8 Days

O.M.G. Eight days. Till everything is happening. Till I turn sixteen(feeling old already). Till I embark on the next adventure into another new world. No it’s not the bush this time, but it’s something just as exciting and nervewracking- GERMAN EXCHANGE. Most people would say that the only similar thing between the place I’m going to and Trek is the name-Bogen. But when I think about it, there are so many similarities between the Aussie bush and a small town in Bavaria. They are both about going into a new environment and stepping out of your comfort zone. Just like Trek, we’ll be away from our families for almost a month. We also get to miss the last few weeks of school! Hurray(okay that doesn’t really count as a similarity)! Just like Trek, we will be sharing this experience with a group of people. But most importantly, we will all have learnt something from both experiences, whether it be learning to be more independent or improving in our language skills. There are both invaluable events in our lives that we will never forget. What makes it even more memorable is that my birthday occurs during both times! Actually I haven’t been here for my birthday since yr 8.
In year 8 I was on camp. Year 9 I was on trek. And this year, I’m on the plane to Germany! I actually don’t mind not celebrating my birthday at home. It is a Chinese tradition to eat long-life noodles on your birthday and I’ve always hated eating those. Hmmm…what plans should I make next year to escape having a birthday at home?
Anyway, back on topic, how do I feel about Germany right now? Well, I’m actually quite excited rather than nervous! It has not quite hit me that I will be in an unfamiliar place trying to speak and understand a foreign language. I am the type of person who is all for new experiences. However this was not the case with Trek. Before I was about to go on it, I was really scared and nervous. I think everyone was, but I had too much pride to admit it. I wasn’t sure what to expect, not only because last year was the first time we did a new route, but also how I would cope in that environment. I am not the fittest person so I wasn’t looking forward to the two weeks of heavy pack carrying. There was also the issue of how I would cope mentally as all my friends were doing Urban. One thing that really didn’t occur to me before I went on trek was feeling homesick. I don’t usually get homesick as I’m so immersed in the experience, I forget about home. I think it’s the whole “Out of sight out of mind” concept. I didn’t really think of home until I got my letters. When I opened them, I cried because I realised how much I missed them.
Oh wow, that was a long ramble about Trek again. I realised how often I mention it on this blog! I didn’t mean for this to turn into an entry about Trek again. Oh well. I’ve run out of things to say.
Wish me luck for Germany!
Bis Bald!
Deine Hannah xox