Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 15:28:53 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Christmas Greetings from Heidelberg!

Dear Family and Friends,
It has been so long since I have been in contact
with most of you, but I couldn't let the holidays go
by without letting you all know that you are in my
thoughts. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year! I hope that this holiday season will
be one to remember in years to come.
Germany has been a wonderful experience so far.
Classes are going well and language is becoming less
of a problem as the days go by. My daily life is quite
nice...no complaints. I would have to say that the
most difficult thing about being abroad is keeping in
contact with those you care about. From one day to
another I had to literally learn how to balance two
lives; one that is waiting for me back home in the
USA, and one that I had to make for myself here in
Germany. I had planned on calling and writing each and
every one of you often, but unfortunately that didn't
happen. I have yet to send a postcard or even make a
phone call. Its important that you all understand that
it isn't that I don't appreciate you and all that you
do for me, its just that I haven't found this balance
in my life that will allow me to do everything I want
to. Just remember that you are all in my thoughts,
especially during this special time of the year.
So Merry christmas from cold (but not snow
covered...unfortunately) Heidelberg! I hope to be in
contact sooner, but until then please feel free to
write me! I'd love to know how you all are doing.
Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr! With
Love, Aldo
of a problem as the days go by. My daily life is quite

Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2001 14:01:27 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Alive and Kicking!

Dear Friends and Family,
I know its been a REALLY long time since I've
been in contact with all of you, but you wouldn't
believe how hard it is to find internet access here in
Germany. It doesn't help that the keyboard is
completely different, so it takes me twice as long to
write an email!
I am getting used to may new life here in Germany
and I'm proud to say that like Mary Tyler Moore... I'm
gonna make it afterall! I'm going to register with the
university in about 30 minutes and I'm almost done
with all the beaurocratic paperwork that I have to
fill out to be a resident. Thus I will be relaxing
shortly.
The prepatory language course is going well. Its
so interesting meeting other students from all over
the world. Unfortunately I find myself speaking
English often, but I would have to say that I am
speaking German just as much, badly but just as much.
I LOVE my apartment and I LOVE my roomate even
more. The first time I walked into my apartment it
was flithy, so I immediatley prejudged my roomate
before I had even met him...and thus fostered hard
feelings against him, but once I met him I realized
that I had been completely wrong. I learned a very
important lesson that day.
His name is Franz Opraus, he's 25 and he is
German of Croation descent. He is really nice to me.
He always cooks dinner and takes me out with his
friends who might I add....DON't speak English. Franz
only speaks a little English, so at home its strictly
German. He's a music fanatic just like me so we get
along just great! His friends and I really hit it off
too. Franz and I have stayed up until 5am on a few
occasions listening to music! My first day there he
let me borrow his TV, and he gave me a stereo and
alarm clock! All I do is brag about my roomate when
I'm with other Americans. REALLY...he deserves the
"Roomate of the Year" award.
So, you all are probably wondering if I have a
phone yet....NO!!!! But I have an address.... Here
goes: (snipped for privacy purposes - email for Address. -nm)
Write me whenever you want! I'm still waiting to
receive a letter from home!
I can'T BELIEVE all that is going on back home
with the terrorists. I was so shocked...I even gave a
short interview to a local news station...It so sad.
Everyone in Germany is just as shocked and
disgusted....
Well, I really must get going. I'm sorry that I
haven't gotten back to anyone individually, but once
the semester starts in October I think email access
will be easier to find. So until next time, take care
everyone. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying
life. I know I am.
Love, Aldo