A Cultural Exchange: Die erste Woche in Deutschland

die bodensee, der Zug, und nur ein Schloss.

the lake, the train, and just a castle.

I've been in Radolfzell for over a week now and I have to say the place is amazing. a smaller town in the south of germany next to austria and switzerland.

So on the first day I met my host family and settled into the house. The second day was an immediate adventure, after a quick meeting at the Carl Duisburg Center (CDC) to do some paperwork we received a tour of radolfzell from our tutor. Apparently there was a festival going on although we are still unsure of what it was about. my camera angels really suck in these first few videos but they are improving. here are to clips of a brass band playing in the street.

By noon everything was finished so what to do on a Saturday afternoon in a new place we explored. several of us boarded the next train to konstance, as we got off the train we were met by the familiar face of the tutor and she showed us around konstance as well.

Justin thats who I forgot.

Day 3 came with some rain and I didn't meet up with the group from CDC who were going to go hiking. however the rain eventually broke so I went and did some walking around Radolfzell I found another outdoor concert to attend, this time a little more classical.

Day 4/5 were spent in class at the CDC from 8:45 - 3 learning basic German. and day 6/7 class was 8:45 to 12. I am happy to report that after four days of class My german is doing very well.The other night I had lost my way home and had to ask for directions. I met a very nice lady who not only gave me directions but asked why I was in germany and where I was from and had a 20 minute conversation with me. I hope to advance rapidly through the course and make it at least through A2 and hopefully start B1. I am currently an A1.1 and I know that in two weeks I will be in A1.2, three weeks after starts A2. University level is B2/C1 I was told if I can Speak at a B1 level I shall be fine but I'm not sure.

So on day 6 the CDC offered a trip to Meersburg, Germany. Me and several other PPP'lers went along. Meersburg has a castle that has become a museum along with someones private residence. The free style tour was great and that side of the lake is gorgeous.