Glenis shared a letter from Amyn Amende, our Tokomairiro High School student who is on Rotary Youth Exchange in Germany. Here is part of his letter:
My time overseas has shown me much. Once I arrived to Germany I had a weird sensation. It was more like returning than discovering. Like finding and reading an old book that you had lost. One strange thing is that I have family here that I have never met; I hope to once Corona dies down.
I am currently in a town called Gauting (it's near Munich). During my time in Europe so far I have been to ancient palaces like Schloss Nymphenburg in Germany and even the Austrian Imperial palace in Wien. I have even been in the room where König Ludwig II was said to be born. I spent 2 weeks in Austria on a language course. They were some of the best 2 weeks of my life. Like the Germans the Austrians are generally a kind and honest people. No one seemed pushy in crowds or anything, everyone is generally calm (unless there is a soccer game - then you can hear chanting everywhere).
At the end of this month I head north to Berlin which I feel very excited about. It will make a great experience. I have a goal to visit my German grandfather after corona as well. I have much more I could write but I don’t wish to write too much as I probably have already, but I have made many great experiences here and my mindset has changed completely. I have been finding myself always happy and far more accepting. Learning to speak German properly and being around a populace that is so friendly has changed me greatly. I can’t wait to take this mindset back to NZ. I thank everyone that helped get me here.
Liebe grüße
Amyn
Amyn
Amyn with friends in Germany
Amyn with President Jackie in December December 2019