Appreciating New Friendships in Bremen, Germany

by Rachel Anderson, Greenheart Travel High School Student in Germany

For the past few weeks, there have been many adventures here in Germany. Even though, I have only been in Bremen, I feel like I have been to many different cities within just a few weeks because there is a new place to see almost every day. I am amazed by how quickly the time is flying by.

It feels like I just got here, and yet I leave so soon. I am meeting some of my best friends here and with every day I spend with them, I learn so much more about them and myself as well. At points, it is hard to learn all this information. Sometimes I will lay down, and then find myself sleeping in the middle of the day because I am so tired from all the activities and the experience in general.

I have become attached to oranges as well. I think this is due to the fact that oranges remind me of my sister. Whenever I eat an orange, I think of her immense love for oranges, and it fills me with happiness. There are markets and stores here with really wonderful oranges, which I didn’t really expect to be the case, but it is by far one of my favorite foods here. My friends have also started eating more oranges which is what we bond over.

Over the holidays, which started a week ago, I have had lots of time with my friends here. I am so thankful for this time because we have been able to get to know one another on a deeper level. The group of people is so unique because the personalities are so different but blend so well together. It’s amazing that everyone is practically friends with everyone. I really appreciate this because it has made it easier to get to know others as an exchange student.

Bremen in general is extremely diverse, and my school in particular is very cultural. This is fun for me because I hear so many languages and also their appreciation for culture is much greater. I really love this group of people and I can tell that most of the friendships will last beyond the exchange.