I had Thursday off of school because it was Sport day and I have to leave at 11am for Basel so I was told to take the day off. I was able to sleep in a little bit, which was very much appreciated. I still had to wake up relatively early because I had an appointment with the Immigration Office at 9:30 in Solothurn.

The Immigration Office is right beside the train station, so I was able to find my way easily and not get lost...thank goodness. I felt like a criminal at the appointment because they have to take finger prints and a picture that might as well be a mug shot. They only spoke to me in High German, which was good, but also difficult because I still don't understand everything. But I made it through and am happy that I understood enough to survive.

After my appointment, I had some time to kill before I had to go to Basel for German class, so I wandered around downtown Solothurn for a while. I went into a few stores, but this is Switzerland and nothing is cheap. I then took the bus to Caroline's house because there was not enough time for me to go home before having to leave again. When I got to her house, I rang the doorbell and stood there for a while but there was no answer. I just figured she was in the shower or out so I left and went back to the bus stop. About 20 minutes later she shows up at the bus stop. She was surprised that I was there and asked why I was there. When I told her it was because I came to her house, she was shocked. She told me that she didn't know it was me and she thought it might be a German speaker, and because she can't speak German very well and she was home alone, she didn't want to have an awkward moment, so she just didn't answer the door. Ohh,  the life of an exchange student.

We got on the bus and headed to Basel like every other day. We had a big test on Thursday because the class was almost over so it was our overall evaluation test. I didn't find it too difficult, surprisingly. We had to wait until Friday to find out how we did.

Thursday was also an exciting day for my family back in Canada because our new exchange student, Julia, from Taiwan arrived! I've seen a few pictures and she seems really cool.

Yesterday was Friday and I had school like normal. In the afternoon, I trekked to Basel for the last and final time. It felt like the end of an era to be honest. I have been doing the same thing everyday for the past month, so to realize that I will no longer be doing it is an odd feeling, but also a welcomed one. It means that I can now go to school all day and will be with my class more and will have more opportunities to make Swiss friends - definitely a positive thing.

Outside of the Basel train station yesterday there were 4 men buskering and playing Jazz music. They were really good and the crowd was definitely enjoying it. I loved it and couldn't not give them money, they were spectacular!

When I got to my class, the teacher handed back our exams and we were able to look over them, but then had to give them back because Rotary needs to look at them and see how well we are doing and how much we have learned. It looks like I won't be going home anytime soon because I got 83% on the test! I was so happy! Our graduation certificate will come in the mail soon apparently.

After everyone looked at the exams, we headed into the Old City of Basel for the afternoon with our teacher. She took us to an old church and we were able to look out over the wall and see the Rhine.

After the church, some people left to go home and the rest of us (with our teacher) went to a newly renovated Cultural Museum. It was really pretty and had a lot of cool artifacts - including an entire floor on Chinese history. I bought a small pendant for my blazer in the gift shop after so that I can remember the experience!

They correct my German which is also awesome!

Today has been a normal day here. A boy from my class at school added me on Facebook this morning, and then added me to our class' group. I feel so included now, even though I have to use a translator to see what everyone is saying.... But it is definitely an awesome feeling. A few of the girls also added me and have been messaging me, so it is pretty awesome! 

So funny, but so fun!

It is "Cleaning day" according to my host dad, so I have some work to do! But then I plan on going on a long bike ride to get some much needed exercise! 

Until later,

Madi