Alles gut

So, the first day of classes went really well... especially since I only had Spanish class yesterday, and we discussed vowels, consonants, and "Yo soy..." phrases. (Bore me to death a little more, please...) Today has been a bit different so far, as I am somehow in a course in which we have to make group presentations on linguistic differences in various dialects of Spanish... oh, and the presentation are in Spanish. Well, guess I'll be dropping that course... which is a little disappointing, as the content is really interesting to me. In about a half an hour, I have my second Tuesday class, Jewish History in the Middle Ages. Hopefully I don't have to present anything in Spanish for that class.

It's very strange being here on the university as courses are beginning. After 2 months living here, relatively alone, all of a sudden, there are people everywhere!! It's almost like being back in high school, with random groups of people just standing everywhere, in the halls, outside the buildings, congregating for gossip and cigarettes. In both classes I've been to thus far, roughly double the amount of students who are allowed in the course (and who can even fit into the room) have shown up, attempting to get into the course. I don't know if I like this yet... the total anonymity and strangeness of a 14,000 student university. I guess now I am beginning to know what it would've felt like to go to a public university.

However, even with the complete reformation (again) of my routines and some trouble with courses and stupid online student registration programs, I'm really, really happy this week. I feel very confident, making it to all of my classes without trouble, understanding everything being said in German, and preparing myself again for buckling down and independently pushing through this semester. I have a solid social group already (dare I begin to call them friends?), all of whom are always ready and willing to make something happen. I have a solid support group back home in America... and all around the world, for that matter... who send me letters and e-mails and messages... and boxes full of spices and seasonings and socks (Thank you so much... you have NO idea how happy I was even to get a package, not to mention finding out what was inside!!!!). I am living and learning, I have no classes on Fridays, Felix is coming to visit weekend after next, and things are looking good.

The weather has even been beautiful the past few days... well, until now, as I watch it downpour outside. Thanks again for your crazy weather, Drear... I mean, Trier.


On another note, thank you thank you, all, for the letters, cards, and packages! Know that I'm putting a bundle of stuff in the mail later this week! Watch your boxes!