A long journey to begin the journey...

Hallo from Deutschland! 

The journey here has been long and tiring. It started with a border-line "red-eye" flight into Washington D.C., followed by a four day AFS/CBYX orientation, during which I participated in all-day meetings and preparation sessions, and got little sleep each night as a result of excitement. Then, I had an all night flight into Frankfurt, where I also got no sleep, followed by a long day waiting in the airport for my train to take me all the way across Germany to Jena, where I am the only AFS student, and have a family full of very energetic children.
Although I am very exhausted, my trip has given me many hints that this year is going to be wonderful. On my flight into D.C., I was next to the only empty seat on the entire plane, starting my journey with comfort. Then, the shuttle driver from the first airport to my hotel was very jolly and informative, with much advice that I won't soon forget, and can only assume he wants me to use on women. I was also very glad to get to see parts of the US capital city for the first time. The Capitol building was stunning, and my tour guide spilled out great information, both new and old. Along the way I also met some of the most open-minded, well informed, adventurous students from across the United States and the world. I know I will keep in touch with many of my fellow CBYXers for years into the future. They help me feel confident in what I can do within this year, and I am glad I met every single one of them. We made great memories, and now we will make the world a better place by spreading information and friendship globally.
Now, I am getting settled in with my host family. They are very kind people who have been much help. The children, ages 3, 5, and 7, have begun to teach me the first of my German vocabulary including...

• Schneckengehäuse - Snail Shell
• Stift - Pen
• einen Hosen - Pants
• in de Mitte - in the middle
• eine Kette - Necklace
• Nudeln - Noodles
• and much, much more...

And the adults have helped me feel comfortable with the area, and the culture differences I see each minute.
Although I'm nervous for my first day of school tomorrow, I know I will do fine. As my German improves and I begin to make friends everything will get easier. It's all up hill from here and I'm already pretty high! I'm ready to learn about a new culture, a new language, and a new me!
Guten Nacht!