Wednesday and Thursday

Hallo!
Still alive and kicking, or maybe I should say Dancing!.  Yesterday morning we all met as small groups and had tours of our respective schools. After a small break we all met at the Rathaus for a short reception with Herr Strobele and all the students- Once again festooned in pink.   The German girls switched into dirndels and we were joined by the Mayoress for a video message to be sent to the Reading Liederkranz for the opening of Octoberfest next weekend.  So head up to the LK next weekend and look for us waving to you from here to there.

We broke for a small time, to eat lunch and later meet for the bowling excursion.  The transition of the students from quiet awkwardness to full on teenage frenzy happens while bowling.  Funny how similar songs and everyone bowling as poorly as the next guy brings the students together. Even the quiet kids got into the swing of things after Rochelle got everyone to feel the music.  She and Amanda persuaded the entire group onto the lanes to dance the "cupid-Cuban-Chacha-shuffle" or something like that. Many students commented that it was good fun to sing the same songs and to realize that teenagers across the continents speak the same language.

Today, Thursday we met in 2 smaller groups for a mini German lesson.  Students learned simple phrases such as What is your name? I am hungry. You are pretty. and a few words we won't mention.  We had a chance to check journals and to do a quick temperature about how everyone was faring.  Most students responded to how warm and comfortable their host families were. They were extremely appreciative of how the families were making an effort to make them feel welcome and at home.

In the early afternoon we met for a geocaching activity to complete a self guided tour of the city.  Students found their way to Tubingen Tor, The Garden Tor, the narrowest street in the world, 2 churches and several statues around the city center.  The weather was a bit ify and not all students figured out the GPS but they all returned at the appointed time to receive their pride cards and duplo. They were then sent on ther merry way, some to return to school, some to shop and some to get a bit lost (Nick and Vanessa) but we won`t mention those names.

It was a long day and I know I for one am a bit tired tonight.  I am sure a few of them are feeling the same way.  Tomorrow off to Tubingen!