Families and Train Stations.

So, Meine Liebe!
viel zu viel ist in den lezten Wochen passiert. Nee, nicht zu viel... aber, viel.

I guess you are probably curious to what happened after what happened in my last post. Well, don't you worry because that is exacty what this blog is for! To update you. I'll try to keep it short, but that is somewhat impossible for me, if you haven't already noticed.

So to continue with what ended the last blog post. Host family change. After my ex host parents decided to call my organization telling them that they needed to find me a new host family.... I was utterly confused with what I shoud do. Deep inside I really wanted to give up and just flee back to the good ol' U.S. The other side wanted to just pack my bags and take another risk in going anywhere in Germany. But, let me tell you, this area of Germany has really really grown on me. THe people, the food, my school. Franken... North Bayern. I love it.. I really wanted to stay here for the next 5 months of my exchange. So, I talked to English teacher who happens to be my "betreuer" a.k.a my guiding man. Anyways, after I asked for his help... He really stepped in. He put up notices all over my school saying that, I, McKenna Anderson needed a host family, etc. etc. The next day a family contacted him saying that they were really interested in hosting me.. That same night I met up with them and we just hit it off from there. The Kaufhold family. The dad is an english and p.e teacher at the other gymnasium in Forchheim... literally right next to mine. The daughter, Mona, is exactly my age and has an english class with me. And the mother is just as cool. Which I meant to say in the first place.. they are very cool.

Anyways that was take place on a thursday night. A few days later my program contacted me saying that I could move in the day I got right back from Cologne. That day taking place on this previous Monday.

Which leaves me to tell the tale of Cologne,
It was a Thursday morning, I had packed my 2 enormous suitcases which were needed for my move on monday and to add on top of it, I had to pack for Cologne and clean up all my surroundings.
I did it. But, I actually think I left my Beginning French C.D in the C.D player in my room.. Oh well.
But, here is when it gets fun.
It was the first day in my whole time in Germany when it decided to snow a bit and then to rain right after it. As you can imagine, My host families house settles on an enourmous hill and with that, the sidewalks are made of cobblestones. Somehow I had to get down that hill without missing my bus. with heavy rainboots on my feet, a heavy suitcase in my hand and while trying to hold an umbrella.


Note: If you talk to my parents about things they disliked about living in The Netherlands, one of things on their list would be the cobblestoned streets, when icy.

I had no clue how I was going to get down, because the traction opon the bottom of my shoes were not working the way they should. And slipping while coming down a sleep slope with all the items I had to carry, is not exactly fun.
THen, finally, my brillance entered into my mind. The road upon which cars drive on, was not slippery. So, I hit the road. And ran and ran in order to not miss my bus to the train station. I reached the bus stop just in time. But, what do you know? no bus was coming, and so many thoughts were coming into my mind "did I miss it?" "did it come early, like it often does?" "How in the world am I going to get to the train station, with my host parents all at work?" "should I hitchhike?" "should I ask some stranger to drive me?" and finally the final conclusion came into mind, I was going to have to walk and walk there fast. 3 kilometers in 25 minutes, with my wellingtons, my heavy coat, my heavy bag, while pouring rain.... and ice still layiing upon the cobblestoned sidwalks.
In case your wondering, I did make it. And it was a close one. THe moment I reached my platform, the train arrived.
But, the best part is. The best part is that, while I was fast walking the bus in which I was supposed to take was actually late and drove right past me while I was on my journey.

And now I am going to end this blog post right here. The second and possibly third part will be coming soon. And with pictures!!! hallelujah.
and I also wish to apologize for the horrible english grammar that I write with.

Already being the first full week of 2012.... A lot has happened. And when I say that, I really mean
a lot.

Skiing in the alps, check.
Sliding down a slide in a salt mine, check.
Being told that I am not wanted as an exchange student anymore by my host family anymore, check.

The day following new years, I packed my bags and was off to go skiing in the alps with my host mom, my host sister and another sweet other German family.
I being from Utah should be able to say that I am a very skilled skier... But, sometimes we have to come to the true realization that I am not. The last time I went skiing was when I was 12... and that was only down the easiest route at sundance and before that was when I was 9 and actually ended up getting a 4 inch break in my leg after only a couple hours of skiiing down a bunny hill at Alta... and ended up actually recieving a full leg cast for 2 months.
Well, let's just say, my skiing skills weren't exactly good. But, I tried and I had a good time. And now, because of this experience when I get back to "the best snow on earth", I am definitely picking up skiing. You have my word for it.





this is me. Big surprise. I had to borrow my host mom's sister's (so I guess that would be host aunt's?) ski anzug (skiing outfit?)







I, my host sister and the daughter of the other family we were with.






yeah..


















out my window







After this lovely trip, my host mom took me, Emilia (host sister), and Chrissi (host sister's friend) to the Salzbergwerk (salt mine) near Salzburg. It was actually really really cool. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take any pictures in the mine and didn't really take any outside either...
okay, one.






only because it stated salt lake city. Hah.

anyways, in this mine tour.. We dressed into these... I'm not exactly sure what you would call them.... Jumpers? overalls? anyways, they were black.
And then we got to take a train a while through the salt mine,





then arriving to a big open space, called the salt cathedral. There we took slide down.











this isn't us... But, you get the point. Soo cool.

The tour guide explained a lot about the mine. Geology, history, today, etc.
And at some point in the mine, we got to take a raft over the most majestic looking piece of water. I took a picture in my brain, and have it installed in there.... but unfortunately, I can't really put that on my blog. Just know that it was really cool.

As of yesterday, my host family told me they didn't want me anymore and actually made the move in telling my program that.
Let's just say I haven't felt this terrible about something in a long time. I won't go into detail about everything, but let me just say, it sucks, but I still believe it is for the best. Maybe... possibly.

I am really curious to see what happens into the future. So, we will just have to wait and find out.
P.S these are some random photos that just make me laugh.

This is what happens when you give McKenna free time in school.





















This is what you get when you send her starbursts in the mail.













when she makes herbal tea.

okay, I am done.
Seeya round.

New Year's

Well seeya 2011 and hello 2012

I spent my last hours of 2011 at my host mom's nephew's new years eve party. That party including many college aged students. I enjoyed myself. But, I'll be honest, it was a bit awkward with the language barrier and me being younger than everyone else and me being American, not only American but Utah/mormon/American. But, it was nevertheless good to just be spending my new years eve in a way I had never celebrated it before.
But, I had a good time. We had Raclette, played mario cart and super smash brothers on a game cube took pictures with the coolest storm trooper, played other games, lit fireworks, and then ended the night by going home and putting my head to rest at 2 a.m. No regrets.

New Years day it is a tradition (or atleast I think it is) to go visit family members and wish them a happy new year. Man these guys do so much with extended family. So we did that.
and shortly before those wonderful encounters I went on a stroll in the forest, which I tend to actually do quite a lot here. Seeing that one is right behind my house.
It was lovely, especially the fact that it was only 54 degrees outside. And there I wished the the camera a happy new year and now am wishing you one.

so, Happy New Year!

your friend (I hope),
McKenna