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Musings of a Senior Scribe
The Visitor or
Girls Around The World
Hi, all! From 10/06 - 10/25, John and Lana Johnston again opened their
hearts and home to the Weirheim,Germany/Noblesville, Indiana Foreign
Exchange Student Program. Now, I realize that this is roughly 100 miles
west of Darke County. I'll probably bounce past and present on you but
- Germany and all the cultures "over there" are remarkable to me. I am
in awe of the way they handle problems. Take drinking - you can drink
beer or wine legally when you are 16. You can not drive until you are
21. That gives you 5 years for figure out how to "handle" the
alcohol. You can ride a scooter (moped) during this time. Therefore -
how much damage can you do? If you stumble drunk, fall and break your
arm, you are suing no one. Guess you won't do that next time.
I've heard people say you can smoke marijuana and hashish openly and
legally in some countries "over there." True. Now, here's the
interesting thing. Knowing that most people really only want the "buzz"
- some countries open coffee/marijuana shops. They sell you a small
amount of the "smoke" and the papers to roll it. You then drink and
smoke "al fresco" - that is, you sip your coffee and smoke your
marijuana on a patio (inside if you wish). When you're finished , you
leave. You may not walk down the street smoking - it's a jail time
offense - first time. No plea bargains. And you may not sell it - more
jail time. Pretty cool - huh? You smoke and drink in a "controlled
environment", with strict adherence to law - no exceptions. Oh, and you
are expected to make the most of your life. If you choose not to do
that, then your family takes care of you - not the government.
On 10/16, Larissa - the Weirheim Exchange Student - landed in the USA.
From that point on, she's reading English, writing English (she wrote
to me), and speaking English. What a sensory overload! There are 16
German students. They attend Noblesville Schools maybe 5 days out of
the 19 they are here. The rest is a flurry of activity. They have
German adults to help with the schedule and all unforeseen problems,
accidents, or events.
They visit Lucas Oil, sports centers, and the "Indy Track."
Conner Prairie is another stop along with BSU College. The Indianapolis
Zoo is a favorite along with King's Island. Locally, Stuckey Farms
opens their doors for another tour. Also on the list is Indiana's State
Museum and personal Family Days. (These are a cultural exchange
thing..Maybe home in front of the tube with a pizza).
They tour Chicago, Illinois for museums, local points of interest, and
other cultural exhibits. Starbucks is always a favored stop to regroup
and munch burgers & fries. Some students give speeches to the
elementary schools - sort of a "Show & Tell" about Germany. They
discuss similarities & differences between the cultures and teach
them some German words - ein, zwei, drei...one, two, three.
Castletown Square Mall is the last big "blowout”, if you will. The
Farewell Party is two nights before they leave, at Stuckey Farms
(picture - bottom right crouching - is Louree Johnston, exchange sister
to Larissa, located immediately to Louree's right). This is a shopping
trip to buy the souvenirs they'll treasure always. A remembrance of
when they flew halfway around the world to meet teenagers like
themselves, who do what all teens do.
As for Larissa, personally?...She's a girl - No favorite color. All are
good, except black, it's depressing. Sweaters and jeans are the fun
stuff. Dresses and heels are for the special occasions with "chucks"
(sort of a hi-top tennis shoe) being the "gad-about" choice. Her
favorite perfumes are Miss Dior and Cherie. She likes the Red Hot Chile
Peppers and Cro for music concerts. Funny movies are a must. One Tree
Hill and Pretty Little Liars top the list. Liam Hemsworth is the
favored actor.
There is no "signature" make-up. Maybelline, Cover Girl, Art Deco, OPI,
and Catrice have a place on her dressing table. Denim and satin are the
favorite in the bureau drawer. Children? Surely - a boy and a girl..in
the future. For now she has a boyfriend and a pet budgie. Plans are for
a Mini Cooper "car." She loves cooking and eating vegetarian. As
any good cook says, "I'm not that good at it." - was her
response.
Thanks, Larissa, for granting me an interview. Best wishes for your
future. "Auf Weidersehen und viel Gluck!" That is - "Good Bye and Good
Luck!"
Remember the kiddies & our service people. Remember the furry and
feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever
Toodles!! MONA
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