Living in Graz means that i have no other exchange students in the near vicinity. To tell you the truth i think that is actually a good thing becuase it means im not always tied down to home, but at the same time, seeing people who speak english as their first language is a welcome break!
The people at the camp include about 13 ozzies, 3 from argentina, 3 from new zealand, 2 from brazil, and 1 from canada, the ukraine, south africa and paraguay. It is a nice mix of people. I was warned about the South Americans, that they are quite wild and stuff and that you should get in with them early because they really segregate themselves from the rest, but they are fine and nice, although they are a bit wild. I have made really good friends with one of the new zealanders that im romming with called justin, i know, hard to believe, friends with a kiwi! And im also good friends with an Australian called James from near Coonamble. He couldn't believe it when i told him i knew a family from there! But they are both good blokes and we've been spending most of our time together, playing cards and stuff, its good.
The course itself is very good. The problem i had with learning german by myself in the past two weeks was that it had no structure to it. Everything was all over the shop and i was learning phrases rather than learning how exactly these phrases should be put together with word order and conjugation and things like that. Luckily the course does exactly that, and it is awesome, im learning so much! Im now itching to learn more so that i can converse. I am in the advanced class, however, and im glad that i am, because it just pushes me that little bit more.
In the breaks we have been playing heaps of cards and stuff, and sitting around watching telly and one thing that is always on at the moment is the cross country skiing. I have to say that i think that is close to one of the most stupid sports i have ever seen. I mean dont get me wrong, i love the bit with the shooting that is cool, but the rest is pointless to me. The way i see it is the whole idea of going in the cold and into the mountains is becuase THERE ARE MOUNTAINS, and mountains are made for going down, not around! Im sure its not just because im lazy (i mean that is a lot of it!) but i can't say it's something i would enjoy. If golf is a good walk spoiled, this is a good run in the snow........ok that analogy doesn't really work, but you know what i mean!!
Paz