Birthday Weekend

I've never stayed out so late in my life, especially two nights in a row. It was the most fun I've had in a long time though. After class on Friday, I took the train down to see Aline, my host partner from high school, her family, and friends. That night we just talked and caught up, and later around 10:00 we went out to KUZ, a disko (or club) in Mainz. It was so cool because they mostly played older music; of course, a lot of it was old German music, but it was still a lot of fun. We stayed until it closed at 4:00 AM, and by the time we got home and in bed, it was already 5:30!

Anna, Laura, Aline, Me

The next day was Aline's birthday, 20 years old! During the day, some of Aline's extended family came over to wish her a happy birthday, and it was so cool for me to see all of them again. I love having a family here in Germany! That night we also went to see some of the local dance groups perform in a show, which included Marleen and Dunja, some of Aline's family. So many people here are part of some dance group including Aline. Every year around this time Germany has one of its biggest festivals, Carneval. And all of these dance groups perform routines at the different events during Carneval. The dance groups range in ages from 3 and up.

 

Little Vikings              

 

Pocahontas

 

      Spanish Girls (Marleen's group)

I couldn't stay for Dunja's dance though because I had to get back to Aline's and get ready for her "Bad Taste" Party, where everyone comes in clothes that nobody would actually wear in real life. All of the outfits were so hideous, including mine.(Luckily Aline had bought me something ahead of time.)  



Me, Natalie, Umi, Leah, Laura

Aline

The night was so fun. They had so much to eat and drink, and there was music playing the whole time. It was definitely one of the best birthday parties I've ever been to. It was so fun I stayed up until about 5:30 again. Much too late, but totally worth it :)