Emma from Germany is spending her exchange year in Arizona and, as such, only had one place she wanted to check off her travel bucket list while in the state: the Grand Canyon! Check out her reflection on the experience:
Shortly after my arrival in Arizona, my host grandma asked me if I had any travel wishes. I was totally surprised that they asked me, because it is something special to travel with the guest family, I think. My host grandma made suggestions like Disneyland or even Disney World Florida! (Yes, my guest family likes Disneyland 😊). I said that I wanted to go to the Grand Canyon. After all, it would be a little strange to not see the Grand Canyon during an exchange year in Arizona. 😂
Then my host parents found a hotel and booked a trip. At some point, my host mother then said to me: “In two weeks, we drive to the Grand Canyon.” I could not believe it and I was looking forward. Last Saturday we went FINALLY went off!
On Saturday we jumped in the car around 14:00. We drove to the hotel, it was so pretty! Then we had Dinner, with live music. The food was soooo good! I had the feeling to burst every moment. After the meal I went to the hotel pool with my host sister. I was so tired after this day, so I fell asleep fast.
The next morning we got up early. In the hotel there was typical American breakfast. (I think I’ve never eaten so much on a weekend) — and then it started! We went to the Grand Canyon in a train for 2.5 hours.
There we got onto a bus which then drove us the last meters to the canyon. It was amazing. The canyon is so big that you can not guess it at all. It looks like painted.
And then I stood there at the canyon and I realized that my life is here now. I am now living in the USA, my dream becomes true.
I remembered how many times I had hoped in Germany to finally get going. How long I waited. How often I was afraid and how often I have already been homesick in Germany. And then I stood there, and I was there. I have been thinking about my family and my friends in Germany and about my new family and new friends here in Arizona. And I realized that I now have a chance I will never have again. An opportunity that many never get. I’m just grateful for that. Thank you.
I had a bit of worry on the trip that the canyon might not be as great as I expected, 😂 but it’s just incredible to stand there. If you ever get the chance to see the canyon: do it!
After two long stops at the Grand Canyon we had to go back. We had lunch at the Canyon, and then it was already time to take the train back to the hotel. On the way we were getting deprived by cowboys, and we had some live music in the train.
Back in the hotel we had dinner, but this time there was another singer.
After a second night in the hotel we drove back to Phoenix. (Of course after we did some souvenir-shopping!) Back home, we were still shopping for my host sister’s birthday party we had this weekend.
Are you interested in making a difference in the life of an international exchange student like Emma? Visit academicyear.org or call 800-322-HOST(4678) today!
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