Kati Says:

Some of my goals for this trip are to be more comfortable in who I am as well as establishing a pattern of international travel in my life. (This goal I think I will achieve easily since my experiences thus far have been incredible and the people I have met, unforgettable.) I also hoped to improve my German language skills, and what better way than to be fully immersed in the language as well as the culture! When I lay in bed at night, in complete silence, I find myself remembering the German words I learned that day and repeating them.

I have already learned so much in just the four days I have been here, I can't wait to learn more in the remainder of the time I have here. I think this trip has instilled a curiosity in me as well as a fire or passion for travelling and seeing these other cultures. And we are very fortunate that in the country of Germany, almost everyone speaks English very well. However, we should not take this for granted and remember how frustrated we are when immigrants come to America and don't speak English, yet when we travel we almost expect that they will speak English. I've notived that I learn and remember so much more if I struggle a little and then I get this amazing feeling of accomplishment instead of it just being easy.

At times I feel like I might be bothersome because I ask so many questions; some just in the form of "Was?", or "Was ist das?" or "Wie sagts man das en Deutsch?" (What? What is that? How do you say that in German?) or sometimes more complex questions. I am just so curious about the country in general and about the similarities and differences. I also love when people ask me questions about America or Arizona. I love how interested they are, as am I. One person that I met was asking so many questions and told me that his biggest dream was to go to the United States (Amerika). I think that we sometimes forget how fortunate we are and how many people want to live in America, not only people from third world countries either. I hope to leave behind a new perspective on America and continue answering questions for all who have them.