What else have I been up to?

To answer a question like this, I would say in Germany the answer is nearly always watching soccer. Fußball. The glorious sport of Fußball. I saw my first Fußball game in German Wednesday night after taking care of some official business, such as the fact that I am now an official Resident Alien of Germany. Germany played Finland for a qualifying game for the WM (Weltmeisterschaft, or World Cup) in 2010. I believe the WM will take place in Poland, possibly. The two teams tied, 3-3, which gives you 1 point. If you win, you get 3pts, and lose, none. At the end of the multiple qualifying games (10ish), whichever National team has the most points in each group, goes on to the World Cup. The second place team also advances. Germany is currently in group 4. I also found the 18, Gomez, has been playing very poorly and Katharinas friends think he is a poor excuse for a soccer player. 11 however got all 3 goals, and number 7 and number 16 are always favorites. Germans get very into their Fußball, carrying flags with them for even this small game.

This week I also got the chance to go to this Klettergarten, similar to the Ropes Course at Wolf Ridge. It was the first time (I think) that Ive ridden a train, way out into the small country of Allgäu. I went with Theresa and one of her best friends Céline. The rope events were surprisingly hard, but up in the trees overlooking the Gründsee (?) was absolutely gorgeous.

We also visited the Alpsee yesterday, but this time Katharina, Theresa and I to go swimming. The water was surprisingly cold, and the ground very fine sand that was perfectly squishable between your toes. It started to rain though, so we didnt swim very much. Naps in the sun are also always a good thing.

Yesterday we also visited the school and got some of my classes lined up. I am quite nervous to start on Tuesday, but the headmaster is super nice, if maybe a little scatterbrained and a fast talker, so I think everything will go well. I will spend the entire year with the same class for the most part, maybe except for the Latin hour which I will be ridiculously behind in so I may learn with the 6th Graders. This class will be 11a, where Kahtarinas boyfriend is as well as where Annalen, Gabi Grotzs daughter, was. She is in Brasil currently, so I am coming in exchange. Gabi Grotz will be my last Host Family. We had to buy a few school supplies yesterday as well, all they really need is one binder for the year. Very different from the multiple amount of notebooks I have at home.

Saturday brings my first Rotary Wochende (Rotary Weekend, Rotary event), where we have to take the train to the small city by Ulm. Katharina will also be going with, luckily. I am beginning to learn my way around, with trains and the city and such, but it isnt entirely easily. I do believe it will ultimately become less confusing than Duluth with all the darn One Ways.