Well, the reason why I havn't blogged recently is because not too much has been going on. The weather in Berlin has been horrible. The snow on the ground is frozen like a rock and the sidewalks are like ice-rinks. IT IS SO COLD! To make things worse, before last week there was NO SUN for 16 days! I felt so down during that period- I had absolutely no energy. When we finally got some sun last weekend, I just stared at it for a few moments and literally felt my mood lifting!
(walking the schoolkids to the afterschool. DULL, DREARY, COLD)
I've just been working at the school everyday- learning a lot from the kids. (I have been reading with them almost everyday. With the younger kids we read easy lines like, "I drive with the bus" and when they have finished I must write down the number of mistakes they have made. The 2nd class we read harder books and I am learning many vocabularies) It is sad that I only will be with them and my wonderful colleugues untill this Thursday! To make things worse, right now I am not feeling well at all. I have a bad cough, throatache, and headache. I went to work today, but told them that I will not be there tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be well enough by Wednesday, because me and the other Practicant will be bringing in treats for the teachers.
Last weekend Friday a friend of mine had a party at his house and I went there. we just all chilled and had a good time... practiced German. On Saturday me and my host brother went to his "abi party" which is a party for a bunch of people starting their Abitur which is this huge test Germans have to take before their graduate (it's like the BAC in France). I really wasn't in the mood to go to a party that night, but I'm glad I went because it was really cool club. It was massive. there were about 1000 people there and the club was built in a former factory- it was built like a mini Berlin, and there were all of these different places people could sit at, and downstairs was a techno hall and it was really amazing... but I didn't really know anybody, and I didn't have any lust to dance or anything so it was lame at the same time- but I'm glad I went!
This weekend Friday was interesting for me. It was the 5 month anniversary that I have been in Berlin, and I was at the airport saying goodbye to an exchange student Daniel. He was going back home to Brazil. It was the first time I had been in the Berlin airport since I had said goodbye to my host sister in August... and it was really weird. It made me really think about going home and how it must feel, and it made me have fear. I love my family and friends and home... but going back? just unimaginable at the moment.
Anyways, after the airport, I had some friends come over to my house and we just hung out. On Saturday I was with my favorite mexican Maria- We watched a really old film in German with my host family. Sunday, I just chilled at home- enjoying not doing anything in particular. However, it was quite tense in the house because something happened between my host sister in Equador, and my host family. She was robbed sometime last week when she was out one night, and there is a ton of drama going on due to the reaction of my host parents- it caused me a lot of stress! But I believe it has been resolved now, so all is good.
Despite the fact that I m sick, I have so many things to look forward to! On Friday I have a meeting with all of the 11th class at my school to debreif about our praktikums, and after that I have my Winter Holiday Break and I am off to Austria with my host family!!! We will be going on a ski/snowboard trip for an entire week and I could not be more excited. I LOVE SNOWBOARDING! After that, starts school back up again, and it should be good to get back into the swing of things.
:) life is good :)
... can I just say how AMAZING exchange is!!! I know a lot of people have troubles with their exchange year- host familes, friends, school, location... butt so far, this has been the best year of my life. Sure there are things that wrong happen, but as a whole, I have experienced so much, met so many people, seen so many things, lived in a new house with new people, gone to school in a new langugae and location, and lived in a new CITY with some of the best friends I could ask for.
Is it possible that I am HALF WAY through my exchange???
no... I don't think it is! That means I only have 5-6 months to go. I don't like that!!! (*erasing from head*)
It feels like the time goes by so slowly at some points... but then other times it FLYS! (it has been flying lately)
It's so weird to think that...
all of the insane things I have already experienced all of the insane amount oflanguage and culture I have already learned all of the insane amount I have changed since I have gotten here
... is only 1/2 way done! (Ich kann mir das nicht vorstellen!)
I must be experiencing a high point of my exchange or something because for the past few weeks I have been feeling stupendous! It was tough having to say goodbye to my 2 week Christmas Break- but last week was just as good because of my Praktikum!
At Canisius Kolleg (the school I go to) all students in the 11th class must do a social Praktikum for ONE MONTH! the "social" means that it has to be helping society in some sort of way, for instance: Old Home, Soup Kitchen, a school, etc... Right away I decided I wanted to be somewhere with kids because I love little kids! But really, I had another intention- Little kids don't know English, which means I would be forced to use German all of the time, which means I would get a lot better at German... BRILLIANT! I'm now working in an elementary school/afterschool and it has been one of the best times I've had since being here in Germany. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Not only have I learned a TON of german, but the kolleagues there are fantastically nice and the kids (most of them) are so sweet!
I get to wake up an hour later at 7.30 every morning (so much better than waking up at 6.30)! I shower, eat breakfast, take a bus few minutes, and then walk about 1000 meters or so through the bitter cold, until I arrive at the elementary school. When I get there I am greated by the smiling faces of the teachers in a "teachers lounge" sort of a thing (they are all women by the way- I have seen only one man teacher). We sit in a circle, talk, and drink coffee- it's a great, relaxing start to the morning. I have a really open schedule which I really like. Every day is a litle bit different. Some days I watch the kids in the play-hall, most days I help the kids with their work, or read with them. At 13.30 I walk the kids over to the afterschool where they eat, and play for the rest of the day. At the afterschool I help the kids with their homework, play with them, make a fool out of myself, and most importantly, make sure they don't kill eachother... It's really LOUD- but by just watching them I am learning so much about human interaction and things. The kids really have no idea about this world, or life in general. They believe anything you tell them, and say the first thing that comes to their minds- That intruiges me!!! They are teaching me so much.
What I really find is funny is that some of the kids don't even realize I am a foreigner. A few days ago it was my birthday- I brought in treats, they sang me the cutest birthday song ever, and they all asked me questions about my life. I told them I was an exchange student and then made them guess where I came from. They guessed: Bavaria (southern Germany-haha), Sweeden, Denmark, Turkey, and... Africa! When I told the kids I came from America... well I was bOmBaRdEd with questions.
Does it snow there?
What football team do you play for? Is McDonalds your FAVORITE restaurant?
Can you speak American???
Do you know HANNAH MONTANA!?!?!
Other than that- I get made fun of a lot. I've been told very politely that I have a "sharp" nose. Almost every day I am described as, "the american who speaks funny." Today a little girl sat me down, started pointing at my face, and told me with a wide smile where all my blemishes were! The best part is, 5 months ago my ego would have been hurt... those remarks would have STUNG! Now that I've experienced exchange- not a CHANCE. I have been laughed at SO-SO-SO much- haha who cares? Embarassement is... normal! I can now say that yes- I do have a HUGE nose. my face is abnormally long and thin, my left ear is about 2 centimeters higher than my right, my back slouches, my toro is strangely long, my neck- even longer... and yes- Sometimes I wake up in the morning to be greeted with a lovely pimple on my face... Mmm the joy of being a teenager.
Well- thats basically what I do. I love it so much. I feel so accomplished when I help a kid read, teach the difference between an odd and an even number (harder than it sounds), or simply play with them. My praktikum is GREAT!!! It's so nice to be able to speak now. I don't have to worry too much about the language. Sure, I make Grammatik mistakes, and don't know how to say certain words... but it's not so tiring like it used to be. I wouldn't say I'm fluent just yet- but I'm getting pretty darn close.
Other than fun with elementary students, I had my BIRTHDAY on the 8th which was last friday!!! It was really fun! I was woken up really early to taken townstairs to 17 glowing candles. The family sang for me, and I openedup my presents (which I had picked out the day before with my host mom). We ate a quick breakfast together and I was off to work. Like I said, at the elementary school I had a little celebration. The teachers gave me a gift card which was sooo nice!!! They also gave me a half day. That night, I decided to have a couple of close friends over to my place. I transformed my basement into the PERFECT american party basement like one sees in the movies. We all made our own pizzas, chilled, listened to musik, and celebrated! it definately was my favorite birthday yet! My host parents were so cool!!! They insisted that all 5 of my friends stay the night because of weather :) On Saturday I went out to a goodbye get-together for Kate. She is flying home next weekend! It was weird to say goodbye, but it felt like it was the right time for it to happen!
Life is Germany is... so amazing. I can't imagine life any different. It fits. It scares me when I think about coming home. What will I do at James Madison Memorial High School? WHO will I be able to relate with? When I came to Germany, I had to start over completely new, learn a new LANGUAGE, go through tons of anxiety... Crying, Laughing, and CRYING again. I am laughed at daily, and held back by something I never ever in a million years had to worry about-language. I have been through SO many awkward moments it is not even funny!!! I have had to put myself out there, make a fool out of myself, do things I am afraid of. I feel like in these last 4.5 months I have learned... SO MUCH!
When I go back to Madison, Wisconsin. Life will be... normal.
In Berlin...
I finally feel free and independant.
I love my life here and I finally feel confident in myself.
...I feel like Berlin is my home.
The only thing that is missing is my family, and friends. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THESE NEXT 6 MONTHS HAVE IN STORE FOR ME!!!!
If there was one word to describe my 2 weeks of winter holidays here in Berlin, I would use- CRAZY!!! These past two weeks have been absolutely insane. Where do I even start...
I spent the first few days of break hanging out with friends and desperately trying to find gifts that I could afford for my host family. I ended up getting my brothers musik gift cards, my parents a German comedy CD, Christiane recieved a hand-made apron from my mom (because she is always cooking), I burned my oma the entire Well-Tempered Clavier (which was a lot of work- 5 CDS) and got her some cooking supplies, for the famliy I gave them a book about Madison, and my parents from the States got them a board game and some amazing home-made sweets...mmm. I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous for Christmas because I didn't know what to expect and I didn't want my host parents to feel like they NEEDED to get me things... but it all worked out.
The night of the 23rd I visited a really nice Christmas Market in Berlin, and also went to the Galeries Lafayette. (they speak french there).
On the 24th, (Germans exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas on the 24th, not the 25th) we stayed home for the whole day, my host brother did some last minute shopping, I helped decorate the tree (which sadly is not a family thing), and I wrapped some presents. My Oma and Mama were busy making a delicious Fondu dinner for that night, and we all just enjoyed eachothers company. And that is when it started... my family started to ask me all these questions about my traditions... and I told them all of the things I know about Christmas in America. (which sadly was not very much because I celebrated Christmas differently than most people when I was young). They were really confused why I didn't know so much about such a big holiday, and they kept on asking questions about my traditions, my parents trandions- and I tried my best to answer them, but I ended up excusing myself and locking myself in my room for a couple minutes because I got so emotional. I started to heave, and tears came to my eyes... and it was really unexpected. When I was a kid we didn't do lights, or santa, or presents... which was totally fine with me back than because I didn't really understand the significance of the holiday. We always did something special, like going out to eat, singing carols, and one year we went to a hotel with a cool waterpark inside (I remember thinking it was the BEST day of my life). We always had a lot of fun! But... after hearing all the stories of my oma, mama, papa, and brothers christmas experiences... I realized that I never got the chance to believe in santa claus, I never left out milk and cookies for him, I never woke up at the crack of dawn to RUN down the stairs to find presents under a tree... I felt like there was a hole in my childhood- like I had missed out on something special.
After unlocking my door and wiping away the tears, I told myseld: "Ben, this is not a big deal. you are going to get over this and you are going to enjoy yourself." BUT- then my host mom came up the stairs and told me to start getting ready. And I asked, "for what?" And she said, "Dinner." I was so confused! I didn't know if that meant I should change... or take a shower, or brush my teeth. So I decided to go back in my room and put the best thing on I could find- which was sadly a blue sweater and black jeans. When I was done, I opened up my door again, and see my Oma, papa, and two host brothers in REALLY nice clothing... and I told them I didn't have anything nicer and I was sorry- they were understanding. I was about to walk downstairs when they all asked, "what are you doing?" I responded,"going downstairs." Then they proceeded to explain to me the we ,"Have to wait for the bell." I was emotional as it was... but after they told me that I just couldn't take it- I WAS SO CONFUSED. I told them I needed something in my room and then locked the door cried a little more. After the 2nd breakdown I was really determined to make the night a good night. Sure I was confused about my traditions, and I was VERY confused about their traditions... but I put on a smile, unlocked the door, and patiently waited with them on the upstairs landing. After about 10 minutes we heard a ring from downstairs and all walked down and stood in front of the tree. My family than turned on some musik and started singing a really long complilation of German Christmas songs. After they finished, we all started to open presents. My host family here were very generous. I became some winter gear, cologne, DVD about Berlin, Grammar book, and a new Cell Phone. My parents from the States got me a new camera and a book and it was very nice of them! I now finally have a CAMERA! That means- MORE PICTURES! After opening presents, eating the AMAZING fondue, and talking a little bit I felt like I really belonged there, and I forgot all the confusion, and sadness I was feeling before! I'm so lucky to have such an amazing host family.
On actual Christmas DAY, we didnt really do anything. We ate a traditional German meal, and a few friends of mine came over! It was a really great time :)
Christmas Eve Dinner Our Tree
Nativity Scene
The days in between Christmas and New Years were pretty normal. I didn't go into the city to many times because I was tired and just wanted to chill... but I got to see a lot of friends and that was nice. ONE HUGE THING- IT SNOWED... A LOT! I just measured the snow outside and we have 16 cm! and it is STILL snowing. My parents keep on telling me how lucky I am because normally there is nowhere near to this much snow in Berlin!
Now... New Years Eve- WAS AMAZING! IT WAS THE BEST NEW YEARS EVER!!! After a little bit of convincing I got my host parents to let me and some friends go to Brandenburger Tor! I was feeling like it wouldn't really be an AMAZING time, because of the snow and immense amount of people... but I was proven WRONG- it was AMAZING and MORE! First, my 2 friends Maria, and Maria came over with their friend Maria from Equador. Turns out she is currently living in Wisconsin and studying in Appleton (big world ey?). The three Marias and I chilled for a little bit and then made our way downtown to meet up with some other friends of ours. When we got there it was like an insane war zone. we were walking down the street and there were firworks going off all over the place and we were always afraid we would get hit! There were so many people, and our shoes started to get a bit wet... and the wettness turned into FROZENESS! We all couldn't feel our feet. After a bit of walking, we found an entrance and sneakily snuck through the huge crowd. We made it pretty close to the front and were able to see what was happening on stage. It was such a special moment, because we were surrounded my loud, pulsing musik, and we all were dancing and talking with the people around us, and it was just AMAZING! We got to hear a lot of famous German artists singing, and brought in the new year with fireworks and of course- good luck kisses! MAGICAL MOMENT!
Heres a video of the countdown:
We finished up the night by heading back to my house. (it was an adventure- we got stuck in a street with INSANE AMOUNT OF FIREWORKS- they were going off EVERYWHERE) Once we got there we drank a celebratory glass of champaign with my host family, and got our fortunes read of the next year. We melted these pieces of metal on spoons, then threw them in water! Mine was really smooth and looked like a cross between a goose and a gondala. My host parents told me that means through hard work I will suceed... but I will be poor- haha!
At around 3 my host parents said goodnight and at 4 I skyped with my parents in the States. I got to see a lot of people I know because there was a party at my house- it was nice. I think I ended up getting to bed around 5.15 or so.
I think it is safe to say that this year has been pretty amazing and life-changing. SO much happened in 2009. I turned 16, I got my liscense, I sang in my first musical, I became an exchange student, I set foot on Europe's soil for the first time, I learned a new language, a have a 2nd family, and I have made some friends that I hope I never will loose! I'm excited to see how 2010 plays out. First thing to look forward to is my birthday number 17- which is in one week!
If you have any questions... -facebook me -email me (benjaminmau@gmail.com) -comment me I'll be here :)
About Me
I realized that an "about me" section is pretty much pointless for a foreign exchange student because we CHANGE so much over the 3 year course of pre-exchange, exchange, and readjustment. This "about me" section is more of a timeline that shows how I’ve changed over the months.
27.5.10
Yo- I'm just a guy living life. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going, what I'm supposed to be doing... and just taking advantage of every opportunity that appears. I love adventure challenges, and people. Life is a crazy rollercoaster- I'm just along for the ride... trying to be myself and having as much fun as I can.
25.1.2010
I'm Ben, , and live in Berlin, Germany. 1/2 way through my exchange, life is absolutely amazing. I'm still learning new things every single day, but life remains exciting and full of fun! I am very happy here in Germany, and am so glad I decided to do a full year! I am so excited for what is in store for me in the second half of my exchange!
17.10.2009
My name's Ben and I'm an American exchange student living in Berlin, Germany for the 2009/2010 school year. Right now, I'm learning more about myself than I ever have in my entire life. I'm evolving so quickly into who-knows-what... and to be honest, its a little bit freaky. I love living in the city and having endless possiblilities at my fingertips- but after being away for 2 months I've grown to LOVE my hometown. I took it, and everyone and everything in it for granted. Nevertheless, This exchange year has been the best descision of my life. It's incredibly challenging, but INCREDIBLY worth it. I've met so many amazing people, seen so many beautiful places, and have gained so much experience! I have no idea what I'll be when I touch back down on American soil, but all I know is that after this crazy rollercoaster is over, I'm going to be different... much different.
8/12/09
Hey! My name is Ben Mau and I‘m spending my Junior year (09-10) abroad in Berlin, Germany. I've lived in the Midwestern United States (Madison, WI) for my entire life and I'm dying to get out and see the world. I love to learn about new cultures, and anything language oriented. If I could go anywhere right now I would go to Switzerland. My favorite language is French. I like to be random. As of right now… I AM DONE with American Schooling because it all seems like a giant game to get into the college… and I really don’t think that’s what education should be about! I want to learn real LIFE lessons not textbook shit. Going abroad is kind of like my own form of rebellion! So many people have the same feelings I do about High School but they don’t do anything about it! Well I am! I’m packing my bags, I’m saying goodbye to my family and friends. And I’m going abroad for a year. So who knows what will happen. Maybe I’ll have the year of my life! Maybe I’ll miss American High School. Maybe I’ll be deported. Haha… no I wouldn’t take it that far! All I have to say is that I’m going into this experience with an open mind! It’s going to be one crazy year… I can tell you that.
1/30/09
My Name is Ben, and I'm a sophomore in High School in Madison, WI. What to know about me? I enjoy the challenges of life. I'd rather be over-preoccupied than under-preoccupied. I'm the kind of student who would rather take a hard class, work hard, learn lots, and get a poor grade, than be in an easy class, review what I already know, and get an A+. I believe that life is more than just getting A's in classes, there is so much more to LEARN. I love being well rounded and actively participating in as many activities I possibly can. Specifically, I love forensics and polevaulting. I'm also class president at my school, and compose music on piano regularly. My friends are very important to me. They help me with everything, and back me up in my decisions and endeavors. Hopefully, this trip to Germany will open up my eyes a bit. Give me a new perspective about life, and help me grow as a person.
