Dear Readers,
Christmas is right around the corner. I can't believe my first 3 months have gone by so fast. Today was my last day in school before break. It was very different than in the US. Today we had the first 2 periods. The first class we played games but in the second one we had to do some math problems. After the first two periods the whole school had to go to church together. This was very different for me. We walked across town together and then went to a short church service. We sang 3 songs and then it was over.
I got my package from my family and friends today in the mail. It was so nice. I didn't open my christmas gifts. I am waiting to do it with the family and everyone tomorrow. It doesn't even feel like christmas to me. I think it is becuase I am away from my family and things are done differently here. I have not even seen my family's christmas tree. There are only lights on the market place buildings. I am finishing up writing all of the postcards and cards I will send back to my family. I am planning on skyping with my family on Christmas day.
I will post again after Christmas after I see what is different. I can't wait.
Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Love Always,
Allysa Spear
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wolfsburg.
Hallo Readers,
On Friday I left for a very exciting but long trip. I experienced many things. It was only 3 days long but many things went on in those 3 days.
Starting with Friday, As always the 5 of us who live in Bayern have to travel the farthest for every trip with Rotary/ROTEX. This trip was to Wolfsburg in northern Germany. Jaqueline and I were suppose to meet with Marina and Vicky in our town at a little past nine. Well there was a huge snow storm over most of Germnay. Vicky missed her train in Nurnberg and the train was late to arrive in Bayreuth where Jaque and I live. We decided that we couldn't wait for the next train to ride together with Vicky because all of the train were running late and we had a long ways to go. The whole way there we had to wait at all of the train stations for the trains because of all the snow we were getting. We finally made it to Wolfsburg in 10 hours. Vicky arrived way later than we did because on her last train a part of it caught fire and she had to ride with a very nice family that spoke english and helped her get to where we were staying in Wolfsburg.
In Wolfsburg we met with 70 new echange students from another district. We had to sleep in a gym on the floor with sleeping bags. It was not ideal and with 90 kids in one gym we didn't get much sleep at all.
On Saturday we went to the VW museum. It was so cool. There were at least 5 different buildings that you could go into and learn about differnt cars and many things were interactive. It was one of the coolest museums I have been to. After spending 2 hours in the museum we went and ate lunch. This new district likes "Sandwich Bar". They set out bread, Ketchup, meat, cheese, and vegtables. Then all of the kids go through and make what they want and how they want it. Right after lunch we all went ice skating together. It was so much fun. I went really slow and skated with a good friend from USA. She helped me alot so I didn't fall down once. It was also really cold so I didn't skate the whole time. When everyone was done skating we went back to the school to just hang out with everyone. Later we ate Pizza for supper and we had to take another German test but it was super easy compared to our district. After the test we got all the information on the EuropaTour. It was just the places we are going to be traveling to. When we will have to switch our money over to another kind. Later that night we had a party and dancing. Once again I didn't sleep very well.
On Sunday we woke up and had breakfast. Then we all had to clean up the gym we were staying it. There were 10 kids that had to leave early before the rest of the others. They had to stay and do a nations for sale and talk all about where they come from. On our way home Jaque, Marina, Vicky and I got off in the wrong town on the last train. We took the next train to the next town we had to go to. Jaque and I got off before the others and when we were waiting for the train a man told us that our train was broke and we had to get on a big bus to go to Bayreuth. Well when we got the Bayreuth train station Jaque realized her phone was dead. We waited for a Taxi. We took the Taxi home.
It was a very exciting weekend. I met so many new friends. It was so cool. I am so excited to go on Euro Tour with everyone.
Much Love
Allysa Spear
On Friday I left for a very exciting but long trip. I experienced many things. It was only 3 days long but many things went on in those 3 days.
Starting with Friday, As always the 5 of us who live in Bayern have to travel the farthest for every trip with Rotary/ROTEX. This trip was to Wolfsburg in northern Germany. Jaqueline and I were suppose to meet with Marina and Vicky in our town at a little past nine. Well there was a huge snow storm over most of Germnay. Vicky missed her train in Nurnberg and the train was late to arrive in Bayreuth where Jaque and I live. We decided that we couldn't wait for the next train to ride together with Vicky because all of the train were running late and we had a long ways to go. The whole way there we had to wait at all of the train stations for the trains because of all the snow we were getting. We finally made it to Wolfsburg in 10 hours. Vicky arrived way later than we did because on her last train a part of it caught fire and she had to ride with a very nice family that spoke english and helped her get to where we were staying in Wolfsburg.
In Wolfsburg we met with 70 new echange students from another district. We had to sleep in a gym on the floor with sleeping bags. It was not ideal and with 90 kids in one gym we didn't get much sleep at all.
On Saturday we went to the VW museum. It was so cool. There were at least 5 different buildings that you could go into and learn about differnt cars and many things were interactive. It was one of the coolest museums I have been to. After spending 2 hours in the museum we went and ate lunch. This new district likes "Sandwich Bar". They set out bread, Ketchup, meat, cheese, and vegtables. Then all of the kids go through and make what they want and how they want it. Right after lunch we all went ice skating together. It was so much fun. I went really slow and skated with a good friend from USA. She helped me alot so I didn't fall down once. It was also really cold so I didn't skate the whole time. When everyone was done skating we went back to the school to just hang out with everyone. Later we ate Pizza for supper and we had to take another German test but it was super easy compared to our district. After the test we got all the information on the EuropaTour. It was just the places we are going to be traveling to. When we will have to switch our money over to another kind. Later that night we had a party and dancing. Once again I didn't sleep very well.
On Sunday we woke up and had breakfast. Then we all had to clean up the gym we were staying it. There were 10 kids that had to leave early before the rest of the others. They had to stay and do a nations for sale and talk all about where they come from. On our way home Jaque, Marina, Vicky and I got off in the wrong town on the last train. We took the next train to the next town we had to go to. Jaque and I got off before the others and when we were waiting for the train a man told us that our train was broke and we had to get on a big bus to go to Bayreuth. Well when we got the Bayreuth train station Jaque realized her phone was dead. We waited for a Taxi. We took the Taxi home.
It was a very exciting weekend. I met so many new friends. It was so cool. I am so excited to go on Euro Tour with everyone.
Much Love
Allysa Spear
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
That to-do list of mine...
Hallo Everyone,
As usual my list of things I need to get done in the next few days is slowly getting longer and longer. Yesterday I was not in School because I am getting a little bit sick. I really just needed a few more hours of sleep to get to feeling better. Today I was ready to take on the world.
Tomorrow in my German speaking course I have a test over the Grammatic that I have learned so far. I should really be studying right now but I am updating everyone on how I am doing.
On Friday I am going to Wolfsburg. This is in Northern Germany. I have to ride on the train all day on Friday. So tomorrow I have to start and finish packing. I have no idea how I am going to manage that. I also have to figure out my christmas package that I am sending back to my parents for Christmas. I feel as if it is going to have to be more of a seasons Greeting and show up in January. Also on Friday I am missing the final dance practice for the ball in January. My host parents are suppose to go but since I wont be there they aren't going. I have a partner for the ball so now all I have to do is show up and dance. I am also suppose to buy my partner something little. I have no idea what to get. I think I will talk with the other girls in the class and just get the same thing.
In Wolfsburg I get to meet tons of new exchange students that I will be going on Euro Tour with. I will also get to go Ice Skating but on the not so good side I have to take another German test. My brain is so full with everythings I cant believe it has not exploded already.
The weather here is not so nice. It sis so cold and always snowing. There is so much snow on the roads its crazy. We still have school everyday though. After next week we start Winter break. I am so ready to just relax and sleep in a little.
Thanks for reading and keeping up with me
Good luck to all the SEW sports in all your games, matches, competitions this month.
Much love
Allysa Spear.
As usual my list of things I need to get done in the next few days is slowly getting longer and longer. Yesterday I was not in School because I am getting a little bit sick. I really just needed a few more hours of sleep to get to feeling better. Today I was ready to take on the world.
Tomorrow in my German speaking course I have a test over the Grammatic that I have learned so far. I should really be studying right now but I am updating everyone on how I am doing.
On Friday I am going to Wolfsburg. This is in Northern Germany. I have to ride on the train all day on Friday. So tomorrow I have to start and finish packing. I have no idea how I am going to manage that. I also have to figure out my christmas package that I am sending back to my parents for Christmas. I feel as if it is going to have to be more of a seasons Greeting and show up in January. Also on Friday I am missing the final dance practice for the ball in January. My host parents are suppose to go but since I wont be there they aren't going. I have a partner for the ball so now all I have to do is show up and dance. I am also suppose to buy my partner something little. I have no idea what to get. I think I will talk with the other girls in the class and just get the same thing.
In Wolfsburg I get to meet tons of new exchange students that I will be going on Euro Tour with. I will also get to go Ice Skating but on the not so good side I have to take another German test. My brain is so full with everythings I cant believe it has not exploded already.
The weather here is not so nice. It sis so cold and always snowing. There is so much snow on the roads its crazy. We still have school everyday though. After next week we start Winter break. I am so ready to just relax and sleep in a little.
Thanks for reading and keeping up with me
Good luck to all the SEW sports in all your games, matches, competitions this month.
Much love
Allysa Spear.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Month Nummer 3
Dear Followers,
Today is the 13th of December. I have been in Germany for a good 3 months. I am starting to realize that after Christmas everything is going to go by so fast. I love all of the little moments. Like sitting in my host sister Jaque's room just talking. Doing little things around the house. Skyping when i get the chance. Not thinking about how bad things are or could be. Only laughing off the little things. I don't really have much to blog about but wanted to share what i was thinking about. I am sending a package to my family tomorrow. I am hoping it makes it for Christmas. I have heard about Flat Ally. I am a bit nervous because my mother told me I have been taking pictures in various places with various things.. My mother is already asking me about my return date. It is in about 8 months not sure when but my Visa expires in July. So sometime around then.
On Friday I am going to Northern Germany for an informational meeting about Euro tour. When I find out more I will let everyone know. I also have to take another German test. I am not as worried about this one. Tomorrow I am going ice Skating for the second time in my life and the first time in Jaque's life. It should be intersting. I will take tons of pictures and upload then as soon as I can. Thanks for everyone is supporting me or helping me in anyway. It means the world to me to have this oppurtunity.
Much Love
Allysa Spear
Today is the 13th of December. I have been in Germany for a good 3 months. I am starting to realize that after Christmas everything is going to go by so fast. I love all of the little moments. Like sitting in my host sister Jaque's room just talking. Doing little things around the house. Skyping when i get the chance. Not thinking about how bad things are or could be. Only laughing off the little things. I don't really have much to blog about but wanted to share what i was thinking about. I am sending a package to my family tomorrow. I am hoping it makes it for Christmas. I have heard about Flat Ally. I am a bit nervous because my mother told me I have been taking pictures in various places with various things.. My mother is already asking me about my return date. It is in about 8 months not sure when but my Visa expires in July. So sometime around then.
On Friday I am going to Northern Germany for an informational meeting about Euro tour. When I find out more I will let everyone know. I also have to take another German test. I am not as worried about this one. Tomorrow I am going ice Skating for the second time in my life and the first time in Jaque's life. It should be intersting. I will take tons of pictures and upload then as soon as I can. Thanks for everyone is supporting me or helping me in anyway. It means the world to me to have this oppurtunity.
Much Love
Allysa Spear
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Bright Side
Dear Fellow Exchange Students,
This letter is for anyone thinking about going on exchange anytime in their life. I am on an exchange from Iowa to Bayreuth, Germany. There are so many things I wish I would have been informed about or thought about during and before my year abroad. I have only been in Germany for 3 months but I am quickly figuring out that I was not fully ready for this. It is absolutely what I want but it is not at all what I was thinking it could be. When writing your application make sure to be specific about things that you do not like. Don't sugar coat anything becuase when you are here and there is a problem with something that you knew before you didn't like there is not much you can do. For example, If you don't want to live with smokers or you don't like animals. Make sure you put exactly that in your letter so that you will not get placed with a family that smokes in the house or has animals. Another thing make sure that you think about the countries you choose before you write them down. I am so happy to be in Germany but the language is difficult and I had no prior German before coming. One thing you will notice is that you don't get to choose your family and they won't be like your family at home. Things are going to be different. You will have to give and take. You will get asked weird and sometimes challenging questions. Sometimes you will have an answer and sometimes you won't. Don't pack all of your clothes you wont wear half of them anyway. Make sure to do some studying about your culture so you can really tell people about you life and the way things are done in your town or house. People will laugh at you for example, my first host family made me read the newspaper out loud. It had no German only few courses. So my pronounciation was not the best they sometimes laughed at me but you have to make sure to laugh with them. It is no big problem. Don't always sit in your room. Even if you are only reading a book sit in the kitchen or livingroom around your family. You will also have to invite yourself on things. Not everyone is going to come up to you and ask to hang out every weekend. You have to make the plans and find things to do on your own. Think about the common things too. When I was packing I only thought about the clothes and what I was going to wear. I brought gifts but I totally forgot the bathroom supplies. I didn't have deo, toothpaste, brush, razors, make up, fingernail polish and things like that. Also for the girls think about your girly things too. Ok well this is my advice after 3 months. I am ready for the next 8 months of my exchange. Remember always have an open mind and try everything. Its only one year not a lifetime. Don't put things off just do them.
Much love ,
Your fellow Exchanger Allysa Spear,
Auf Wiedersehen.
This letter is for anyone thinking about going on exchange anytime in their life. I am on an exchange from Iowa to Bayreuth, Germany. There are so many things I wish I would have been informed about or thought about during and before my year abroad. I have only been in Germany for 3 months but I am quickly figuring out that I was not fully ready for this. It is absolutely what I want but it is not at all what I was thinking it could be. When writing your application make sure to be specific about things that you do not like. Don't sugar coat anything becuase when you are here and there is a problem with something that you knew before you didn't like there is not much you can do. For example, If you don't want to live with smokers or you don't like animals. Make sure you put exactly that in your letter so that you will not get placed with a family that smokes in the house or has animals. Another thing make sure that you think about the countries you choose before you write them down. I am so happy to be in Germany but the language is difficult and I had no prior German before coming. One thing you will notice is that you don't get to choose your family and they won't be like your family at home. Things are going to be different. You will have to give and take. You will get asked weird and sometimes challenging questions. Sometimes you will have an answer and sometimes you won't. Don't pack all of your clothes you wont wear half of them anyway. Make sure to do some studying about your culture so you can really tell people about you life and the way things are done in your town or house. People will laugh at you for example, my first host family made me read the newspaper out loud. It had no German only few courses. So my pronounciation was not the best they sometimes laughed at me but you have to make sure to laugh with them. It is no big problem. Don't always sit in your room. Even if you are only reading a book sit in the kitchen or livingroom around your family. You will also have to invite yourself on things. Not everyone is going to come up to you and ask to hang out every weekend. You have to make the plans and find things to do on your own. Think about the common things too. When I was packing I only thought about the clothes and what I was going to wear. I brought gifts but I totally forgot the bathroom supplies. I didn't have deo, toothpaste, brush, razors, make up, fingernail polish and things like that. Also for the girls think about your girly things too. Ok well this is my advice after 3 months. I am ready for the next 8 months of my exchange. Remember always have an open mind and try everything. Its only one year not a lifetime. Don't put things off just do them.
Much love ,
Your fellow Exchanger Allysa Spear,
Auf Wiedersehen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Where ever the road of life takes you
“You and I will meet again, When we're least expecting it, One day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won't say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again” Tom Petty
Hallo All,
Sorry I have not written in about 7 days. I have been moving house and trying to figure out all of the new rules and trying to find time for internet use. I am in a new house. Everthing is different. I have to figure out where all the dishes go and how to load the dishwasher correctly again. Saying goodbye to my first host family was probably one of the hardest things I have had to do since I have been here. They were so nice and I miss then so much. My new family is also very nice but I am having some troubles adjusting to a few things. My host family and I are going over the first night questionare tonight. It will be good for both of us.
Last weekend was a Rotary meeting. It was the last one for the Aussies. It was so hard to say goodbye to them not knowing when or if I will see them again. That is why I choose this quote. My life right now is all about meeting people and then saying goodbye. I have had the greatest oppurtunity to meets tons of lovely people. I have realized a few things this week
1. I am going to miss Katie so much at the next Roatry weekend.
2. I have made so many new friends already I don't know what I am going to do in a year.
3. I have no clue how I will fit everything into my suitcases to go back to Iowa.
4. Christmas is going to be the hardest time for homesickness
5. You don't get to choose how everything goes in your life and you have to deal with situations you are put in and make the best of it.
6. This letter has taken me 3x longer than it would normally because I am using a German keyboard and I can't type on it very well.
7. I actually know some German. I took at german test that I talked about in previous blogs and I got a 3,5 this is like a C+ so that is good. It was the hardest test I have ever taken
8. I love living with Jaque. She is the nicest sister and we have the most fun.
9. I can't build a snowman. I am terrible
10. I absolutely love my Family in Iowa. I don't know what I would do without all of you. I miss every aspect. There is not one thing that I would change about my life back home.
Thats all for now.
Auf Wiedersehen.
Hallo All,
Sorry I have not written in about 7 days. I have been moving house and trying to figure out all of the new rules and trying to find time for internet use. I am in a new house. Everthing is different. I have to figure out where all the dishes go and how to load the dishwasher correctly again. Saying goodbye to my first host family was probably one of the hardest things I have had to do since I have been here. They were so nice and I miss then so much. My new family is also very nice but I am having some troubles adjusting to a few things. My host family and I are going over the first night questionare tonight. It will be good for both of us.
Last weekend was a Rotary meeting. It was the last one for the Aussies. It was so hard to say goodbye to them not knowing when or if I will see them again. That is why I choose this quote. My life right now is all about meeting people and then saying goodbye. I have had the greatest oppurtunity to meets tons of lovely people. I have realized a few things this week
1. I am going to miss Katie so much at the next Roatry weekend.
2. I have made so many new friends already I don't know what I am going to do in a year.
3. I have no clue how I will fit everything into my suitcases to go back to Iowa.
4. Christmas is going to be the hardest time for homesickness
5. You don't get to choose how everything goes in your life and you have to deal with situations you are put in and make the best of it.
6. This letter has taken me 3x longer than it would normally because I am using a German keyboard and I can't type on it very well.
7. I actually know some German. I took at german test that I talked about in previous blogs and I got a 3,5 this is like a C+ so that is good. It was the hardest test I have ever taken
8. I love living with Jaque. She is the nicest sister and we have the most fun.
9. I can't build a snowman. I am terrible
10. I absolutely love my Family in Iowa. I don't know what I would do without all of you. I miss every aspect. There is not one thing that I would change about my life back home.
Thats all for now.
Auf Wiedersehen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
It comes from the heart.
"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."-Anonymous
Dear Readers,
Today is the first of December is has been snowing mostly all day. It is a sure sign of winter. A very big tradition here in Germany are Advents Calenders. Each day you get a little candy or sweet until the 24th of December. Most of the people here celebrate Christmas on the 24th. I think this is so neat. Normally on the 24th I am begging my mom to let me and my brothers to pick out one small gift from under the tree to open. Here they are celebrating the whole thing. They also have a Nicklaus day. It is on the 6th of December. I don't really understand all of it but I do know that you have to set a boot (like a christmas stocking) outside of the door at night and the next day it will have oranges, apples, or sweets inside. This is something I am excited to take part in. I will upload pictures after this weekend.
I am in dance classes as you already know. I have mentioned a little about them but I don't think I hit everything. This week my SEW Aderenaline dance girls are taking dances to state. I wish them the best of luck and I know they will do great. I am involved in 2 different dance classes here in Bayreuth. One is a Hip-Hop class. I have gotten the chance to meet so many new girls in this class it is amazing. The dancing is fun too. You get to be yourself and mostly I am doing what I love to do. The other is a dance class with students my age from my school and the other 2 schools in Bayreuth. We are learning all kinds of ballroom dances. So of course you must dance with boys. This is strange for me. I am used to just shaking what I got and making sure I know all of the steps but when you have to make sure two of you are together it is a bit more of a challenge. As of right now I have no partner for the ball. I am hoping I will get asked. I have talked to some of the boys in my class and 2 don't have partners. I would ask them but I feel like I would be going against the grain for the girl to ask the boy to the ball. Call me old fashioned but it feels wrong. Everyone knows I don't have a partner and would more than happy to go with anyone.
Danke und Auf Wiedersehen.
Dear Readers,
Today is the first of December is has been snowing mostly all day. It is a sure sign of winter. A very big tradition here in Germany are Advents Calenders. Each day you get a little candy or sweet until the 24th of December. Most of the people here celebrate Christmas on the 24th. I think this is so neat. Normally on the 24th I am begging my mom to let me and my brothers to pick out one small gift from under the tree to open. Here they are celebrating the whole thing. They also have a Nicklaus day. It is on the 6th of December. I don't really understand all of it but I do know that you have to set a boot (like a christmas stocking) outside of the door at night and the next day it will have oranges, apples, or sweets inside. This is something I am excited to take part in. I will upload pictures after this weekend.
I am in dance classes as you already know. I have mentioned a little about them but I don't think I hit everything. This week my SEW Aderenaline dance girls are taking dances to state. I wish them the best of luck and I know they will do great. I am involved in 2 different dance classes here in Bayreuth. One is a Hip-Hop class. I have gotten the chance to meet so many new girls in this class it is amazing. The dancing is fun too. You get to be yourself and mostly I am doing what I love to do. The other is a dance class with students my age from my school and the other 2 schools in Bayreuth. We are learning all kinds of ballroom dances. So of course you must dance with boys. This is strange for me. I am used to just shaking what I got and making sure I know all of the steps but when you have to make sure two of you are together it is a bit more of a challenge. As of right now I have no partner for the ball. I am hoping I will get asked. I have talked to some of the boys in my class and 2 don't have partners. I would ask them but I feel like I would be going against the grain for the girl to ask the boy to the ball. Call me old fashioned but it feels wrong. Everyone knows I don't have a partner and would more than happy to go with anyone.
Danke und Auf Wiedersehen.
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