With Andrea and Mike (host family) we set out with bags across platforms and stairs on the

public transportation system (trains and buses), making several changeovers (3) in stations
before arriving at home. The advertisements/posters, graffiti art, transportation, trees and
waterways, stores, food vendors, housing/industry blocks, newspapers (soccer matches),
language, bikes, and clothing styles (distinctive coats) of people in Hamburg stood out to me as
we flew past the underground and outdoor areas rural and urban with crowds and
individuals coming and going about daily businesses. Expecting
cold temperatures, the weather was sunny and cool - even
spring-like - but grew warmer over the course of the day
(Photo: A room with a view (outside park)) . After meeting the
younger children (Luna, Jule & Nino) and coffee and breakfast
(breads with cheese, butter, and fruit/vegetable/meat toppings)
with discussions in German and playing with the new puppy,
everyone rested around noon accounting for US/German time
zones. I made
sure to e-mail my
mom that I arrived
safe. Later Mike and I visited the school I'll be
interning at, Stadtteilschule Bergedorf, learning
bus stop/walking directions. We then went to
Bergedorf and walked through the shopping
centers, around the historic castle (Museum fr
Bergedorf und die Vierlande), and met Andrea for
cake w/cappuccinos in a local coffee house. Final
adventures of the day involved going downtown
to the central Town Hall (Rathaus) and walking by
the various (sights/sounds) shops, street
performers, architecture & public spaces (bridges and parks), noting similarities or differences
before heading back for dinner (finely cooked fish, mashed potatoes, carrots/peas). Overall, we
covered a lot of ground, riding back and forth on the S/U Bahn (rapid pace could be disorienting
in beginning) and on foot in neighborhoods, town centers, and parks. The days (past 48 hours)
were beautiful and an exciting start to my student teaching/international experience!

Host Family (Andrea, Mike, Luna, Jule, Nino)