Most people who know me at all, know that I have traveled quite a bit for a girl from rural Kentucky. Before I turned 21, I had already visited 5 countries and tried to learn 5 different languages. Its really amazing to think how much I have adapeted to international travel since then. In the past month, I have visited 6 countries and tried to learn 5 new languages. (Switzerland- French, Hungary-Maygar, Slovakia -Slovak, Czech Republic - Czech, Austria and Germany - Deutsch). I actually write this post while on my very first night train, somewhere in Vienna. I find it odd that I consider normal to not understand the conversations around me. Its odd that odd things (like cheese and sardines for lunch) are the new normal. On some trips, I froze at the thought at trying to communicate to someone who spoke one word of Engligh (yes) or who didn't speak English at all. On the train from Bratislava to Vienna, I actually spoke over an hour with two Slovaks. I met Maria, a cook originally from middle Slovakia who now works months away from her family in Vienna. She visits Slovakia only for birthdays and holidays. I also met Stefan, the train attendent who kept trying to steer the conversation to sexual matters. The odd part about these people is that they didn't speak any English. The entire conversationw as carried out in Slovak or German. (which led to some pretty awkward pauses as I looked up phrases in my phrase book). I was sooo proud of myself, my first real conversation auf Deutsch. :-) I'm sure I will have many more.
Another thought struck me on the night train tonight. (my first night train ever). Every body has something to share, even though you might not understand it. Maria expressed sadness over missing her family. (she has three children, but she says they aren't boys and they aren't girls....so they would birls?). She also could tell me all about weight problems in central slovakia (she doesn't drink beer but she will drink wine). She also asked about my boyfriend and wanted to know how we spent so much time apart. It was amazing! This lady, 50 years old, and living halfway across the world had the same concerns as some of my friends in America. She also cared about me. later on the train, she helped me with my (very very heavy) suitcase and even gave me instructions for the train. It was great.
So now I end this post with a hope that I actually sleep on the train. The train still shakes a little but my bed looks comfortable and my roomate (Christina from Berlin) is extremely nice. I will add more when I arrive in Marburg. Guten Tag!
1 comment:
I still speak a little German, but very rusty. My two sisters are German, but one of them has forgotten all of her German and the other one does ok.
When we were living in Frankfurt I spoke German with a Bavarian accent. My mother who was German was mad because she had picked up an American Accent.
You have lots of courage to go to Europe for study/work. I have been to Costa Rica for three mission trips. Two of the trips I was on a VIM team, on the last trip I went by myself. I cannot speak Spanish and can only mumble a few words. I spent days with out being able to have a conversation. Sometimes I would have someone who could speak a little English. Sometimes the person could speak pretty good.
On my first trip to Costa Rica, I visited someone's home and met a German exchange student. He had been learning Spanish and was having a hard time. He was so glad to speak to some of the team in English and he was really glad to be able to speak to me in German. It was hard on me to remember some of the German I had to have him repeat so many things.
I have met some other Germans here in Kentucky who have forgotten their German. I thought, good, I have someone to practice my German on and they were embarassed becasuse they couldnt remember their German.
My hat is off too you (I dont really wear a hat--but if I did I would take it off to you!).
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