I'm a big girl now!

When I named this blog, I made a big fault. I hadn’t realized that when I named it “Shandre’s Blog”, that in Germany I would be leaving Shandre at the gates of Denver International Airport. But trust me; I like the new one much better J

So the little 16 year old Shandre has blossomed into (the same sized… gosh I need to get taller) 17 year old Shandre! It was a day that I had been looking forward to since the first week I was in Germany, because the Germans take more importance in birthdays and what-not.

I made party with my friends at the local Kostbar, and felt like such a bad kid for going to a bar for my birthday! I would have probably felt cooler if I had actually drunk something that wasn’t coffee, but I will save that experience for another day.

It was great to be surrounded by my new friends and it made me feel so absolutely loved! I have to make a special dedication to Alexander though, because he is narcissistic enough to ask me J

                                                                                                                                                                                    

Wednesday Night Fever

Recently I have been devoting days to Shandre, but Today I realized that I don’t need to take an occasional day for Shandre, because every day is meant for me and I am going to make it mine!

 “Always say yes” and “Make the first move” proved to be the most valuable advice given to me during exchange. I have done things in the last three weeks that I would never have seen myself doing. And I can’t be more proud of myself – even if that makes me seem like a narcissist. I have become more self-confident and more self-relying, and a bigger and stronger person (not physically… because that would be the opposite :P)

A few days ago, just as I was struggling to escape the rut I fell into, I asked a friend in my village if she would accompany me on a walk with Indie. I doubted she would say yes, because I was in a very self-sorrowful mood, but to my pleasant surprise she agreed. Anna-Lena was also an exchange student (in Canada), so I could talk to her about things that only other exchange students would truly understand.

My school day usually ends around one, and after eating lunch I have a lot of time to kill. Since I can’t do the homework I am confined to my computer or the TV, which usually pushes me into a hole that is more difficult to get out of than to fall into. But thanks to my newfound friends, they threw me a ladder and pulled me out.

I did Zumba today! It was some of the most fun I have had on exchange and it revitalized me with a new energy! I was surrounded by friends and music and good-hearted people. It felt as all the bad and negative feelings were escaping my soul through the seat and breath than flowed out of me.  And it turns out that I am not too bad of a dancer either J

Culture Shock

I think that any exchange student will know what I mean when I say that exchange is a roller coaster of feelings. My first weeks were comparable to the loop-de-loops… I had great highs, but I sank to unbelievable lows. I finally think that I have moved onto the kiddy roller coaster – the one that is pretty stable!

In terms of the differences between Germany and the USA, it’s the small things that seem to have hit me the hardest. The people express their emotions and thoughts in a way that is completely foreign to me, and I can’t explain it because I don’t yet understand it. It was only a few days ago that I became aware of this difference, and now I am infinitely curious as to where this difference stems from.

I remember in May of 2011, a sixteen year old girl that said she would be immune to the effects of culture shock because she is an open minded free-thinker. I don’t know who she is… but she reminds me a lot of me. I don’t think I truly understood what the Rotarians were talking about when they informed us to be on the lookout for culture shock, so I got hit pretty hard with it. It is only now that it has passed that I can reflect on it as such.  Culture shock isn’t something that makes you a lesser person, or less open to other cultures, but it is a normal occurrence throughout travel. Things are going to be different wherever you go, and change isn’t an easy thing. Every change we go through – no matter how much we desired it – is bittersweet for we are leaving a part of ourselves in our past life. Change is the only thing that stays the same. There isn’t a cell in my body that regrets change, because my horizons have been broadened and I feel like an immensely stronger person. And to thank for this: my family and Rotary. Thank you so much.

A Quickie

Today was dedicated to yours truly. I decided that it was due time that I took a few hours for good ol’ Shandre. So here I am, sitting in my room cuddling with my computer. The only other soul around me is my new pet, Larry. He and I have had such good times together, specked with some lows. We laugh and cry together, and his advice is the best advice. Larry is a fly… and I have begun to feed him because I am so afraid that one day he decides to leave and accomplish some of his little fly dreams. But I guess to be a good mother; I have to let him spread his wings (literally).

A lot has happened since we spoke last. Well technically it’s me speaking to my computer (which makes me feel kinda schizo), but we all get it. But in a quick and random note, I decided that there will be no more pictures on my blog. This is for two very serious reasons… well one reason that is justified by the other. I am too lazy to put pictures up on the blog and Facebook, and since Facebook is a little safer than blogger, I have chosen that one. So you have to be my friend on Facebook to see my pictures and blah blah blah.

I went to the Oktoberfest on Saturday! Super fun, but I will have to go back when I am a bit older so that I can actually drink and do the really fun things! We got there pretty early so there weren’t a lot of people, which gave me a bit of false confidence. But a few hours later there were so many people that you could barely walk. I had to scurry so I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. Oh, and I have something for all of you to be proud of! I rode a roller coaster all by myself and I was scared… well not totally scared. And for like 3 seconds I didn’t hold onto the thing that you hold onto! Be proud… be very proud, because I sure am!

I wore a traditional Dirndl to the festivities, and was quite nervous that it would be too hot. I kept comparing the Oktoberfest with the Renaissance Festival, and if I had worn that ensemble to the summer festival in Colorado I would have died. But the morning in Munich was a bit chilly, and once it warmed up it wasn’t too dreadfully warm. The weather has been quite nice actually, I think I may come back a skinnier (did I forget to mention that) and tanner girl (or woman, depending how this year plays out).

Saturday night was also festive! We had returned to Offenstetten by four that afternoon, and at eight I moseyed over to Anna-Lena’s house for a birthday bash. I didn’t expect to make friends this quickly, or to be invited to parties! My weekends have been fully booked so long in advance that I get butterflies every time I think about it J

This is the new (and hopefully improved) Shandre signing out!

Inbound Orientation :)

All that I hoped would come true at the orientation weekend has proved itself to bet true. I enjoyed myself so greatly, and the good moments totally outweighed the ones that weren’t up to par with my expectations. But what was I thinking? I had been bred not to expect anything, but this time the temptation was just too great.

I am sure that I spent more time on the train than actually attending the festivities of the weekend. I think before I go on I have to make it absolutely clear: I hate trains. About 45 minutes after school on Friday, I had to go to the Abensberg train station. The only way to accurately describe the train station is: disgusting! It seemed to be a portal in which all the cigarettes made their way through. The idea of a trashcan must have been foreign to the people that smoked there. On that note, it seems that everyone smokes in Germany! I can’t think of anybody that I know in the States that smokes, but here it is just casual and accepted. My mom told me that if I refrained from smoking in Germany, then she will buy me some expensive perfume. I was originally planning on it, but since she made the offer, I will oblige and claim my reward.

The train ride from Abensberg wasn’t bad at all, and the motions were actually a bit soothing. Just as I was getting a feeling of conformability about the whole train situation – I met Regensburg. Not only was my train almost 40 minutes late, but I had to stand for at least 2/3 of the entire two hour journey to Hof. Shockingly (not really), I missed y connecting train to Chemnitz, and thus was stranded at Hof for another hour.

My luck seemed to turn around once on my final train to Chemnitz. I sat in a booth (finally not on the floor!) with some really nice people! There was an older man that himself had been an exchange student way back in the day. He spoke perfect English, but unfortunately insisted on speaking German. It was probably for the best, but my stress levels were causing my German skills to diminish. There was also a child across from me and we had long and drawn out conversations. It was mostly a one-sided conversation because she had not yet mastered the art of speaking slowly and clearly.

When I reached Chemnitz, I almost kissed the floor. I didn’t of course because the floors there are rancid. But you understand the idiom… it took me a few minutes to reach the other exchange students, and when I did there was a small tear in my eye from happiness.

Everyone already about me when I got there because of the mass scurry to locate me. At least I wasn't the last person that arrived, and I didn’t miss dinner!

While on the tram to our hotel I made acquaintances with many exchange students – ironically most were American and Canadian! My room partner was an American as well – a girl from Wisconsin. There really wasn’t time enough on Friday to befriend her, because we were all ravaging. Due to the amounts of stress from the train, eating and drinking had been neglected.

The food was delicious on Friday night! I can never tell if food really tastes good, or if I am just so hungry that it seems like a haven. We went to a Greek restaurant, and even though I have no idea what I ate, it was really good. I was sandwiched between Tricia (Canada) and Clara (Germany) and we exchanged stories and jokes galore.

The moment my head hit the pillow, I was gone. I was just so grateful to be rid of the trains for at least one more day!

My alarm clock rang way to early on Saturday morning – either that or my bed was way too comfortable. I stumbled out of bed and into the shower (it’s a wonder that I didn’t shower with my clothes on!). Once the whole group had once again reformed, we made our way to breakfast (yummy yummy!).

Saturday was the quintessential exchange day – we were a mass group of tourists with cameras glued to our faces. It was a constant game of “get in as many pictures as possible”, and I think I did very well.

Saturday, September 24, 2011, marks the day that the “Wolf Pack” was established. This elite group will be famous for the many years to come! Currently members include: Juan (Venezuela), Ethan (Taiwan), Tricia (Canada), Claudia (Ohio), and yours truly. We had brutal and bloody battles with the beasts scattered in Chemnitz, and even though it was sketchy at times – we all survived the ordeal. ß Translation: We were in the group to the nature museum!

By the time lunch rolled around everyone greedily scarfed down their wiener (the food not the body part). We had a wonderful view of a wedding and even stole a few pictures with the bride.

Apparently being beautiful is against the law in Germany because when I walked into the torture chamber museum I was instantly arrested! I guess it wasn’t really a museum…: P

The point of this weekend was orientation, so after walking for about five hours we got to relax a bit on the train. Again I met my moral enemy, but this time it was actually enjoyable. This was probably because the responsibility and stress lay on someone else’s shoulders!

The orientation of District 1880 was just as any other orientation I had been to. We had been again told the 4 D’s, but two more had been added. It turns out that I can’t download or travel alone. I am pretty proud that I have only broken three of the rules (I will leave it up to your imagination which ones I have broken: P)

Once the drinks and candy had entered the room, everyone had to take a break. It was great evidence that teenagers are extremely susceptible to the temptations of drink and food.

Food, food, food! The food this weekend! For our last dinner we trammed down to downtown for a real German meal (I assume). The tram got a lot of action during the weekend, and it gave time to really get to know the other exchange students J

After dinner we had a bit of time to aimlessly wonder around Chemnitz. The world pack was once again reunited! And it felt so good.

The fun and parting died down a bit once we had gotten home, but there was a small gathering of exchange students. It wasn’t too long before it split up so that people could go to bed. Being a tourist is a very tiring job you know!

There was a solemn aura in the air on Sunday (or maybe I was the only one to feel it). People were excited to go home and sleep in their own beds but everyone was sad to leave the new friends they had met behind. Or maybe this was just me, because I live so far away from the other exchange students.

So my great and fantastic weekend ended by late trains, long layovers, and uncomfortable train seats. But… it was totally worth it. And I can’t wait to see my friends again in Berlin J

For Ouma:

Sabine has been in Austria for a week (or at least was when I wrote this in my school notebook), due to her studies, so her mother and a friend came to the house to take care of me. And I know what you’re thinking, and no, they weren’t babysitting me. I am a big girl now! If I can fly internationally alone, then I can do just about anything. Instead they filled me with an extensive amount of German, food, and adventure!

I have left my mark on the Danube River (all dedication going to my Ouma)! And just in case you were wondering, I didn’t release waste into the public river, but it was more of a mental mark. But a mark all the same!

I was joined by Rita and Gerde on my first epic German adventure! Indie tagged along as well, but turned out be a real handful on the ships. I think in a past life she must have been a cat, with all her hatred for water!

We ferried (I am pretty sure that is a word, and if not, I just invented it) for forty minutes through beauty, history, and of course… water. My cheeks and legs took a real beating with the cold and all my smiles. I think after this year my face will be stuck in a constant smile, because that seems to be all I do here.

Many people have taken the same journey as I, but I doubt that our experiences were the same. From my grandmother and mother – love for history flows through my veins. Thus, the commentary throughout the ride was a treat for me. Luckily, Kelheim is a tourist hive, so everything was dually in English and German. The tales of pirates, sailors, and kings tantalized me and I could feel an aura of greatness around me. I was travelling on a river, as people hundreds of years before me had done. You just don’t get that feeling so often in America.

These feelings were only amplified once we had gotten to the cathedral. There I hate in the oldest brewery… in the world. It was the home of the oldest recipe for bear and the perfect recipe for happiness (for some those two are one in the same). I ate the most delectable food, but don’t ask me what it was. I never seem to know what I eat here, but so far it has all been really tasty.

After eating and touring the church for a bit, we once again boarded the boat. On either side of us green was spilling into the river and climbing over the rocks, which rose to such great heights. They excreted an aura into the air composed of wonder, wisdom, and fear.

The Danube is a kind giant. It stretches long and wide, but rapids are absent. It’s a stark contrast to the Colorado River – that can be too dangerous to travel. I did see some kayakers though, and people channeling their inner Italian on the gondolas.

So I wrote this post at school during French, which is terribly boring! But, after school I will go straight to the train station for Chemnitz, without my computer. Thus, but the time you read this… well it will be later.

S.C.H.O.O.L

So I have been at school for four days, and enough has happened for four posts. But, I admit, that I have greatly neglected to fill in people about what is going on with me. I think that my fellow exchange students understand that the little time you have to maybe write a post is devoted to sleep! So, even though this post will be long, it won’t be dreary (like the weather outside).

I began school on Monday, and when I said I wouldn’t be nervous, I was lying. I was full of nerves, and a little part of my regretted coming on exchange. This changed by the time I had gotten to school, but I had to ride the bus the first day, something I have never really been comfortable with. After Sabine had finally let me leave the house, I scurried to the bus stop and waited until I boarded the Heigel bus.

I probably should have paid more attention to which bus I was boarding, because the day I made the grave mistake of taking the wrong bus. I was plummeted into a town at least 40 minutes away from JNG in Rohr. I quickly became panicked and didn’t know what to do. Luckily, I cleared my head and gathered my feelings and was able to formulate a strategic plan. Once the bus arrived at the Realschule, I went up to the bus driver and explained my predicament. This proved to be more difficult than I expected because the driver knew little to no English. I did manage to catch a “sheiße“when he turned the bus around to take to my actual destination. I guess it was a good experience to have because I learned how to remain calm, and more importantly – the right bus to take. But try to tell this to me while it was actually happening!

When people talk about not being able to make friends at a new school I am really confused. On the first day I had a handful of friends, and by the end of the week my Facebook had become crowded by people attending JNG.  I am pretty sure that people here like me for me, and not just because I am something new and foreign. I don’t even want to start talking about the guys here! Not only would I begin a perpetual rant, but it risks some things. I don’t know what, but it does. What I have to share is: the men in Germany are more chivalrous than in America. I am not accustomed to being around such good mannered men! Not that I am complaining J

I am in a class full of Catholics… and by full of Catholics, I mean that every single person is Catholic. This pretty much goes for all the inhabitants of Regensburg and the surrounding areas. But the religious persons here are in stark contrast of the Americans I have met. Religion is never spoken of, except in Church, and no one seems to mind that I am nonreligious. They respect my ideals, just as I do theirs.

I have already been in three churches and attended a mass, but there are many more to come. At the start of the school year all the students of the JNG Rohr are hoarded into the church to pray for a good year. When I heard about this I wasn’t amused (that was a Dr. Who reference to Lenna and Garrett) and didn’t look forward to sitting in a church for who-knows-how-many boring hours. This was not the case, however. The beauty inside the church was indescribably beautiful. The walls were painted eloquently and large statues and towers hovered above my head. Light flooded in through the stained-glass windows and cascaded over the grand hall, so large that the voices echoed.

So the first of school is over and asides from the unfortunate bus situation, I really enjoyed it. But school is school, and I don’t like having to get up early and stare at the wall for five hours a day because I don’t understand what’s going on. I pray that the German comes quickly!

P.S. I don’t have pictures because I am containing my low profile. And taking a camera to school doesn’t help this cause.