Week #8 in Germany

This was the last week before the Herbstferien. The students in the 13th grade went on class trips to different cities, so I only worked three days since most of my students were gone. I was a bit jealous of my students, they went all over Europe: Barcelona, Milan, Vienna, Prague and more. One of the great things about Europe is the proximity of all these beautiful cities.


I know today is Halloween, which is one of my favorite holidays, but I don't feel it at all. I've seen some decorations, but not very many. I couldn't find a normal pumpkin to carve a jack-o-lantern, so Mehmet and I have to use mini pumpkins. I don't have a costume, I won't watch Rocky Horror, and there won't be any trick-or-treaters. This has been a really strange feeling for me. It's been strange to know that I won't be able to properly celebrate one of my favorite holidays. What's been more strange to me though, is that I'm not too upset about it. Of course I would love to have a traditional Halloween celebration, but the fact that I won't doesn't really bother me.


When I reflect on my state of contentment, I feel strangely relieved. When I first got here, I was dreading the holidays and the sure depression and homesickness I would experience come November. But now, I'm looking forward to spending the holiday season with new friends in a new country. I love my country and there are parts I miss about my country, but I have been able to find a balance between love for my own country and acclimation to a new one. I wouldn't be so bold as to say I'm completely acclimated or integrated into German society, but I have been able to open myself up to that possibility. And so, I can quietly celebrate my Halloween, carving mini-jack-o-lanterns, without any feelings of heimweh.