Monthly Archives: September 2022

My First American Birthday!!

My First American Birthday 

The autumnal months officially started for me. It was the week of the 1st of October, my  birthday, which usually symbolizes the beginning of fall for me. But this year everything was different since I celebrated my birthday in the US. Looking at the weather, it didn’t seem to be fall at all.

So, here I was, wearing shorts and a shirt on the 1st of October and still sweating, whereas my parents in Germany were freezing in their sweaters and windbreakers. I assume that I was better-off.

My birthday started at 5.30 am, as early as never before. When my usual alarm woke me up, my phone was already exploding from all the messages that I got from my family and friends in Germany. Consequently, my day couldn’t have started better. I realized that even though I’m far away from home, my friends and family haven’t stopped thinking of me.

In a cheerful mood, I wanted to wake up my host kids but surprisingly, some presents blocked my way to their room. Flowers, a Navy sweater, chocolate, shampoo and other little gifts were standing in front of the stairs. I am still amazed and thankful for everything, because I haven’t expected to get any presents from my host family at all. Additionally, they also gave me some birthday cards from my family and friends in Germany that arrived the days before and that my parents had told them to hide.

After the perfect and unexpected start of my birthday, I followed my daily routine which was  especially fun because my host kids tried to be extra nice to make my day more pleasant. While they spent their time in school (it was the first time for a lot of years that I didn’t need to spend my birthday studying), I used my free-time to meet a friend for a birthday coffee. I also skyped with my parents at home who seemed to be more dissatisfied about spending the day without me than I was. Since my mum decided not to send me an unwieldy birthday present that I need to bring back anyways, she mailed me a wish-list. From now on, I have hard decisions to make because my mum promised me to cook everything that I write down on that list when I come back home next year.

On Tuesdays, the day of my birthday, my host kids usually have a late Soccer practice, so that I haven’t had expected anything else. I was still thankful for the gifts that I got in the morning when my host dad called me to pull the girls out from their Soccer practice. My host parents wanted us to come to my favorite Mexican restaurant to have a special dinner together. Surprisingly, they also invited my best friend Pauline so that we enjoyed a nice dinner together.

When I thought we would be ready to go home, the servants came to our table and sang a  Mexican birthday song for me. They also brought a delicious chocolate-birthday cake. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest birthday cake I’ve ever had.

As you can see, my (first American) birthday was a very special day for me and it was definitely better than I’ve expected. Of course, it was different from celebrating my birthday in Germany with all the people that I love. Nevertheless, it was an impressive experience and my fears of having a bad day full of homesickness didn’t come true.

Photos by: Till Westermayer {flickr}; Barry Silver {flickr}; Dark Dwarf {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM

Western Europe
Capitals: England – London; Scotland – Edinburgh; Wales – Cardiff; Northern Ireland – Belfast
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Church of England, Roman Catholic) – most other religions are represented

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • British people often describe themselves as reserved, but in fact they are quite funny and have a witty sense of humor!
  • The UK  is a very multi-cultural society and subsequently Brits are open minded to all beliefs and traditions.
  • It’s true that people from the UK love talking about the weather, preferably whilst drinking tea!

FUN FACTS:

  • In the UK, if you reach your 100th birthday, you get a personalized card from Her Majesty  the Queen!
  • The estimated population of the UK is over 64 million; 84% of this population live in England.
  • The UK is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon.  It is just under half the size of France and 30 times smaller than Australia.

Photo by: Sophia Baik {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Ukraine

UKRAINE

Eastern Europe
Capital: Kyiv
Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, Other

General

  • The idea of being an au pair in the U.S. is becoming common in the Ukraine. It has been an option in other countries for several years.
  • Applicants from Ukraine are motivated by a desire to improve their English and to experiencing living in America.
  • An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to Ukraine. Her experience will help to maintain good international relationships in the future.
  • Applicants generally do not have difficulty finding the program fees.
  • Young people in Ukraine have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are common until age 18.
  • Ukrainians are cheerful, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

Diet

  • Most young people in Ukraine eat meat.
  • Vegetarianism is not common.
  • A typical Ukrainian diet includes milk products, soups, fruits and vegetables.

Religion

  • The most common religion in Ukraine is Christian Orthodox.
  • Most young people in Ukraine do not practice their religion regularly.
  • A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.

Telephone & Internet

  • Most Ukrainian homes have a telephone.
  • Access to the Internet is readily available.

Photos by: Vasenkaphotography {flickr}; Doktor Katze {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Turkey

TURKEY

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Dimli (or Zaza), Azeri, Kabardian

  • The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in Turkey.
  • Applicants from Turkey are motivated by opportunities to improve their English and travel.
  • The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Turkey.
  • Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
  • Young people in Turkey have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are not common.
  • Turkish people describe themselves as family-oriented, active, and energetic.
  • English is the most common foreign language option offered.
  • In public schools, classes focus on written skills. In private schools, English education begins at the primary level and will have classes taught by a native English speaker.
  • Those who do not attend university study certificate programs, start working, or get married and start a family.
  • The academic year in Turkey starts in September and ends in June.
  • The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to Turkish applicants.

Photos by: Hyeong Seok Kim {flickr}; Binder.Donedat {flickr}