I took part in a German student exchange program through our school (and GAPP) from Thursday June 11 to Tuesday June 30. It was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. So here is June 11-12, when my second out-of-country journey began.
We left the school a little after 2 pm, all wearing our matching GAPP (German American Partnership Program) t-shirts, which of course were black on a very hot day. We took a bus to Newark airport. The flight from Newark to Iceland was the longest part of our flight, and when we landed in Iceland it was so cold (and about 5 am) that we could see our breath! The flight from Iceland to Germany was shorter, especially since we were all so excited! We took a bus from München to Altötting and our German hosts excitedly rushed to greet us as soon as we began to exit.
My host, Elli (Elisabeth) welcomed me with a hug and her mom drove the two of us to my home for 19 days. Their address says Niedertaufkirchen, but really they lived in a tiny area of a few houses in Hausleiten. The surrounding countryside looked like Lancaster County, PA, only more hilly and so many times more beautiful!
My family was the family Danner: Peter and Marina, the oldest daughter Julia (18, but I was still a few months older than her), my host Elli (17), and the little brother Lukas (11). Their 13-year-old dog Sally and their adorable cat Paula were also a part of the family. While I was there I met all the relatives within walking distance: both sets of grandparents and an aunt and uncle and their children.
My first supper there was spaghetti. Their house was so beautiful, and the dad (a carpenter) built it himself. They also have his business next door. My room, which would usually be their office, was so sweetly made over for me, with a blue theme and letters spelling out my name on the wall over my bed. I was very ready to sleep that night.
We left the school a little after 2 pm, all wearing our matching GAPP (German American Partnership Program) t-shirts, which of course were black on a very hot day. We took a bus to Newark airport. The flight from Newark to Iceland was the longest part of our flight, and when we landed in Iceland it was so cold (and about 5 am) that we could see our breath! The flight from Iceland to Germany was shorter, especially since we were all so excited! We took a bus from München to Altötting and our German hosts excitedly rushed to greet us as soon as we began to exit.
My host, Elli (Elisabeth) welcomed me with a hug and her mom drove the two of us to my home for 19 days. Their address says Niedertaufkirchen, but really they lived in a tiny area of a few houses in Hausleiten. The surrounding countryside looked like Lancaster County, PA, only more hilly and so many times more beautiful!
My family was the family Danner: Peter and Marina, the oldest daughter Julia (18, but I was still a few months older than her), my host Elli (17), and the little brother Lukas (11). Their 13-year-old dog Sally and their adorable cat Paula were also a part of the family. While I was there I met all the relatives within walking distance: both sets of grandparents and an aunt and uncle and their children.
My first supper there was spaghetti. Their house was so beautiful, and the dad (a carpenter) built it himself. They also have his business next door. My room, which would usually be their office, was so sweetly made over for me, with a blue theme and letters spelling out my name on the wall over my bed. I was very ready to sleep that night.
Landing in Iceland
Finally landing in Germany!
Our hosts waiting for us at the school
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