May 29 2012

I arrived in Berlin’s Tegel Airport at 10:10am. Made it through customs fairly easily, stood in the wrong line at first, and then I realized that the other line said “alles” passports  rather than just  “EU.” Oh well, I’m tired and forgiving myself any stupid mistakes. I walked through Berlin’s Terminal A to find the meeting point. Ran into Thomas at one of the little eateries near the information point and joined him for a “Weizenbier” und “Bretzel” while we waited for the others. Eventually we all arrived and left for Wittenberg. I think (and since I can't remember I am pretty sure I am right) we mainly slept the way to Wittenberg. 

When we arrived at the University our Host families picked us up. Simonne and I were picked up by Herr Richter and his grandson. The whole family is very nice. Frau Richter made us a lovely lunch and then let us sleep until 6pm. Afterwards, Herr Richter took us on a bike ride so that we would know how to get to the University tomorrow. When we came back we ate a little dinner and talked some more with the Richters. 

The language barrier is harder to cross than I thought it would be. We are often turning to the dictionary for vocabulary purposes. However, I already feel that the obligatory and constant conversation is helpful in retrieving and reinforcing everything I learned in GRM 101 and 102.