Training in Köln

Hello everybody,

     I've just returned from my three day training course which took place in Cologne. Now I have to admit, I was not looking forward to going and I didn't really think it would be useful for me. However, I had a really great time.

    Lois and I arrived in Cologne on Sunday night, after a 6 hour car journey involving lots of queues. The woman who took us was lovely and we were able to learn a lot just on the journey there! Arriving into Cologne late evening was an amazing sight. The cathedral was lit up, bridges were alive with car headlights and the skyscrapers looked like giant Christmas trees. It was a great introduction to the city. Unfortunately, as we had been delayed so much on the journey, we had to get straight on a train and find our hotel just a few stops away. (We got lost...again. We're becoming particularly good at asking for directions in German)

   Something we both really appreciated was the fact that we were able to check into our room in German. Yes, it's only a tiny little thing but it felt really good to be able to do it. Simple little skills like this are often overlooked with language learning, but it's these little things that I really appreciate.

  So we ventured out to Cologne the next morning - Suitcases in hand as we would then go straight to our course. I have to say, I was really impressed with Cologne. Despite more rain, we explored the city. It has a really city vibe on the main street(s) with loads of big brand shops. But equally, just off the main shopping street, you can find quaint little bars and cafes and lovely old buildings in the older parts of the city. It is certainly somewhere I could go back to.

  OK. So I'm pretty sure you've all heard of Cologne cathedral. It's the most famous attraction in the city! I'm not somebody who normally appreciates architecture or old buildings, but the 'Kölner Dom' blew me away. It's such a huge building and the architecture is spectacular. We went inside and it was quite unbelievable. It's somewhere I hope I can definitely go back to.







Not normally someone who appreciates
architecture - but I thought this was really impressive




When you want to ask someone to take a picture in Germany, you say
"Können Sie bitte ein Foto machen?" - This translates as "Can you please
make a photo?" - The Germans don't say "Können Sie bitte ein Foto nehmen?"
which would translate as "Can you please take a photo?" - I almost made this
mistake, and if Lois hadn't have told me, I would have looked very silly indeed!

So this brings me to the course. We were whisked from the station to a lovely hotel hidden away in the forests outside of Cologne. The accommodation was really nice and the food was amazing. The course itself was good in the sense that it gave us an idea of how to plan and teach lessons and also prepared us a bit for life in Germany in general. Like a lot of people, I think the thing I gleaned the most from the course was meeting people in exactly the same situation as me. We were all going in to the unknown together and it was reassuring to know everybody was feeling the same. There were some really great people there and I made some friends, with whom I really hope I get the chance to catch up with over the course of my time here. I met people from all over the UK - I was sharing a room with someone from Ireland, I talked to a Canadian a lot and there were some from Australia and New Zealand as well. It was a real laugh, not too serious and definitely reassuring. When we left, it almost felt like going to Germany for the first time again! The little English bubble that we had been living in for 3 days had popped and we were on our own again. But we're now ready to begin our YA properly and we know that there are people all over Germany in just the same position.

The hotel we stayed at was in the countryside

around Cologne. I took this on the way there. The German countryside really is beautiful.

So today we're going back to Regensburg to move me into some temporary accommodation. A teacher gave me a contact and fortunately it worked out. I'm living with a really cool dude and it's in a good location - its just a shame it's only free for a few months. But hey, at least I've got somewhere to live for now! Then it's our last weekend before both starting in our schools on Monday. We're both feeling a little apprehensive but I think we both just want to get started now, so it will be good to finally begin.

Thanks for reading!

Tschüß!

From 'Bake Off' Blues to Total Immersion

 Ok, I know 'total immersion' sounds a little scary but all will be explained...( I just thought this was the best way to describe things)

On Wednesday, Lois and I settled down to catch up on ‘The Great British Bake Off’ We thought it would be nice to hear some English again after hearing German for, what seems like, so long. I really enjoyed watching it. I lost myself in a world of filo pastry, tarts and pies, filled deep with delicious fillings. I imagined myself bouncing on fluffy clouds of marshmallows, running my fingers through waterfalls flowing with thick custard and swimming in pools of glossy milk chocolate – OK, that’s a slight exaggeration but I really did forget I was in Germany. When the programme finished and I ‘awoke’ from my fantasy world of baking, I felt really homesick. I think it was just the shock of realising I was actually in Germany, after watching a ‘proper’ British programme and of course, hearing lots English. Despite this we soon got over it and decided go out to get back in ‘German mode’!

This leads me to the ‘immersion’ bit. I bought my first German newspaper on Thursday. Ok, it was ‘Bild’ (The German version of ‘The Sun’ – so easy reading ;)) but I really enjoyed reading it. It did take me a while to get through but I understood all of it and I think it’s another good way of learning German. In addition, we also watched ‘Kindsköpfer’ (Grown Ups - watched in German, of course) on TV and today we went to the Cinema to watch ‘Planes’ (great film!), again in German (We were the only two in the cinema, which made it feel special). It really feels like an achievement to get through a film in another language. Throughout watching Planes today, we both found ourselves laughing at the jokes and understanding the story. Again I’ve found this is a good way to learn new language and improve listening skills. It’s amazing how quickly you pick things up when you’re surrounded by a new language (Posters, reading material, TV, Radio, people in the street etc.)

I’ve also found myself asking people questions, just so I can practice. I asked a cashier a question I already knew the answer to, but I just wanted to practice speaking German! I really feel like I’m picking it up, so I really hope this continues throughout the year. One thing I was warned about before coming here was that the Germans will reply in English once they realise that you’re not ‘one of them’, but this is something I’ve not experienced at all. Every single time I’ve spoken with a German, they have replied in German – even when I’ve obviously been struggling. I’m really grateful for this and hope it continues.

We visited Ingolstadt today – again in the rain. It’s a nice city with lots there and we’ll definitely go back on a sunny day. We’re going to be busy busy busy for the next week. Back to Regensburg tomorrow to try and find me somewhere to live (This never ending accommodation hunt is getting tiring now – I hope I find somewhere soon). Sunday we’re travelling through Mitfahrgelegenheit (like Bla-Bla-Car in England) with a woman up to Cologne for our Language Assistants Course – It’s 50% cheaper than the train so worthwhile. We’re staying over in Cologne and then hopefully visiting a few sights before beginning the course on Monday afternoon and finishing on Thursday. So lots to keep us busy and then shortly after we get back, we will be starting in the schools. I'm feeling pretty nervous about starting as I don’t really know what will be expected of me but every single person who I’ve spoken to at both my schools are really, really friendly so I’m feeling reassured.

In Hugendubel (such a cool German word) in Ingolstadt.
It's a book /stationary shop like Waterstones, but they have all these really cool
seats, where you can just sit and read!
Get on it Waterstones!

I’m still enjoying navigating the supermarket and discovering all the new foods and brands – whilst trying to control my incessant urge to buy the entire contents of the sweet aisle. The sweets here are amazing! They surpass any sweets found back home and no matter how big the supermarket, they always manage to squeeze a HUGE selection of sweets/cakes/biscuits/chocolate/sweets/alcohol/sweets. I should probably take this opportunity to apologise in advance to my dentist – I envisage many, many encounters with the dreaded drill and dozens of fillings on my return.

The cost of one bottle of water - 65 Cents

The cost of one bottle of Beer - 39 Cents
Meaning...Beer is cheaper than water!
Germany certainly know how to do it

Basically, what I want to emphasize from this post, is that I am really enjoying my time here in Germany (I think my last post might have come across a bit depressing) I can see myself falling in love with the country and the lifestyle (I love the fact trains are on time (on the whole), that TV programmes start and finish at random times like 21:58 and 22:23, and that, if there is one thing the Germans like more than sausage and beer, its recycling – I just love it!) . I’m really enjoying German as a language as well as Germany as a culture.

My next post may not be for a while, so until then…

Tschüß

Year Abroad Limbo

So as the name of this post suggests, I’m feeling very mixed at the moment. I just feel a little bit lost – a little bit “in limbo”. I still don’t have any accommodation sorted for when I start teaching and for this reason, I can’t really do anything. For example for me to open a bank account, I need an address. In order to ‘anmelden’ (register as living in Germany), I need an address. But I’m doing everything I can to overcome this and I’m not the only one. My mentor teacher at one of the schools I will be teaching is absolutely amazing. We've spoken over the phone several times and she is always so excited and enthusiastic and she’s really trying to find somewhere to live. She’s been speaking with her family, friends, her neighbours and her work colleges trying to help my get somewhere. I feel a little guilty that she has to do this, but it’s now at the point where I need all the help I can get! I’m so grateful that she understands my situation and it’s nice knowing someone is on your side (up to now it seemed that everyone was against me, what with all the declining of accommodation offers!) Lois’ landlord and neighbour are also contacting anyone who could help. I told Lois that I feel like I should be paying them! They are all ringing people here, and talking to others there, all in order to find me somewhere to live! I feel fortunate to have such lovely people around me right now, because I would definitely much more lost without them!

This leads me to another point – The Germans. Now, before I came I was well aware of the stereotype of the scary, angry Germans but every single German whom I’ve come across so far couldn’t have been nicer. Even when I've struggled when trying to speak German, they’ve been patient and friendly. I hate to say it, but it has come as a surprise – obviously a very pleasant one! It goes to show that stereotypes can be, and often are, so incorrect.

Just a quick update on what Lois and I have been up to the last few days. On Sunday we watched a Bavarian Parade go through Eichstätt, ending at the Volksfest (which we visited the previous night). This was a great sight to see and I would have said the procession was easily one mile long! I saw more Lederhosen in that procession than I've seen in my whole life! People in the procession would throw sweets out to the people lined on the sides of the road and the flag bearers would stop every now and again to wave the flag and the whole crowd would cheer. It was a really friendly and happy atmosphere.  Lois and I followed this by having a fantastic ice cream sundae in one of the many Ice cream parlors in Eichstätt. (It’s probably good that I’m not living here, as I would definitely be obese come the end my Year Abroad from all the Ice cream!) In the evening we visited the Volksfest again, sampled another Bratwurst (When in Rome…) and then watched the firework display. At this point the heavens opened, and as Lois and I had a long walk back, we got very, very wet! I doubt that, if I were to have a shower, fully clothed, I would have been more wet. It was so nice to get back to Lois’ warm, cosy flat.

Just a bit of beer

On Monday, we explored the other areas of Eichstätt. I also got my German phone, so now I can ring within Germany. Sorting out a German Sim-Card was another opportunity to practice German, which has given me more confidence. Practice really is the best way to improve and gain confidence. We visited the supermarket and it was…interesting. Some of the food looks really tasty, other food…not so much. But I really would like to try a little of everything and discover some new tasty foods! Lois bought some bedding and kitchen utensils, so the flat here is looking more ‘homey’ now.

Freshly made Audis ready to be sold around the world
And they're wearing cool little Audi coats

Yesterday we went to Regensburg! It looks like a really cool place but unfortunately, it rained all day so we didn't see it at its best (My English mentor told me that it was the first day it had rained since July! She said ‘As soon as the English come, it starts to rain’ – Always take the weather with you, right?!) Anyway, the reason we went was to visit a flat. Eventually we found it and it was really nice – it seemed ideal for me and in a great location. However they’re looking for a long term tenant and also preferably a girl, so I’m not too optimistic. I expressed my interest and said I was keen, so we will see what happens. I’d really like it to work out as I haven’t got any other options right now! I have been making lots of phone calls recently to various Landlords asking about possible rooms. This was terrifying at first, but it’s just normal now. This again shows how practise and repetition help confidence, so I’m not longer afraid to try to speak German.

In terms of homesickness etc, Sunday was not a good day. We both really struggled and it was hard - I think we both would have done absolutely anything to be back home and not have to a Year Abroad. But having each other is a massive help (I know I've said this too many times.) I feel like my emotions are so up and down at the moment. One minute I’m loving it and want to stay forever, other times I’m feeling down and all I want is to be back home. Keeping busy, even just going outside for a walk, really help, so we’re both trying to do that.

OK. I think I've said too much now. My brother returns to the UK from three months in America today – A little piece of me wishes I was in his position, coming home and back to family and home comforts, but the other bit of me (the bigger bit!) is glad I’m here and feeling determined to make the most of my time here. Let’s hope these positive vibes continue and grow!

First day

Grüβe aus Deutschland!

As I set off from home early Saturday morning, I was feeling very I had apprehensive. I had butterflies, and so many thoughts were running through my mind on my journey to the airport. It suddenly felt very real as we pulled into Manchester Airport. We met Lois and her family there and had just enough time for a quick coffee altogether before Lois and I made our ‘Grand Depart.’ I’m not going to lie, it was tough walking away from my family knowing I wouldn't be seeing them until just before Christmas. Lois was feeling just the same and I feel so fortunate that we were doing it together. I really do have a lot of admiration for anyone embarking on such an adventure alone! Despite the flight being really nice (We got lunch and even had TV in the chairs – A rarity for short-haul flights), we were both feeling the same – very worried about what lay in store for us! Landing in Munich at lunch time, we realised this was it and there was certainly no going back!

On our way! 

Germany looks just like England, right?

As we were going to be travelling to Lois’ accommodation by train it made sense to get our Bahncard50 (A railcard giving 50% discount on all rail travel) before we started our journey. Despite desperately wanting to speak in English, I pushed myself to ask for it in German. The woman replied in German and I had my very first German conversation.  This really, really helped and suddenly I had a new found confidence and I was now excited about the prospect of living in Germany and speaking German!

Eichstaett

After a very long, warm, sticky train journey, with several changes and a walk to Lois’ flat (all with my entire years’ worth of clothes being dragged in two heavy suitcases behind me) we made it! We were greeted by her lovely landlord and given a temporary room. We had chance to look round Eichstätt, which is a really nice little town and oh so very German. We were also advised that the town ‘Volksfest’ (basically festival) was on and we thought ‘why not?’

16 Steins! Wow!

The Eichstätt Volksfest was amazing! Half the people there were wearing the traditional German dress of ‘Lederhosen’ and ‘Dirndl’ – They looked great and the atmosphere was really nice. It was definitely different to the ‘chavy’ festivals in England. Although the beer was flowing, everyone was just merry and having a good time –Another difference to England, were inevitably someone would be dancing on a table naked, whilst someone else would be throwing up in the corner. A traditional Bavarian band were playing and everyone was singing along – I can’t to learn the songs and next time, I will be joining in! We had a Bratwurst each and a beer/cocktail, so I’m already feeling very German.

First German beer - Hopefully the first of many!

Dancing on the tables

Enjoying our first evening in Germany

We were both buzzing after the festival and I said to Lois, that I could even imagine myself living here! We had a decent nights sleep after a very long day (although the several churches here chime every 15 minutes , so that will take some getting used to) but we both woke up feeling a little homesick and just a little ‘lost.’ After such a fantastic evening, it feels like we've almost gone backwards. I keep feeling overwhelmed at everything I still have to do. But we've got each other and we keep talking which is a huge help. I’d be definitely contemplating a flight back home if I was alone! We had a lovely traditional German breakfast at a local bakery (Bread rolls, croissants, Salami , Cheese) and I'm feeling envious that Lois is in such a lovely little town.

Ferris Wheel - A proper festival!

Lois’ room / flat / town is perfect for a Language Assistant. It’s properly German, so she will get lots of chance to practice, and her room is ideal. We’re going to meet one of her teachers this afternoon and then maybe re-visit the Volksfest, as it’s the last day and there’s a firework to close it. Tomorrow the hard work starts, when we start looking at Mobile phone simcards, opening bank accounts, and most importantly for me…finding somewhere to live!

Until next time,

Marcus 

Last day in England

So here I am. In less than 24 hours I will be flying at 10,000ft and on my way to Germany to begin my Year Abroad. I really don't know how I feel. This YA (Year Abroad - I'm feeling lazy) has been building up for sooo long! Yet now it's here, I feel myself wanting to put it off for another week. I think deep down, I really am looking forward to it and I'm ready to get really stuck in.

I guess I should really apologise for my lack of posts recently. I'd rather not go into details but I've had a MASSIVE inconvenience on the accommodation front. To cut a long story short, an almost perfect accommodation situation turned into a nightmare very quickly and all at my expense. It's really put a downer on my final week here, and I'm still without a place to live.

In more positive news, I've recently been in contact with an English teacher at one of my two schools. She has given me an idea of what I will be doing during my time there and is also assisting my hunt for somewhere to live. She sounds really lovely and has certainly reassured me.

Last night, Mum and I packed my stuff (I HATE packing - and at the age of 20, I'm still incapable of packing a bag without help from my Mum) I did have to remove a few things, as, even after doing the old 'sit-on-top-of-the-case-until-we-can-zip-it-up-trick, we struggled to close the case, but I've managed to sort it out and get it down to a suitable size and weight (However the Liquorice Allsorts and box of Yorkshire Teabags are definitely still in there). I still can't help but feel I've forgotten something. However, as I said to Lois, we have to remember that we are going to Germany here. It's not a Third World Country, so anything I haven't got, I will just buy.

Now, as the name of the post suggests, today is my last day in England. I really don't know what I should be doing. Eating loads? Chilling out at home? Having a massive party? Worrying frantically? I feel like I should be making the most of being at home, but don't really know how!

Anyway, Lois and I fly out to Munich tomorrow morning about 9:00. I know it's going to be really beneficial to be flying out together and it will definitely take the initial sadness of saying goodbye to family for four months away. I'm then staying with Lois (as she has already found accommodation) for a while, whilst I continue my hunt.

I really hope I can find an internet connection and keep this blog updated. I've done a pretty poor job so far, so it can only improve right!? I'm sure / hopeful that my posts will get more interesting and hopefully, by the end of my next post, the number of times you yawned whilst reading it, will be single figures.

So here I go - The biggest adventure of my life begins tomorrow.

Bis Bald,

Marcus

Not an ideal situation...

Hallo Leute,

   Ok, so I'm not in the situation I would have liked to be in at the time of writing this post. In an ideal world, I would have booked my flight to Germany and would have a lovely little flat to move in to and everything would be hunky dory. However this isn't the case.

  I've really struggled trying to find accommodation in Regensburg. Don't get me wrong, there's lots available. However, finding a furnished flat, in a good location that can be rented for a year or less is nigh on impossible! I've sent out around 100 emails and, although I'm receiving some very pleasant and friendly replies, I'm feeling a little disheartened. I'm an organised person and I like to plan things, so the fact that I'm probably going to be going to Germany without a place to live is a little worrying.

 Saying that, I'm in the fortunate position of having a girlfriend who has found a place to live which isn't far from Regensburg at all. Lois has agreed to go out to Germany a week before we need to be there and share her flat with me, whilst I frantically search for accommodation in Regensburg. I'm a lucky boy, right?!

 Although a little concerned, I'm not actually feeling as worried as I thought I might be in this situation. Apparently it's pretty standard to not actually find somewhere until you get out there and start physically meeting people (I totally understand Vendors 'vetting' prospective tenants before signing their flat away to them!), so I remain optimistic that I will find something once I'm there.

I mentioned flights earlier. The plan was to find accommodation, work out when I could move in and then negotiate travel around it. However in this situation, Lois (who has very kindly and patiently waited for me to find somewhere to live) and I have decided that time is running out and we need to get out act together and get some travel arrangements sorted! So we're looking at flights out there right now. We have, however, already booked out return flights back to England in late December (which I'm already super excited about!), which is either very organised or just plain stupid considering we haven't booked our flights there in the first place!

I really don't think there is much else I can be doing right now. I'm pretty keen to start my Year Abroad and just get stuck in to be honest. I can see myself changing my mind when it comes to actually leaving though!

I'm aware this post is probably not even vaguely interesting, but I felt an update was in order. Hopefully my next post will have something a little more interesting in.

Until then...

On the hunt for Accommodation

So it's now mid July, and with my departure getting ever closer, I've finally persuaded myself to start looking for accommodation properly. I'm not sure why I've been putting it off up until now. I guess I was hoping that I didn't actually have to do anything and that my schools would find me somewhere suitable, but unfortunately they haven't, so its about time I began looking.

I was pretty overwhelmed to say the least, when I began checking out accommodation websites. But despite the pages and pages of different flats and rooms, I still struggled to see anything that I could imagine myself living in. Maybe I'm just being too fussy - I want a centrally located flat, at a good price, which is furnished (I've come to learn that a fully furnished, liveable flat is a rarity in Germany).

Anyway, I have actually shortlisted a few different options and sent of e-mails to the vendors / landlords. I was really nervous sending the email and made an effort to sound as friendly and as enthusiastic about their flat as possible! I haven't heard anything as yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed, because despite my strict requirements, I've actually seen a couple of really nice flats which seem ideal.

I keep saying to myself that it is better to wait and not to rush into anything and to make sure the place I'm ultimately going to be living in for almost a year, is (as close to) perfect for me, rather than rush into buying somewhere just because I want to get it sorted. Having said that, I really just want it all to be sorted so that I know where I'll be living and then I can start concentrating on other stuff.

In the mean time, I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed