Describing what , for me, was the program's "Highlight" is not possible. There were just too many. And each was as great as the next.
The first "Highlight," was the classtime. It was phenonimal. Our daily teacher, Frau Lueder, made sure everyone understood everything, pausing often to check. The phonics classes gave all my future German studies a big boost.
Another "Highlight" was the Mensa food. It was absolutely scrumptious, generously portioned and ridiculously affordable. How could this not be a "Highlight?"
Another "Highlight" were my accomadations. They were incredible, better than some four star hotels I've paid a lot more for and they included a delightful breakfaast every morning.
The students were wonderful and if that is not a "Highlight" nothing could be. We were from all over the world and the German we were learning gave us a way to communicate and a common challenge.
Lastly. but far from the least "Highlight" were the excursions. They were fabulous and informative. They provided insights and views one couldn't possibly get while being merely a tourist.
Any one of these could be the "Highlight" if the others weren't also the "Highlight."
My perception of "German efficiency" has changed. Granted it may have been a misperception to begin with, but having a burned out lightbulb go unreplaced for three weeks is ridiculous inefficiency in any culture. But that was a gripe, not a major problem.
The trains are a different matter. In the past, I have found the train schedules to be extremely accurate, but not this trip. We were fifteen minutes late on our arrival. For my return home, I left Ilmenau an hour early to make sure that a fifteen minute late arrival would not put my connections in jeopardy. I need not have worried. My connection was fifteen minutes late. Now this lateness did no damage to anything except my perception.
This was a very fulfilling three weeks and if some of my ideas needed adjusting, it did not diminish the overall greatness of the opportunity .
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