An American Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a truly American experience that might be celebrated slightly different all over the nation, varying between family traditions, communities, cities, or religious backgrounds. But what seems to hold the American people together on this solemn occasion is the central idea of this national holiday: To thank for all the blessings that people have in life, from seemingly trivial things like jobs, to one’s family, children, fortune in life, a home, and to one’s faith and creed. Thankfully, all of us international students found American homes to spend the day, as campus was deserted and our living complex resembled a ghost town. Some hours out in the woods at our host family’s property, a little shooting practice (an essential part of our American experience. I swear we only shot at clay pigeons), and then a peaceful day amidst the most hospitable people and with gorgeous Southern food made it unique.
A calm Thanksgiving Thursday is followed by Black Friday: For many people, this is the day to score cheap deals at nearby shopping malls – most of them opening at midnight, to allow people to go shopping right after Thanksgiving dinner and the football game. Attracted by 50%-off offers and discounts all around, their shopping fever lets businesses and stores be in the black again…
Great blog man! The pictures are great. Glad to hear you got a chance to shoot some stuff 😉
Thanksgiving, Shooting, Black Friday… real American experiences again 🙂 ! But as I told you before: too bad you’re missing out on German Christmas Market 😦
Очень хорошо!
Had five Gluhweins on Saturday – enough for this year! It doesn’t taste when it’s like 10 degrees out there. You’re not missing out anything bro!
Hey Julian, it’s been a while since i checked up on you here! Glad to hear you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and i had to laugh about the little shooting practice, made me think of my time in the Midwest earlier this year. Enjoy your stay to the fullest! Cheers
If i would have the choice. I’d decide in favor of shooting, instead of Glühwein! I hope you did a great job in the woods, like in old Counter Strike-times..
I guess I do miss German Christmas market and gluehwein… that is just completely unknown in the US. I’m dead sure they’d like it. And yes, I shot a hell of a lot of guns on Thursday. You don’t get the chance to do that under German gun control laws:)
Thanksgiving for us exchange students was definitely a nice experience. As you already mentioned, Americans thank for everything, such as her family, health and home. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the house and felt well integrated.