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Wow, so I was totally expecting to update the ole' blog here more often but got caught up in all there is to do in town. Needless to say my first month here in Saarbrücken has been great. I was worried to leave the comfort zone that was Köln and all of my American friends from the program. It was fun hanging out with them and there was a lot to do in Köln. However, from the first few days here to now, I've made lots of friends and had lots of fun.
Firstly, in my first weekend here, I met my "Tutorin" Kathi. She's super nice and helpful, and I'm convinced she knows everyone here in town (p.s. there's only around 100,000 people in the city). On the onset of the program in Washington D.C., all the directors and past participants said to join a club or sports team. Well, Kathi took me to the Irish pub in town and the president of the local Rugby Club was there. He saw that I was a pretty big guy and invited me out to their training (practice). Best decision I have made since being in Germany. Rugby is a fun sport and I'm learning lots in these weeks. I've been able to play in all the matches we've had so far. It's a tough sport and I always ache after wards, but I feel like that's why we go out drinking together. The times I've spent with the Stade Sarrois Rugby Team have been some of the most fun and interesting here in Germany (Here is a link to the Team Website, see if you can find me in the Team picture).
Now, you should know if you have read my past posts how awesome my last host family was. Some days I feel like we're put in to tough situations so that we can truly appreciate the great things we've been given. My host family here in Saarbrücken is absolutely amazing. My host mother is super helpful and cooks amazing food. I never go too long without being fed. I may have mentioned that I had lost some weight in Cologne, well I think I gained it all back here! The family lives a little far from the city and it can take a while to get a train back to the house, but I'd gladly take it over the crazy girls back in Cologne. The house is usually quiet and the grandmother stops by and is always fun. Living with the family has also really amped up my German speaking and listening skills.
So, I finally started my classes at the HBK Saar (Hochschule der Bildenden Künste Saar/Visual Art Academy of the Saar). The school is very different from back home. It's has been quite trying on my patience as far as registering for classes (which involved writing my name on a board or just showing up on day one) or knowing if I can get credit or anything for these classes. My classes are very interesting. I'm only taking three, but they are all challenging. My toughest class could end up being the best for my portfolio. We are designing a newspaper specifically on Typography. It's tough because most of the class is simply discussion, so I get lost when the other students speak really fast. My professor has noticed me being lost a couple times and asked everybody to slow down for me, which is a double-edge sword. I'm glad for them slowing down, but I feel dumb at the same time.
I'm really enjoying my time here and just recently had an interview for a position at a Design firm in town. I hope all goes well. I miss home a lot, but it hasn't gotten in the way of me having a fun time. There are days when I would really just like to be back home where it is comfortable and I can easily communicate with people. Yet, I know this experience will be good for me and help me to break out of my comfort zone more often.
I haven't stopped to take many photos of Saarbrücken, but I was kinda hoping to do that soon while the trees look really pretty. Once I do, I'll do pretty much an all photo post.
Till then, much love from Deutschland.
Ludwigskirche (Ludwig's Church) right in front of my school
The Foyer of my School HBK Saar
the view of the Saar downtown
top of the mountain behind my house
view of France from my House
