Cookout for the German students

Well mates, I cannot believe I am already spending my last day with the German group before they head down to Madison and Chicago. It seemed like they just got here, and as soon I got to know some of them better they are leaving. As a tradition our instructor James Simmers hosts a cookout for everyone at his house. We had a good time eating and talking to one another. Although this year was a little cold, we kept warm by starting a bonfire and showing some of the Germans students how to make smores. Some of them never ever heard or made them before. This past week and a half has been a blast learning and meeting this German group, and I am looking forward to seeing them again next summer. If you get a chance to go on the German exchange program I recommend it because it is one of those experiences you get to know yourself a little more and gain a brand new image. So remember don’t miss out on the fun! Cheers, Lee IV

Brakebush Tour

Another exciting trip I got to experience with the German students was a tour at the Brakebush plant. Brakebush is known for their chicken processing plant that serves many big and small restaurant businesses. We drove to Westfield which is about an hour west of Fond du Lac. The drive there was beautiful and some of the German students that drove with me enjoyed the scenery and the music I was playing. Once we arrived at the plant we had to sign papers making sure we won’t use their secret recipes and had to put protective gear on to prevent any cross contamination. Our tour guides were held by Corporate Chef Mark, and other supervisors who worked on the main floors. As we toured the plant I didn’t realize how huge the place was. Each section of the plant had a pacific part to manufacture various chicken parts such as chicken nuggets, tenders, and wings. The amount of chicken that goes through this place is amazing! Our tour and video lasted about two hours, and afterwards we had lunch that was provided by Chef Mark. He gave samples of their products and they were delicious, I couldn’t complain about free food plus the quality of the products was good. Everyone enjoyed themselves and learned how Brakebush runs their company and it is the only plant they use is in Wisconsin. I’m sure after this little trip the Germans will keep talking about this place down the road to others. Cheers, Lee IV

My Restaurant Day

After prepping all semester so far for my restaurant day the day finally came. I was the first one to go as manager because last semester I taken an ethnic restaurant class, therefore I had to go first. I didn’t mind going first because the rest of the semester should be smooth sailing. We have a regular bistro style menu and each person who is managers creates their own special featured menu. On my menu I had grilled egg plants with tomato and feta, a grilled salmon salad, a Bison burger, Chocolate covered strawberries with infused chocolate vodka, and butternut coconut squash soup. Each item was tasty and presentable. Although not a lot of people came to lunch, I still had a good time prepping the food and it allowed us the opportunity for a soft opening and make adjustments to anything on the menu. I am looking forward for the weeks ahead for more people to come in and keep us busy. After my restaurant class a group of friends from school and some German students went to the Meuer Corn Maze near Chilton. If you never been to Meuer’s before then I recommend you go because the corn maze is huge and has a unique design. On average it takes over an hour to get through the two sections of the maze. This was my second year going and each year there is a new design. Some of the maze was hard to get through based on clue and basic instincts. Once we finished the corn maze we bought some fresh kettle corn and headed back home. To get a sneak preview of the corn maze click here http://meuerfarm.com/corn-maze.html and it will give you all the information you need. Overall this was a productive fun day, but it was worth it because I was able to spend it with friends and my new German family. In my next blog we are going to take a tour of the Harley Davidson store located in Fond du Lac. Cheers, Lee IV

Human Race Event

G'day mates, I want to thank everybody who helped me with my Human Race Fundraiser. I was able to raise $125 for our club and part of the money goes back to the community. It was a fun event talking to other people from the community and talking about how they are making a difference in the community. I am hoping next year we can raise more money since we will have more time. After the Human Race event I headed over to Chilton to meet up with the German group for a Cave tour at Ledgeview Nature Center. We all had a great time going through the caves and learning about them. This was my third time at the cave tour and I still have a lot of fun. For some this were people first time being in a cave and facing their fears of tight enclosed areas. The tour lasted about two hours, and I must say it is a workout going through the caves and getting out. Afterwards we were tired and hungry from the adventure. We headed home for a short nap, and then I got ready work. I could tell this week was going to go fast, but fun at the same time and this was only day four. In my next blog I get to experience my first day opening for my restaurant class, so stay tuned! Cheers, Lee IV

Tour of Fond du Lac

As I was getting to know my German guest I noticed we had a lot of similarities. I decided it would be a great idea to show him around the city of Fond du Lac. I showed him the places I would normal would go to have fun. The most exciting spot I showed him was Lakeside Park because the park was beautiful and the Lighthouse is unique to see in person. We took a lot of unique photos around the park, and since it is autumn the trees were amazing to look at. We wanted to stay longer but I had to get ready for work. I came up with another idea to take my German guest, Fabian, to my job in Ripon at the America. I gave him an inside look of a kitchen and the things I do typically at work. Of course the night he came we were actually busy which was good because the time flew by, and he saw how busy things can get. After a busy night we had a lot of fun learning new things and getting to know each other a lot more. Cheers, Lee IV

The Germans has arrived

Recently the German students from across the pond arrived in Fond du Lac at Moraine Park Technical College. I headed down to Madison to pick them up from the airport and I was super excited to meet them. As we arrived at the airport we found out the German students missed their connecting flight from Chicago to Madison. I was sad because I didn't see them until I finished work, but I was still curious and excited to see them. After I finished work I headed over to my friend’s house to pick up my guest. Although he was tired, we quickly connected with found out we had similar personalities, and I knew I would have a great time ahead. The next day by instructor Lois’ cold sandwich class hosted a tea party for the German students. They all enjoyed the delicious food and desserts. Later that night we all went to a bonfire. The weather was perfect for a fire and had a nice breeze. We were able to meet each and I got the chance to meet some of the people I have not met yet. I could tell everyone was enjoying themselves. After having a long day I was super tired, and we headed home to get ready for the big week ahead. In my next blog I will talk about the weekend ahead! See you soon! Cheers, Lee IV