Well, today's been a good day. I slept well and woke up with no agenda--my favorite kind of day. I set off on my own with my backpack and a map; I intended to get lost but that didn't happen. I headed to Marienplatz, which is where the Glockenspiel is if you're familiar. I realllllly wanted to find a bakery and sit and people watch. There is surely a crowd around here because Oktoberfest began today, so it was a little hectic. Knowing this, I just told myself to keep being patient and I'd find a little place to go eventually.

I ended up finding a little market run by an Italian man named Nichola. I looked around for a bit because I haven't had vegetables for so long and really wanted to get what I needed. There was only one other customer, and when she left, Nichola asked me what I was looking for. Eventually it came out that I'm a student here who has just arrived, and he was very kind to me--very helpful. He showed me around and told me what I could get; he even told me how to make pumpkin soup. I was thrilled to have groceries and even more happy I was treated kindly. Nichola asked my name (then I asked for his, which is why I'm using it!), and he told me to "komm gleich wieder zurück" or "come back soon!" I think I just might.

Next I kept walking down the street and came to this little cafe, which was pretty empty too. The woman greeted me and I said hi back. Then she started pointing to all these strudels and told me what they were, auf English. When I responded, I said it in German and she immediately (in German) said "Oh my gosh I'm sorry, I didn't know you spoke German!" She was cute. So she asked me next whether or not I wanted to sit inside or outside. Guess what I picked....outside. To people watch. I had brought my journal and my favorite book to read. I was inspired to begin my entry in German and explain my day so far. Today, compared to yesterday, the people were soooo much friendlier and responsive.

After that I walked around and around again. Went into a store to buy a dirndl (German dress for women) to wear for Oktoberfest. It was fun to look at all the pretty garments and pretend like I was a native. I think that's why I have a hard time with being here so far--I hate pretending to be someone I'm not, and it's like we are forced to abandon our American identity and adapt a new one so we "fit in." Oh, so is life. Everyone always trying to fit in, and doing whatever they can at all costs. I was doing really well and keeping up with the German, but as the woman helped me more and more, the dialogue became more intense and specific, which revealed my identity! Agh! Haha. It was cool though, she was awesome. I came out of the dressing room and seeked her approval for my dirndl. I needed a small top and a big skirt for my ummm...big butt. It was funny, because when I came out with my skirt on I asked her if it looked alright. After she said it did, I said "ich habe eine große....." (I have a big....) and then I didn't know how to say "butt" so I just slapped my own and she laughed. She told me "Hinten" was the word to use. (Hinten is like saying "behind").

So today's been good. Got some food, did a little exploring, and had positive interactions with natives. My room is taking shape. I took some pics of where I'm at so far...enjoy.