Meine Damen und Herren-
Well, this week has been an interesting one. I went to school for the first time on Monday. I was greeted warmly by my class, who had been waiting for my arrival the entire year. They refer to me as either "die Americaner" or "Big El". Its interesting. This year, which is technically my Junior year and should be one of the hardest of my school carrier, actually makes no difference in the German school system. The students have two more years before they graduate and these classes don't even count towards their final grades.
The classes are done entirely in German, so its a bit of a struggle to really understand what is being said and done. Needless to say, I'm a hit in English class. The students who I spend most of my time with always speak to myself and each other in German, as well. It's hard and I'm quiet a lot of the time, but I'm getting better. The school is run more like a college than an American highschool. If your teacher is absent, they don't use substitutes. You get that period free to do as you wish. During one of these free periods, a group from my class and I went into Stade because they insisted I try a local dish called a döner. Its actually a Turkish dish, but known very well in Germany all the same. Its something of a mix between a taco, a gyro, and a salad. So basically, a lot of food for very little money, and very tasty.
I was not able to attend Judo today. Heide was off on business and Moritz had to study for some of his exams. For those of you who figured out the time difference on this post (we're 7 to 8 hours ahead here) you'll notice that I'm writting it at about 12:30 in the morning. I had a migrane and had to go to bed around seven, so I just woke up. I'll probably go back to sleep when I'm finished writing.
As for faith here, guys, its straight-up Jesus Freak. NO ONE goes to church every Sunday, or even attempts to do so. I'm looked at like a fool for believing in Intelligent Design. Bill, you were right- they do teach that sex before marriage is legitimate in church. Everyone who really puts effort forth in faith is at least thirty years old. The strange flip-side is that they seem very interested in what I believe and respect it to no end. They seem to be very proud of being one of the world's most liberal countries.
Well, thats all for now. I'm still waiting on receiving letters, you guys. PLEASE write. It would gratify me to no end. And please, feel free to give out this blog address to anyone who knows me. I miss you all very much and hope you are doing well. I will write again next Thursday, as I hope to be my habit from now on.
Aufwiedersehen,
-Elliot P.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Judo, at long last
Meine Gute!
I can barely move. I went to the new Judo club for the first time tonight. It is beyond anything I could have imagined. Every person there could rip any Judo player I've met in the States to shreds. Including me. They are all very nice and seem to be accepting of my presence, but I simply cannot keep up with them. They think and move and attack in ways totally foreign to me. They practice twice a week for an hour and a half. The instructor seems like a good man, but he can speak nearly no English, so I guess I will have to work on my German. The rest of the students (ranging from age 19 to 40-something) all speak English well. I wish they didn't. Its hard enough learning a new language, without the temptation of slipping back in to the old one hanging over you head. I thought I had endurance. These people are unbelievable. When I come back, I'll be able to lift Bill Brown over my head, while fighting Duane with only my feet. Maybe.
I know, I didn't say anything all that important or coherent to anyone but me, but I don't care. That was amazing.
Bis Bald-
Elliot P.
I can barely move. I went to the new Judo club for the first time tonight. It is beyond anything I could have imagined. Every person there could rip any Judo player I've met in the States to shreds. Including me. They are all very nice and seem to be accepting of my presence, but I simply cannot keep up with them. They think and move and attack in ways totally foreign to me. They practice twice a week for an hour and a half. The instructor seems like a good man, but he can speak nearly no English, so I guess I will have to work on my German. The rest of the students (ranging from age 19 to 40-something) all speak English well. I wish they didn't. Its hard enough learning a new language, without the temptation of slipping back in to the old one hanging over you head. I thought I had endurance. These people are unbelievable. When I come back, I'll be able to lift Bill Brown over my head, while fighting Duane with only my feet. Maybe.
I know, I didn't say anything all that important or coherent to anyone but me, but I don't care. That was amazing.
Bis Bald-
Elliot P.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What its like over here
Meine Damen und Herren-
How are you all? I must say, not enough has happened, really, to merit this post. Other than I went to my first German party two days ago, and I had my first AFS meeting today. The real reason for the post is because I hear you are all eager to see my German home. I took some pictures this morning, so here they are:
Mein Hause. Its name is "Hetlingen". I don't think it means anything, or has a simple English translation... But it is very old and very beautiful.
The back of my house.
A small monument in the Garden for all of the von Limburgs who have died protecting Germany.
Ich, mit Tatze. She is a old dog and I don't think she actually likes me much...
The road into the Moor. This is where I run.
The living room. I read a lot on the couch in here.
Another angle of the living room.
The train I arrived on on the first day. I have found that I am not good at trains.
The train station in Hamburg-Harburg
P-Dog and Spongebob Gansta-Pants. Some graffiti in Hamburg-Harburg.
A statue in Hamburg-Harburg to the soldiers from the area.
I will post again when there is something to post about.
Bis bald!
-Elliot P.
How are you all? I must say, not enough has happened, really, to merit this post. Other than I went to my first German party two days ago, and I had my first AFS meeting today. The real reason for the post is because I hear you are all eager to see my German home. I took some pictures this morning, so here they are:
Mein Hause. Its name is "Hetlingen". I don't think it means anything, or has a simple English translation... But it is very old and very beautiful.
The back of my house.
A small monument in the Garden for all of the von Limburgs who have died protecting Germany.
Ich, mit Tatze. She is a old dog and I don't think she actually likes me much...
The road into the Moor. This is where I run.
The living room. I read a lot on the couch in here.
Another angle of the living room.
The train I arrived on on the first day. I have found that I am not good at trains.
The train station in Hamburg-Harburg
P-Dog and Spongebob Gansta-Pants. Some graffiti in Hamburg-Harburg.
A statue in Hamburg-Harburg to the soldiers from the area.
I will post again when there is something to post about.
Bis bald!
-Elliot P.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Pictures (I know they're before the post)
Asleep on the plane.
AFS friends chillin after 24 hours without sleep.
My roomate Micheal from Boston. I don't know how he does it, but he was still speaking complete sentaces after the plane ride.
Stephen, definately makin' a pizza.
Me, upon passing customs in Germany. You can tell I was thrilled.
AFS friends chillin after 24 hours without sleep.
My roomate Micheal from Boston. I don't know how he does it, but he was still speaking complete sentaces after the plane ride.
Stephen, definately makin' a pizza.
Me, upon passing customs in Germany. You can tell I was thrilled.
Life as Usual
Hallo again!
Everything is going great here in Deuschtland. I had a German lesson this morning but missed the train (I couldn't even find it) but tomorrow that will be different. Life is pretty slow around here, but I like the pace. I will start school in about a week and a half, or sooner if I ask. I am also going to get into concact with the local Judo club, which looks promissing. The pictures I'm going to post are mostly social. I will post pictures of the architecture and the landscape very soon. Dad, you're going to love it. I miss you all dearly and I will write again soon.
If you want to mail me the address is:
Elliot Pjecha
Groß Sterneberger Str. 52
21714 Hammah
You could also email me at middlemangames(at)gmail.com, but I love letters.
-Elliot P.
PS: Amber, I am reading the book you gave me and I must admit I really do enjoy it. Either because its good literature or because its the only book of written English in the house. I have yet to decide.
Everything is going great here in Deuschtland. I had a German lesson this morning but missed the train (I couldn't even find it) but tomorrow that will be different. Life is pretty slow around here, but I like the pace. I will start school in about a week and a half, or sooner if I ask. I am also going to get into concact with the local Judo club, which looks promissing. The pictures I'm going to post are mostly social. I will post pictures of the architecture and the landscape very soon. Dad, you're going to love it. I miss you all dearly and I will write again soon.
If you want to mail me the address is:
Elliot Pjecha
Groß Sterneberger Str. 52
21714 Hammah
You could also email me at middlemangames(at)gmail.com, but I love letters.
-Elliot P.
PS: Amber, I am reading the book you gave me and I must admit I really do enjoy it. Either because its good literature or because its the only book of written English in the house. I have yet to decide.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
In the Beginning
Hallo Alle!
I'm writting on the end of my first day in Germany, from my new home in Stade (EDIT: I'm actually outside of Hammah (by 2 km) AND outside of Stade (7 km). We're in the country. Ah, the German moor). Everything is going well, and my host family is so happy to finally have me here. The house is big and old and the food is good. They have all of this old wooden furniture that is simply beautiful. I will have pictures up soon, but for now I'm going to bed. Its nearly eleven o'clock on Sunday here in Deutschland. I love you all and I miss you very much. Write again soon.
Bis bald!
Elliot Pjecha
I'm writting on the end of my first day in Germany, from my new home in Stade (EDIT: I'm actually outside of Hammah (by 2 km) AND outside of Stade (7 km). We're in the country. Ah, the German moor). Everything is going well, and my host family is so happy to finally have me here. The house is big and old and the food is good. They have all of this old wooden furniture that is simply beautiful. I will have pictures up soon, but for now I'm going to bed. Its nearly eleven o'clock on Sunday here in Deutschland. I love you all and I miss you very much. Write again soon.
Bis bald!
Elliot Pjecha
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