I did go out tonight, to the welcome reception and international quiz for international students, and I met some people--a few Germans, a guy from Turkey, a girl from the Czech Republic (who's studying Culture, Translation, and Spanish and wants to be a flight attendant) a really nice girl from Tokyo, a post-grad from India who I also really like, and some post-grad (in Creative Writing, no less) who was born in America but has lived all over the world, currently in Belgium. At the orientation, I met another post-grad from Guam. Today was a lot better than the past few.
I feel very simple and naive around here, though. And very young and innocent, too, but I knew that when I set out. Everyone I've met seems to have traveled the world, and I've only ever been to Mexico. Like the Japanese girl I met. She's been to America 4+ times, England 5+, Australia, and Germany, at least. Everyone tells me about how they've been to all these places, especially to tell me they've been to America when they find out I'm American. Then I feel bad because I don't know hardly anything about their countries and what I do know, I usually forget when I'm talking to them. It's awkward.
Also, a number of people have asked me if I'm from the Netherlands. I think it's because on our name tags, it has a spot for nationality, and under that, a spot for our school of study. So mine says "American", and under that, "AMS" for American Studies, which is also the abbreviation of the airport in Amsterdam. And my handwriting isn't that clear unless you get uncomfortably close to my chest. So, um, yeah. Also awkward.
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3 comments:
hehehe... your chest... you know you would. Come on Lauren its a good excuse for boys to get close. Its okay you've only been to Mexico. Then you fit the stereo type that you're just like all us "other ignorant americans" who don't know any thing about any where.
Hi Lauren;
It's Aunt Ellen, I'll get that out of the way first, in case I forget later...I've ignored blogs, but you are a good motivation to learn how to get around! Sounds like you're enjoying Norwich, I just like the sound of it. How do the locals pronounce it? Have fun!
Love,
Ellen
It's pronounced "Nor-itch". Or more like "Nar-itch", kind of halfway between the two. It's hard to explain, but just drop the "w" and you'll be fine!
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