Take me out to the Ball Game!

Today was perhaps one of the most eventful days yet! First we, the European Student Leaders, were introduced to a group of Fulbright grantees and given the opportunity to talk to them over water ice, and pretzels. It was very interesting to hear about their experiences with Fulbright, and the various processes that they had to go through before and after receiving the grant.

Afterwards both groups went to attend the Phillies baseball game, which exceeded my expectations. Truth is I do not know what I was expecting, but any and all prejudice I might have had was from your typical American movie. I can now say that your typical American movie creates a highly distorted image of baseball.

First of all, there were not homeruns every second hit. In fact there were not even homeruns every inning. Through a total of 9 innings we saw ONE homerun (Jimmy Rollins) - not twenty. Secondly, the game is loooooong and slooooooooow. Surprisingly so actually - many of us did not even realize that the game had started before the second inning or so, which is when we noticed that the crowds were occasionally cheering.

Now although both of these factors make the whole concept seem rather boring I found it very interesting. At first it seemed very ridiculous but as the game was explained to me by a true American, a new side of the game revealed itself to me - a fun side. The experience was, without a doubt, a pleasant one.

I would definitely say that going to a baseball game is something you should try at least once if you get the chance. Even if you do leave before all 9 innings (which I did not) there is a very particular atmosphere at the game which is unlike anything else; an atmosphere which is worth experiencing.

The Statue of Liberty!

The experiences just come storming in, and on Friday we went to Ellis Island and to the Statue of Liberty! And yes, it's as magnificent in real life. We climbed up, and from the foot of the statue we had a wonderful view of Manhattan!

Otherwise we have had our homestay visits, where we spent the night a local American family. It was alot of fun, and I've done everything from eating at a local cheese steak restaurant to dragon boat racing in the Schuykill river! Philadelphia is going good :)