A visit to the American Housing area at Hainerberg
On 20th January we visited the American Housing area at Hainerberg. After meeting up in front of the main gate it took us a good twenty minutes to get a visitor pass issued for everyone. It kind of felt like passing through airport security and it was impressive to see how seriously security is taken. We were allowed to walk through a mall area but unfortunately we couldn't purchase anything. Regardless, it was an amazing experience and provided a great insight into American goods. Afterwards we went to a food court, where we were able to choose from a wide range of popular American fast food restaurants, such as Taco Bell, Popeye's and others. Many students were excited to receive their first American dollar bills after paying with euro and to get free refills on their drinks.
After having finished our food, we went outside and then over to the gym but to our surprise it had started snowing really heavily. Nevertheless, we made our way to the gym and got to see students practicing for an important shooting competition. We learned about shooting and the differences between German shooting clubs and their organization which was really interesting.
After that we had to pass through the snow again, paid a visit to the high school which blew us all away. Since only few of us knew any schools that had (basic) equipment such as water fountains, microwaves, theatre rooms or just an inside area for students to hang out, which is probably standard for American students, we were all amazed. Moreover it was decorated quite nicely and seemed very modern and progressive. The banners with their prospective future colleges as a motivation really gave it a nice touch as well! Furthermore we really enjoyed that the women’s bathroom had encouraging feminist quotes on the wall which is something we really would love to see at our school as well.
At this point the snowfall was so heavy that it made the walk to the gym where the basketball game would take place, feel like a stroll through an entirely different world. When we arrived there, the real action began. The gym was filled with fans, a band was playing and cheerleaders were supporting the players, while in the front room merchandise and food were being sold. On the walls posters of the players and cheerleaders were featured as well as one big US-American and one German flag, which underlined the school's pride and love towards both of these countries.
The first game we saw was the Wiesbaden Warriors girls team versus the Vilseck Falcons which was a team from a Bavarian base (Grafenwöhr), which 'our' team won with a significant difference in points. During the break we were entertained by a group of very cool cheerleaders who impressed us with their remarkable performance skills and created an amazing atmosphere. Since the school’s fan articles looked really cool we wanted to get a hoodie as well and in typical American fashion we were met with incredible kindness and were gifted a beautiful hoodie from the stall.
By now we students unanimously came to the conclusion that we would love to have events like this at our school, too. The second game with the boys varsity team, was at least as exciting as the girls' one and it was obvious that they gave everything and even more. It was a really intense game and because we were part of the crowd we really got carried away with the cheering and foot stomping.
We are certain that the boys will win their next game and show everyone who the real winners are, but nevertheless - for us - they’re the winners of our hearts!
Matilda Bach & Lorena Trumza
