This summer, I went to Europe for a few weeks and during this time I interacted with many different cultures and people. It was definitely a life changing experience and has left me promising myself that I will go back someday. Before leaving I was stressed due to the fact that I would have to enhance my foreign language speaking skills, because at the time they were mediocre. When first arriving in Germany to stay with my friend Moritz, a previous friend who had visited the United States, I was jet-lagged and very hungry so he took me to get something to eat.
It turns out that fast food there is much different than fast food in America. I had something called a doner, sort of like a falafel but much better. The food was definitely something I had to get used to, but it wasn’t the only thing. That night we went to a house party and I figured oh it will be tame I bet since Mo knows I have jet lag. I was wrong. It turned out to be a massive party to celebrate the world cup, which didn’t end till about 4 A. M.
Also everyone spoke very little English so I had to manage with my little bit of German. Throughout the two weeks of staying with Mo we didn’t stay home one night, each night we either went to a party, club, bar, or sporting event in honor of the world cup. I was tired 24/7 and coffee became my best friend while I was there. I can’t complain though, being able to experience how life for a teenager over in Europe is like was definitely an eye opener.
They never stay home; they are always going out and doing something, not smoking is considered weird because it is socially accepted there and every one of all ages does it, I myself though did not choose to indulge in this common habit of theirs. There were times that Mo and his friends would let my poor German and I fend for our selves at restaurants or other places, which they found very amusing, me not so much. Towards the end of my stay in Germany though, my German become decent enough that I could actually hold a pretty lengthy conversation with someone.
During my last week at Mo’s I don’t remember a time I had to use English, because I had spoken so much German that mine had improved. It’s amazing what two weeks of staying in a foreign country can do to you. I’m glad I over came my fear of speaking German and just adjusted to everyone and their style of life. I’ll end with this though, if you’re ever in a situation where your beliefs and experiences don’t match up with the majority of others, just embrace the change and see what happens. You’re bound to enjoy yourself more in the end than if you had not tried at all.
