Our German daughter (technically, she’s our foreign exchange student, but that’s a mouthful) is here! She arrived yesterday and the hilarious cultural confusions began happening immediately.
We waited patiently for her to arrive, practicing our sign holding along with several other families awaiting their German exchange students.
Soon, she came off the plane down the walkway with a group of German exchange students and, upon seeing us, immediately turned around to go back the other way. We called her over to us and smothered her in hugs while she looked to her German friends in confusion and we tried to understand what she was asking them. Finally, she verbalized what she was worried about.
“Where is our luggage?” she asked.
It seems that in Germany, you get your luggage right after the plane, while in Salt Lake City your luggage awaits you at the end of the terminal.
Once we got that confusion cleared up, we had a grand time. Well, in truth, we were having a grand time before we got the confusion cleared up. It was quite silly. Plus, we were excited and giddy to finally meet her after so many months of emails.
Her bag (only ONE. What a packer) came off the belt right away so we were on our way within minutes.
She was hungry, but not for a meal, so we tried to figure out where to take her. She wanted to walk, so we took her to the Gateway Mall, a lovely outdoor mall in downtown Salt Lake City, and showed her all the restaurants as well as the food court.
Upon hearing the name, “Hot Dog on a Stick,” she became intrigued. “Why would you put a hot dog on a stick?” she asked. It’s a very good question.
She had to try it, so we bought one. She said the fried part reminded her a little bit of Chinese food. She’s been to actual China, so I believe her.
We then spent some time downtown and she decided she really likes it here. We travelled to our house, let her unpack (which she did in record time) and because she felt like pizza, we took her to the best pizza in Salt Lake City, The Pie. American food is quite heavy, she says. She’s right.
We continue to encounter cultural differences and it’s oh-so fun.
She is sweet and kind and talkative and not the least bit shy. We absolutely adore her.
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How fun! You will have a great time with her.
The Pie! Excellent pizza place for your first American food! I’m so excited to read more about your adventures!
What a great experience that will be for her, and so brave of her parents to send her for so long! I’m sure you’ll have a ton of fun together:)
PS – You look FANTASTIC Rebecca!
Well, I am glad to hear she got here safe and sound. Give her my hello. You guys look like you belong together. Lydia is an awesome sign holder-uper. Let the games begin.
That is so fun! We had a German exchange student when I was in junior high or high school. Can’t remember, but she was an experience! Then we had a Japanese exchange student (she was my favorite). When my little ones are a bit older we may try that. You’re awesome for doing it with little ones!
She seriously looks like you, Rebecca. She could definitely be confused for your younger sister (not your daughter, of course, you don’t look that old!). I love that she wanted Hot Dog on a Stick, my sister in law would be so proud. You’ll have to let us know when you bring her to CA, maybe we can all get together
How exciting!!!! What a fun beginning! Congratulations & wishing you all the best! Can’t wait to hear more of your adventures! xoxo
Aww! She sounds like a sweetheart. I really look forward to getting to see how things unfold with you guys. I hope it all goes well (and she makes it through her first day of American high school!)
Welcome to Caroline!!! (Lydia is so cute with the sign) You are in for a wonderful adventure for your family and she is so blessed to get to be with you!!
by the way you are an amazing writer – I LOVE The way you word things