Middleman

Meine Damen und Herrn-

Thus ends week two of school. As I learn more German, I'm beginning to realize that I've already learned most of the content being taught in class. Its ok though; this will make it easier to focus on learning the language and the cluture, instead of having to fight to keep up in school. I went to Judo again today. Another exhausting practice, to my delight. We're learning combination techniques and counter-opponent's-block sequences. I've been dreaming more, which is weird. All of them have something to do with my life back in the States. There is a party hosted by a classmate on Saturday, and I'm going to attend. Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. the 3rd) is the 'Tag auf Deutsch Einheit' which literally means the 'Day of German Unity', the day the Wall came down (not the exact day, but that's the basic geist (another German word) of it). Annebell is back home, so now I have a Gastschwester. Philip is also coming home from Berlin of the holiday, to join us for the meal (apparently at a seafood restraunt across the Elbe).

I've officially learned a new skill besides speaking German during my AFS stay. A few days ago, Moritz taught me how to clean a shotgun. It was pretty cool. Seeing as this house is equiped with two shotguns, a rifle, two chainsaws and a plethora of ammunition, I'd say we're pretty safe in the case of a zombie attack (here's hoping!). By the way, I've been hearing a lot about the American economy tanking lately. This seems like a pretty important subject, so I was hoping you guys would keep me posted as to how things are going over there. You can do that at , or send whatever you want. Frau Biermann and Herr Frank, you should probably brush up on your German in the next few months, because once I get back, I'm gonna need someone to talk to.

In closing, I'd like to tell you that I've been drawing a lot more. This won't seem important to some of you, but to the rest it will mean that there's something new in my head. And indeed, yes, I have an entirely new concept in the works. The style of the art is completely new for me, and unfortunately (for you, at least) I have decided not to post any of my artwork on this blog for the time being. It will pour out like a flood upon my return, but not until then. Well, bis dann!

Aufwiederlesen!
-Elliot P.