20th October 2005 - Day 17

Today, the Lehrer said something which I found to be quite true. A translated version (or what I thought I heard) below:

"A lot of people tend to overestimate their language ability. When they are in their language classes back at home, they score well, leading them to believe that they are quite good in the language. Until they come over here and realise that what they've learned is not enough."

Spot on.

During a later period, the other Lehrer some of us to read a passage. It was a french guy's turn. The french guy, Francois, was reading slowly and I thought maybe it was a difficult paragraph. There was a long pause over a certain word. Then Francois reached for his bag and took out a 7cm diameter magnifying glass.

He apologized, "Tut mir Leid".

"Macht nichts," replied the Lehrer almost immediately.

I think Francois couldn't be older than me. He must have lots of problem with reading small text throughout his education. It must have been quite difficult for him to get this far.

After lunch, I went back to hostel to check whether the letter from the Postbank was here. But nope, it wasn't. So have to wait for another day I guess.

Then I went out again to the Rechenzentrum. I met Caroline on the bus. Caroline is my neighbour, she lives just next door. I asked her where I could go for the weekend. None are very good ideas, but still, she spent the time to entertain me.

After a rather fruitless stay at the Rechenzentrum, I went back to hostel again. Then I went out again to the Mensa. I had to meet the Hong Kong guy for dinner.

Dinner was not too bad. It was pasta with ham, french fries and some creamy dessert. All for just 2.45€! So I won't have to think about what to eat for dinner from Mondays to Thursdays, until I get so lazy that I don't want to leave the hostel.

Went to buy some pasta, chicken, vegetables, eggs and chicken stock. I decided I shall try cooking again tomorrow. Maybe I can cook a big pot and settle my dinner, breakfast, lunch and dinner again!

The travel bug hasn't hit me yet. I just don't feel the mood to wander around. Or could it be that the bug inflicts only students with enough Geld?

So, time to sleep.