Firsts

This first week was quite a whirlwind. We figured out how to use a highly efficient public transportation system, tried popular fast food like currywurst and Dönertasche, and started our History of Medicine and German language classes. Dr. Wasser and Olivia, the program coordinator, explained that these five weeks may seem like a 'fat camp' because it is packed full of tours and excursions with lots of physical exertion. It really has seemed that way so far because my quads are still burning from the climb up the Kölner Dom two days ago!

My first experience getting lost and finding my way home using public transportation without help in a different country was quite the feat. Nishah and I left early from the public viewing of the Germany vs. France game last Friday to get ready for our early morning trip to Duisburg to visit my great aunt. I learned that I am truly spoiled by having access to GPS directions on my smartphone in the U.S. and was a bit worried about our walk from the park on the other side of the Rhine to find a tram or bus back to the Bonn Hauptbannhof. We relied on our weak photographic memories to find the bread crumbs out of the acres of park 'back to civilization' and found our way to the HBF to catch the U-bahn back home. We certainly could have called a cab on our German phones, but pushed through and felt very proud of ourselves :)

The first time I ate currywurst mit pommes frites was at the Sea Life Oberhausen in Duisburg. The texture was surprisingly quite soft, meaning the sausage gave little resistance to the bite. Since then, I've had it once more but can't say that it's my favorite street food. Our AIB German teacher, Susanne, explained that in Vienna one can find people drinking champagne while eating currywurst. I find it hard to believe that this is a popular food pairing!

Yesterday, I successfully ordered food in German for the first time! Susanne took us out for ice cream nearby the AIB. Can you guess what this means: "Ich möchte ein Kugel Amarena und ein Kugel Snickers im hörnchen, bitte"? I ordered a scoop of cherry and a scoop of Snickers ice cream in a cone and it was quite tasty.

Next time I'll blog about our museum visits and excursions!

Tschüss,

Elisa Vengalil '16