This week=Exhausting

So this week was exhausting. It was call the intensive week. We had a 3 hours European Union Seminar class from 9am to 12pm and a 1 hour German Class from 1:30 to 2:30 each day. Although, that may not sound so bad, we had lots of reading and studying to do for a Test on it all on Friday.

Now that it is over, I learned some knowledge about the European Union. After WWII a group of countries came together to help restore Europe, including the help of the US (and the Marshall Plan). Jean Monnet helped the integration process along with some treaties to expand and enlarge the power of the European Community between the West and the East Europe. Today, after the Lisbon Treaty, much discussion is still being debated about the legitimacy, accountability, and transparency the European institutes play and what states should join. Today there are 27 member states with Turkey being the next contender.

In German, I began to learn how to say what is your name, "Wie heiBt du?" and where are you from, "Woher kommst du?" along with the german numbers 1 through 10 (4 being my favorite...vier...pronounced fear!) We also went on a field trip to the local grocery stores to write down some basic names such as die Milch, die Fisch, and my favorite die Erdnussbutter (peanut butter). I can now say that I like the sound of German words.

One thing that I did not know until arriving here are the amount of Italian and Turkish restaurants surrounding the city. I have to tell you that I think I have consumed more pasta than I have potatoes but it is still pretty close. Hopefully all the walking I do will take off a few of those calories I've been eating from all the carbs. There are also a lot of bakeries around where I can get good cake and a cup of coffee, after eating at the student cafeteria for only 3.24 euro! (What a great deal!)

Tomorrow I am planning on going to the Freiburg football/soccer match, since i hear it is the thing to do! Apparently it is the only time Germans party hard (like how Americans tailgate for our football games). Can't wait to experience what the locals do. Sunday I hope to watch the Bears play the Packers at an Irish pub where we can watch US sports, and then Monday I am off to Berlin and Prague! Cannot wait for an eventfull week after this exhausting one.

Now I will take a nap and restore for the week ahead of me! :)