Souvenirs

I used to imagine what it would be like to be fluent in a language. I used to have little conversations in my head, trying to think only in German without a single English word. The interesting thing is, I can't undo knowledge, and now I don't have to imagine being fluent. I just am.

It's really quite a concept to think about. Everything I have learned and experienced here in Germany is something that can't be taken away from me. I can bring Birkenstocks, Veltins beer, fashionable European clothes, and thousands of photos in my suitcase on the way home. But none of the things I have really learned from Germany and from my exchange can be packed into a suitcase. The things that are truly important reside in my brain. 

My change in character, my experience in a different culture, my ability to turn strangers into friends, and my knowledge of a foreign language, are all priceless souvenirs that I will never lose. That's why I think exchange is so special. It gives you the gifts that will last a lifetime. 

#cultured

After my experience this weekend, I think I can fairly say that I am "cultured"on German standards. 

On Saturday I was invited to a Borussia Dortmund soccer game, which was absolutely incredible. I have never seen a city so passionate about their sports team (and coming from Boston that says a lot). There was so much energy, support, and "Echte Liebe" that radiated through the stadium. I can honestly say that this was the first sporting event that I have actually watched entirely and paid attention to. It goes without saying that BVB won the game 3-0 against Nürnberg and now holds 2nd place in the Bundesliga. There's nothing like German Fußball. 

On Sunday and Monday "ging es richtig ab"( the party really started). Sunday I spent the night in a hostel with 30 AFS students along with our wonderful counselors. I met even more AFS students from the area, and we got ready for the real party on "Rosenmontag". 

Rosenmontag is the peak of carnival, a festival which is celebrated around the world in Catholic areas. It celebrates the time before lent, when everything becomes serious and solemn for Catholics.  In Germany the Rhineland is the more Catholic region, and its center, Cologne. 

Cologne celebrates carnival like no other German city. One million people crowd the streets of Cologne  every year to experience the parade of a lifetime. Everyone is dressed in ridiculous costumes, even more ridiculous than those seen on Halloween in America (pictures to follow). People drink in the streets, catch "Kamelle"(candy) from the parade floats, and scream "ALAAF"at every chance they get. 

Although I am trying to explain carnival in Cologne, I don't think I can do it justice. It's an experience that speaks for itself, one of which I am so happy to have experienced. 

I am so happy I have seen so many parts of Germany and all of the cultural events that I've heard about for years at Waldsee. The only words to describe it are, "Kamelle", "Alaaf", und "Prost!"

Der Umzug

Die volle Straße

All of our crazy costumes

BVB Spiel

Beim Rhein