Week #2 in Germany

I have officially completed my first week of school. I survived questions about President Obama, Islam, the environment and American stereotypes (we all drive big SUVs, eat only fast food, have overly patriotic sentiments and know that God likes us best). I managed to keep my deutsch in the Lehrzimmer, and speak English only when any students were present. There were, however, moments in which I was entirely inadequate in my native tongue. While talking to one class, I could not for the life of me remember how to say Umwelt freundlich in English. Then there were times when teachers asked me for the English translation of a word, and all I could think of was an elaboration auf deutsch. Overall though, the week was rather painless. I had 196 students sign up for conversation groups, so apparently I didn't mess up too much.

One of the most exciting events from this week was getting a bike. I now have the ability to get to school in about 10 minutes and get downtown in about 15. Perhaps this weekend I'll attempt to explore the Schwarzwald some, seeing as it is basically in my backyard. Something I find quite fascinating is the number of people who ride a bicycle. Of course you'll see kids riding to school on their bike, but there are also 40-year olds on their way to work, and 70-year olds going to the grocery store. It's truly inspiring to see a white-haired man breezing by on a bicycle. I dearly hope to be half as active when I'm that age!