No Wonder I’m So Tired Everyday

This place is crazy! I’m always going places and doing things.  Keeping myself busy and being made busy with everyone else’s plans for me.  I love it with a passion. 

Yodelling Concert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AH0yava0tY

With Andreas on Saturday night, we went to a yodelling concert in town.  The singer’s name was Nadja Rass, and she was totally and completely amazing.  The link I’ve added is of her only, but the concert was with her, a clarinettist, a bass guitarist, and an electric guitarist.  It began as traditional yodeling, but somehow managed to incorporate many styles and flavours throughout.  Dad always said the best cooking was when you mix contrasting flavours to create an amazing food sensation.  Salty, sweet, crunchy, soft, spicy, sour, etc.  This music was kinda like that.  The guitars played jazz, while she yodelled.  There were also portions of classical music and acapella yodelling.  So cool. 

Mountains

With Barbara and her mother, on Sunday I saw my FIRST mountains!!! Apparently the ones I’ve been taking thousands of pictures of and avoiding at all costs on my runs are simply minor bumps. I swear, Google Switzerland, and when pictures so beautiful they look fake pop up, I can now assure you- they are real.  It literally took my breath away.  The wind was cold, but the sky was clear and we took a ride on one of the lakes (near interlocken- I think).  It was stunning. Beneath us was turquois coloured water, directly off shore were houses with small farms, beyond that were rounded, steep, green mountains, and further still were jagged, snow-capped Alps.  We stopped for lunch in a small town.  Stone fire pizza- it definitely rivalled Italy’s.  But certainly some of the best I’ve ever had.  My stomach hated me afterwards (the pizza was so large it didn’t fit on a dinner plate, and yes, I devoured it all).  Before we left, I saw another amazing Swiss sight….

Self-Cleaning Toilets

Okay, I know that it may seem strange to write a blog about a toilet, but this thing was incredible.  I almost took a video, but decided against it.  When I first walked into the stall, a green light above the toilet was on with the words “clean” beside it.  I thought “awesome, thanks for letting me know”, and went along with my business. After, when I flushed- and I kid you not- a mechanical arm shot out from the back of the toilet with a squeegee attached, and lowered itself to the toilette seat.  It attached onto the seat, and then the whole seat rotated in a circle while the arm stayed still, cleaning it as it turned.  Once more, the little green light came on, and I was left in awe.  I flushed twice, just for fun. 

Where Am I?

The strangest thing keeps happening to me constantly throughout my days here.  I talk to my family, or friends, or to Branden, and everything, everyone, just feels so close.  Half of the time it feels as if they are right down the street and I could visit at any time.  I go for a run and see a black cat and think, mika, get off the road.  I smell the farms and when I blink I half expect Branden’s grandparent’s dogs to come running over to me.  I see the water, the trees, the farms, the houses, and the smallest things make me forget that I’m not in Canada.  It’s a hard feeling to explain.  It doesn’t make me homesick, or feel sad when it ‘clicks’ that I’m halfway across the world.  These brief moments of feeling like I’m in Canada make me smile.  I smile because I love my home there, and I continue to smile when I think of how much at home I feel here.  Mind you, I was NOT smiling the other night when I woke up around 3.00am to go to the bathroom and thought I was back in midland.  I crawled out of bed, and wandered aimlessly through my pitch black bedroom searching for the door.  I clawed at empty wall searching for a knob for what seemed like forever (the wall where the door should be at my mom’s house) before finally realizing where I was and walking across the room to the correct opening.  I guess I’m not totally used to everything-yet. 

Ciaou Canada!

Adjustments

This blog is a short one- but I just have afew things to say about making adjustments. 

Being the New Kid
Its weird to be the new kid around, like at soccer, or events, because here (like at home) everyone knows everyone.  I walk around without seeing familiar faces, or even being able to understand what people are saying.  At soccer I feel like a mute because I just don't know what to say! Its not a bad thing, I know this will change in time.  Its not even that i'm sad- maybe sometimes a little confused or uncomfortable, but its just, well, different. 

Being on Time
Everyone at home knows that when Steph is coming at 7:00 for dinner, you may as well expect me for 7:15.  And if its 10:00 to the party, its likely I'll show at 11:00. Not always.  But often.  In the last year, especially when I started to drive, I greatly improved in my time management and punctuality.  For those who struggle with being on time: come to Switzerland.  Things won't wait for you.  If you chase the bus, it will not stop.  No matter how hard you hit the "open" button on the train doors 5 seconds after its departure time, they will not open.  I am learning this very quickly.  Its amazing how my sprinting skills have improved to get to the bus stop for 7:58am.  400m track stars- look out. 

Milk
So, my family here doesn't drink milk.  But, since they are so fabulous, they have no problem buying me litres and litres of it every week.  God knows how much I love milk.  However, the first week I could not get over how creamy the milk was! It was highly addicting, so I didn't think to even check if it was different than milk at home.  I just drank glass after creamy glass.  One day, with an enormous lack-of-gallbladder stomache ache i decided to check the bottle and came to a realization- I'd practically been drinking table cream! 3.9% is normal milk here.  I talked to Barbara who now buys me "milk drink".  Its not considered real milk here...after all- it's only 2.5%! The little differences here to me are so interesting. 

The trees are blowing like crazy and the humidity is finally lifting here.  A big thunderstorm is coming, yay! Perfect for curling up in bed with a good new book and a hot cup of fresh herb-tea. 

Love to Canada

Sea Side, Food Filled Days

Zurich Sea
For the first time, I went to swim in the Zurich Sea with all of my friends from language school.  It was so amazing. The water was 24 degreeds, and the water seemed so clean for being right beside the biggest city! There was a huge fountain in the middle that we swam to and sat under it in.  The sun was shining, the people were amazing, and I just had the best afternoon. 

Farmer's Market
In class we were given another awesome assignment- go to the farmers market to learn the names of all of our fruits, vegetables, etc! The final question on the assignment was to buy something for under 2Franks.  After much contemplation, I decided on some bread to have for my lunch.  You may be thinking "croissant" or "bun", but no no no.  I bought a LOAF of bread for lunch.  And god it was good.  Freshly baked, moist on the inside, I thought it would last me two days of lunches- but no such luck.  I thought in my head, "I have a race tonight...so it's okay to eat a loaf of bread!" No regrets! I'm just living culturally. 

The Race
It was approximately 32 degrees yesterday and so humid I could hardly breathe, but I had my race to run.  I seriously considered not going, but finally decided I had to.  Just as I got to the starting point, it started to pour rain and thunderstorm, which was a great relief.  Fresh air seemed to come instantly.  I registered and lined up at the start line.  My host dad came to watch, my host sister was directing traffic, and even my councellor pulled up in his Mercedes e-class in his Ralph Lauren shirt to stand in the rain and cheer me on.  The race was two laps around a block in my town, and was 3.5km in total.  Before starting the race, I actually felt good! Part of me was thinking- you could come in dead last, and no one here knows you, so it doesn't matter!

First Lap: Off the start I tried to stick with the first girl I saw, and she pretty much killed me in the first km.  My host sister cheered me on at the top of a stepp hill and I waved, I was having fun!

Second lap: I'm dying.  Why didn't I train? Why am I doing this? And why in the world did I eat that loaf of bread? My host sister cheered my on at the top of the big hill and I hardly agknowledged, I was too afraid of busting a lung. 

I finished the race and ended up coming 3rd of all the women! I expected that maybe for a top three finish I'd recieve a small medal, or a ribbon or something, so I stuck around for the awards ceremonies.  While waiting, my councellor bought my my first true Bratwurst!!! Wow.  That's all I have to say.  It was greasy, and delicious, and exactly what I wanted.  We won't talk about how many I ate. A medical team may show up at my doorstep just waiting for my heart to stop.  Totally worth it.  The announcer reached my catergory and I went to the front.  Instead of a medal, I stood on the podium with a rose, and recieved... A BASKET OF CHEESE AND SALAMI. I love this place.  I really do.  I also got olives, sun dried tomatoes, biscotti, crackers, and a small bottle of wine.  How great is that? I contemplated bringing the entire basket for lunch today- but decided against it.

Babysitting
Lydia next door was told that during the evening, she should babysit me.  So, we sat down together and she asked if I wanted to hear a story.  I sat and chose a very small childrens book, hoping to God I'd understand some of it.  She opened the cover, and apperantly thought that I cannot read at all, because she started to make up her own stories about the pictures she saw.  It was so cute.  She would "read" a page, and then ask me to repeat the hard words, like a teacher.  I was truly being taught by an eight year old.  I had to laugh, but it was so great at the same time. 

Love to my family, love to my friends, love to everyone who is reading this blog! xox

And so concludes the week in paradise.

This week I have been busy busy busy! Some wonderful things have happened, like being able to skype my mom, sister, and chris, as well as branden and his mom.  Some people say that it will make me homesick and that I will become obsessed with being online, but once a week its so nice just to see my house in Canada, and know that all is well.  See some smiling familiar faces, and be able to share funny stories that just aren't quite the same through a blog. 

More School

Well, school has been surprisingly fun! The teacher speaks SO clearly and slowly, it reminds me of a very patient kindergarten teacher.  I listen to her and think, "wow, I can understand everything- I'm really getting this!" And then, I walk out of the class and hear normal-speed conversations that are above the intellectual level of a six year old and think "huh, well, maybe not quite yet," but, i DO know It’s coming.  I understand more and more every day, although as of now, I typically respond in english.  The people in my class are totally amazing, and I will be so sad to leave them when it is time for big-kid school :(.  But, it is also important for me to make Swiss friends.  The rotary exchange students from school are all so kind, outgoing, and understanding of every crazy emotion that I have encountered in only my first week here. 
On Thursday, we had an "assignment" where we had to ask (in German) people on the streets questions about central station in Zurich, and about the Swiss-German language.  We had 40minutes.  Instead of asking people on the street, we figured, why not just go there? And so, in the middle of the school day, my group of four hopped on a train and went to central station to get some answers.  We were back to class on time.  Only in Europe can you do something like that. 

Attempting a New Sport

As most people know, despite many years out on Georgian bay, my swimming skils are, well, less than average.  However, it has been soo hot here, that I agreed yesterday to go to the outdoor public swimming pool with Barbara! It was enormous- the size of the YMCA.  There was a big field all around it, where you set up your towels, and then swim as you please. There must have been hundreds of people at the pool.  So many fit people! It seems everyone is much healthier here.  Also lots of men in speedos.  Sorry guys, I don’t care how fit you are.  Speedos should be illegal.  I fell asleep in the sun (I can fall asleep anywhere here, I’m always so tired!) and then decided to do some lengths.  I had this idea that maybe I get back to Canada and are able to swim minus a lifejacket.  Barbara swims 1km in about 20 minutes.  I half doggy paddled, half drowned my way through 400m in the same time.  I just hope that my race on Wednesday is slightly more successful!

Velo Love

My bike or “velo”, is a huge part of my life here.  It takes me to the city, to the train station, across town, and pretty much everywhere I need to go.  Barbara and I biked to Baden all along the Limat River.  This river is everywhere I go. The train crosses it, and it is practically always in view.  Barbara says I am improving on my bike, but its still so clear I’m an ammature when it takes me three tries to even somewhat gracefully get it started. I also for some reason can not bike in a straight line.  This becomes problematic when biking on the highway between a transport truck and a bus.  Yes, this is common.   I have an ever-constant ach in my thighs like I’ve been air squatting for weeks, and its quite possible that I have a permenant butt bruise, but, I love it anyway.

Opportunity, Everywhere I Turn

This evening, I went to a BBQ at my Youth Exchange Officer’s house, (Herr Burli) with my.  I was so excited because when someone says “BBQ” I somehow only manage to hear “meat”.  And that’s not to say I don’t like food at my host family’s house! I don’t miss meat.  Barbara cooks me fish, and they buy me sandwich meat for lunch, which I really appreciate.  However, I was looking forward to this dinner.  I don’t know what we ate, but I do know, I ate a LOT of it! It was quite possibly ham wrapped in bacon.  Or maybe tenderloin? God it was good.  I was actually in heaven.  I had four generous slices! The bacon here, is like out of this world amazing.  There is a possibility I am now drooling just thinking about its juicy yet crispy, salty, and flavourful-ness….okay I’ll stop.  The other amazing things I’ve had is my host-mom’s tiramisu made with plumbs instead of coffee.  It’s the BEST.  I could eat it all day.  Today I also tried a glass of wine from the town of my counsellor, and it was very nice.  They kept offering me more, but one glass was the perfect pairing to a fabulous meal.  Now that I’m finished talking about food…opportunities.  Firstly, my host mom has booked a cabin for us to stay in for the week of the first of October (our first week off school)….in ITALY, on the BEACH! God, I just can’t wait.  Everything here is just so….accessible.  I just can’t get over it! Also, my YEO has invited me to the place where he cross country skis in the winter, ah! So happy.  My counsellor used to be a pilot and has offered to take me for a ride in his plane “if I’d like”.  Uh, yes, of course I’d like!!!! There was also talk of me going horse back riding. They do not yet understand my lack of co-ordination and balance, so I of course, agreed.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  Yes mom, I’ll wear a helmet.  Everything is amazing.  People.  Food.  Places.  Everything.  I love it here.  I truly do. 

Goodbye for now Canada! Love love love

Language School and Transportation, and happy things :)

Deutsch Schule (German School)

Today i had my first day of Language school and it was surprisingly great.  It was also my first time taking public transit- but that is another story.  At the beginning of our class we just talked and I met the other rotary students. Lots of people from Canada and USA, but also from Mexico, Venesuala, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, etc! I always find it so interesting to compare stories of arriving in Switzerland, our families, and that i'm not alone in making hilarious and embarrassing mistakes every day! Everyone spoke english, so at lunch and on breaks, it was always easy to communicate.  I tried Swiss pop today at lunch...and it was gross. Its called Rivella and its made from milk, very strange.  Its biter actually.  I'll stick to coke.  We all laughed about our time here already, talked about missing home, but loving Switzerland at the same time.  We all agreed that it was nice to meet some friends, as none of us have had any until today!  I shared my embarassing stories of kicking the ball during handball, wondering why the bus doors wouldn't open for me (i didn't press the "OPEN" button, damn). And it was just nice to hang out with people who are in the exact position I am.  Its a connection, and i love it. 

Our class started with a multiple choice test of our knowledge, which was when I truly discovered...i have very little. Some people flew through it, and so did I! Well, that's because after the first 10 or so questions (of 50) i totally guessed. I'm serious. I evern stopped reading the questions after a while.  BUT, whoever told me "when in doubt, circle "c"" thank you! I somehow managed to land myself in the higher level of the two groups we were separated into.  The teacher only spoke german the entire day, and it was great. Sometimes i was surprised by how much i understood, and sometimes i just laughed at how lost I was, but we all helped each other and got throught the day.  I hope to learn a lot in the next few weeks.  My host dad has a theory of working very hard for a period of time, then letting it go until the next day, so after dinner, we speak english and he helps me with my homework.  Tomorrow, i will again work hard in German. 


Transportation

The public transport is pretty much amazing here, its unbelievable. Trains and busses every fifteen minutes (give or take) to wherever you need to go. ALWAYS on time.  Today, as I mentioned, was my first time doing it on my own.  I was nervous on the way there, and did fine.  I was confident on the way back and, well, different story!! The train was great, I got off at the right time, but I got on the wrong bus.  I didn't know that there was an East and West bus pickup.  I live west.  I went east.  So i hopped on my bus and started going, with a certain feeling that something wasn't right.  We started heading up a very steep hill, and I knew then that i was on the complete wrong side of the city!! SO, i pressed the stop button to get off the bus, and stood on the side of the road, contemplating what to do next.  I now have a very succesful step by step process to getting "unlost". 

1. Don't panic
2. Start walking to landmarks to you know

When this doesn't work...

3. Try to decipher signs, and follow the millions of bus stops backwards

When this doesn't work, and you still can't find your bus...

4. Go to the mall
5. Buy an Xtra large, still warm, extra flakey croissant from the bakery.  With butter. (DUH)

Now that you feel better, ask around, and people will try to help you. 
Finally, i got back to Untersiggenthal, and was so happy to have figured it all out on my own.  I had a long very distressed text ready to send to my hostdad, which thankfully could be discarded. 


Happy Things

I went with Daria next door to visit with my host cousins, and they are just the sweetest.  I gave Luca a hockey ministick with a canada ball, and Lydia a Canada teeshirt.  Both of them got Maple candies also.  The were so happy, Luca hugged and kissed me, and Lydia just smiled so much.  It made me so happy just to see them so excited.  When Daria was going to read them a goodnight story, I said goodbye, but Luca shouted "nein, nein!" and grabbed my hand and pulled me to their bedroom to hear the story.  Lydia held my other hand and tucked me into her bed.  When i went downstairs, i found a picture she'd drawn that says "liebe stefani" (i love stephanie).  SO sweet.  Just did my homework, now heading to bed.  Another wonderful day in Schweiz!

Ciaou <3

Rotary, Soccer, and Life

So the last two days have been seriously eventful!

City Life
I went to Zurich yesterday to see the big city, and to see the building where i will start language school tomorrow! The buildings are all old and beautiful ,and no cars can drive on the shopping streets.  So many women and girls dress beautifully and every time i go out in public i suddenly wish i had their shoes, their clothing, their STYLE! The men, well, short shorts aren't so much my thing.  But The city was very busy, even on a sunday when  the stores are all closed! The city is on a lake which was full of small boats and cruise boats (like our "Ms. Midland").  I learned that i have a pass which allows me to ride these boats for free. Maybe one day i'll just go and bring a book and go everywhere and anywhere it takes me.  That's the beauty of Switzerland.  EVERYWHERE is just a [free] train/bus ride away from home.  Amazing.  The buildings were all very old, with narrow streets, but huge stores like H&M and Guess in them.  To me, it looks strange. But beautiful.

Sports
I went for my first run yesterday which was very hilly, and surprisingly difficult.  Could have been the four pieces of bread with cream cheese i downed beforehand.  Ah yes, my dangerous discovery: garlic and herb swiss cream cheese. I think, i may begin to eat it with a spoon in the middle of the night when no one is watching.  Anyways, that's not sports.  Todaqy i had my first soccer practice, which was sooo difficult to understand but I just follwed along and had a good time.  I got some very dirt looks when i kicked the ball to my teammate in what i thought was a drill, but ended up being a warm-up of european handball.  Oops, guess that was lost in translation.  Haha! Tomorrow I will run again, its just so beautiful and peaceful in this town, i can't get enough. 

Rotary
Today i went to my rotary club with my YEO, Herr Burgli, who was the kindest man.  He drove me to the meeting and in very broken english said about 20-25 times (no joke) "you have anything problem, you just tell me.  you come to me, any time, day or night, i be here. " He was fabulous.  I spoke in German to the club of 30-40 Swiss men between the ages of about 50-80.  I thought for sure i'd choke up and get too nervous, or cry like at my BBQ, BUT, i did well! I was so proud/relieved when everyone clapped and said they had understood everything.  It was truly a great feeling. 

Music
Today and yesterday I sang and played with my family, Andreas (my host-dad) took me to his music class and got me about 15 of my favourite songs to play here at home.  I played everything except anything that had to do with missing who you love, or wanting to come home.   They were totally impossible to sing without choking up.  But, every time i play, i am almost guaranteed to be joined by Andreas and Daria, and we always have so much fun :)

Goodnight for tonight, tomorrow is language school, which I am actually thrilled about.  I hope it helps me a lot!! Andreas bought me some famous swiss meat for lunch (which i have already been secretly snacking on- delicious) and my first taste of swiss chocolate- can't wait!

Love love love everyone <3

More to say

So, my past few days have been very evertful, watching my host sister Daria do Gymnastics, going to Baden to see the old city.  I have many pictures of the city and I will try to post some tonight.  Its a little scary because I already find I am homesick a bit.  Nothing could be better here- truly.  My family is totally amazing, I have lots to do, and I am even finding that I can now understand a little but of German.  But the fact is, its aso strange being away from Canada, from my friends and family.  But, I can do this, I will do this, I am in such a beautiful place after all!!

On tuesday I start my language school, which takes three weeks and I am with all of the other exchange students.  I really, truly hope I learn a LOT because I am so lost when everyone speaks German. I find it is a little bit hard to learn here, because everyone speaks fabulous English and its a choice: have people speak German and feel totallly dumb, lost, and confused, or have them speak fluent English and feel right at home! I know that the first choice is the right one, but it is hard.  When the speak in High German I can understand some, and Swiss German....well that's a totally different story.  I can usually understand some in German, but do not know how to answer, so I am either very quiet, or answer in English.  This will be my greatest challenge. 

I ate more bread and cheese for dinner last night, God, its so good.  I seriously need to watch my dix kilo though!! I can't decide which is the lesser of two evils for dinner, cheese and bread, or desert. I love both.  Sorry Paleo diet, we'll meet up again in a year or so? Or never? Because this is great. 

I am about to go for a run, since I haven't truly exercised in months and I just registered for a big race across my town which happens on the 29th.  That will be embarrassing, but, whatever! I will try anything new! So, here i go, another new day, its my day to cook lunch, and I will make vegetarian thai stir fry.  I hope to god they like it. 

Please, let me not get lost on this run.  The little kids (like, 6-8 years old) ride the public transit by themselves here, and wear a sticker on their front with their name and address in case they get lost.  I am seriously considering wearing one to run.  Anyways, wish me luck! Tscheuss! (Bye)

Best wishes to Canada! xox

My first few days...

I have created this blog after seeing tyhe many questions I have been asked in only the past few days!
I feel as if I have been in Switzerland much longer than three days, because I have already done so much. So, I will start with:

 House and Family!

I arrived in Zurich airport at 10:45am Swiss time (4:45am Canada time) and found my way through the airport.  I successfully got my millions of bags, and followed the exit signs, hoping to God that there would be someone to pick me up.  My host mom- Barbara, and host-sister Daria were first row of the crowd waiting for arrivals.  They had a rose for me and a huge sign welcoming me to Switzerland.  It wass truly amazing to feel aready welcome and part of a family.  I boarded my first train and tyhey laughed aty how amazed I was by the whole airport.  There was a clock counting down each second until the train would come, always exact.  We took two trains and a bus to my town Untersiggenthal, and walked a short distance to our house.  While walking the five minutes I saw the church, some cows, some chickens, apartment buildings, corn fields and houses, all close together in a weird mixture.  Everything is beautiful.  The apartments are mostly while, orange and yellow, and the houses all remend me of gingerbread houses haha.  My house is a duplex, and is beautiful on the inside. Many plants, flowers, colourful chairs, and beautiful art everywhere.  My room is big, with an entire empty closet (now totally filled) and a drawing desk.  My bed is on the floor, which is weird, but strangely nice.  I often wake up halfway onto the floor, but i will get used to that i'm sure! Our backyard is like one big garden, with a small river flowing through it.  It is very peaceful and looks out over the hill across the biggest river in Untersiggenthal.  I ate dinner with our neighbours (my "cousins") who are 7 and 10 I believe and are adopted from Ethiopia.  I think they are the most beautiful children i have ever seen.  They do not speak english, and so it was fun to play with them and try to understand. 


Food!
My family here is very health conscious, and also completely organic and vegetarian.  This does not bother me at all so far, they even bought me ham to put on our pizza! I have found that food is VERY different! For Breakfast i have a hot mix of different grains, nutts, dried, and fresh fruit, its pretty good, but you always need a major toothbrushing afterwards.  For lunch, everything in all of the towns closes.  Shops are all closed for one to two hours, and so many people come home for lunch.  It is when we cook our biggest meal.  We had spaghetti the first day, and pizza the second two, all homemade and delicious.  Dinner was the most surprising of all... we eat dessert almost every night! We have had an apple tart, a plumb crumble, and a pie.  We also have a little bread and cheese with it.  I find it very strange, but easy to get used to.  I eat lots of cheese, it is absolutely fabulous.  When my exchange student Julie lived with me she used to say "dix kilo!"...exchange weight.  With all this cheese i deserve it. 

School:
The school here is very different! There are many manditory classes, and the schedule is somewhat crazy! But, my schedule looks kinda like this:

Monday: Physics from 10:50-12:30     
               Lunch from 12:30-1:55
               English from 1:55-2:40
               Math from 2:40-3:35

Tuesday: German from 8-8:45
                Sports from 8:55-10:35
                Individual Singing Class from 10:50-11:35
               Lunch from 11:35-1:55

hmmm, i can't figure out many other course codes
BUT important things:
no school on thursday afternoons, yay!
first week break is the first of october
i have an arts class
my school has a vinyard
there are other exchange students in my school

i serioiusly hope i rock my english class

Last things to say:
So this place is pretty much amazing, my host parents have taken SO much time with me to show me everything they can.  We bike everywhere which might help with my dix kilo! I played piano and sang with my host dad tonight for over an hour and it was absolutley wonderful.  I forgot how much i loved music until coming here.  I miss my family and friends already, which scares me a lot, but i know i will get through. Many pictures and letters are in my room which bring me home when i feel i need it.  I am running in a race in two weeks i think, so it might be good if i practiceed a few times, but i am not worried.  I am just doing anything and everything, learning history, geography, culture, and language- loving every minute of it.  Jet lag is not bad anymore, yet just being here is exhausting to take in so many things.  Goodnight Canada for tonight, let me know if you have any questions, and I will answer them for all!

Love and miss you <3