Settling In

During an exchange program meeting back in San Jose we were told that culture shock comes in waves. There is an initial excitement about a new place when the struggles are still seen through rose colored lenses. Once a rhythm is set and the cultural differences become more apparent, that excitement fades and one’s attitude can start to fall. I was told that it can get shitty, but no to a total depression. I think I’m hitting that point. I'm not depressed, but a bit down. I'm not happy with the rhythm I've created and the lack of exercise. Not having a bike and mountains to run is pretty shitty. I did run today in the trees, but it was pretty damn flat. 250 feet over 6.5 miles is negligible. The sound of birds and absence of people and concrete did instill a sense of peace. Quiet. Alone. Running. Unknown paths. Very much needed.

I shall remain positive. Like this ball of concrete.

I've been in Germany for a month now, and I've had plenty of time to play. I've explored Berlin by bicycle, and Darmstadt by foot. I've met some really nice people from other countries. I've had a very nice German girl, Rita, show me around town and simply be a friend. I’ve grocery shopped on my own without incident, and today I even got a haircut. My broken German was enough for a 7€ haircut, and the woman so really nice so I gave her a 2€ Trinkgeld (a tip.) I’ve managed a bank withdrawal with help from a script written by Sam.

This is how we sign up for classes. Course descriptions, and some with signup sheets, are all we have. There is no online registration time. No priority. Just show up and put your name on a list. Rita had to read them all to us.

School started this week, and a pattern is emerging. It’s been fun having nothing to do, and with plenty to explore in this new city I haven’t had too much down time. That “fun” time is now going to be replaced with school work: research, sketching, studying. Oh yes. My classes are in German. Luckily my professor speaks English very well, and is willing to speak with us after our group meetings to clear things up. Also, I’ll be heavily relying on other h_da students to help with translations and design criticism. Not knowing German is really apparent now, and I feel bad about now learning more before arriving. Still, I’m very excited about finally getting started on my purpose here.

Dinner: a microwave meal from an Asian market. It's vegetarian (duh, it's an Indian dish) and went really well with tortillas. Not bad for 2€ and change.  

That is Saskia. She works for the international office at h_da, and she was with us for the trip to Rüdesheim. Any girl with a picture like this on her Facebook page is alright in my book. I hope to spend more time getting to know her. She mentioned a backpacking trip in June, so we'll see if that comes to fruition, or it remains a pipe dream.