Sunday, June 19: Father's Day in the US, but not in Germany. Colin & Erin

N.B.  Today was Father's Day back home but not in Germany.  Father's Day is celebrated on Christihimmelfahrt (Ascencion Day) with most men going hiking with friends and hanging out afterwards in a Biergarten....Frau S.

Colin Chalupa-

On Sunday so much has happened. "It was lit fam." So what exactly happened was first most of everyone slept 11am because we were all tired from altstadtfest. Once I woke up my partner Philipp was still asleep so I sat on the stair case so I could have Wi-Fi without awkwardly going downstairs. Finally, it was 12pm and my partner wakes up, then proceeded to eat "breakfast" which was a delicious chocolate filled croissant  followed by a piece of chocolate cake. It was then only about 1 o'clock and I had no idea what was going down. Grant and David went to a water park. Another group went somewhere. Then some went swimming in the Saarland Thermen. But what would the rest of us do? We went to Michelle's. We played Mario Cart on the Wii which was always close. Kyle kept losing first right in front of the finish line at the end. Then we got some good pizza, one was salami(pepperoni), then the other was salami with pepperoni(yellow peppers). After that we had some good chocolate cake and started playing music on Florian's portable speaker. Once Michelle's parents got back from walking the dog, Leo, we all decided to go to the park down the street. Thats when the fun began for the group I was with. We not only continued to play the music very loudly but we had an American football. We played catch and decided to play a great childhood game. The game was 500 first we had to explain the game to the Germans then the fun began. We all really sucked, for the first 10 throws no one caught the football. There was pushing, swatting, and dropping the football. Eventually we did get bored so to the playground equipment we went. The swing was fun as some of us used it normally and some jumped of mid swing. But the highlight of the playground was the see-saw. I have not seen a see-saw in forever since in America they are considered dangerous and all have been removed. We stacked people on trying to balance it. Not only that but we would try to launch people in the air. Then once one side hit the bottom really hard and Florian fell off. Our group then started to fall apart as people left. So we went back to Michelle's house for drinks and snacks. Some funny jokes were told and we had a conversation about what was normal to think about and we all agreeded food was at the top of the list. Then it was 6:50 pm and was time to leave. I ate some food then me and Philipp went to his room. We played some games watched some videos. Hope everyone had/has a good father's day. Goodnight.

Sunday June 19th 2016

Hallo! Ich heiße Erin Johnson und ich schreibe die Blog heute! I started my day off eating my breakfast that I've eaten daily for the past week. I have a Brotchen (bread roll), cut in half with one side with salami and cheese and the other side with Ovomaltine which is basically Nutella with malt in it which makes it crunchy. I eat the two sides of the roll separately and they are very good (and filling). I don't think I'll ever get sick of it; it is so good! I've learned that “I am full,” is “Ich bin satt,” in German. I've used this sentence many times each day.

I had the chance to sleep in today so my day didn't officially start until about 10am, which is when I ate breakfast. After breakfast, I played a board game similar to the American board game Sorry! with my GAPP partner and her brother, Laura and Jonas. We also had a competition with ping pong paddles and balls to see who could bounce the ball the longest. We were also eating Pringles at this time and tried to throw the ping pong balls into the Pringles cans. I'm not sure if America has this, but they have Paprika flavored Pringles which is new to me. Sie schmecken sehr gut! 

My family had a cookout planned and I met some of Laura’s extended family. They tried to speak normal German to me (without their Saarland dialect) but they still speak very quickly so it is difficult to understand. I've learned that Weisswurst and Spätzle are my favorite German foods, along with Ovomaltine and Mezzo Mix (Cola and orange juice or Fanta mix)

The other GAPP students did many different things today! Going to swim at a water park, relaxing at the Saarland Therme, bowling, and hanging out together outside at Michelle’s house were some of the things the other GAPP students did today. Last Monday when we didn't have school due to the preparation for the Abitur, I went to the Saarland Therme and it was very relaxing so I'm sure the students who went there today are very relaxed and stress-free right now! Also, seeing pictures taken at Michelle’s house I can see that they also enjoyed themselves. Some of the pictures were on a seesaw and a swing set.

The weather was nice today so everyone doing things outside had a perfect day! Today was the first day with no rain in a while and it's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow with no rain (fingers crossed!!!). The temperature is supposed to get gradually warmer throughout this week and I'm sure everyone is excited! Until next time, tschüss! 

Saturday, June 18th: MT in Paris and other adventures

6/18/16

It seemed as if it was a typical morning at the Schmidt house. I woke up at 6:30 and got ready for the day. With my usual routine I came upstairs to the kitchen for breakfast at 7:00. This is where I was greeted by my host father, Christian. We exchanged in conversation as we started breakfast. This morning I decided to have two slices of bread. One with Nutella and one with raspberry marmalade. As I bit into the Nutella slice, Victoria came downstairs. She greeted me with a hug and then grabbed her usual cereal bowl. By the time I had finished my bread and drank my cup of coffee Korbinian still had not arrived to breakfast. I cleared my place and then went to finish my morning routine. After brushing my teeth I opened the bathroom door to see Korbinian at the breakfast table. Walking into the kitchen I greeted him by saying "Good morning Sleeping Beauty". In which he smiled as a response and ate his bread. 

About an hour later the whole family was packed for the day in Paris. Tossing our bags in the back, all five of us squished into the car. Sitting in between Koby and Victoria I learned the true meaning of sibling love as we drove to the train station. 

Once at the train station my nerves were through the roof! I was excited and both nervous for our trip to Paris. Sitting down we waited for our train due to its 10 minute delay. This allowed Koby to teach me small French phrases, which I attempted to speak. Soon the train came and boarded into our seats. Koby allowed me to sit by the window and he sat next to me. Once we took off Koby told me that the train was Germany's fastest train. We watched with amazement as we passed French land. I plugged my earbuds in and then decided to take a nap so I would be refreshed for the day. Opening my eyes I was greeted by a beautiful french country view. I spent almost all of the ride looking out the window and enjoying the view. Then Ute and Christian were taking pictures of us at any moment they could.

 Once we arrived into Paris, Koby was as excited as I was. It was also his first time in the beautiful city. Walking outside we decided to walk to our first spot rather then take the metro. The sky was bright and speckled with clouds but no rain poured on us. It was a great morning in Paris. First taking a picture at the train station we then started walking. With Koby by my side I got a detailed description of different buildings and French history. We walked down the path as I continued to gawk at the French architecture and food. Stopping by a little corner shop we picked up smoked sausage and some meat for our lunch later. I took a bite of the sausage and my mouth watered; it tasted wonderful! We then continued down our path and enjoyed some professional graffiti. After that we walked through an outdoor wall were plants dangled from the ceiling and light streamed through the glass. Stopping at a little shop that sold wooden colored letters, Koby moved the M next to the T and told me it was a sign for us to stay in Paris. I joked along and agreed with his statement.

We then continued our journey through the streets and I enjoyed every single step on the cobblestone. Every shop we passed smelled of fresh pastries and it made me wish I could all of it. Luckily we saw a macaroon shop and I was able to get some macaroons. 

We then made our stop at the Louvre and took some pictures. Then all five of us boarded the Foxity bus which was a two layer bus. Sitting on the top of the bus we crossed Seine river and started the tour. After struggling to figure out the audio tour we gave up and enjoyed the view. Both of us gapped at the National Assembly building. Then continued to say how nice it would be to see that everyday.

After seeing several buildings we then stopped on the street leading to the Arc de Triomphe. Walking down the street Koby and I pointed out our favorite stores and cars driving down the street. He practically drooled at all the sport cars. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porches lined the side of the streets. Every time we passed a sport car he begged his dad to drive him in one. 

After stopping in H and M we decided to have a picnic on a bench. By eating bread, meat, fruit, and veggies our energy was replenished. Then Ute pulled out cake and I couldn't say no. Koby, Vici, and I also finished the macaroons. After cleaning up our lunch we continued on our way. 

Every step closer to the Arc my excitement grew. However, we were constantly stopped by Korbinian when he saw a watch store. Once we got to the Arc I was beyond amazed. After taking some pictures we crossed the road to get a better view. Unfortunately, our bus showed up on the other side then we expected. So Vici and I ran to the other side. And from then on I realized I could never drive with Parisian drivers.

 Luckily we made it on the bus before it drove away. From then we rode through the city and were on our way to the Eiffel Tower. Taking pictures of everything we could, Koby and I were in awe. As we got closer to the tower our hearts raced. Once we reached below the tower all five of us got off the bus. I stood there with my mouth open and I could not even speak a word. I was in awestruck with how beautiful the tower was and I could not believe it was before my eyes. We then walked farther back to get pictures without tourists. As we walked Koby and I counted all the brides taking pictures with the tower.

After taking our pictures with the tower it started to rain. We trudged back to the bus through the rain and the buses roof repelled on. Getting on the bus I said goodbye to the tower because it was truly a magnificent sight to see. 

Slowly the rain stopped and the windows opened. In the bus we rode past the Academie de Musique. A performer was outside the building and sang to a crowd of tourists. Koby and I sang along to a song we knew as we passed in the tour bus. 

We continued the tour and every stop left me in awe. The Opera house, Champs-Élysées, Concorde, and École Militaire all were amazing but my favorite stop was Notre Dame. There I sat in the church and viewed the most beautiful stain glass windows I have ever seen. Saints were formed in many of them and there were statues of several saints. Sitting with Koby in the pew we took it all in. I then lit a candle for Saint Theresa and Saint Mary. Out of all the sights this was truly my favorite.

Once we left the church all of us enjoyed a bag of Haribo and went to the Louve one last time. However, Koby was in dying need of a restroom. As we went into the the church before he noticed they didn't have one and decided to wait. But once we started on our way he REALLY  needed to go pee. Every bathroom we passed was either broken or the line was too long. With our short time we eventually found an appropriate bathroom. Ute and I swear we had never seen him that happy until he had gone to the bathroom. His face was priceless and I will never forget it. 

After seeing the Louve one more time we went to take the metro back to the train station. On the metro I was reminded of the stations in Munich and our daily commute. We then arrived at the train station and I was forced to say goodbye to Paris. Taking a picture with the train all of us departed.

We decided after a long day to eat dinner on the train. Not long after I fell asleep. Only waking up to realize the train ride was pretty much over. I then noticed  our train had gone over 300 kilometers per hour and I was amazed. 

We then went back to the car and rode home. Soon we were home and we dropped our stuff off and headed to the festival. 

Meeting friends there, Koby and I shared about our day. I then had Döner for the first time and really enjoyed it!! Once we both were finished eating the group went to dance. All of us danced to the music and enjoyed the night. 

Before leaving Koby and I got ice cream and walked up the hill back home. Before we knew it the day was over and we both were tired.

 But I can truly say it was a day I would never forget. 

Friday, June 17th//Jacob

June 17, 2016

Today was a short day for me and my partner. We woke up, had breakfast like any normal day, and got on the bus for school. What made today short was the time we got out. We got out of school today at 12:10, the earliest so far in my homestay in Blieskastel. I got to sit in on Vincent's (My GAPP Partner) math class where they were practicing probabilities. I did not understand most of what the teacher was saying but I stayed interested otherwise. After math I went to home room where we visited and helped a 5th grade German class that was learning English. We got to help them read better and helped them speak better English words. After I went to the 8th grade German class and answered questions and talked about my school and home. After home room me and Vincent went to his last class of the day. It wasn't really a class, more like a study hall because we just sat there and talked most of the time. Today was also a good day because I got to see one of my sister's GAPP partners from 2 years ago, Caro. After school she walked down to meet me at the front gate. We hugged and talked a bit before walking down to get some paninis for lunch. After we had lunch she walked me down to the bus station where we struggled for a few minutes to find the right bus. But we finally found it and Caro and I hugged before I got on to head back to my host family. Although half way through the bus ride I began to second guess if I was on the right bus. But thank god I was, so I made it home safely. After a few hours Vincent and I decided to go to the Alstadtfest where there were many vendors and bands playing in the streets of Blieskastel. We met up with almost the entire, current GAPP group or "GAPPies" there. At the festival I saw a few GAPP students, from two years ago, working and Caro was one of them. So I stopped and said "Hi" before we left to go home for the night.

Thursday:Wandertag cont...

Elyssa: another day of school. Many of the Germans didn't have school today and those who didn't went to Saarbrücken, the capital city, for shopping. But for the rest of us, we went to school while our partners took a French test. After French class my partner and I had one more class where we had a breakfast party. Everyone in the class brought something to share and I talked to the teacher for a while about his son who lives in America. It was interesting to hear. The Americans who didn't go to school were able to sleep while we were at school and then went to Saarbrücken. When my partner and I got home we ate lunch. We had a little free time so I took a nap because the rainy weather is making all of us Americans tired. I woke up and my partner and I headed to a town called St. Ingbert not far outside of Blieskastel. The center of the city is a somewhat small town with walking streets and shops such as H&M, DM, and tea shops. We did a little shopping while it rained on and off. After that we went back home, ate, and got ready for the public viewing of fußball. The game was between Deutschland and Poland. All of the Americans and Germans met up at the fire station like we had at the last public viewing and took pictures and talked before we went and sat down. Even though we haven't known each other for long the whole GAPP group is pretty close. There were many other people from the public watching the game. All of the Germans and Americans were dressed up in their gear and had the German flag on their faces. Germany and Poland tied 0-0 so nobody won. It was late when the game ended so we all went home to go to sleep before school on Friday. 

Thursday 6/16: Schul "Wandertag"

n.b. (Frau S): today there we no "real" classes at school due to many of the teachers at vdL having to travel across Saarland as "Zweitprüfer" for the oral Abitur (college entrance exams)...

Taylor:Today we finally got to sleep in, compared to waking up at 6 to leave for school at 6:45, we got to school around 9 and had breakfast with the German class. Breakfast consisted of rolls, cheese, and fruit salad. Sydney and I taught the other students how to flip a water bottle and land it on the table standing (they thought this was a lot of fun). We played black magic, a game that makes people get very frustrated because they can't figure it out (it took me like an hour to first figure it out). Then we watched the film The Blueprint (it is the book that the class is reading). After school we got onto a bus that took us to a train which lead to Saarbrücken. Here we ate pasta and went shopping. We went home and went to Lea's neighbors house for a birthday party. We ate dinner and then got ready for the Public Viewing. The game was so intense, they ended up tying the game 0-0. This was a late but very fun night! 

Wednesday, June 15: more school

Wednesday, June 15th
Samantha Biermann

Today, we had school, so once it began, I went to German class with Emma. However, I did not understand anything that was said in that class and the students had work to do, so I read the The Fault in Our Stars for a good portion of the class. After German, Emma had physics, but I had home room with Frau and the Americans (thank goodness because I hate physics). Home room is really nice because you actually get to hear English again and be with the other Americans. Also, we all got to eat our lunches even though it was only 9 in the morning! After home room, I went to music class with Emma. At the beginning of class, the students had to take a test, but afterwards, the only word to describe their music class was, “chaotic”!! The students all began yelling, fighting, and banging on instruments. After a while of hearing that mess, the 2nd period of music began, so about 20 more students ran into the class, being loud and crazy as well. Shortly after arriving, the teacher assigned instruments to multiple students (guitar, piano, etc) and the rest had to sing. I do not remember the name of the song, but it was in English. Jacob got to play the trumpet which was really cool and Sydney kept dabbing during class, which caused other German students to begin dabbing as well. I guess you could say we are better at communicating with the German students by dabbing, rather than speaking with them in auf Deutsch (in German)… Although eventually, the fun had to end and the school day was over. Emma, her brother Emil, and I took the train home and ate the potatoes and wurst that Emma’s mom made for lunch, which tasted really good! After lunch, we ate Oreo ice cream sandwiches and went up to Emma's room. Emma and I played uno and a German board game (I don't know the name), which was fun! Then, two of Emma's friends came over and we played another card game, but I honestly still even don't understand how to play it. After Emma’s friends left, we ate the leftover wurst and yogurt for dinner. Lastly, we got ready for bed and went to sleep.

Tuesday, June 14: 1st day of "real school"

Bridget:  Tuesday

For our first day at German school we awoke around six am, much earlier than we had been waking for the weekend. We ate a "small" breakfast of rolls, marmalade, meat, and cheese before Sabrina's (my partner's) mother drove us to school. As they live in a separate town, the trip is fifteen to twenty minutes. 

School began early with social studies, where the ninth grade class learned about child labor laws.  Unfortunately, most of the German lessons in America are focused on simpler terms like food and sports, so I was unable to follow much of the class. Social studies was also the only class that did not take place in the same room as the other classes. Unlike in America, German students tend to use only one or two classrooms, and the teachers will show up to the class' room instead.

After the double period, the American students met for a tour of the school and grounds. Unlike BHS, the school consists of multiple buildings and wide open spaces that are well used. There are plants everywhere and the walkways are stone or brick. Personally, I find it much more picturesque here than back home. The tour, conducted by seventh graders, ended with them practicing their English by asking us questions, from 'What are your hobbies?' to 'Apple or Samsung?' 

The rest of the day included French (even harder to follow than social studies), physics (I realized how much math and science one can forget in a semester), and German (the students planned a breakfast for their free day on Thursday and almost everything they said was clear enough for me to follow, until they began to read...). We also tried German school food even though Sabrina rarely eats it because we wanted to compare it to American school food. The food didn't taste too different, but it was served with real plates and silverware, which surprised me.

The day ended with far too much ice cream, even more rain, and a welcome speech from the mayor of Blieskastel. A completely drenched group of GAPP students met in a hall that apparently served as both orphanage and jail (quite the interesting combination) many years ago but which is now a government admin building.

Too tired to do much else, my host family settled for a game of Phase 10 (apparently played with dice instead of cards in Germany) before turning in for the night