Rocky Starts

Well, I definintely haven't been blogging in a while...this is because my host mom has put restrictions on my "computer time," and because the internet here is spastic, as I am in the "countryside" of Germany.

Beginnings
Honestly, my first impression of this family wasn't amazing. They looked amazing on paper, but in real life, it was quite different. I tried my hardest to not come with any expectations, but I realized that Germany has helped me figure out what my real expectations are. I had tons of issues with my host family since they not only had water damage in the house, but also seemed to be much more strict and controlling of certain things. For example, certain utensils MUST go in certain cabinets, and if you put them in the wrong place, you'll be yelled at (at least my host sister did to me). Additionally, certain foods may only be eaten at certain times. Well, how was I supposed to know? Lights are also a big deal in this house--I literally had to do my homework in the dark sometimes, and veggies (other than tomatoes, onions, and potatoes) are clearly not a part of their diet. I will not elaborate more on my problems, because they are not fun to read or write about. Plus, AFS' workshop on blogging vs. journaling explicitly told us not to write our "bad thoughts" for the public to read (since those are our own personal problems).

Now
Now, things are slightly better, but only because I found out via my natural parents what I was doing "wrong." My host mom had written a long email to my parents about our rocky beginnings, without telling me she didn't like what I was doing (AHEM, someone clearly did not follow AFS' Chain of Communication!). I can make my own breakfast now, am no longer yelled at, and my host parents are talking in a completely different (nicer) tone to me. I really appreciate that! They also brought me to Oktoberfest, and drove 8 hours to Munich for it. Oktoberfest was definitely cool, and I have made it one of my goals to live in Munich at some point in my life. Another post on Oktoberfest (hopefully with pictures) will come soon. The only thing I don't really like right now is the fact that everyone is still trying to speak English with me. I NEED to learn Deustch!