Words can't describe how much I miss Germany

Summarize my post-Germany thoughts? I really don’t know where to begin, because there are so many thoughts and experiences I recall every day. Thus, I’ll briefly discuss immediate re-assimilation into American culture, and recall my experiences as I slowly became accustomed to my life in Texas.

The initial ending of the program was sad, yet exciting. I had learned tons of new things about the world, and had many great experiences that I was ready to share with all of my family and friends. I was excited to see my family as well, because my sister became pregnant while I was oversees! Aside from suffering a miserable, long flight, the excitement prevailed. I, like Andrew, ( funny inside joke from trip!) could not start a sentence without the phrase “In Germany,…”. I am not sure if my friends eventually became annoyed by this inclination, but I seriously could not refrain myself from mentally re-living the great moments our group shared in Germany.

As the semester started, and school went on, things started to become somewhat depressing. While in Germany, I spent over a month living a foreign lifestyle with an amazing group of people. After such a close connection with my host family and friends, it was all gone in a flash. There have been points where I have felt nostalgic and gloomy, because I have gone so long without seeing my host family and my amazing friends from the trip. I miss touring Germany altogether. I sound crazy about saying this, but I even miss the public transportation! I miss the trips made to amazing countries during the free weekends, and bonding with the other students while touring and riding on night trains!

Although it sounds dismal to go on about my insufferable nostalgia, I have the reassuring thought that Germany is not going to disappear, and I can go back and visit in the future (when funds are available). Still, the trip is not going to be the same without the same group of people. THAT is why the memories of this trip are held very, very close to my heart.

Post Europe

Well, I am sitting here in my townhouse, it's senior year, and its 2-3 months post my study abroad. I really enjoy being back here in College Station. It is amazing at some of the technology and things we have that we didn't have/ didn't need there. I get glued to my TV and my xbox, I'm obsessed with my laptop, and I drive my car like I'm 16 and just got my driver's license. Words cannot express what my study abroad trip meant to me. I learned so much about myself and interacting with others, and learned more about the profession I want to go into, and learned history (and I'm a history buff!) and learned more about this bigger world that goes on around us. For all of those (I used to be included) whose definition of the world = United States, wake up!) There's so much more! I would really, really like to go back to probably a Germany/ France combination trip for my honeymoon, or just a vacation, but with my significant other/ or wife at the time. The Mosel valley between Dusseldorf and Triere is amazing, and I think it'd be really neat to live there someday. I've learned alot about life, and I definitely think it's been just a big of an experience as college in it of itself. I really enjoy Dr. Wasser and Dr. Musser and think they make a great combination. I still keep up with the people I went abroad with. I think we shared something special together. I made sacrifices and I got homesick, and got tired of only talking to my girlfriend with a go bananas card instead of seeing her, but all in all, it was totally worth it. I don't think there's a thing I would change. I recommend this trip for anyone who wants to find themself personally, and career-wise, wants to make good friends, see the world, and have a blast doing it. Thanks so much and I'm so elated everything worked out that allowed me to go and be a part of it. So long Germany and the Rhine valley, I know it wont' be the last time I'm there.