Early tomorrow morning I'll be catching a train to the nearby town of Nottuln, for my Late Orientation Camp.

I'll be meeting up with the other exchange students in my area, and we'll be staying until Sunday afternoon in a youth hostel.

There are five other girls here on exchange, and they come from all over the world: China, Japan, Czech Republic, Norway, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The American girl from Michigan is so fun to talk to, last time we met at orientation she was telling me about how much trouble she was having "Germanifying" her wardrobe.

"I can't wear my Birkenstock's in public, I can't wear my hoodies, I can't wear my jeans --"

I feel her pain. The casual American attire just doesn't fit here in Europe. I feel constantly as if I'm not dressed up enough -- my beloved t shirts are constrained to being worn only within the perimeters of the house.

In any case, I look forward to seeing the Michigan girl again this weekend, and seeing how she's doing managing her wardrobe and other aspects of life.

Till then!