Update from AJ Hottman, December 1, 2007

Hi, I’m AJ Hottman and the current outbound exchange student courtesy of the Fort Collin Foothills Rotary Club. I am living a year in Germany, in a town called Osnabrück. It lies between the Netherland border and Hannover (if you know where that is.) Being in Germany has been such a great experience, I have been given chances to see so much and to experience things I never though I would have. Osnabrück also has given me so much, I am so lucky to have come here. The town is about the same size as Fort Collins. I live right on the outskirts, in a small “dorf” (village thing). I take a 10 min bus ride every morning to school and can get basically anywhere by bus.

My host family is amazing and I love them. It takes awhile to feel comfortable about living in someone else’s house but they made me feel at home. I currently have 2 host brothers, one is 14, named Tomas, and the other is 20, named Markus. I have so much fun with both of them and, Markus has basically become my best friend since I have been over here. My family here has done so much for me, helping me learn German and taking me to see so much of Germany.

I am going to high school here and I’m in the 12th grade. I have met a lot of nice people and try to understand what is going on in all my classes. I also take a German class, 4 times a week. Both have helped my German a lot and I can understand a lot more. I have never been so good at languages so it’s not as easy as I would like it to be, but its going. :) I have seen a lot of Osnabrück and a lot of Germany. Osnabrück is beautiful, has many old churches and things. The school I’m in right now is over 1000 years old! Also Osnabrück is the place where they ended the 30 year war in Europe. My family has also taken me to München and Berlin. In München I was able to go to Oktoberfest, which is amazing. Such a big festival and you don’t expect it until you get there. München however is also beautiful. It is the typical view of Germany; it has all the old houses that look German, and has the Alps not too far away. Berlin is the total opposite of München. Berlin is beautiful and there is so much to see. I was able to see the parliament buildings, museums, statues, and the wall. It is really cool.

I would like to say that I am have a great time and learning so much. Hopefully I am also teaching people some things about Americans.

Auf Wiedersehen
AJ Hottman