Memories from the trip

Some pictures from our amazing trip:

Saying goodbye

Thursday the 10th of April

I woke up to the last day with my host-family. Getting ready in the morning I was sad that the day had already come where I was to say goodbye. I had a wonderful time staying with them and I really couldn't have asked for a better home. Saying goodbye was difficult. While staying with them they had gone out of their way in treating me like a part of their family and I must admit that they really spoiled me. For instance my host-mom had baked cupcakes for me because I had written in my letter to them that I am very fond of cake. My host-sister commented on the fact that my host-mom never usually baked cake. It was extremely considerate of her. The Watson family at all times made sure that I had something to do e.g. the trip to Stanford I mentioned previously.    

My sweet host-mom Mary and host Carolyn

A couple of us in the group had breakfast at The Borrone Café where we all had some delicious waffles.

Breakfast at the Borrone Café

Waffles with berries

The last day of school had also arrived. The first period was french which was very interesting even though I didn't understand a single word :)

High school lockers

After the first period my host-sister and I had planned to do some more shopping. She showed me Target (a big store with clothes, makeup, candy and other great things). I went shopping instead of going to school as planned because my host had a lot of tests that day and so it wouldn't be an interesting day to follow. I generally really like shopping and being in an American shopping mall being guided by my host-sister was like a dream come true. I got a lot of great things home with me!  

Me and my lovely host-sister Sarah

After a immense deal of shopping I was in great need of a burger, some sweet potatoes and a milkshake to regain my strength. It was a typical american diner, except it wasn't greasy burgers but nice burgers with salad and fresh produce.    

American diner

To my hostfamily: I really want to thank you for a wonderful stay! You have been treating me so well and thank you so much for the nice gift you gave me! I hope to see you again some day! Take care :)

//Emilie 

Last day with my second family

Thursday the 10th of April

Today was the day I had to say goodbye to my second family. It was so sad, I really enjoyed the days in their beautiful house and the feeling of being a part of the Wiseman family. Before Amanda and I drove to school, we took a photograph, the Wiseman family and I. Afterwards I had to say goodbye to Amanda's parents, which were so hard. Openminded, sweet and loveable is really what they are and I'll miss them so much! 

The Wiseman family (minus Joshua) and I

Carolyn, Amanda and I while making crepes

Sad it was leaving the house for the last time, but i still had a day in M.A. High School. In the last class we had food and nutrition, which were so cosy and also very fun! We made crepes and I had a great time with Amanda an Carolyn (a friend of Amanda's).

Liz (Amanda's mother) offerede me these shorts as a present!
I LOVE THEM!

The sad part came, when i had to say goodbye to Amanda. It was so hard, I really enjoyed spending time with her, she is so funny and sweet. If I could, I would have stayed with her. Seriously, I nearly cried, it was just so emotionel, because I don't even know if I'm going to see her again... But I'm sure I will, the Wiseman family told my to come back and they are a part of me now. 

Some lovely memories:

This has just been an amazing trip. I have met so many nice people and really enjoyed experience the American culture! I will definitly come back to this beautiful country, so see you soon USA and see you soon Wiseman family! ;-)

//Anna 

Second day at Menlo High School

Wednesday the 9th of April

After a nice day in school I went to Stanford Shopping Mall with my two danish friends Anna and Camilla. Fortunately my sweet host-mom, who by the way had baked some delicious cupcakes for me the day before, was able to drive us there. Our hosts were busy at the time with homework, sport and etc. so it was nice to get the opportunity to do some more shopping. Stanford Shopping Mall is a beautiful outdoor area with many lovely stores. The areal is owned by Stanford University, hence the name.

Shopping with Anna and Camilla

After we had spent some hours shopping we got picked up by Camilla's host and host-mom who drove us to Off the Grid, which is food trucks that sell international as well as typical american food. We all got pulled pork sandwiches and a cupcake for dessert - yummi!

In the evening my host-mom and host-dad took me to see the beautiful Stanford University where we went for a walk with their two cute puddles. There we saw a chapel, some art, a bookshop and a park among other things. It was a really nice areal - maybe I should go there studying at one point?

Museum at Stanford University

When we got home I got to meet my lovely host-sister who is studying at Berkeley University. I tried tasting almond-milk for the first time, something that I have never tried at home in Denmark, it tasted better than I had thought. In the evening I showed my host-family pictures of my family while telling them about the culture in Denmark.

My host-sister came up to my room late at night and asked me whether I was tired, which I wasn't, and so she took me to a local bar called The Dutch Goose where I taught her how to play pool. Some people at the bar joined us for a few games. It was fun to get to meet some more americans. The night was a lot of fun and so we didn't return until 2 am. On the way back we stopped at a hill to see the view over San Francisco - the view was amazing! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

//Emilie
   

First day at M.A. High School

So today was the first day I went to Menlo-Atherton High School. The school is so big and its just like in the movies. I went to Amanda's classes, but I did not undertand much of what was going on. They have something called AP classes over here, which is like high level classes, so it was a bit difficult. Anyways, what I really love about American High Schools is that they have so many different sports teams, for example lacrosse and soccer, which Amanda (my host) plays. I actually went to see her lacrosse game yesterday after school. It was so cool, but unfortunately they did not win.

Before the lacrosse game started

Yesterday after the game, Amanda's mother drove me home, and then I played some ping-pong with Joshua, Amanda's little brother and later with Amanda as well when she came home. Joshua was good, but we actually won once, so I am content. Later Amanda, her family and I went to a Mexican restaurant called Chevy's, where we ate a very delicious dinner. It was very cosy. I really like her family and the food was great.

So I have taken some pictures of the car I told you about. It is an electric car, so it can accelerate very quickly, and Amanda's mother showed me when we drove home. It was so fun! Unfortunately we do not have the brand Tesla in Denmark, so you guys have to make do with the pictures below.

Joshua and the car ;-)

Amanda and Joshua in the car

That was yesterday. Emilie is going to write about today, so stay updated!

//Anna