Settling in

I have not had internet access, so this is long overdue.

First and foremost, I love it here! Yes, I faced some homesickness at first. But, I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was exhausted from all the traveling. In fact, I am just now getting over my jet lag.

Alles Klar! Trier is really a beautiful city...there are literally wine vineyards on nearly every hill and there are Roman ruins scattered throughout the city. In fact, my dorm is only a ten minute walk from the Porta Nigra (the Roman black gate), which is where the main market is. The bus system has been easy to navigate as well.

I have met some really great people...a nice German gal fed me lunch the first day I was here because I had another hour to wait to get into my dorm. I have also met students from around the world (Sweden, Holland, Ukraine, Finland, and yes, the USA)...a man who works in the international office at the university said that he has been most impressed with the American students because we still insist on speaking German with each other and that is usually not the case. The German tutors are also really nice and gave me some nice compliments on my German, which made me happy. It doesnt matter how long you study a language, you can still feel uncomfortable about speaking it in the native country. But, my confidence is building and as I am getting over my jet lag...I am looking forward to many new cultural experieneces!

I will try and continue to update this frequently and will be posting pictures of my dorm and new friends soon.

Getting Ready to go

1 day and about 12 hours.

The countdown began about 5 years ago and I don't think I could be more ready to go...I have to admit I am experiencing an 'excited nervousness', but I suppose that is normal. It is weird to think that in a couple days, I will be in Trier Germany!