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

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

The Weekend Wrap Up

This was the last weekend for the German students being in Fond du Lac, WI. It’s been a lot of fun hanging out with them. I became closer with them and learned more things than the first time I met them in May 2011. We all became family because we all experience the typical life in both countries. The weather was not so good, but that did not prevent us enjoying every moment with them. I came to realize how twelve days can go so fast. At first I thought the German students would be here for a long time, but actually it flew past like a blur.

On September 30, the German students came to Moraine Park Technical College for one last time to finish off their presentation and take group pictures. Afterwards they went to their host house and waited for the weekend activities. For dinner some hosts made some home cooked meal, as for me I went with some people to an Italian restaurant in Fond du Lac, WI named La Sicilia. This restaurant had good foods which are freshly made every day, and was less crowded than Ala Roma. The German student’s enjoyed their pizza and pasta. Afterwards of course we went to Target to get more food and a little shopping. Then we all went to a friend’s house to hangout playing games and watch television. Since we had to wake up early the next morning we did not stay too long. So we had a good night of rest to get ready for our cave tour.
On Saturday October 1, we got up around 7:30 a.m. to get ready for our Cave tour at Ledge View Nature Center in Chilton, WI. The tour was held by an Aussie lady who had an awesome accent and was an excellent tour guide. As we entered the cave some people didn’t last, so they headed back to wait until the tour was done. The brave ones challenged themselves to continue to go through the cave. Some parts of the cave were difficult because of tight angles crawling through. This adventure tour is an amazing sight to see in person, it is amazing the things you see underground. The cave tour took about two hours due to the size of our group. We did not get as dirty as I expected since the cave was dry from the lack of rain throughout the summer. Afterwards we went home to shower to get cleaned up before going to the mall in Appleton, WI. I stayed back to work on my homework and do my guests and my laundry. Once the German students and host came back from Appleton they all came to my house to hangout, play cards, and play pool. We played for a long time, and didn’t get to sleep until late but it wasn’t a problem since we were able to sleep in the next day.

Sunday October 2, was the last day of events for the German students. As I woke up I was shocked to notice the weather outside was finally nice. Although I wish the weather was nicer all week, but I was not complaining. For lunch we went to Qdoba which was delicious, you can never go wrong with freshly made food. Then we drove to Green Lake, WI for our boat tour of Green Lake at the Heidel House. We couldn’t ask for a perfect day for a tour, the breeze was pleasant. We saw some unique houses on the lake, and to see the colors of the trees were remarkable. Afterwards we headed to Instructor James’ house for our Farewell dinner. Since it was so nice out we decided to play some American football in the yard along with some yard games. It was nice seeing everybody having a good time talking to one another and enjoying being outside. Shortly afterwards it was time to eat which was prepared by Instructors James and Bill. They did an excellent job making tenderloins on the grill served with mashed potatoes, roasted corn, and peppers. Then a bonfire was started, we all sat around the fire and started to sing, playing guitars and remembering the priceless moments we had these past twelve days. Towards the end before people started to leave, gifts were passed to the Germans students and instructors for taking part of the exchange program. It was a bitter sweet moment because we were all having a good time, but sad since they were leaving the next morning.

We already talked about our plans when we go to visit them again in May 2012. There is already a countdown starting because we miss them so much. I like to say “never goodbye but instead say I’ll see you later”. Now the next step for the German student is that they would be in Madison Wisconsin then fly off to New York City for four days before flying back to Germany. I’ll make sure to keep their status in my blogs for the upcoming days.Well that’s all for now but more to come!

Merci,
Lee IV

The Germans Are Here!

After waiting three months for the Germans to come to America, the day finally came! On Thursday September 22, 2011, students from Germany landed in Madison, Wisconsin. I couldn’t wait much longer to see them because I made some good friends when I went to Germany in May 2011. Five carloads drove down to Madison to pick up the Germans at Dane County Regional Airport. As we got there the anticipation of seeing them was filled with joy. Once we entered the airport we all hugged one another, took pictures, and laughed about the good times in Germany.  After we left the airport we decided to get some grub at East Town Mall food court in Madison. Some of the Germans were tired, hungry and overwhelmed, but they were in good spirits to be in America.

Once we finished eating at various restaurants located in the food court, we walked the mall to check out some of the stores. It was a little funny to see some of their faces because some of the stores we have here they don’t have in Germany. They were oh my goodness ya have stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria Secret and so on here. I guess at times I take for granted of the stores we have here since I see them all the time, so to me it’s normal. Seeing their faces was priceless.  Shortly after, we talked about some of our plans for the week and departed home.

Our journey back to Fond du Lac was a smooth ride. As I took a look back in the van I saw majority of the Germans already sleeping; some of them had already been awake for a day so they were ready for bed. Once we reached home I introduced my hosts to my housemates and took a tour around to the house. I basically told them to make themselves at home because they are more than guests, and I wanted them to feel like this was their home away from home.  After unpacking, my hosts were off to bed waiting for the exciting days ahead.

Here goes Day 1 stay tuned for more to come!

Cheers,

Lee IV