Language school started about two weeks ago and is going very well. After a ridiculously difficult placement test (I got a whopping 14 of 30 correct), I was placed in the highest of the three classes at the school—thanks Herr Pfefferle! Our teacher is a riot and our class of seven is getting along really well. Thus far we’ve been doing lots of review of grammar as well as units pertaining to news and money, during which we partook in excursions to the newsstand and the bank.
We met the mayor of Bonn for a hearty welcome and a chance to ask questions about Bonn, Germany, and American/German relations. He declared us citizens of Bonn—‘Bonners’, if you will.
Hartwig guided us through Cologne for a Roman-era historical tour…
…followed by a sampling of German pastries. Mmmmmm!
Celebrating a friend’s birthday at a club in Bonn.
Visiting Beethoven’s house, now the world’s most comprehensive archive of original works and belongings.
Listening to the Bonn University Orchestra play Weber’s “Concert for Bassoon and Orchestra” and Holst’s “The Planets.” We had front row seats, and the performance was spectacular.
Biking 12 miles along the Rhine to Remagen, the site of a critical World War II battle over its bridge spanning the Rhine River. The former mayor of Remagen/ founder of the museum gave us a personal tour. Wonderful man, full of enthusiasm and energy at 80 years old.
I’ve learned so much since I’ve arrived here in Bonn. I’ve been introduced to German lifestyle, music, culture, transportation, and language. My host family is wonderfully kind and I'm making great friends. I think I’m gonna like it here…
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