Dear Host Family,

Thank you for taking time to read my letter :) One and a half years ago, I decided that I wanted to study abroad. And decided to go to USA. I am looking forward to learn more about American culture. And I'm wondering how it is to live thousands of miles away from my friends, parents, brother and teachers. I think I will have to take more responsibility, even though I think I already am quite independent. I hope I will get many American friends, and I expect that when I come back to Norway I speak the English language fluently.

Since my parents got divorced ten years ago, I got two families. One week I live with my father, the next with my mother. You may think that this sounds weird, but actually it is quite all right. There are in fact some advantage living two places: I am getting a lot of attention from my dad when I am with him and from my mum when I am living with her. We are always warmly welcomed when we change after a week, I think it's because they both miss us when we are away. Luckily they cooperate well and have no conflicts with each other. But there are some disadvantages too, like carrying my guitar, schoolbag, pc and other stuff back and forth, though that not really a big deal.

At my dad's house we are five; Helge (44), Sussan (40), Ashkan (17) Jonas (12) and myself. And our cat of course named Pusur. (Garfield's Norwegian name) At my mom's house we are three; Karin (43), Jonas and myself. And, occasionally my grandfather's dog Kira.

I think it would be very exciting, living with another family in USA. Maybe a bit strange in the beginning. I wonder what the family I am going to live with is eating, if it's very different compared with my meals in Norway. Maybe my family in USA is going to church, and that is OK for me. Though I am not used to that from home. I think I am quite adaptable; usually I get along with most people.

In the future I would like to study marine biology. Apart from music I have always been interested in the sea and marine life. I love being with my grandfather by the coast taking trips on the fjords in his boat.

In my spare time, I am doing a bit scuba diving, as you probably understood already. I started to dive at the age of 13, and took the diving license one year after. It is mainly when we are at vacation house in turkey I dive. But I would like to dive in Norway some time too. I don't have my own gear yet, and you need quite good suits for diving in our cold waters. But there are many great diving places along the coast. Jonas is also a scuba diver. He started the same year as I did only he was nine. Perhaps there will be some opportunities for diving in the states also!

Sincerely yours,
Joachim