Before coming to Germany, I had never left the United States I didn't know what to expect in a country that speaks a different language. What I can say now is that I am so glad that I took this chance to explore and grow.
Germany is really a gorgeous country and it is very rooted in tradition and the community. I have seen beautiful old towns like Linz and Monreal with houses well over a hundred years old. The people here are so welcoming. While sometimes communicating can be intimidating, once you understand your surroundings the culture opens up to you. I have been to a variety of events ranging from the World Cup public viewings, Biergartens, preview screenings of movies, flohmarkt, biking trips to Switzerland, hiking in the Schwarzwald, bratwurst testing, going to France for cheese and so much more!
Currently I am living in Lörrach, Germany. It is a small town, but there are many shops and cafes to visit. Some days when I have free time I bike through the streets and explore. Though it is small, I still manage to get lost, but that makes exploring more fun:)
Lörrach will be my home for the next year while I am on this CBYX Nacel Open-Door Vocational Program. I am staying with a Host family and we have already done so much in the 4 weeks that I have been here!
On my first day here we biked to Switzerland, visited a zoo, and went to an outdoor swimming pool. With my host family we have went hiking in the Schwarzwald on the two highest mountains; the Belchen, and the tallest is Feldberg. We participated in the Slow Up that was a massive biking event where roads and parts of the highways are only for bikers, scooters, and rollerblades. The event spanned between Switzerland, Germany, and France here in the dreiländereck(three country corner). We biked 50 km! We have gone out for Eis, walked around Lörrach, and watched movies in German. I have also joined a small girls choir.
My internship at the SAK has also been going very well. Although it is quite difficult to understand what everyone is saying I am able to manage. Everyday I learn new words and have fun with kids. So, so far so good:)
I am really enjoying my time here and I look forward to what comes next!
Here are just a few photos....
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| Beautiful Lörrach |
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| Lörrach |
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| Bikes and Balloons from the Slow Up |
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| Slow Up lunch break |
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| Atop the Belchen |
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| Restaurant Café on the Belchen |
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| My host sister Leonie and me |
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| My host mom and me |
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| Hiking up Feldberg |
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| View from Feldberg taken by my host dad |
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| My host dad and me |
Tschüss!
~Alexandria~
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