One thing we were allowed to experience during the two weeks was a visit at the families of our exchange partners. Every German went to a South African family for a few hours to get insights into their lives and to get to know our partners’ families of course. We were all very excited, because we didn´t know what was expecting us, but in the end, we found out that the South Africans were at least as nervous as we were.
On this day we waited at the school of our exchange partners for their parents. Most of us were picked up by car, one student even took a taxi.
My partner´s mother drove us to their place. The house was situated in a quiet side street and when we came in, my partner introduced me to her brother and showed me the house. While she was telling that her brother travelled to Amsterdam last year, her mother prepared some cake for us on a small table in the living room. Quite a lot actually. I talked to her brother who, very proudly, told me about his trip and showed me his souvenirs. While we were having cake together, a co-worker of the mother suddenly came by. She was very funny and friendly and ate with us. We took pictures together and I told her a lot about Germany. While we were talking the brother came in, carrying a huge bag filled with South African candy, a cap and a picture frame for a picture of me and my exchange partner. I was really surprised, because I wasn´t expecting that. And as if that wasn´t enough, my partner gave me a beautiful necklace as a souvenir.
Suddenly the mother told us, we had to hurry as we were expected back at the school very soon. I was surprised. It didn´t feel like hours had already passed. But before we left we went to the neighbours. We could just walk in through the back door and just say ´´hello´´. They were very friendly and happy to get to know me. Eventually the mother said a prayer in Africaans and translated parts of it into English for me. As we were pretty late, we got on our way very quickly. It was an incredible good experience and quite a lot of fun as well.
Written by Jasmin Wedemeyer
To be honest. In the beginning all of us were really excited to visit the families of our South African friends on our own. A family of a new friend we have only known for one week in a foreign country all on our own.
In the evening the South Africans said who they will take to their family. But we did not really care to whom we are going, because we liked all of them. Anyhow, we still were really excited.
The next day, the parents picked my exchange partner and myself up and we went to their home. Traveling by car was already exciting, during the journey the family were greeting all the people outside, children on the playground, adults sitting on benches, teenagers walking around, in a very friendly way. As we got home, a lot of people, friends, cousins etc. have been there for a visit. They also showed me their house. At first, the family was – like myself – very excited and kind of shy. But when we sat at the table, were eating cake and drinking tea, we had some really nice and funny conversations. They asked me things about Germany and myself, but I also had the opportunity to ask them something. I got to know a lot about the family, the culture and the everyday life in South Africa. The time flew by and after two hours my exchange partner and myself had to go back to the bus, which brought us back to the camp.
Back at the bus station, we met the group again. We were all talking simultaneously, everybody wanted to talk about their afternoon in their families. Without any exception every single one of us made great experiences.
In conclusion, it was a big highlight of our exchange and one of the best afternoons.
Written by Elena Vogel
