Week one

Servus! I've been here in Germany for a week so far and I'm already having heaps of fun.

After Josh and I said our goodbyes to friends and family in Melbourne we set out for a 21 hour journey to Munich, Baravia's capital. Only on the plane did I realise the opportunity I have been given and how I'm going to benefit from it. Once we arrived in Munich we were greeted by our exchange partners, Georg and Kathi. Next thing we were in a car on the Autobahn, driving to Großkarolinenfeld, Georg's home village. Georg lives on a dairy farm, with his parents, Johann and Elisabeth and his older sister, Maria and younger brother, Michael. We had breakfast (Frühstuck), which consistered of many breads, spreads and sweets. We then said goodbye to Josh and Kathi, who were going to Holzhausen, where Kathi lives.

Monday was our first day of school. School starts at 0800 and finishes at about 1300. The school times (I think) are much better than back home in Australia, because it gives you the whole afternoon nearly to do stuff. Also you don't have to bring as much food too. The classes are also different, they have classes like Business and Accounting, and don't have classes like Science or Health.  This is because the Wirtschaftsschule is a special business school.

The Oktoberfest

On Thursday, it was the German reunification day, a national holiday to represent the day when Germany became one country again. The four of us and Georg's parents went to the Oktoberfest in Munich. One of Germany's largest festivals. Once we got there all you could see were rides, Beer tents and people, lots of people. From there we went and got some Weißwurst and Pretzels to eat, which I liked. After we went to the statue of Lady Bavaria and went on some rides. Time flew and it was already hitting home time, so we caught the train back to Großkaro and dropped Josh and Kathi home.

In one week I have already tried many different foods and already have had many fun experiences, like giving my host family Vegemite to try and teaching them how to kick a footy. I'm so glad I applied and now it's paying off... big time.

Until next week,

Matt