Bittersweet ending

Hello for the last time!

My last week in Bergheim went by in a jiffy. I feel like in the beginning, four weeks felt like it's gonna be a long time, but in the end I feel like to get the full German experience, four weeks wasn't enough. Day by day I was getting a variety of feelings from relief of finally going back home to sadness of leaving it all behind.

The view from my home base window

My time in Bergheim was such a learning experience. I learned about a new country and it's culture. I learned about how differently things are done in a German kindergarten compared to Finnish standards. I learned that whatever comes my way, keeping calm and pushing on will get me through anything and everything.

I really didn't do much on my free time this week, but I did meet up with a German student who has been to Finland. We first met up in October when she was in Kouvola, and it was so nice to see her again. I do recommend meeting people from your destination country before going there, because  seeing a familiar face and just talking about both of our experiences abroad was the highlight of my trip.

We went to Cafe Extrablatt in Bergheim, and the ambiance was immaculate. Dim lights, real tea candles on the tables, menu cards that looked like newspapers.

I got a pork schnitzel with fries and champignon sauce, a small Fanta which came in a glass bottle, and a cafe latte. X was so nice that she translated the whole menu for me, gave me recommendations, and since it was all in German, she also ordered for me. Food was top tier, the schnitzel reminded me of my mum's cooking and the fries were crispy.

On my last day in the kindergarten, the kids gave me a thank you card. I requested that my departure wouldn't be a huge deal and I would rather not want a farewell party of sorts. The card and drawings sufficed more than enough to make me emotional. I truly am so grateful to have had this opportunity to be welcomed with open arms and participate in their day-to-day life.

Special thanks go to teachers C and D, my student friend X, and my workplace instructor A. Without them my stay wouldn't have been as enjoyable as it was.

Check-out from my accommodation, formerly known as home base, was at 10AM, which was fine by me because I wanted to take my time and not be in any rush. I then got on a bus, on a train, then on the sky train to get to the airport terminal. Security check went smoothly yet again.

Finnair had provided me a gift card due to the chocolate incident on my flight to Germany. I used it to get myself a window seat in the very back row and preordered a meal. The sandwich was a delight, but the coffee really wasn't my cup of tea. Pun intended.

There was a little turbulence for the last half an hour, but otherwise everything went well.

My darling partner was waiting for me at the airport and we got back home after midnight. My cat was super affectionate when he realized I'm back and slept on me the whole night while purring.

All in all, a good trip.

Definitely would encourage everyone interested to take the chance and explore the world.

Best regards,

InterReili