It's been a fairly good month, despite a week of sickness, and the fact that I've had a dry cough for the past couple of days.
The beginning of March marked the beginning of the summer semester here in Salzburg, and I dove right into my classes and my life here again. I spent a bit of time being sick, and my first weekend back in Salzburg wasn't exactly what I had planned, but still nice. I enjoyed a nice girls only dinner with Steffi and Verena, two of my Austrian friends, at Cappomio, a German Conversation Group with others from my program at the top of Hotel Stein on a beautiful day, and a nice day outside with Brittany, eating pizza on the grass overlooking the Salzach river.
The following weekend I was feeling better, and enjoyed every minute of my free time. On that Friday I went shopping with my new "Austrian Buddy" Steffi and my future roommate, Tina. We then went back to Steffi's place and cooked and enjoyed talking about cultural differences between Austria and America. On Saturday I went for brunch at a friend's, then went swimming in the afternoon. In the evening friends from my church group and I went to our friend Tobi's for a nice dinner, and then we watched Sister Act on the projector. In German. That was weird...Whoopi Goldberg sounded like a white woman! On Sunday I slept in late and cleaned my room.
This weekend was a good one as well. On Thursday my two future roommates, Astrid and Tina and I went to Ladies Night at the Cineplexx where we watched Schmuckstück, a French film dubbed into German, featuring Gerard Depardeau, who has clearly gained at least 100 pounds since his last film appearance. I loved the film because the main character, a woman in her 50s or 60s, was tired of being a trophy wife. She finally got tired of it and decided to become the woman she wanted to be.
On Friday Kerstin slept over. We celebrated her birthday by cooking together, going out for cocktails (Verena joined us), and then went to O Malley's irish pub, where I drank a hot chocolate (after 4 glasses of wine and a cocktail there was no way I could handle any else). On Saturday I went to visit Tina, my future roomate, in Wels. She took me to Linz and showed me around, which is a really cute city in Austria. On Sunday she took me over to her father's and her stepmom's. Her stepmom made apple strudel especially for me, and I enjoyed watch their daughter, age 3, run around pretending she was a horse. Her father's and stepmother's friends came over and the man couldn't believe I was American. He was like what about your parents? You can't originally be from the US. Your German is so good!
That's all for now!
Love, Molly
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Why am I here?
Moving anywhere requires a period of adjustment. Even for me, the person who tends to be more outgoing... My first semester here was spent going to the bar with some of the American students, traveling to Germany to visit my host parents, going on a few trips to Vienna, traveling to England, and, being lonely. If it hadn't been for my German friend Kerstin, who lives nearby and came to visit when she could, it would've been really hard.
I was angry. I wanted to know why I was speaking English most of the time. I could've just stayed home and done that! This year is costing me a lot of money. What is the point?
After having been here for about 6 weeks I decided I needed to be more proactive. I found out that there was a trip for exchange students, but after after e-mailing to inquire, I heard it was full. They suggested I go on a trip sponsored by the Catholic group at the University. So, not knowing anyone, I did! Through that trip I met Tobi, a German guy that has become a good friend of mine. We met up after the trip for drinks and then went to the theater with his friend Verena, who I also get along with very well.
In January, after 3 months of being here, I finally began to meet Austrians. I joined a student prayer group, and got along with the people right away. I would be hesitant to join such a group in the States, as people who identify themselves as religious tend to be a little on the extreme side (no drinking, no sex before marriage, a little less open to people that are different than them, etc). I feel really at home in this group. I showed up at the first meeting, not knowing anyone but Verena, the girl I had met through Tobi. They welcomed me and invited me to eat lunch with them a few days later.
Since then, it has really been a much more enjoyable experience. I am speaking German most of the time, and I have people to go places or just hang out with. Some people have been nice enough to take me home with them on weekends, which has allowed me to see how "typical" Austrian families live.
There is a reason why study abroad directors tell students to spend a whole year abroad, and it's not just because they want the university to get more money from you. It's because it take a while to get used to a place, to meet new people. If you are here for 4 short months as opposed to 8 or 9 you have much less of a chance of meeting natives and getting the "real" experience.
He sent me here for a reason! :)
I was angry. I wanted to know why I was speaking English most of the time. I could've just stayed home and done that! This year is costing me a lot of money. What is the point?
After having been here for about 6 weeks I decided I needed to be more proactive. I found out that there was a trip for exchange students, but after after e-mailing to inquire, I heard it was full. They suggested I go on a trip sponsored by the Catholic group at the University. So, not knowing anyone, I did! Through that trip I met Tobi, a German guy that has become a good friend of mine. We met up after the trip for drinks and then went to the theater with his friend Verena, who I also get along with very well.
In January, after 3 months of being here, I finally began to meet Austrians. I joined a student prayer group, and got along with the people right away. I would be hesitant to join such a group in the States, as people who identify themselves as religious tend to be a little on the extreme side (no drinking, no sex before marriage, a little less open to people that are different than them, etc). I feel really at home in this group. I showed up at the first meeting, not knowing anyone but Verena, the girl I had met through Tobi. They welcomed me and invited me to eat lunch with them a few days later.
Since then, it has really been a much more enjoyable experience. I am speaking German most of the time, and I have people to go places or just hang out with. Some people have been nice enough to take me home with them on weekends, which has allowed me to see how "typical" Austrian families live.
There is a reason why study abroad directors tell students to spend a whole year abroad, and it's not just because they want the university to get more money from you. It's because it take a while to get used to a place, to meet new people. If you are here for 4 short months as opposed to 8 or 9 you have much less of a chance of meeting natives and getting the "real" experience.
He sent me here for a reason! :)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Home....
What will I do when I get home?
-Drive my car!
-Buy a frozen coke
-Make ice cubes and finally drink everything cold!
-Buy an iced coffee from McDonald's
-Eat greek salad at Coney Island
-Finally bake something in a real oven!
-Go to the movies-in English!
-Go to Canada with good friends
-Visit my grandparents
-Bug my family
-Go shopping-clothes are so cheap back home!
-Eat out whenever I want-so cheap!
-Olga's shakes!
-Make iced tea (no sugar!)
-Actually recognize the products sold in supermarkets!
-Go to Great Lakes Crossing!
-Pay just 5 dollars to go to the movies!
-Road trips!
-Up North with the fam!
-Drive my car!
-Buy a frozen coke
-Make ice cubes and finally drink everything cold!
-Buy an iced coffee from McDonald's
-Eat greek salad at Coney Island
-Finally bake something in a real oven!
-Go to the movies-in English!
-Go to Canada with good friends
-Visit my grandparents
-Bug my family
-Go shopping-clothes are so cheap back home!
-Eat out whenever I want-so cheap!
-Olga's shakes!
-Make iced tea (no sugar!)
-Actually recognize the products sold in supermarkets!
-Go to Great Lakes Crossing!
-Pay just 5 dollars to go to the movies!
-Road trips!
-Up North with the fam!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friendship
The other day, I was speaking to a German woman cultural differences. I mentioned that, in America, most people keep personal things to themselves, and don't always share them we friends. I explained to her that we most often try to deal with our difficulties ourselves, or perhaps share them with a family member. I told her that when I have issues, I may go to my best friend(s), but I try my best not to bother them. I try to act happy and don't want to be a "downer."
"No wonder Americans all end up in therapy!" she exclaimed.
She has a bit of a point. I tend to think "friendship" is differently defined here. In America, while I have a few "close" friends, most of my friends are people that I hang out with-and do not share my innermost thoughts with.
In Germany, with good friends, nearly nothing is taboo. From the cost of cars, to spousal issues, to depression: they dare to go there.
It's good to have people to count on. While it would be out of place to share really personal things with an acquaintance, I don't see anything wrong with telling your close friends, or family members, the truth.
There seems to be this modern idea in America: everyone for themselves. But, if we help each other out, life could be a lot more pleasant.
**Here is an article on the topic that I found interesting: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/looking-in-the-cultural-mirror/201009/are-american-friendships-superficial)
"No wonder Americans all end up in therapy!" she exclaimed.
She has a bit of a point. I tend to think "friendship" is differently defined here. In America, while I have a few "close" friends, most of my friends are people that I hang out with-and do not share my innermost thoughts with.
In Germany, with good friends, nearly nothing is taboo. From the cost of cars, to spousal issues, to depression: they dare to go there.
It's good to have people to count on. While it would be out of place to share really personal things with an acquaintance, I don't see anything wrong with telling your close friends, or family members, the truth.
There seems to be this modern idea in America: everyone for themselves. But, if we help each other out, life could be a lot more pleasant.
**Here is an article on the topic that I found interesting: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/looking-in-the-cultural-mirror/201009/are-american-friendships-superficial)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sick and Tired of Stereotypes
Really, you're American? But you're German is so good!
Is that supposed to be a compliment? Perhaps you meant well, but this and other stereotypes about Americans piss me off. Some Europeans are under the impression that Americans don't travel, have no interest in other countries, and cannot speak any other languages. That's simply not true. There are morons everywhere, but the people I grew up with are extremely intelligent. My best friend, Charlotte, is extremely well traveled and speaks French. Felicia has studied abroad in New Zealand, has been to Europe, and speaks Italian. Monica has traveled to England and is currently performing community service in Haiti. Mellissa speaks German. Kristy knows sign language. Gracie speaks Spanish and went on a school trip to Austria.
I myself have been to over 10 countries and speak 2 foreign languages. And although I cannot say whether or not my friends and I are a good representation of the entire country, I can say that there are more intelligent Americans than Europeans may think.
So what was that you were saying?
Is that supposed to be a compliment? Perhaps you meant well, but this and other stereotypes about Americans piss me off. Some Europeans are under the impression that Americans don't travel, have no interest in other countries, and cannot speak any other languages. That's simply not true. There are morons everywhere, but the people I grew up with are extremely intelligent. My best friend, Charlotte, is extremely well traveled and speaks French. Felicia has studied abroad in New Zealand, has been to Europe, and speaks Italian. Monica has traveled to England and is currently performing community service in Haiti. Mellissa speaks German. Kristy knows sign language. Gracie speaks Spanish and went on a school trip to Austria.
I myself have been to over 10 countries and speak 2 foreign languages. And although I cannot say whether or not my friends and I are a good representation of the entire country, I can say that there are more intelligent Americans than Europeans may think.
So what was that you were saying?
Monday, March 7, 2011
New Semester
This semester has started off well. I am going to be incredibly busy. Here is my course load:
-German Lit.
-German as a Foreign Language
-Conversational Spanish
-Sound of Music as Pop Culture
-International Communication
Not to mention my jobs:
-Intern at the Büro für Internationale Beziehungen (International Office) at the University of Salzburg
-Writing articles for live-like-a-german.com
-Babysitting once a week
Then there is the student prayer group I go to once a week. Add that to the crazy amount of traveling I do....and it looks like this is going to be one busy semester :-)
-German Lit.
-German as a Foreign Language
-Conversational Spanish
-Sound of Music as Pop Culture
-International Communication
Not to mention my jobs:
-Intern at the Büro für Internationale Beziehungen (International Office) at the University of Salzburg
-Writing articles for live-like-a-german.com
-Babysitting once a week
Then there is the student prayer group I go to once a week. Add that to the crazy amount of traveling I do....and it looks like this is going to be one busy semester :-)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Carnival in....East Germany?
This past weekend I, being the nut that I am, decided to visit my friend in Thüringen, who had invited me to celebrate carnival with her. Although this is primarily celebrated in southern Germany and Köln, it is also celebrated in Eastern Germany as well. So I did spent a total of about 14 hours on trains this weekend and only about 36 hours with my friend and her family. However, it was worth it to me.
Eastern Germany is different than Western Germany, that much is clear. The gap between the two has clearly gotten smaller in the past 20 years, but some traditions remain. It was fun going to carnival, seeing the Eastern Germans celebrate such a big event, and getting to know my friend's family. The people there appear to dress a bit differently-more punk, and when talk of languages came up, it appears that everyone took Russian in school. However, they do speak German and are a part of this new, reunited Germany.
The trip gave me the desire to explore Eastern Germany further to discover more differences and similarities between it and Western Germany.
Eastern Germany is different than Western Germany, that much is clear. The gap between the two has clearly gotten smaller in the past 20 years, but some traditions remain. It was fun going to carnival, seeing the Eastern Germans celebrate such a big event, and getting to know my friend's family. The people there appear to dress a bit differently-more punk, and when talk of languages came up, it appears that everyone took Russian in school. However, they do speak German and are a part of this new, reunited Germany.
The trip gave me the desire to explore Eastern Germany further to discover more differences and similarities between it and Western Germany.
The grass is always greener....
During the break, in between Abu Dhabi and going back to school, I had another week off. It was clear to me that this week would be spent with my host family in Munich. On the weekend that I was there the kids and Uwe were off to visit grandma, so Susanne and I had the house to ourselves. It was an enjoyable, relaxing girls weekend: something that I, as a 23-year-old single young woman take for granted, and something that a woman with a husband, children, and millions of responsibilities relishes.
On that Sunday, while taking a walk together in the nearby woods, we discussed a lot of things, one of them being how women go to college, hoping to pursue their dreams, and how they end up marrying and staying at home. It wasn't meant to be negative-she loves her kids, her husband, and her life-that much is clear. However, she, like many other women in her age group and living situation-sometimes wishes she could get away for a while. Perhaps travel without the kids in tow or just spend a few days by herself.
However, what she doesn't realize is that the young girl that has all of that is jealous of what she has. Yes, I am. I am not saying I am unaware of what I have, nor am I saying I don't enjoy my freedom. I love that I can earn money and only have to worry about paying for myself. I love being able to decide I want to go on a train tomorrow if the spirit moves me, without having to check with my husband or worry about children. However, there is a part of me that is jealous of the fact that she doesn't have to look for a husband. Does he like me? Does he want to be with me? Do I really love him? All of those stupid, often trivial questions have been asked. The game has already been played. She no longer needs to flirt with potential mates or arrange dinner dates. She has him. She has her children, her life. A family life is something that I have yet to build, and the uncertainty of everything is really what makes me jealous of what she has.
Despite all of this, I am not ready to trade my freedom for diapers and formula just yet :-)
I suppose all any of us can do is live life the best we can, appreciate the moments, and realize, that whatever stage of life we are in, the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side.
On that Sunday, while taking a walk together in the nearby woods, we discussed a lot of things, one of them being how women go to college, hoping to pursue their dreams, and how they end up marrying and staying at home. It wasn't meant to be negative-she loves her kids, her husband, and her life-that much is clear. However, she, like many other women in her age group and living situation-sometimes wishes she could get away for a while. Perhaps travel without the kids in tow or just spend a few days by herself.
However, what she doesn't realize is that the young girl that has all of that is jealous of what she has. Yes, I am. I am not saying I am unaware of what I have, nor am I saying I don't enjoy my freedom. I love that I can earn money and only have to worry about paying for myself. I love being able to decide I want to go on a train tomorrow if the spirit moves me, without having to check with my husband or worry about children. However, there is a part of me that is jealous of the fact that she doesn't have to look for a husband. Does he like me? Does he want to be with me? Do I really love him? All of those stupid, often trivial questions have been asked. The game has already been played. She no longer needs to flirt with potential mates or arrange dinner dates. She has him. She has her children, her life. A family life is something that I have yet to build, and the uncertainty of everything is really what makes me jealous of what she has.
Despite all of this, I am not ready to trade my freedom for diapers and formula just yet :-)
I suppose all any of us can do is live life the best we can, appreciate the moments, and realize, that whatever stage of life we are in, the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What I miss.
After a week in Munich I have arrived back in Salzburg.
I got back at the last minute-something typical in my life. I like the challenge. Will I make it on time or won't I? This time I got up at 7, took the train from Munich to Salzburg at a quarter to 9, took a bus at quarter to 11, then walked to my apartment. Then got my bookbag, went and bought concealer, got an iced coffee, took a bus, then walked to class. I arrived 8 minutes early to said class. I am quite amazing, I know.
It feels good to be back. At the moment Salzburg is my home, and, finally, a few months ago, I really began to feel comfortable here. I have built a life for myself here that includes family (my German host families), friends, work, school, etc. It took time but ich habe es geschafft. ;)
Which leads me to think about something Susanne said the other day:
Susanne mentioned the other day how difficult it is starting over in a new place, and I am inclined to agree. Introducing yourself as the new person, getting familiar with where everything is, which stores and restaraunts are the best, feeling at home. It's really a test of character. As of January I feel that I have passed the test.
It's not to say everything is suddenly wonderful. I really love it here, but there are those days when I want to wake up in Michigan; when I just want to meet Monica at Great Lakes Crossing, or meet Mellissa for drinks, joke around with Charlotte, or meet Kristy at Starbucks. I want to tease my mother and sister for watching the Bachelor, or argue with my brother, or ask my father for advice. There are days when I miss drinking frozen coke, driving my car to Borders book store, actually being served in a timely manner at restaurants; to go back to a place where I understand how dating works, where I don't make language mistakes.
But then I remember what I am doing all of this for. There is something inside of me that is telling me that I need to travel the world, to discover as many cultures as possible. I have an insane love of anything (and anyone) foreign. It takes it's toll sometimes. It's difficult to date anyone when you're always leaving, and I never have very much money in my bank account. But who can put a price on climbing the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visiting the largest mall in Dubai, going on a river cruise in the Netherlands, or watching the Glockenspiel in Munich? The experiences I have had are priceless.
As Susanne tells me about the trips and study abroad adventures she had in her days as a student, I am in awe. She did it at the right time: she was young and without children and a work schedule to tie her down. Now she can happily be in Germany and realize that she did what she needed and wanted to do. That is exactly what I want. I am exploring the world while I am young with few ties.
Time to go exploring.
Love, Molly
I got back at the last minute-something typical in my life. I like the challenge. Will I make it on time or won't I? This time I got up at 7, took the train from Munich to Salzburg at a quarter to 9, took a bus at quarter to 11, then walked to my apartment. Then got my bookbag, went and bought concealer, got an iced coffee, took a bus, then walked to class. I arrived 8 minutes early to said class. I am quite amazing, I know.
It feels good to be back. At the moment Salzburg is my home, and, finally, a few months ago, I really began to feel comfortable here. I have built a life for myself here that includes family (my German host families), friends, work, school, etc. It took time but ich habe es geschafft. ;)
Which leads me to think about something Susanne said the other day:
Susanne mentioned the other day how difficult it is starting over in a new place, and I am inclined to agree. Introducing yourself as the new person, getting familiar with where everything is, which stores and restaraunts are the best, feeling at home. It's really a test of character. As of January I feel that I have passed the test.
It's not to say everything is suddenly wonderful. I really love it here, but there are those days when I want to wake up in Michigan; when I just want to meet Monica at Great Lakes Crossing, or meet Mellissa for drinks, joke around with Charlotte, or meet Kristy at Starbucks. I want to tease my mother and sister for watching the Bachelor, or argue with my brother, or ask my father for advice. There are days when I miss drinking frozen coke, driving my car to Borders book store, actually being served in a timely manner at restaurants; to go back to a place where I understand how dating works, where I don't make language mistakes.
But then I remember what I am doing all of this for. There is something inside of me that is telling me that I need to travel the world, to discover as many cultures as possible. I have an insane love of anything (and anyone) foreign. It takes it's toll sometimes. It's difficult to date anyone when you're always leaving, and I never have very much money in my bank account. But who can put a price on climbing the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visiting the largest mall in Dubai, going on a river cruise in the Netherlands, or watching the Glockenspiel in Munich? The experiences I have had are priceless.
As Susanne tells me about the trips and study abroad adventures she had in her days as a student, I am in awe. She did it at the right time: she was young and without children and a work schedule to tie her down. Now she can happily be in Germany and realize that she did what she needed and wanted to do. That is exactly what I want. I am exploring the world while I am young with few ties.
Time to go exploring.
Love, Molly
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