Hallo!!! Hope everyone had a great holiday. I know I had a great one. First of all I would like to say that I am so grateful to be here and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. Like I tell people your exchange year is better than graduation, prom, and even getting married. I never thought I would be in the position I am in right know, but I am glad I am. I have been here already in Germany for 5 months. Time is flying by so fast. I have a great family and great friends and it will be sad to say goodbye to the people I love. This month was not so good for some of the exchange students because some of them had to go back. I always hear how other exchange students go to the airport to say good bye. I think it’s the hardest thing. I had to do that to very good friend. Her name was Anna and she was from Brazil. It was so sad to see her go. The minute she stepped into the airport and saw the amount of people there for her she cried and didn’t stop crying until she stepped on the plane. I was so sad that day but we promised each other that we will keep in contact.

And now for Christmas!!! Time was approaching very fast. I didn’t want it to come because I knew I wouldn’t be spending it with my family back in The Bahamas. So it came down to the 24th. Here in Germany more is done in terms of celebrations on this day. When I woke up I was so excited but then I realized that I was also sad because it was Christmas and it was away from my parents. So we had breakfast with my grandma, grandpa and my aunt. She was here visiting for a few days. After everyone left I found myself being locked up in my room for most of the day, but then I looked and I remember what the manual said about when you get home sick. It said “Go and find something to do.” I never actually realize there were allot to be done in terms of preparing for Christmas.  So I went up and found out we had to decorate the Christmas tree. That was so fun and I felt good because home I decorate it with my family and it was good doing it with my new family. And after decorating the tree it turned out spectacular (after it almost fell so many times) with the help of my brother and mom. After that we did a full house cleaning because we had my grandpa and grandma coming over. So we spent about 3 hrs cleaning the entire house.  Then it was time to prepare the food. GERMANS EAT SOOOOOO MUCH FOOD!!!! We had so much food for only 6 people. So then my grandma and grandpa came and it was ready to start Christmas. First we ate. Oh My!!!!! I was so full and in Germany they always want you to eat. So I was stuffing my face but it was so delicious. After eating it was time to open presents. My mom had sent a package from the Bahamas but it hadn’t gotten here so I couldn’t give them until it came. So I opened my presents. I got cologne from my host mom and from my grandma and grandpa I got underwear, money and chocolate, and from my host brother I got beer glasses. These weren’t any glasses these beer glasses were more than 30 years old and they had the all time favorite beer in my city and in Germany Beck’s and Haake Beck. I really loved my Christmas. After that we all went into the living room where we sat around for about 4 hrs. Then it was time for bed and I was expecting Christmas to be over but I had a surprise waiting for me the next day. So it’s the next day and it’s the official day of Christmas. I thought because we did everything on the 24th there would be nothing on this day. Actually it was half true. We just hung around. My family from The Bahamas had called and I spoke with about 15 of my family members. It was so good. Later that night we had a next big dinner but this time it was better. We had rabbit. It was so good. I really ate a lot. So on that Monday my package from the Bahamas arrived and so I gave my gifts out. My host family really loved the gifts.  For New Years I just spent with some friends and exchange students. I never thought I would have New Years in Germany. It was so beautiful. All of the people were happy; everyone is partying and all of the fireworks.
 

I am really glad to experience a new culture especially for the holidays. We get new exchange students in my district and a few will come to my city. I am really excited to meet them. School here is fun I am meeting new people every minute and everyday. Thanks Rotary for this opportunity.