Germany!
Greetings from the long lost traveler,
So for the past few days I have been in Germany visiting my friend Ela’s hometown of which I cannot remember the name. It has been an interesting experience to say the least. One of the first things that I noticed about her life here is that it is the same as anywhere else in the world with the exception of a few cultural differences and obviously they speak German here. I now know how the Hungarian, Polish, German, and other non-English TFGer’s felt like. I know a little bit of German, but not nearly enough to hold a decent conversation with other people without Manuela’s help. It is frustrating not to be able to simply communicate with other people without looking like a complete dunce. Ela has been great and I’m just happy that she has been able to put up with me for the past few days.
Even though I havn’t been able to speak German, I have had a great time. Anke, Ela’s friend, and her family have been wonderful. The second night we had a barbeque German style and I was made “Master Chef.” Anke’s dad was funny. I have obtained a few mini beer trucks and a flashlight key chain from him to the great embarrassment of Anke. I also had a good laugh with her, Ela, and family. T’was excellent food as well. After dinner, the new puppy and I provided the entertainment as it pounced upon me with much enthusiasm.
I also had the opportunity to get to know Ela’s church youth, family, grandma’s, Godmother, and much much more. It was interesting and the picturesque village in which Ela lives made the sites very pleasant. I got to go to the Czech Republic and see the cheap market where I obtained a couple of CD’s at 2 euros each. On Saturday night I even ventured to a German Club an hour away from “home.” I got to see belt girl, no can dance mullet boy, several muscle men, Dundee, and many other unique sites. The music selection was rather “special” as well. I’m sure I was one of the only people that could understand the words of the songs they played.
Anyway, I had a good time and glad I went. I wonder if one day I get the chance to go back, when I have learned German, to “re-meet” everyone. But it is back to the grind for another 11 weeks until I re-enter the United States of America. Love you all and God Bless!
So Long….
David De Block
TFG/ELCA/YAGM
P.S. If you think that what I am doing and learning here in Blackhall Rocks, England is ubber cool check out this website to see if you are qualified to become a YAGM just like me!
www.elca.org/globalserve/youngadults