Putting it all in perspective...

I've been thinking for about 8 minutes what my opening sentence to the final blog should be. In those 8 minutes I had a film strip playing in my head of everything I experienced while in Europe...but no opening sentence. So I'll just jump right into it. Today, as Leslie and I were walking to class, we saw Erin. When we were leaving, we ran into Mas and Greg. It's kind of weird when you run into the people you spent 5 weeks traveling, learning, and living with. We share a bond that is somewhat indescribable, just like the trip to Germany in general. When I got home I just kept talking about the trip. It was hard to control myself because I had so much built up that I wanted to explode. When I felt like I had spoken too much, I would just try to relive it in my head. It was a weird feeling. I heard somebody the other day complaining about walking from the MSC to the REC. I just shook my head and thought how much they would have died in Europe. I miss the walking. I miss the bread. And I miss the ability to travel to a different country a few hours away with the convenience of trains. While abroad I learned to relax a little bit more. With a group that large you need to face the fact that somebody WILL be late no matter what. Also, I loved how different our group was. We became a family so far away from our home. It was nice. I hope to return to Europe someday to visit the places I didn't have time to go. I don't think I would want to live there though. Bathroom and water expences would add up. I went to the doctor the other day and was telling him about seeing the open heart surgery. He asked me how it was different from the American way, and I said I had no idea. I had never seen it here. I am so so lucky that I got to see something that cool. Oh, and before I go, I saw a guy walking out of Wehner today with man capris. I'm hoping he was European. I can't wait for the reunion!

Last but not Least Kit

I guess I am the last one. Ok, I personally liked Munich and Berlin about the same. And I really miss the prude, wild child, princess, and mom. Life is good, I really miss German breakfasts, I tried to recreate them but it didn't turn out right. I was glad to see my family and give them the gifts I got. This trip was bittersweet, I had tons of fun but at the end I kind of didn't want to go home anymore. It was a great trip.

The blog to blog all blogging blogs

I have been SO happy to see so many of my fellow study abroaders lately! I can tell we all really bonded on the trip no matter how much time we actually spent together. All of you are the greatest! SO yeah, being back in American is UHmazing! I am really glad to be back. In a way I wish I missed the bread and cheese for breakfast every morning, but I was really happy to get back to things I am used to. I really didn't get any of that reverse culture shock because my family and boyfriend were amazing and supportive and wanted to know about everything I did. This was definetly something I will never ever forget, and if anything it showed me that going to Europe is not a once in a lifetime chance, because after going once I know I WILL go again. I learned so much about myself and others, and I am an all around happier more confident person thanks to this trip. I mean, how many people can say they navigated a country (or countries) where they don't speak the language, and live to tell about it. ....Well, other than all of us. I really will never forget any of you guys. And hopefully I will see everyone soon at some kind of reunion hang out get together. I love ya'll bunches!

Finally, the last blog.

I know its a little late to be blogging for the last time. I have been hopping around and with no Internet access, now I finally can blog. Well, looking back on our trip to Europe, just simply it was great!! I had the best time!! Meeting new people and making new friends, getting to know the profs, and most of all, getting to know the difference in many aspects in Germany and else where. I know for sure, this experience has changed me a lot, giving me a whole new perspective against the war. Also I think by going to Germany, it has help me advance in the way I can communicate with others.
Of all, simply I just LOVE YOU GUYS!!! It was great!! I hope in the near future we can all see each other!!.
Finally, to every one, THANKS!!!.

Flying

Its a bit early for my two weeks after blog. But I wanted to get this out.

I am so glad that I made it back safely. With all that has happened in Britain with the terrorist scare, all I could think was that I was there one week before hand. I am thankful that nothing terrible happened as I was trying to make it back to the US. Although, I did have a really tight connection in Chicago, but I made it.

I hope everyone made (makes) it back okay with no huge hassles, though I admit it would be a hassle to not have any carry-ons.

So it was BROKEN!

So I went to the doctor today in Houston for my foot and they took more x-rays. The doctor is close friends with my mom so she was asking about my trip and about my foot and when it started hurting and how much I walked around on it and that kind of stuff. Well I told her all the doctor said in Germany was that it was not broke. I told her I was so sure it was broke and was really taken back when he told me it was not. She just laughed and put the x-ray up and you could see a complete break in my middle toe (the toe wasnt broke but further up the foot the third bone). I just laughed and said I knew it was broke. She was really suprised they could not see the break since it was completely broken and was really suprised that I could even walk, much less go canoning and do as much as I did. So now I am in a boot, no surgery as of now because it is growing back together straight (lucky me). I go back in three weeks to see if they have to go in a pin it. So maybe I am ready to diagnoes orthopedics.

Allllll by myseeeeeeeelf!

So after everyone left me by Friday morning I was left alone in Berlin. I really had no idea where I wanted to go but I knew I wanted to go out in Berlin one last time so I took all my stuff to the train station and bought roundtrip tickets to Brugge for Saturday morning. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I had to buy another suitcase for all my souvenirs that was even bigger than the one I brought. I bought a cheap one and the first time the suitcase went down a step the wheel broke and I was left lugging two suitcases across cobble stone, up steps, and onto trains when one would barely roll. That day I went back to the Checkpoint Charlie museum then I shopped in every H&M I could find. I went back to the train station where I got ready to go out in the WC. I've become a champ at that sort of thing. I went back to the club Kristen and I went to before (Far Out) and there wasn't as big of a crowd. I pretty much went there to find this cute German guy I met before but he wasn't there, and instead I met an even cuter Italian! For Kristen...that Turkey guy was there too and tried talking to me like I didn't remember who he was! Anyway I had to leave early and I decided to take a taxi back to the train station since the guys outside were making me fear for my life. Don't worry, Mom, I know you are reading this. Once I got back to the train station I passed out on the bench where I was awoken by the COLD morning weather of Berlin. I decided to put more clothes on but I was still wearing my dress from before so I had on my panjama pants under it, a tshirt, sweatshirt and my jean jacket over it. If I didn't look like a homeless person then I don't know. Anyway I made it to Brugge with ZERO euros on me and I tried dragging all my luggage across the cobble stone to the town center but i got about 100feet before I decided to beg a taxi to take me to an ATM then my hotel. He took me to about 5 different ATMs that wouldn't take my card or anybody elses card and I had already racked up a 10 euro fare. After telling me he couldn't accept a credit card, he said he could if it was 25euros and over. So for about a ride that should have been 7euros it cost me 25! I just cried when I got to my hotel because I was tired of carrying around my luggage, had no money, and everyone had gone home. I got over it and had the receptionist charge ONE EURO to my room just so I could get a bus into the city. Anywaaaaaaaaay, I rented a bike went around to the cathedrals and ate an Italian dinner on the Square. Then on Monday I went on a bus tour that took me to a Castle, a Chateau, a Chocolate factory, Damme, and belgian waffle and beer tasting. I met an older Austrailian couple who offered me a place to stay if I ever went to Austrailia to see the turtles lay their eggs. THey also told me about a program that students can do working with those turtles and gave me the doctor's information. I'll have to look into it....Belgian beer though, is apparently supposed to be better than German beer. Believe it or not, by then I was all beered out and all I wanted was vodka so I couldn't tell a difference. I went out that night to see what the Brugge clubs had to offer....okay, so the shops are only open from 10-6pm so I'm wondering what exactly the people of Brugge do the other 16 hours of the day they aren't working, because they don't have any sort of nightlife! Tuesday morning I woke up early to catch a train back to Duesseldorf. After having to change 3 different times I definately got off a station too late and missed my connecting train to Cologne. I finally made it back to Duesseldorf where the Hauptbanhoff welcomed me with its usual aroma. I did one last turn at the Aldstadt before I headed home to Dallas. I've never been more excited to go home!

I LOVE you guys!!!!

Ok so any more sappy posts about the fab 5 are gonna make me cry! I really had an amazing time with everyone on the trip, esp my girlz ;) Germany was a really amazing trip, and I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with stress, conflict, only knowing about three words of the local language, other people, and all that sort of stuff. I know I have found friends for life in this group, and I really thank everyone who sent me encouraging emails about my medical school interviews. I am waiting anxiously for our trip reunion so we can all swap more stories and pictures. Thanks for the memories guys, I'll see ya'll in College Station. (excpet Kit who thinks she's too cool and has to graduate)

ich ben ein berliner!

sooo, I haven`t blogged in forever due to all the craziness surrounding my european vacation. The program has been over now for awhile and I find myself STILL at the haupt banhoff....its kind of like the movie groundhog day...i just keep reliving the same thing over and over. Anyway, we finished up in Berlin which I LOVED. Not as much as Munich though because I felt like I knew more about Munich and the people even though we weren't there as long. After taking a bus tour, going to the Holocaust Memorial, and visiting an awesome medical museum the fab five were left to roam Berlin alone. Oh, goodness. We went to the Berlin Zoo...AMAZING!!! The animals were right there- in your face. Kristen, Sarah, and I fell in love with an Orangatan that made kissy faces! After the zoo we hit up the karaeoke bar that the bus tour guide recommended. Mental note...never take karaeoke recommendations from an older bus tour guide. We ended up at the Echo Bar where Kristen, Stuart, and I sang Proud Mary and I Will Survive. I must say I am amazed and moved by the vocal abilities and the harmonizing that go on between Kristen and Stuart. Then they put the Queen on....enough said. After we pushed our way through the "crowd" Kristen and I went to another club Far Out where I've never seen so many horrible dancers congreggate in one club. I got a kick out of it and I got to shake this booty. FINALLY Kristen and I accomplished what we've been trying to do all trip in Berlin (*wink*) The next day we went to the Jewish museum under the HOlocaust memorial and to checkpoint charlie. Then it was time for our farewell dinner. I must say it took me by surprise. Everyone looked AMAZING and I couldn't believe I was already saying goodbye when I felt like we were just becoming a family...Kristen, Sarah, Stuart, and I went to club Matrix where we danced onstage under the disco ball and Stuart got questioned where we were from. When she told the girl America, the girl replied with "We knew it." Do we stick out like sore thumbs or what?!? We headed home around 2:30 then was time for the tears. Im still not sure if Kristen was crying or laughing hysterically. I found it extremely hard to look at any of the girls ESPECIALLY the bawlers as I didn't want the dam to break. I teared up though b/c its been more than weird not seeing the fab 5 everyday. Im more glad that I KNOW I'll always keep in touch with them if they like it or not, and I can't wait to continue our party in College Station.....Im a donut, too!!

The Brits

This past week has been bittersweet. I absolutely loved Berlin, and I wish I had had more time there, but now, I am in London, and I do not think I have much room to complain. Saying goodbye to the Erps was a bit sad. I really hated to say goodbye to them, but hopefully, I will be back in Dusseldorf one day and I will definitely plan on visiting them! They must be the absolute sweetest people ever. They really did treat us like daughters, and I know they thought of us as such while we were there.

Now, I am in London with my family, so the European saga has another week or so for me, but then, it's back to the States, and I am not sure I am quite ready for that. It has been an interesting transition though. I am know officially a tourist as opposed to a pseudo residence in Germany. It is a tad different. Well, that's all for now. We found a huge supermarket down the way, and I am a tad bit excited about it!

The Brits

This past week has been bittersweet. I absolutely loved Berlin, and I wish I had had more time there, but now, I am in London, and I do not think I have much room to complain. Saying goodbye to the Erps was a bit sad. I really hated to say goodbye to them, but hopefully, I will be back in Dusseldorf one day and I will definitely plan on visiting them! They must be the absolute sweetest people ever. They really did treat us like daughters, and I know they thought of us as such while we were there.

Now, I am in London with my family, so the European saga has another week or so for me, but then, it's back to the States, and I am not sure I am quite ready for that. It has been an interesting transition though. I am know officially a tourist as opposed to a pseudo residence in Germany. It is a tad different. Well, that's all for now. We found a huge supermarket down the way, and I am a tad bit excited about it!

Wie Geyhts, Bitches!

I've put off bolgging for a while, being scared that once I started I would end up feeling very sad that all of this is over. It feels good to be back in Texas, but not good to be back in the U.S. Does that make any sense? One thing that I really did identify with Germans over is their sense of regional rather than national pride. I've never really felt proud to be an American like so many others, but I thank God everyday that I am a Texan and I never could live anywhere else.
Before I give my closing remarks, I wanted to inform you all that my second and third days in Berlin were just as fantastic as the first. After the zoo, the fabulous five went out for kareoke at the echo bar and Kristen, Mel and myself sang "rollin' down a river" and "I will survive" while Sarah and Kit sang along and taped. I felt like a regular at the Echo bar and we finally got to hear our Queen. Thusday was spent touring the Scloss Charlottenburg, buying 8 pounds of gummie bears, ascending in a hot air balloon and purchasing an eastern Berlin army hat. Kit wouldn't stand near me for fear of being shot as I wore my treasure around the city. Feminizing Kit for the farewell dinner was classic as well. After the dinner, Sarah, Mel, Kristen and I spent the night dancing on the stage of a Berlin discoteque before hooking a taxi back to the hotel and seeing eachother off. Seeing Sarah, Kristen and Mel in tears really got to me, so come over and hang out with me in College Station, ho-bags! We'll say the rosary, listen to kidz bop and party it up home-school style.
Germany has been the most kick-ass vacation and awesome experience I could ever have hoped to live through. I miss my girls; Sarah, Mel, Kristen and Kit so much and I'll miss seeing ya'll everyday. Dereck, Greg and Mas were good men and it felt so great to have some brotherly companions while studying abroad. Dr. Musser, you are cool as hell and I can't wait to take your class on awesome diseases. Margot and Freddie, my host parents were better than I could ever have hoped for. I can only hope that everyone came home feeling as blessed as I did for having met so many kind, warm and funny people and for having experienced such a great culture. I felt very immersed. I'm very happy now and I don't want anything more.

Back to the real life.

I had a great time in Germany and else where. I would say this summer was very well spent!!!. Anyway, I wanted to write about the plane ride back here to the states. From Berlin, my flight rout was Berlin to Milan Italy to Atlanta to Dallas. The plane from Italy to Atlanta was the worse flight I have ever experienced. Italians..... I was sitting in the back of the plane and in the airplane, I would say half were Italians,,, the whole way back the to the United states, the whole 10 hours... they stood up in the plane right behind me talking to their friends which where sitting right behind be. Let me rephrase that, not talking but laughing and yelling, the whole 10 hours.... the worse thing is that, the flight attendants didn't ever say anything, I finally said something to them.. the said they were sorry, but it didn't help.... the Americans sitting next to me where also very up-set about the issue..... I cant believe what I was seeing.. how can some people be so immature. You could tell that most of the people were getting up-set and unhappy about the issue... I have never been to Italy, and I haven't really experienced the Italian way of life ether. But for me, this plane ride gave me a really bad impression about Italians. Impression which is, that they care about them selves, and like to talk out!!! I know this doesn't apply to all Italians. It could have been a small group on the plane doing this, but half of the plane was talking on the way to America, and to me it is hard to think that all of them were friends.

I just wanted to talk about this a little.

Home!

I'm back in San Antonio and have been since 5pm on Friday night. I left Berlin on Thursday after an interesting lecture on Intellingent Design and a wonderful bike tour. I spent six hours in a hotel in Duesseldorf between my flights from Berlin and to Amsterdam. I met up with Leslie, Shannon, and Kellie in Amsterdam, where I said goodbye to Kellie. I said goodbye to Shannon in Houston, and to Leslie in San Antonio, where my mother picked me up. We randomly ran into a family friend at baggage claim, then made our way home to drop off the German chocolate. I convinced my parents to take me out to Mexican (not a hard battle!), and it was sooooo good! (my sister is recovering from surgery) My mom and sister left yesterday for the East Coast, so I basically spent a day and a half talking nonstop about my trip. My dad got back Friday from London, so he's a bit jet lagged too. We did go see Pirates 2, but I liked the first one better. Now I'm getting ready for school and my trip to see the grandparents in FL and AL on Saturday.

As for my trip, it was amazing. I learned so much about German (and European) culture and about my abilities to cope with a language barrier and a new culture. My host family was fantastic, and I think I learned so much from them about the culture. They were very open and we were able to discuss Germany's history and culture and make comparisons to U.S. culture. I want to thank them for their kindness. My professors, Dr. Wasser, Dr. Musser, and Miriam were wonderful. They helped open my mind to new ideas with formal and informal lectures and discussions. I met so many great people on this trip, not least of all my fellow students. It's incredible how 22 people can get to know one another so well. I guess because we were all in the same situation, we bonded way more than I've ever gotten to know classmates in other classes at school. I made many new friends, whom I hope to see back in College Station. Saying goodbye to Germany was difficult, as I enjoyed traveling and seeing so many new things. However, I was anxious to get back to Texas to see my family and to prepare for the next big thing, moving back to school.

I went back to the clinic where I worked at the beginning of the summer with my dog for his annual exam on Saturday, and I realized how much I've changed in just a few weeks. I am grateful to my parents for enabling me to come on this trip, and I am glad I made the decision to come, even though I was nervous back in June. I would have missed so much had I decided to just work all summer. So many thanks (viele danke, I think) to those who helped me come on the trip, and who helped me on the trip. It was truly a unique experience.

I love Dr. Pepper!

I'm back home and the first thing I asked for was of course, a Dr. Pepper. It was better than I imagined...oh so was mexican food. I really appreciate texas mexican food after having the german version. I'll never make that mistake again, it was scary.

On a completely different subject, I was so devastated that I had to leave Europe. I knew I liked it there, but I didn't realize that I liked it that much. I was excited to come home and see my family and friends, but at the same time I really wished that they would just come visit me. I'm pretty sure I want to live there, maybe not forever, but for a year or two at least. I'm so glad that I had this experience and its definitely something that I will never forget. I had so much fun meeting everyone and I hope we will hang out in College Station soon!

Yes, I'm in airconditioning

Well, one of my eyes was glued shut this morning when I woke up. I noticed the pain while on the plane ride from Amsterdam to Houtson, and it went down hill from there. There's a small possibility it could be due to the sleep I did not have for nearly 48 hours...just a guess. I will begin with the farewell dinner. Everyone looked quite nice (we are used to seeing eachother either sweaty from walking or unshowered after an overnight train), and the dinner/wine was lovely. Really, this was probably the best wine I've ever tasted, and at that point the thought of drinking was making me sick. Quick sidenote...I love having a computer to type on where all the letters and symbols are in the correct spots. After dinner, we went to a bar (the story of our trip) and people drank even if they said they would not due to an early morning flight...(see Leslie Whelan's most recent blog). I returned to the hotel to take a shower and pack before the taxi came to pick us up at 3:45. We eventually made it to the airport and prepared ourselves for a long day of flying. My body has gotten so used to carrying luggage it's amazing. I was really happy to get home, but I was so tired because I had forgotten to sleep on the plane. I apparently missed the whole point of not sleeping the night before. I think I might head out to the pool now, and then go to about 75 different public places to get some free water.

All by my lonesome

It´s so strange to read everyone else´s blogs and realize that they´re already at home, back to normal life. As of yesterday at 4 in the morning, I´m the only one left in Berlin. Today consisted of a visit to the Pergamon Museum and a final well rounded German meal, complete with all of the German food groups - a tall pilsner beer, smoked pork with gravy, potato puree, sauerkraut, warm apfelstrudel with ice cream and whipped cream, and an espresso...a gastronomical masterpiece. It was interesting to walk back by all of the sites and buildings we had seen before and get my bearings. Berlin is an amazing city, kind of like a conglomeration of the good aspects of the other German cities we´ve visited so far...huge, with tons of stuff to do, art and museums, nightlife, history and culture, lots of space and parks, and not too expensive. Granted, I´m just about ready to get back home and slow down for a while. I´m ready to see friends and family, to stay in one place for longer than a week, and to get back into the groove, although after this trip, I´m definitely going to have to put some bumps in that groove to keep things interesting. I have a feeling life is going to be a little bit different after this trip. I definitely want to take language courses to learn more of the language and figure out a way to get back to Europe and Germany, or just to see more of the world in general. It´s such a great experience to visit another culture, learn about it and interact with it, and take some of it with you. Anyways, I´m going to go drop my things back at the hostel, and tonight´s probably going to be an early night, since I´m supposed to be at the airport 3 hours early to check in and my flight leaves at 7:30 in the morning. This is the end, but the memories will not soon be forgotten. Vielen dank to Dr. Wasser, Dr. Musser, Miriam, Lars, Celine, Trevor, everyone else at the AIB, and everyone on this trip for such a great experience. For the last time from Germany, Tschüss.

Unsichtbar

Wednesday night at Unsichtbar (invisible)was an incredible experience, for lack of a better description. I had come across the website of this place before, a restaurant staffed by blind and visually impaired people where you ate in total darkness, in order to get a taste of how they experience life. They say when you lose one sense, your body compensates by heightening the others, taste included, which made the meal that much more enjoyable. We were led around several winding turns in a hallway until we were in total darkness, along with several other tables of people. It was so cool, not knowing what you were eating, and having to use smell, taste, and touch (yes, after a while most of us abandoned the utensils and just used our fingers) to identify. The atmosphere itself was very comfortable and intimate, with everybody having to touch to pass food or bread or drinks around. Because of the darkness, your world was made up of the people in your immediate vicinity who you could hear, and even the people at the other end of the table seemed to disappear. Our waitress, Sandy, was visually impaired, and would use touch to locate each person at the table, sliding her arm across your back, and then over your shoulder to put the food in front of you. It was funny to notice that I still would look towards whoever was speaking, and still opened my eyes, even though open or shut made no difference. Also, when I got up to go to the bathroom, Sandy led me back out to the light, and the whole time I was ready to get back to the darkness. This was definitely one of the most unforgettable evenings of the trip.

Unsicht bar

Berlin was amazing! I love it. While we were in Berline a group of us went to the Unsicht-Bar. It is this amazing place that is completely dark and the whole wait staff is either blind or visually impaired. It was an amazing experience to say the least. You don't realize how dependent you are on gestures and facial expressions until you can't rely on them. As an extra little challenge I got the suprise menu, so I had to guess what I was eating. It was great, I tried all sorts of food I never thought I would like and it was completely unbiased. I recommend eveyone eat there at least once in their life. It was amazing.

Kit, Stuart, and I made it back to Dallas.

Well, I didn't exactly get to a computer while in Berlin, so I'm home now. It's kind of a weird feeling. Of course everyone asks how it was - and it was amazing, but I don't know how to explain it all. In any case, how am I supposed to even begin to describe my host family situation without making everyone think that I had the most horrible time ever? I hate when I'm at a loss for words...

I'm alive & home...luckily

So I am sitting at my computer at my house right now and it is the weirdest feeling not being on a computer at the AIB or at an internet cafe. It is hard to realize that right now back in Germany it is 1:30 in the morning and has been over 24 hours since our fairwell dinner. Our dinner was great and I really enjoyed it...probably too much. After the restaurant we all went to another bar and it is honestly all blurred from about then until the plane ride on the way home. I didn't sleep because I had to catch my taxi at 3:45 yesterday morning and I knew that if I did sleep I would end up being even more tired. Not sleeping was the initial plan, but not drinking was also a main factor. The second part of the plan I am afraid to say I didn't hold up. As I am a little embarassed, I definitely had a few too many drinks and I am lucky that I had some great people to help me on my trip back home. Shannon, Mas, and Kellie were on the same taxi as me and I owe all of them some thanks! All I know is that Shannon packed my bags & that I almost didn't make it on the plane from Berlin to Amsterdam. I apparently looked rather sickly and the man at the ticket counter wasn't going to let me on the plane. He ended up making a deal with us that consisted of me sitting for twenty minutes in the waiting area and trying my best to look alive and well. We then had go back up to the counter and he would reconsider me getting on the plane. I managed to pass his test & I and my luggage made it home in one piece. The only good that came out of drinking too much was that I pretty much slept any time I sat down. I slept in the Berlin airport, on the plane to Amsterdam, at the Amsterdam airport, and then on the long ride back to the states. I feel much better now, but I'm still not even fully recuperated. I apologize if I embarassed myself or anyone else and last night was slightly out of character for me...but I definitely have no room to make excuses. I guess I at least have an interesting story to do one last blog about!

The Last Hoorah

Well, I don't exactly know how to spell hoorah, but I think you get the point. Anyways, we went to Berlin this past week for our last week in Germany. We took a bus tour when we first arrived, but we were all so sleepy that most of us conked out! The next day I went to Checkpoint Charlie and toured the museum there. It was so cool learning about how people escaped and in so many different ways!! We also timed it just right because it started pouring while we were in the museum, but it stopped as soon as we got out. We also did some shopping that day and went to H&M...the best store ever!!! The next day we went on a bike tour that was a lot of fun, and we took some fun group pictures on a Karl Marx statue and on a huge E=MC2!! The tour guide was really funny and did a good job explaining everything, but I think he should be more careful about the jokes he makes--he could easily offend someone. We did more shopping after the tour and I bought some Birkenstocks because I've never owned a pair, so I thought I might as well buy some while they are cheaper!

The coolest thing by far on this whole trip was the Dünkel restaurant! (I'm sure many people have posted about this already, but here's another one). The restaurant is run by blind people--they are the waiters--and you eat your dinner in complete darknes in order to feel how it is to be blind!!! It is such a weird feeling not being able to see anything! We were led inside in a line and Sandy (our waitress) took us each individually and showed us our chair and place setting. For a while after we all sat down we were just trying to get a visual of who was sitting where. When I talked to the others, I kept my eyes open even though technically it would be the same if I had them closed, but I felt I couldn't concentrate as much if my eyes were closed. Eating the surprise food we ordered was an adventure! I used my fork and knife pretty much all the time, but it was weird because you never knew what you were stabbing if anything at all! It was really hard to tell if you had finished everything on the plate unless you feel around with your hands, which is what I did sometimes! It was such a wonderful experience, and it really made me appreciate all the problems blind people have to face. Most people take their sight for granted, but after that dinner I don't think I do anymore!

The last night we were in Berlin we had a banquet at this really nice restaurant and everyone dressed up so we all looked so nice!! It was a lot of fun and the food was good! I'm also glad I got to see and talk with Gerd and Christa one last time before we left. It was such an enjoyable evening--a great way to end the program! But that wasn't the end of the night. We went out to this cool bar Miriam took us to and I bought a drink just to celebrate the ending of our program. It is so sad to think that we won't see most of these people as much as we have these past five weeks, but I think we all bonded really well, and I'm looking forward to hanging out with everyone at College Station! Party at Dr. Wasser's house!!! right?? It was such a weird feeling because when I went to sleep that night after the banquet and I got up in the morning, over half the group was already gone...just like that!! I'm going to miss being with everyone in Germany, but I am anxious to get home and see my family, boyfriend and dog!! I'll never forget the awesome people I've met on this trip or the wonderful experiences we all shared together!!! Tschüss everyone!!! See you soon!!

Berlin at Night

So, I'm not planning to talk about my days in Berlin, as they are similar to my days in other cities. I do want to talk about the nights however. The first night I stayed in and brushed my teeth for 7 minutes. Really - I got distracted. The second night a group of us went to Unsicht Bar - a bar run by blind people that is served in complete darkness. It was as if we'd fallen into an abyss or something. When I was little, I used to blindfold myself and pretend that I was blind, but this was the full experience. At first I tried not to use my fingers, only tentatively touching my plate to identify the location of the food and then using my fork. By the dessert, I would practicly put my whole hand into my plate trying to identify what I had, and only occasionally use silverware. It is an entirely different lifestyle. Because everyone was being so loud, it was hard to use my other senses to extend my world. It seems as if my entire table consisted of Karen, Erin, and Kathy, who I was sitting by, although I could occasionally catch the conversation of the rest of our group at the other end of the table. It was an extremely isolating experience. Though our meals were extremely expensive, it was a four course meal, and besides that the experience was mind blowing. I would recommend it to anyone, especially friends of mine who are going into special education. Tomorrow we all depart, and I have to say I'm not particularly sad - I will get to see those important to me again later. And I get to see my family!!!! Yay. Tschuss Deutschland.

The Quest for Karaoke

Ahhh...the ever elusive karaoke. Europeans just don't know how it works at all. We asked our Berlin tour guide for a good karaoke bar and he gave us the name of this bar where 2 men played instruments and you just got up there to sing whatever song they knew. No words, just the music. These men were also really insistent that we sing the songs they wanted to sing, not ones we wanted, so we ended up singing Proud Mary which we didn't really know the words to, and I will Survive, which sounds hilarious played by a keyboard and guitar. We eventually convinced the bartender to play a Queen DVD, so in the end, we were happy.

black out

I am sure that everyone has heard this story about going to the blind resturaunt by now but I just want to say a few more things about it. First of all, going to a blind place to eat gives a whole new meaning to the word finger food. I have never had to use my hands so many times to pick up a piece of meat and lettuce before. Also, I didnt realize that it would be a problem if you drop your fork. You seriously have to sit there and wait for someone to help you get a new one because you dont know where the fork fell. Also, someone's watch glow went off and I totally freaked out and jumped onto karen. Seeing some weird green light in the middle of total darkness really spooked me out. It was an amazing place to go and I have a whole new respect for the visually impared. Anyway, tonight is our last night. I can't believe it is already over. Tschüss Suckers!

Remember Germany

How I will remember this trip:
I will remember the first day as being hot. When Dr. Wasser was giving a tour and we all stood in the shade shielding ourselves from the blasted sun. I will cherish our team winning the scavenger hunt and receiving a scarf with Germany written on it. The wonderful AIB that had a built in sauna (sp?) room where you could sweat out all your body weight in one lecture. I will remember the computer room that had confusing apple computers (sarah was the apple expert). The many museums like the east-west Germany after WW2 museum with the great tour guide. Dr. Musser dancing. Dr. Wasser being a frog at the tram stop. (we have a reinactment on video). The BEER. The amazing weekends where your travel time together bonded everyone!! The good times will forever be remembered.

The last night out and leaving already :(

We had a great time last night in Berlin and my body is definitely not very happy with me today. It was well worth it though. A group of us all went and ate dinner (Italian again), not to mention after we had already downed a few bottles of wine at the hotel. We then decided to just bar hop and the night went on for quite a while. At one stop the drinks were only 4.90 for a half liter so we took advantage of the offer. Shannon's Mohito was smaller than everyone elses and she wasn't too thrilled about it so she made her point clear (in a nice way) to our waiter. He kindly took her drink and to make up for the smaller glass added some extra liquor to it. Well, when the drink came back the mohito was no longer the usual clear color but was now brown. I took one drink of it and didn't ask for any more. Needless to say Doug and I ended up taking the owner of the drink back to the hotel a little early. It was a really fun night and a good one to end on. I am excited about our fairwell dinner tonight and I am going to try and not sleep tonight because I will be catching a taxi around 4:30 and I want to make sure that I am extra tired on the plane ride back home.

I am really sad that the trip has already ended and I don't think that this fact has actually set in yet. It went by so fast, but yet I feel that I have learned so much about so many things over the past five weeks. I have not only gained knowledge from the classes and various excursions and lectures, but I have also learned a lot about myself and about living in a completely foreign culture. It wasn't difficult to adapt and remain open, but being in completely new places and in completely new situations is something that I enjoy. I also feel that this experience has kind of forced me to grow up in a way of being able to having to have had to learn to live and cope with the German culture. I am going to miss my host mom and host brother and it will probably take me a little while to jump back into the life that I left. Although I am sad to be leaving, I am looking forward to going back home and having a week of relaxing...even though I have so much to do before moving back up to College Station.

Go Berlin Bears

We have reached the end. It is weird, sad, and slightly relieving due to the tiredness factor. One thing I must admit is that I'm really really glad Dr. Wasser and Musser decided to make our papers due before we went home. It was a slightly stressful few hours, but I sure am glad to be done. Tuesday morning our host mom took us to the Hauptbanhof before she headed off to the unemployment office. It was quite a nice gesture especially since it was raining. We said our goodbyes, and I was slightly worried we were going to have to do the kissing thing like we did when we met her the first day, because I forgot if Germans do 2 or 3 kisses. While hugging I remembered it was the Swiss that do 3, and by that time she was moving on to Leslie so I couldn't put my knowledge to use. I know, it was very sad. Anyway, we lugged all of our stuff into the train station, and watched as the pile continued to grow with the arrival of our group members. I really thought it was going to be a huge disaster, and it nearly was. We basically ended up throwing everyone's huge suitcases on the train, and let the guys handle the rest. That's when we finally figured out why Dr. Wasser let them come on the trip. When we reached the coolest and biggest hauptbanhof EVER in Berlin (I compared it to The Mall of America), we grabbed something to eat and set off for a bus tour. That night we went out to eat and drink with Dr. Musser, so ofcourse we had a good time, and walked around to find the club that we now think closed in 1989. Oh well, we had a good laugh about it. Yesterday we went to the Medical History Museum which I loved. It probably contained some of the coolest items I've ever seen. I personally liked the fetuses and the feet. After lunch at a high quality German restaurant (Subway), a group of us went to the Holocaust Museum. I really enjoyed reading the parts of letters some of the victims had sent to their family members. It made it quite real. Last night we had some fun. After being good citizens, and helping eachother decrease the weight of our luggage by finished off some wine, we headed out to the street of Berlin. We found a good deal on .5 L cocktails, so when I only got .4 L I had to bring it up to the waitor. He took my drink to put more "rum" in it, and that's when things started getting bad. My mojito returned to me a shade of brown, and I drank every disgusting sip of it. Bad idea. And it still feels like it was a bad idea right now. We tried to go shopping today, but could not find any good places. We even took a train to the main shopping area. This is where we will not compare Berlin to New York. I still think Munich is my favorite city in Germany. It's much easier to get around, has good shopping, and is prettier...but it certainly does not have the remains of the Berlin Wall. Tonight is our farewell dinner, and then some of us fly out tomorrow around 6 am. That should be fun.

Oh the streets of Berlin...

So I'm not completely sure how I feel about the city of Berlin. I honestly don't like the city as much as I had thought or hoped I would. As far as the history goes the city is amaying. A group of us went to the Holocaust Museum on Wednesday and it really interesting. I still just can't completely understand how all of that inhumanity went on for so long, or even how people can think and do those kinds of things. I almost makes me sick to my stomach just to think about it. Shannon and I made an attempt to find some shops after the museum but didn't have much luck. When we found out where we would need to go we just didn't feel like getting on the tram and going so instead we just headed back towards the hotel. Unfortunately the weather wasn't that great yesterday and we were quite wet by the time we reached our room.

Our first night here in Berlin we decided to go eat and then see where the night would take us. Dr. Musser went with us and I think there were about eight of us total. We ate Italian food which was very good and then went on a mission to find Cafe Moscow...which we finally found and was disappointingly closed. I will definitely have to take the blame for that one because I was pushing for going there and everyone else just kind of agreed. We did find a couple of other bars and had a few drinks and then headed back to the hotel. There was hardly anyone out and not much was going on which surprised me. It is a possibility that we were in the wrong area though. Well that about sums up the first couple of days and that first night.

Intelligent Design Lecture

The lecture today on intelligent design was great. I felt like Dr. baxter did an excellent job of presenting the various arguements, using simple examples and expanding them to a bigger picture. It was also very interesting to hear a philosophical debate on a subject that had such strong religious implications without religion itself ever become the primary focus. I am fascinated by the fundamental issues thta were presented that a thought to be the reasons why people have to such a great extent adopted a form of religious belief and also have personified the "creator" of our universe.

With all the formal trips and lectures over now, I am impressed at how much information, from a vast array of topics, that I have picked up without really any studying at all beyond one quick paper.

Thanks, Dusseldorf, Thanks Host Family.

the last day in dusseldorf, or should I say the last night in dusseldorf was really nice. I spent a good amount of time in the AIB writting my paper, hoping I could finish it around 4 or 5 pm which I did get done. My host family that last fixed me really nice dinner and gave me some presents... I was really superized. Inthe present was.... Dusseldorfs shot Drink.... Kiilapich (hope the spell is correct) and a Germany Soocer team rist band. It was really nice of them to do this for me, I was moved by this... I think I really got a great host family!!! I highlly recomend this Family!!! The Biabki family!!!!! the best cooks ever in town!!!! great meals.!!!!
The next day, my host mom, was trying to not to cry.... she looked at me in the moring before she left for work and said.... Mas, Im not good at long term good byes .... So Im just going to say a short goodbye and hope to see you soon!! It was hard for me not to cry as well at this point.... It was very moving for me... such a nice family. well, I told her that I will try to come back in two years so I will see you than... . She was happy to hear that. I hope i can fulfill this task!! WELL I HAVE TO GO NOW; SINCE iM RUNNIG OUT OF TIME::: AND i AM MEETING SOME PEOPLE; iLL TALK TO Yall LATER!!! CIAO!!

Last day reflections

So I was happy that the program ended on a medical note! The school was really neat and the leacture in the great hall was pretty cool as well. All the specimens were interesting to look at. There were things that you do not get a chance to see anymore... which is a good thing because of the progression of medicine. Also Berlin is nice, not what I expected. I expected it to be more busy, more of a night life. I like going out with the friends I made here, we all had a great time... for the most part. I am sad I am leaving but I miss my apartment and can not wait to go back to not having a roommate or living out of a suitcase. As for things that happened last night I am sad to see that some people will never really grow up. O the stories I will have to tell when I return!!

For a 100 years, The best Ice-cream place in Düssledorf.

I have meaning to write about this for a while now. Sorry its late.
I have had the best ice-cream in Dusseldorf. the shop is small and it dosent look new at all, or any thing special. I was first introdusted to it, by my host-families Son which is 24 years old, and his Girl-Friend. The ice-cream place is south of Dusseldorf. The shope has a tradition. Mathas ( the son) toled me that, it is the oldest place in Dusseldorf to serve ice-cream. It said that it serves ice-cream as it did 100 years ago... the same way, the same tase...everything the same. Well, about the tast..... thats the most important.... ..well Im going to put it this way,..... it was to die for...the nut flaver is amazing.... I have never had such a tast... Sorry guys, but I wish I could tell you how good it was.... really!!! I am not really in to sweets, or ice-cream, but in this case.. I was wrong... ahhhh, I want some now since Im writing about this.
If I do came back to europe, I know for sure that, this place is one of my stops....haha.
If anyone is interested I can give you directions. I would give the directions now, but since I dont have a Dusseldorf map with me at the moment.. its kindda hard to do so.... so, if you are interested.. ask me, and I will give who ever is interested directions.

The end is near

Berlin is so amazing. I am still in awe that I stood where the Berlin wall used to be. People died trying to get across and now (which no-one thought would happen in their lifetime) anyone and everyone can walk across it freely. Going home home tomorrow is going to be really tough, and getting back to my life will be overwelming. Already I have so many things planned when I get back that there will be no time to rest. Moving in and starting school will be exciting yet not the same excitement as seeing the world. All the great friends and memories that were made in Europe will always be cherished.

I'm screaming in the rain

Today was quite a day in good 'ole Berlin. Kristin, Mel, Sarah, Kit and I headed to the german zoo this afternoon and found ourselves in the middle of a rainstorm before we knew it. You might be surprised how much fun you can have in a rainy zoo. We sang musicals, tumbled down wet slides and had a t-shirt contest. Such fun. Last night was a great one too. After the program let out, our little group went out for chinese (the food, not the people) and stumbled across a carnival on the way back to the hotel. Kristin, Mel and myself were the only ones who would ride, but it was really great. Here are some quotes and tips.

Kit: I've always been ballsy...you've just never seen.

Kit: I always thought that kissing a girl would be better. Logically, don't they have softer lips?

Stuart: I love German carnivals... no clowns!

Sarah: I don't do collapsable rides, especially in Germany where I don't understand the legal ramifications.

Tip: Don't eat mexican food in Germany. Duh.

Tip: Don't visit the zoo on a cloudy day.

I got to see the seals

So today we decided to go to a german mexican restaurant, and let me tell you don't try it. The salsa was hot and the food was bland. Also another tidbit of information, if it looks cloudy outside don't go to the zoo. There is little shade around there. All in all I had a fun day, I got to see the seals and elephants. Tonight we are supposed to go to a kareoke bar, and I will blog about it next time.

Holucast Museum...

This isn't going to be a long blog like the rest. A few of us went to the Holucast Museum in Berlin today and I've never before felt the past weigh down so heavily on me. Walking down the steps into the underground museum, I felt as if the 2,711 8 ton concrete blocks above me were riding my shoulders down into the darkness. The stories, the letters, and the names are so vivid in my mind right now. I've learned about the Holucast my entire life and had two tours of Dachau, but this was an entirely different experience. A tour guide would have ruined the feeling of solitude needed to appreciate this. This was something you had to do on your own. It was silent and you just knew everyone around you was thinking the same thing. I can only speak for myself but there was a whole flood of emotions running through me: anger, disbelief, hopelessness, sorrow, pain, isolation, confusion, and finally guilt. All I could think was, "this should have never happened," and "God, why are humans so utterly cruel?". These lost lives can never be avenged, only remembered and learned from.

Host families are wonderful

My host family was great from the very beginning. The food provided was not exactly filling as they normally ate bread and tomatoes for dinner, but it's what they do and I needed to learn to appreciate that. I got kind of angry in the middle of the program because they wouldn't discipline their children and they gave them everything, but again I had to understand that they aren't my children and it's not my place to tell the parents how they should be raised. My host mom, who started out energetic and happy, began to get really tired and stressed out by the end. I was rarely there and didn't bother her at all so I knew she wasn't angry with me, but at times it felt like she didn't want me there. In the end though, I realized how unusually hot it was outside and she had to spend the entire day taking care of two kids who don't listen very well. I can definitely appreciate her frustration. On the last day she started to choke up and cry when I was bidding the family farewell. I know now that she got attached and that they absolutely wanted me there the entire time. I had to think of it in terms of, "if they came to my house when my brothers and I were growing up I'm sure they would have thought my parents were frustrated and out of control." I definitely enjoyed the experience and thank them so much for their hospitality and acceptance into their home. They are two great people and I hope they continue to take students in the future. Rock on Familie Nunning!!

Berlin & Some Cultural Issues...

Berlin seems, a least so far, to be a very interesting city. I like the way that the city has been rebuilt, preserving aspects of old architecture mixed in with several more modern looking designs. This could be seen right away if you were to compare the style of the new Hbf and the old government buildings. The weather has been beautiful, making it enjoyable to jsut walk around and see the city, as we did last night. Cafe Moscow was a smashing success, and I would highly reccommend it to anyone who has not yet been.

And now a few Random issues that I have noticed over the last week or so...
-German timeliness? really as far as I can tell this does not apply to the intercity transit. In the last 3 weeks I think every train Kyle and I have taken has been late to varying degrees. The public transportation is great, but when a train is supposedto leave at 3 in the morning, what excuse is there for it being late? traffic maybe?

-Translations on the trains. I have by no means mastered the German language, but I'm pretty sure that speaking for 5 minutes in German doesnt translate to "Dusseldorf Hbf". If thats the translation I get, I would almost rather not have one at all. The fake translation just feels like I'm being mocked.

-I don't know anything about my host family. A lot of people seemed to have the emotional departure before we left for Berlin, and a nice farewell dinner on Monday night. Kyle and I got soup by ourselves and as usual did not see anyone from our host family the morning we left. Somehow this was fitting when considering the experience up to that point. They were very nice, but the complete inability to carry on a conversation kept us from forming any kind of bond with the family, and it is a shame because they were all extremely nice people (at least as far as we could gather, but who knows what they were saying about us).

My boyfriend needs to learn German!!!!!

Getting your hair cut in Europe is an expeirence many say you should not miss while you are here. Even my girlfriend's mom, who happens to be a hairstylist, said that I shouldn't pass up the opportunity because they're techniques and schooling is much better than that of the U.S. So I got my haircut in a small town in Switzerland a month ago and it was amazing. Because it was getting kind of shaggy and I need to look my best for Stacey when I get off the plane I decided to hit up this pretty posh looking establishment in D-Dorf. Mas has a girlfriend as well and because he needed to be presentable he accompanied me to the hair salon. Upon entering the salon I saw three or four very young and very attractive young ladies all either cutting hair or waiting to cut hair. So after we get seated on different floors of this place, we are directed to separate hair washing areas and put under the water. The TOP LADY at this place who was not young and not attractive overhears Mas struggling to communicate with his hairstylist and decides to approach me. She looks down at me as the girl is washing my hair and says laughingly, "You're boyfriend needs to learn German!" WTF????? Obviously I was stunned and after explaining to everyone in the store that we were NOT gay still felt the need to pull out a picture of Stacey and tell them all "look, I have a girlfriend." Anyway, I guess they saw two young guys walking into a salon that was going to cost more than 10 Euro and decided it was only appropriate we were dating. No damage done to our egos and our hair turned out well. All in all, it was just another day in the crazy world of Texas A&M guys being mistaken for something we're not.

Coppenhagen.

Coppenahgen was a beautiful place to visit, in several differnt ways. The people are extremely friendly, and it is obvious that they are truly kind people, not just putting on an act to keep the tourism flowing. On Saturday we went to a beach and enjoyed the scenery. Then we were walking back towards the town and meet some crazy Russian girls in a park. That was an experience. The language barrier caused some miscommunication and at one point I was honestly slightly concerned about my personal safety. These girls were way more blunt and harsh than every German I've met. They also smoked more, and drank more vodka (as expected), than I previously thought was possible in such a short amount of time. Anyway, they left and we went to a casual establishment for a bit to drink. $9 each for two house beers? unbelievable.
On Sunday we tried to take a bus tour around the city...30 minutes and half a mile later we were kicked off by the driver who said due to construction we had to walk around and he would pick everyone up in one hour. (This was only after an obsurd dispute among tourists about whether or not the tarp should be closed on the top of the bus. This time I was actually embarrassed by tourists I didn't know´, a slight difference from the typical day on this trip.) He didn't pick us up as he claimed he would, and we had no way to get our money back, but on the walk back towards the train station, Kyle and I stumbled across a triathlon and watched it for a little while. These people were amazing athletes. Ironically enough the day we got back I had recieved an e-mail from my friend reminding me that I need to sign up for a triathlon that is only about a month after we get back to Texas. It should be very interesting because I am in no kind of shape for that right now.

Go to Denmark if you ever have a chance.

Berlin

Greetings from Berlin! We made it to Berlin after a long train ride, with a lot of suitcases! Monday was our last class day, and we just had a cultural studies lecture, a group discussion, and evaluations. After that, Chrissy and I went to the Aldstadt to shop a bit, and I got a new book for the plane ride home. Monday night I packed, and I was sorry to say goodbye to my host family. They have been so nice to me, and I will miss them. They even got me some candies and shower gel. Very nice. Tuesday morning, my host mother took me to the train station, and despite lots of traffic from the Tour de Berlin, we made it there! When we arrived in Berlin, we grabbed lunch, then headed on a bus tour of the city. We walked through the Bradenburg gate and by the Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial, and then bussed through the rest of the city. We got to see a portion of the Wall that was still intact. That evening, a group of us went to a lovely Spanish-German restaurant near our hotel. I enjoyed my dinner, and had quite a bit of Sangria...Anyway, we got back early and went to bed. Karen helped me move my bed into her room, and so there's five of us staying in a tiny room...hahah! Today we toured the Museum Charite, which is this old medical museum. I loved the pathology area, so much preserved stuff! Also, there was an exhibit on synthetic body parts, very cool. I really enjoyed this part. We had sushi for lunch, then went off in pursuit of the Birkenstock store, which we found. I bought really cute clogs- I'll show them off when I get home! Tonight we're going to dinner at this restaurant that simulates being blind, basically its all dark. Very strange. I think it will be an experience. After that, we might try to find a pub crawl, since its our last night all together. Tomorrow is our bike tour, then I fly back to Duesseldorf. I can't believe how quickly this trip has gone by, but I am missing everyone at home. See you soon! Tschuss!