2011

Right now, I'm sitting in an armchair, wrapped in a blanket at my host family's (with whom I've been staying for the Christmas break) looking at the University of Adelaide's course planner, trying to decide which subjects to do next year.

This year has seen me travel to more countries than I have fingers to count them on (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia, Greece), plus see more of my beloved Germany. I've made friends from all over the world, and learned to live out of home and in a different country all at once. I've cried until I laughed and laughed until I cried. I've been so incredibly homesick that I wanted to up and leave, and I've toyed with the idea of staying over here longer. I've watched more tv shows and movies than I have ever before in one year, and dangerously started watching a few new shows. Skype and Facebook have been invaluable in keeping in contact with family and friends, old and new. I've (semi-) regularly attended church and home group, which improved my German, made me learn a whole new vocabulary (but should really learn the Vaterunser (Lord's Prayer)), and helped me make some of the few German friends I have. And you know, spiritual growth.

Although sometimes I've been so frustrated with its stupid grammar I've thrown my book across the room, I've learned a lot of German this year. A lot of new words, phrases, grammar, and slang. I've also improved the knowledge I already had, and occasionally use grammatical formations that I would never have dreamed of being able to use (decide mid-sentence to use passive? WELL SURE, no problem!).

When I stepped off the plane in London a year ago (really, it was a year ago today), I couldn't have dreamed of all the things I've done this year. 2011 has been a year of new experiences, friendships, travel, and I guess a bit of learning. It's the first year that I have not set foot in Australia, and it's been understandably one of the most challenging times for me. But all in all, I'm glad I'm here, because I've also had some of the funnest times over here.