Written by Naomi F Landecker
Update: Flesch was able to return to Germany on April 22.
Maximillian Flesch of Germany lived with freshman Naomi Landecker’s family in Chicago for five months in 2008 as part of a foreign exchange program. He built many relationships while playing football on the high school team and experiencing American culture.
Flesch returned to the states to visit the Landeckers in April, but was surprised to find his stay would be extended for five days.
Planning to fly out on April 17, Flesch along with thousands of other travelers, had a delayed departure because of the Apri 15 volcano in Iceland. The volcano spewed so much ash across European skies that nearly every flight to and from Europe was grounded for several days.
“I couldn’t believe all the people who were upset. It’s not like it was a planned event. Nobody could have stopped what was happening, so I thought of it more like an adventure,” Flesch said.”I figured there was no sense to stay in Chicago, so I took a bus back to Minnesota. I don’t mind I just eat more Burger King Whoppers and doughnuts.”
In Chicago, Flesch said he was able to reach the Landeckers and e-mailed his teachers to inform them of his situation.
Knowing the circumstances, Flesch said his teachers were understanding, but emphasized the stress he may be under when returning to school.
“I am not too worried about school. I will just have to work extra hard when I return,” Flesch said.
Don and Connie Landecker picked him up in Minneapolis so he could spend time with them while he awaited his flight home.
“I was very impressed with the way he handled the situation. He was very responsible for a young age in a foreign country, and he kept a smile the whole time,” Connie said.
American football is Flesch’s favorite sport, and because of his delay he said he would be missing a tournament at his school in Dusseldorf, Germany.
“This is a big tournament, and I am the quarterback so my coach is not happy,” Flesch said. “But it’s not every day I am stuck in the U.S., so I am going to not think about where I could be, but where I am.”
Don said he thinks the experience provided Flesch with some great stories.
“This is an experience Max will be able to share with his family when he gets older, one that he will not forget, and that we all got to enjoy,” Don said.
