When I returned to the port of my island, I noticed a European woman glancing around, looking a bit lost. I gathered some courage and asked her in English," Do you want me to drive you somewhere?" She answered in Japanese , "Daijoubu desu," meaning " I'm fine." I was about to drive away, but I saw her carrying a huge suitcase, I couldn't help but worry. So I asked again, "You have a big suitcase,and I have plenty of time. It's really no trouble to give you a ride." She smiled and said, "Thank you! Actually, I'm supposed to meet someone at the post office." As we headed that way, I asked the classic question. "Where are you from?" "Germany.", She said. I answered, "Wow! I'm learning German. Guten Tag!" When we got to the post office, a Japanese staff member came out and explained, "She'll be staying on this island for three months to help with our art museum." I dropped her off at the apartment where she'd be living, and I went back home. I wanted to talk with her more... but I didn't know when there would be a chance. A few days later, I happened to see her again at the port just by chance. I thought, "Why not give it a try?" So I asked, "I'm really interested in German. Could you talk with me more?" She said, "Of course, that's totally fine!" After that,she visited my house. She spoke a bit of Japanese, and I spoke a little bit of German. Unfortunately, the only phrase that came to mind was: "Die Sonne scheint." which means "The sun is shining." I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to actually use that phrase. Anyway, English ended up being the best way for us to communicate. First, she carefully checked a self-introduction I'd written in German a while ago. Then she asked me, "Why are you studying German?" I told her, "I really want to go to"Wacken Open Air"-the world's biggest heavy metal festival!" The next time we met, I was surprised. She had researched all about Wacken Open Air and even drafted an inquiry email for me to send. She also helped me practice conversations I might need during a trip to Germany-at airports, cafes, and restaurants. To be honest, I've been taking German lessons once a month for a few years, but the grammar is tricky, and I'd been struggling so I hadn't even touched pronunciation. She focused on topics I was interested in, and taught me real, everyday German. Thanks to her, I started to love German again. I'd almost given up on it before. She came to my place once a week for three months. Time flies! Before I knew it she was leaving the next day, so I sent her a message: "I'd love to drive you to the port tomorrow. Please let me know your ferry time. Also, if you have any stuff you want to get rid of, even trash, I can take care of that for you." The next morning , she messaged me: "Thank you so much for your sweet message! I'm taking the 8：14 ferry. It's really kind of you offer a ride, but I don't want to trouble you." " Oh no... I really don't think of it as trouble at all, plus it's raining." I also tried calling her, but she didn't pick up. My husband said, " You'd better just go get her right now!" Just as I was about to drive off, she came walking toward me with leftover detergent and groceries. I just told her, "I'll pick you up at your apartment at 7：45！ No ifs, ands, or buts about it !" She smiled and agreed. When we arrived at the port,we stood together on the pier. Just then the rain stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. " Oh! Die Sonne scheint !" I said. It just slipped out of my mouth. Ah-HA! I finally got the perfect chance to use that phrase!
