Talk Holly, talk

I had a big talk to my host-dad tonight while we were both downstairs. It was hard to start the conversation but I wanted to know if there was anything, anything at all, that after two and a half months of me living here, was disturbing, disrupting or annoying him or anybody else in the family: from walking around the house in bare feet, or spending too much time in my room, to even being close friends with, at this stage, primarily only the other exchange students.


If there was even the smallest problem, I wanted to know it, because I know some things that are accepted in one country can in another be considered rude or inconsiderate, and often taken the wrong way.


To my relief, but also as I more or less expected, I was reassured everything was just fine and he loved to have me here.


It made me feel really happy to be here, and even more at home. I love living with my host family - my dad here is really relaxed and easy to get along with, and thinks the same about me. He was a little worried that when I spent time alone in my room I was upset or homesick, but we managed to clarify that it isn't the case, which brings me to my next point that I think is important - when the family you live with and the country you live in both change, it's more than likely that what is considered normal or acceptable will change also. What is harmless to you, like often spending time in your room, may be taken the wrong way by your new family. I had no idea that when I was spending so much time in my room my host dad had worried about me - I had to remember he doesn't yet know me well enough to know this isn't a sign of me being upset, it is just how I am, and all it took was a conversation for a few minutes for us to establish an understanding. After we talked I was glad we had, and realised how important it really is to keep on the same page as the people you live with.






Bänderriss - (torn ligament)



Last Sunday, our hockey team was supposed to have a match, but it was called off two days earlier. The coach then informed everyone we would have a running session that afternoon. I hate running, but I went, and as it turned out we were never going to run - it was only to see who would actually show up. Instead, we drank beer and played football. To cut a long story short, about an hour or so into our game I slide tackled a mate of mine in our team, ran really fast when he chased me, karma then stopped me in my tracks, rolled my ankle, tore two of three ligaments and I am now on crutches and can't play sport for 6-8 weeks.

My swollen foot without brace / bandages

I have now joined two other family members on crutches. Both from skiing - father had broken his leg, and sister tore a ligament in her knee. Will try and get a family photo, it's quite funny.

One or two more days then I'm going to walk. My hands hurt more from the crutches than my foot does.