Exciting Weeks of my Internship
Yet another two exciting weeks have passed. I can’t believe that in two weeks I’ll be flying home again and that my internship here at the German School campus will be over. I took advantage of the week around Presidents Day to check out more beautiful and meaningful places in Orange County. Among other things, I went to the Sherman Library and Gardens in Newport Beach. On a sunny day, the trip is especially worthwhile because you can admire the beautiful plants. I’ve never seen cacti that big! A special attraction on that day was that a baby turtle had hatched shortly before.
My favorite part of the trip was going to Yorba Linda to see the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. The museum is very well organized so that even people who don’t know much about American politics and the presidents can easily find their way around. I quickly had a very good overview of Nixon’s life and his political career. Since Richard Nixon was born on the site and his birthplace is located there; his father built it in 1912, you could also visit it, making it a unique experience. I was also overwhelmed to stand in the helicopter that Nixon flew to California in 1974 after his resignation. The 1:1 replica of Richard Nixon’s Oval Office was also overwhelming. Every piece of furniture, every vase, every picture, and the colors of the carpets and curtains are exactly as they were when Nixon was in office. For me, this was a great experience to get a feel for the actual size of the Oval Office. You imagine it to be much bigger…
The kindergarten-level students made many collages this week. Mrs. Wuerfler and I introduced food vocabulary in this way. Mrs. Wuerfler had many brochures from Austria so that the children could cut out the images that depicted food such as vegetables, fruits, bread, and dairy products and then glue them on the matching posters. In the end, each child had a complete collection of vocabulary posters.
Mrs. Schoeneich’s cooking and baking classes were once again a success. Apple pancakes and other treats were made, among other things. The kids loved having something tasty to hold, and they often took something home to share with their parents. A leisurely afternoon of coffee, cocoa, and cake was assured!
Since the last few days have been a bit colder by California standards, Mrs. Schoeneich came up with something special for her Thursday class. The class made a typical German marrow dumpling soup. Mrs. Schoeneich places great emphasis on the freshness and quality of the products. So she always buys organic food and teaches the children about sustainable living. For example, she explains to them the purpose of composting and recycling for the environment. Sustainability starts with each individual. The warm and healthy soup was a perfect meal for the windy weather!
