Happy Sunday

It has been almost two weeks since my last update and I am not sure how to go about all that has happened since. Last week went about as per usual with steady load of homework assignments and more serious in-class discussions. On Wednesday began the series of events organized in light of the big Centennial Celebration of the Language Schools at Middlebury. There were various panels and workshops that touched on multiple topics around the role of languages in society and globalization.

All that was great, but the best part was of course yet to come. Last Saturday, on the 18^th, everyone from all of the language schools dressed up – or at least tried to – according to the 1915 Theme and gathered in a huge hall in the sport center. To be perfectly honest, that night was and probably will be my favorite night of this whole experience for many reason. First of all, everyone put great effort into respecting the theme and everyone looked quite outstanding. Second, there was a huge buffet of the most delicious cookies and desserts you could ever imagine in the middle of the room. Yes, I took advantage of that. And then the live music and the great energy that filled the room were the cherry on the top. We danced, we sang, we ate good food and we all looked good! It was wonderful!

Ah, and should I mention that this celebration was a Language-Pledge-free event. Talking in English and learning so much about so many people in ways that our German skills still tend to prevent us from was beyond comforting. More than ever, I also understood and learned to appreciate the unreal effort that all of these highly-intelligent individuals around me have put into learning German.

After week three came to an incredible end we started week four as any other. This past Wednesday we reached Hump Day of the summer school (Bergfest!!) and as we slowly started moving through the second half of this experience, I am already realizing how much I will miss this place.

Stay tuned for the really cool events that week five is all about. I am already excited to tell you all about it.

Oh and here are some photos and some good music to make up for the two weeks I have been absent. Enjoy!