Back in Bonn

Back in Bonn

Well we just got back from Barcelona and are finally back “home”.  I never thought I would say that I was happy to be back in Bonn but it is nice to not be living out of a suitcase anymore.  Barcelona was absolutely breathtaking.  The beach was amazing and I think it is safe to say that “seas get degrees” while studying abroad!  While there we were able to visit La Sagrada Familia.  The cathedral has been under construction for over 133 years and is still ongoing.  The amount of detail placed into the architecture is stunning.  From all of the carvings to the various glass windows, no expense was spared.  One day we walked over 12 miles exploring the city!  I think I took the most pictures while here!

 Back in Bonn we got back to lectures!  However, we were able to go uniclinics!  This was AMAZING!  We were able to shadow actual surgeries.  I was able to see a tumor be removed from a pelvic kidney.  It was interesting to see how different their medical school and atmosphere is!  Everyone was very nice and willing to answer any questions I had.  I was also able to get very close to the operating table and even look through the surgeon’s microscope.  It is an experience that I’ll never forget!

We also went to Cologne.  The cathedral was breathtaking once again!  The cathedral is constantly under construction.  I found it crazy that there have been instances where certain pieces of the church have fallen off and injured people walking underneath.  I shouldn’t be too shocked but you just like to think that something like that would never happen.  At the Cologne Cathedral, the house the bones of the Three Wise Men.  Each year, they open a certain portion of the case to display the skulls surrounded by their crowns.  I wish we would have been here for this but I guess I just have yet again another reason to come back.  We had the opportunity to take a tour of the cathedral from the top.  I’m scared of heights but faced my fears and went ahead and did it!  The views from the top were absolutely amazing.  However, I’m not sure if I would do it again.  I have pictures to remind me of it! 

From here, we went to see what used to be a Gestapo headquarters.  We went down to their basement were they used to house prisoners.  You could feel the atmosphere change as soon as you entered.  It was heartbreaking.  At certain points, they stuffed over 20 people into the smallest corners I’ve ever seen.  The prisoners were deprived the bathroom, showers, and only one meal a day.  I can’t even begin to imagine the feelings they would have experienced.  Even today, Germany still carries the scars of the past.

We also had the privilege of seeing Beethoven’s birth house back in Bonn.  The tour was a little different than what we have grown accustomed to since we didn’t have someone leading it.  Instead we just had to listen to audio recordings.  Therefore, I don’t think I got very much out of it as I could have.  It was nice having Dr. Waltz there though to ask questions as they popped into my head.  Through the exhibit you were able to hear various pieces as Beethoven progressed throughout life.  It was very evident to see when he first started losing his hearing because his music became sharper and forced.  One of the things I did find neat was that they have a few of Beethoven’s actual instruments.  One of the instruments was a clarinet that also doubled as a walking stick.  This showed some major dedication he had to the arts!

We are currently headed to Paris!  I’ll be sure to include the rest to this post after these next two days!  Stay tuned!