Bailey's February Update
Well, February went by incredibly fast for me. Here in Germany, the first two weeks of February are very festival times. It is the end of Karneval season in my area. Karneval is only celebrated in Köln and the surrounding areas, including Düsseldorf.  
 
I had the 3rd off for a school holiday, so my host family and I went costume shopping in the city. I then had from the 5th to the 9th off for Karneval holiday. On the 4th, my town held a small party in the town hall for the students my age, so from 16 to 18. I went with some friends from school. It was pretty interesting, I wasn’t a huge fan, mostly because the music was techno-rock music, not the best to dance to.
 
On the 5th, my host family took me to a city party in Köln. There were many people there, all dressed in costumes. The group I went with were all clowns, my host family and I even matched. I had a lot of fun at this party. The music was old carnival music, everyone was dancing and singing, it was so much fun! From the 6th to the 8th, was a Rotary weekend for the exchange students.
 
On the 6th, we had orientations. They were more targeted towards to new exchange students that just came in January. I found it quite interesting how when I came they insisted Germany was very safe, but this time around they warned us it was becoming decreasingly unsafe, and to be cautious.  I personally feel very safe. I live in a small town with no refugees, and no crime.  We are quite isolated from the current happenings, but I am very aware of what is going on. A few times when I was walking with exchange students or my host sister, refugees or men from the middle east have 'cat called’ or said offensive things. Honestly, if you are smart nothing will happen. I know not to travel alone, especially at night, and especially in areas of the city that are not as populated or are known for having refugees, or people who may be against immigrants.
 
On the 7th, we went to the Konigsalle, which is one of the most popular shopping streets in Germany. There was a small fair happening, filled with music and food. Everyone was dressed up in costume, and it was nice to see the exchange students again. The 8th was a parade, which I would supposed to walk in, but was canceled due to a rain storm. On the 9th, and last day, we watched the Köln parade. I got 2 giant garbage bags of candy, I really don't know what to do with all this candy I have. I really enjoyed Karneval in Germany, it was very festive and everyone got into it.
 
On the 11th was my host father, Burkhard's, birthday. We went to a very nice restaurant on the 12th in Düsseldorf. I went there during my 1st month, and now my 6th. The food was amazing, I even tried kangaroo, which is surprisingly good. 
 
We had a girl from Brazil here for 2 months, her name was Guilia, and she was part of the NGSE program. She attends university in Sao Paulo, and is in her 3rd year for Biology. With the NGSE program, or New Generation Student Exchange, she was able to come here and work in a Biology lab, interning, but gaining experience. After her time here she is considering moving to Germany when she is done. I think it is a fascinating program they have, allowing university students to experience a 2 month exchange abroad in their interested field. She gave a presentation on the 16th, about Brazil, Sao Paulo and her family. She was very sweet, tonight we are going to the airport to say goodbye to her.
 
On the 17th was my host mother’s birthday, so we had a birthday dinner for her in Köln at this nice Italian restaurant. We then, the following weekend had a birthday party for her in Köln with all of the family, in total 30 people. She comes every Thursday to cook dinner for us, she is so incredibly sweet, even if the cooking is more times than not burned.
 
The other female exchange student in my club, Nicole from Peru, gave her country presentation on the 23rd. It was very interesting, especially because I knew very little on Peru before meeting her. The presentation had some beautiful photos, I would love to visit one day. Her German was okay. I definitely think she struggles learning, although I believe it’s because she is not as interested in learning German.  I also had a meeting with the newest exchange student's family. Rafael missed curfew 3 times in February, twice where he came home drunk. I had to come with my YEO and sit with his family, mainly to discuss what it’s like hosting an exchange student since this is their first time. They didn’t understand many of the rules, and were quite disappointed in Rafael, which I understand considering it is his second month and has broken 2 rules already.
 
We just started exams again in school. I had asked to write the English exam, but it turns out I will not be in school to write it. I also plan to write the German exam, not this time but in June, just to see how far I have come. I won't be in English class, because next week on the 10th is my district Europe trip. It is for 3 weeks, almost all of March. We go to countries such as Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and France. I am really looking forward to the trip, especially since the weather is finally warming up. I am very surprised how often it rains and by that I mean; every day for the past 7 months it has rained. When I have to bike to school in the hard rain, I definitely wish someone invented windshield wipers for glasses.
 
Thank you again and have a great March!