A note for mom, from Alec

Translated from Alec's Spartan-ese, this means, "Thank you, Mom, for raising me so well, and for all that you do for me. I truly appreciate you!"

Happy 16th Alec!!

Alec's family (Karen, Deiter, Paul, Marie and in absentia, Max) threw him a birthday party. Great food and every American student came! I stayed for a short while and then left the party in the capable hands of his parents. Karen is a holistic therapist (mind, body and soul) and Kim, she wished you 'good vibrations". She loves your son! The cake was made by Grandma, who lives next door baked him a cake (she also baked one for his welcome).

Yoshi's perspective (Josh)

Josh's views:

GERMANY VS. AMERICA

Germany

The Good Things:

• In the 80s germany decided to grow its own food and not import genetically modified foods, making every thing here healthier, and much is organic
• It is an international city with much diversity
• Not much judgment at all
• When deciding to create a law they look 6 or 7 years ahead instead of 2 or 3
• When you ask for water they usualy bring carbonated instead of flat water
• The history is much deeper then America
• Everyone drives small cars

The Bad Things:

• They always like to be ontime and are never late
• The fastfood places here are like 2 stories high
• The PT can be confusing

America

The Good Things:

• Large diversity of people
• Many diffrent types of food
• American Football

The Bad Things:

• The Philosophy is 'Bigger the Better'
• Everyone competes with their neighbors
• Never take the time to walk slow and enjoy the scenery
• There is a lot more judgment
• Very small history
• Self-centered people
• 'Money is Everything'

Kati and Jesse in a 6th grade class

.American students spend time in English classes, being interviewed and helping students with the language. This is one class that Kati and Jesse led. It was described as a bit 'wild' and I can see why, but the German kiddos, in my humble opinion, were just excited.

Group Shots

We went to Taunus Therme, a spa with many kinds of pools, different temps and movements, many different ways to relax...this is the group after the spa day. I had a hard time just picking one...

Some random photos I ripped from Facebook

Some of the kids are finding it easier to post pics on Facebook than send them to me, so I ripped a few for your viewing pleasure. Host families are keeping them incredibly busy (too busy?) so they've had little time for reflection. Hopefully I can get each to post some thoughts while we are in Berlin.

All about food in Frankfurt, featuring Lilly, Dylan and Sam: