For those who do not know already, I'm here in a small town near Bielefeld for nine weeks and that is an adventure in itself. Even writing it here now (three days from first arrival) it's definitely having its effect. Firstly, the new immersion language part of it is definitely hard. I can understand barely anything and it's both tiring and stressful, mainly because I know my usual ability when it comes to education but it's hindered by my inability to speak and to understand, effectively. Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly terrible at german. Surprisingly enough, I can understand most of the conversations that I have with my exchange partner and her friends. It's just, when I sit down and am ready to listen to a teacher speak, I have difficulty. 

Let me explain it to you. Normally at home I would sit down in class, shut down my brain and move into hibernation mode. That's okay because I still understand what the teacher says and somehow manage to get adequately good marks in my exam. Yet in Germany, you have to listen! You really have to hang onto every word because if you don't, you just lose all sense of meaning. I know, you're probably thinking I'm really stupid, but I guarantee you! Ask any exchange student and they'll tell you how hard it is! (Unless of course my sources are wrong and everyone else is a genius and I'm just stupid!) 

Okay, first before I describe Germany in a bigger depth, I'll talk to you briefly about the flight and departure. I've probably never felt more emotional in my life! The goodbyes were tear wreaking (literally) and I took my first steps (however small) to autonomy and self confidence! I didn't feel it at first, which was obviously because it hadn't quite hit me that I was leaving my family and friends behind for nine weeks, but undoubtedly this numbness was short lived. As I sit here writing this now, I have without a doubt a sharp pang that's calling out for my mum, my brothers, my dad and my grandma! Don't worry, I haven't made a scene in front of the school yet, but it's there and I have a feeling it'll take a while for it to go away! I'll just have to remain strong, I suppose.

The flight was mostly uneventful. It was mostly a culmination of 24 hours of sitting, squished in between two other people and unable to move because of the seats squished together. It was most definitely not the most comfortable trip I've ever been on, but it's not the worst either. The food was pretty okay and plentiful, so I didn't go starving. The service wasn't that great though, which was a shame. At one stage, I asked an air hostess whether or not I could get a pillow, from whom I got a reply: "Everyone got pillows." Consequently she picked one up from the alleyway and gave it to me. Obviously I hadn't got a pillow, seeing that I asked for one, but I saw no sense in smart chatting an air hostess (whom I could possibly depend on in the face of adversity.)

We stopped over in Dubai airport, where we had to actually walk onto the plane seeing that the hostesses somehow managed to break the boarding gate. That was okay. I can adequately describe the Dubai air as: sticky, dusty and humid. It was much like home, except not as clean and not as inviting.

Well, all in all, bitchy air hostesses or not, we made it and arrived at Duesseldorf Airport at approximately 12:50pm. The weather was lovely and it was roughly 11 or so degrees. I met Farina's parents and family for the first time and it was lovely to see all the other exchange people again! The reunion was only short, however, as many of us had to drive a long way to our guest homes, but it was a reunion nevertheless and most likely those memories will be forever cherished! I went on the Autobahn for the first time (we reached nearly 200km/hour) and arrived at home at roughly 4ishpm or so. Naturally, unpacking was in order and that took a while, seeing that my suitcase was massive! That took only a while, however, and the surprise at the tim tams were definitely worth it! 

Anyways, I should probably describe Germany a little bit. The first thing is: it's cold. Only this morning it was almost -1 degrees Celsius. Frost could be seen on the grass and on the roof and it did look something like a picture book or something. I wore lots and lots of layers today and that still did little to keep me warm! But most people do refrain from staying outside. The school is completely integrated into one big building and all the houses and the cars have a heating system! Yup, it's definitely cold and the most interesting thing is: it'll only get colder! 

Also, Germany is beautiful! The few days I've been here have given me sunshine and orange trees and it's been a real pretty picture! I was genuinely surprised the first time I came outside because I genuinely thought that I was in a fairytale! 

Anyways, that's all for today! I suppose I should give you all a reason to stay here, so tomorrow or the day after I'll update you on my daily school routine! :)
Auf wiederhoeren! 

Here are a few photos! 

Me at the airport

Dubai Airport!

Almost at Duesseldorf! 

Almost there!

A view from the window! 

First day at school! I LOOK LIKE A MARSHMELLOW! :P :P

Die Schule!