Thanksgiving in Deutschland

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I had a great one. Nothing can compare to being home with your family on Thanksgiving, but since that wasn't an option, I think I had the best one possible. I have a friend here who is from California, and we planned a Thanksgiving dinner, and invited some of the other friends we have made here. We wanted to keep it small, but it turned into about 15 people, probably more.
We did our shopping on Wednesday night, realizing that would be absolutely insane and probably impossible in the US. Our trip was relaxed, and there were no fights over the last turkey or sack of potatoes.
We planned to meet around noon on Thursday, to get the turkeys in the oven, and set up the living room for so many people. At about 11:30, Jake rang by bell, and informed me he was locked out of his house, and his roommates weren't coming home until four. So, after finding out how mafia-ish the locksmiths are here, we decided to wait it out. We sat around for four hours, then he headed home. I left a little after, and thank goodness, he was putting the turkey in when I got there. Dinner was supposed to be at 6:30, but obviously that wasn't going to happen. But the way things worked out, more people were showing up while we were cooking, so we had lots of help, and it turned out to be a lot of fun.

Dinner turned out fantastic, and we couldn't have asked for better company. Everyone was so excited to have their first Thanksgiving. Most of the girls brought desserts, so there was an abundance. We had three Americans total, and I think we all enjoyed it completely. I know for sure the other internationals did.

I really missed my family yesterday, and I missed some of my traditions that weren't possible. Sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, pecan pie, pumpkin pie... and eating outside, but I am so thankful for the chance to celebrate the way I did. I'll definitely never forget this thanksgiving!

The End is Near!

Well, today was my last day of class at Zeppelin University. I can't believe the semester is actually over! I can't say it flew by, thats for sure. I still have four term papers to write, but I have a month before I actually head home, so I don't think it will be a problem. It's been quite an experience.
Thanksgiving is in two days, and I had pictured a big feast with the other Americans that are here, and maybe some of the other international students. But as two of the four Americans backed out, and no one else has an oven, it's just going to be me and one other American guy having some mashed potatoes and hopefully some form of turkey. It's going to be weird, but I'll just have to make sure we have a big Christmas dinner when I come home :)
I am flying to London on December 3rd, until the 9th. After that, I am going to Nuremberg for the Christmas Market, and then I'll be home just in time for Christmas. I am so looking forward to being home with my family and friends, but I'll really miss Friedrichshafen and the awesome friends I have made here.

I'm going to make some hot cocoa now, and thaw myself from being outside too long. :)

Just a regular Friday...

I convinced myself to go into town today for some errands. It's cold, and the busses are slow, but I put on my cuddl duds and got myself out there. One thing after another went exactly how it should have. It was wonderful. The first store I went to had all the stuff I wanted from them, and it was way cheaper than I expected. I stopped at a bakery and they had sugary pretzels, so I got one and it was delicious. The grocery store had everything I wanted, and more, and my total was less than 20 euros (19.75 :p ). When I walked out of the grocery store, the bus was just pulling in. Everything worked out perfect. And it was still a little light out when I got home. And I didn't get cold!
I think one of the things I will miss the most about Germany is the grocery shopping. The prices, and if you go to the right place, the laid back atmosphere.
Oh, and I forgot, when I got home, I checked my mail just on the off chance I might have some junk mail or something, and I ended up with two cards from home that I wasn't expecting. My card wall is filling up! I'm going to go put my groceries away now, and maybe make the pumpkin soup I bought.