July 16 - First Day In Germany!!

What a long day it has been? I traveled from the Chicago O'Hare Airport on a seven hour flight to Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany along with 19 other FOF students. Before the seven hour flight, we said our goodbyes to our family and friends in the East Peoria Walmart and headed on our way to Chicago. Out of the seven hours of traveling, I only got two hours of sleep but that wasn't keeping me from not expriencing Germany. Next, we traveled through the hectic Frankfurt Airport to fly on a 45 minute jet plane to Friedrichshafen. The plane ride was so relaxing watching the view of the land and knowing that our German experience that we all have been anticipating was finally coming to a reality.

When we arrived at the Friedrichshafen Airport, we saw all of our host family and friends from the airport roof waving premade signs and cheering for our arrival. I was welcomed by my host family with open arms and much excitement to show me Germany. I was so thrilled to see all of my friends that I haven't seen since a year ago. The sight of Germany was overwhelming with an atomsphere of a laidback lifestyle. The cobblestone houses with red roofs were scattered around with cafes, bakeries, and shops that made the atomsphere so different from the States. I was treated to breakfeast with yummy bread from a local bakery with honey, jam, butter, and chocolate.

Since I didn't get much sleep on the plane, I rested for two hours till the time came to go to the Welcome Party provided by FOF. A delicious dinner was prepared for us as well as a the opportunity to swim in the beautiful Lake Constance and the free gifts to treat us at the Seehasenfest festival downtown. Seehasenfest festival is a festival just like the Pumpkin Festival in Morton only it runs across the park by Lake Constance and beer is served publicly to people over 16 years. The festival was so different yet and similar in many ways such as the rides, the food, and the atomsphere. Though our fun was cut short due a sudden thunderstorm, which led me to take cover under a truck till the rain died down....lol =] I can't wait to see what Germany has in store for me tomorrow.....but first, sleep is needed!!!