My somewhat unproductive weekend (cough, Netflix) will be followed by quite a busy week. Last night I was searching the web looking for clubs and sports teams that I could possibly join. I’d looked several times before, but this time I miraculously came across a page for a girl’s basketball team in a nearby town. And, what do you know!?? They had a game today!! So, I found out what gym they were playing in, made my way there this afternoon, watched them play, and then spoke to the coach afterward. I introduced myself and explained that I was looking for a team to join, and he said automatically “You’re very welcome to play with us!!” …joke’s on him b/c he hasn’t seen me play yet! Kidding, but we’ll see what game I can bring to the court on Tuesday (they practice twice a week - Tuesdays & Fridays). Most of the girls are only about 19 but he said there’s no age limit, so hopefully my old legs can keep up with them :) The most entertaining aspect of watching the game were the random English words that were shouted out amongst the German, such as "1, 2, 3 Go Team!!" / "Rebound" / the coach yelling constantly "Lauf!" followed "Go" or "Let's go!" ....oh wait, I take that back: far more entertaining were the English basketball terms made German, i.e. instead of yelling "box out" after a shot went up (I mean they said 'rebound' so box out isn't much harder) the girls would scream "AUS (OUT) - BOXEN!!!" which just made me laugh.
When I was living in Munich I joined a volleyball team, which unfortunately didn’t work out very well because I was stuck working most evenings, which was when practices were held, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the basketball season will go more smoothly since I only work during the morning/afternoon here!
In my previous blog post I referenced the best class experience I’ve had yet at the school, so I’ll elaborate on that a bit. I spoke with a 12th grade class who had prepared certain questions for me to answer - questions about my life, the US, politics, etc. I just sat in front of the class and talked with the students for 1.5 hours, and it was great!! I did my best to reassure them that most Americans do not want Donald Trump to be president and that we don’t all carry guns with us wherever we go. They also asked some questions about colleges in the US, so during a lesson later in the week I showed them pictures of the Ohio State campus, a video of the marching band making insane formations on the field, and of course….. a Mirror Lake video (See Below). Luckily the teacher is pretty laid back and didn’t seem to mind all of the f bombs being dropped. The students laughed and seemed entertained —all part of my ploy to spread Buckeye fandom across Germany! Actually though, one of the students in the class did an exchange year in Michigan, so my goal is to turn him by the end of the year and have him cheering for the Buckeyes.
This week will be extra busy not only because of the added basketball practice, but because I’m flying to Hamburg on Thursday afternoon, so I have some preparing and packing to do for that as well. I’ll be there from Thursday to Monday for the Fulbright Welcome Meeting. I’m really looking forward visiting Hamburg for the first time, as well as to spend the weekend with fellow Fulbrighters!
Mirror Lake Jump:
When I was living in Munich I joined a volleyball team, which unfortunately didn’t work out very well because I was stuck working most evenings, which was when practices were held, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the basketball season will go more smoothly since I only work during the morning/afternoon here!
In my previous blog post I referenced the best class experience I’ve had yet at the school, so I’ll elaborate on that a bit. I spoke with a 12th grade class who had prepared certain questions for me to answer - questions about my life, the US, politics, etc. I just sat in front of the class and talked with the students for 1.5 hours, and it was great!! I did my best to reassure them that most Americans do not want Donald Trump to be president and that we don’t all carry guns with us wherever we go. They also asked some questions about colleges in the US, so during a lesson later in the week I showed them pictures of the Ohio State campus, a video of the marching band making insane formations on the field, and of course….. a Mirror Lake video (See Below). Luckily the teacher is pretty laid back and didn’t seem to mind all of the f bombs being dropped. The students laughed and seemed entertained —all part of my ploy to spread Buckeye fandom across Germany! Actually though, one of the students in the class did an exchange year in Michigan, so my goal is to turn him by the end of the year and have him cheering for the Buckeyes.
This week will be extra busy not only because of the added basketball practice, but because I’m flying to Hamburg on Thursday afternoon, so I have some preparing and packing to do for that as well. I’ll be there from Thursday to Monday for the Fulbright Welcome Meeting. I’m really looking forward visiting Hamburg for the first time, as well as to spend the weekend with fellow Fulbrighters!
Mirror Lake Jump: