for dinner. Once I got home I reunited with my dog. It was good being home.

Yesterday I experienced reverse culture shock. Some things I noticed

• southern accents (we went to an amusement park and I wasn’t able to understand everyone. I talked a couple people and I had to ask them to repeat themselves)
• southern hospitality :D
• bathrooms
• more diversity
• Spanish as a second language
• American fashion
• air conditioning

I do miss Europe, but I’m glad to be home and enjoy my summer here with my friends and family.

Not everyone knows I’m leaving. I’m terrible at goodbyes. BAH!

• pack my bags
• write my end of year report (I’ve written all my reports in German and was planning to write this one in English…)
• buy candy and such for the States
• finish video for family
• spend time with people/enjoy Oldenburg

HECTIC!