Bonn Week 2!

 This week has been nothing short of exciting and entertaining. Once I adjusted to the time difference and getting into a routine of school and life again, I am finally able to take in all that I am experiencing and truly reflect on what we have experienced so far. 

This past weekend, we took a spontaneous trip to Munich, exposing us to much of the struggles behind Deutsche Bahn and travel. Nonetheless, this short trip was unlike something I had done before. I am not usually one to say "let's go on a weekend trip to such and such." I like the comfort of home and relaxing. However, we are only in Europe on a study abroad trip once, so we have have to make the most of our time here. We ate delicious pastries and food, saw some beautiful scenery, and learned about the history of the German royalty that once lived in Munich. It is a place that I would definitely go back to in order to experience the whole city and all it has to offer. 

During the week, class always seemed to bring exciting and interesting knowledge to the table. Not only are we learning from Dr. Wasser and Dr. Fajt, but we are also learning from each other as we share stories, experiences, and our own knowledge. Our first pharmacology class set the pace for the rest of our time here, making us all excited to learn more about the development, research, testing, distribution, and economics behind pharmacology. There is so much more to it than simply pills and the creation of medications. Our history of medicine lectures were quite intriguing, as we learned about the many intricacies Leonardo Da Vinci was so accurate to identify as well as the history and science behind true German and Finnish saunas. This lecture alone made us all excited and interested to see what an actual sauna experience should be like. If we have been in an American sauna, we know these experiences to not be a true and accurate representation of authentic sauna experiences. 

I can't forget our day trip to Cologne either! I am so glad this city is so close to Bonn because it really is the perfect place to run to on a whim and enjoy every second of your time there. Stepping out of the hauptbahnhof to see the humongous cathedral really does take your breath away. This structure is unlike anything I have seen before, and its sheer magnificence almost stops you in your tracks. Not only is it beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside, with huge stained glass, relics, and catacombs. Being guided on a tour throughout Cologne and having authentic Kolsch was only a sneak peek at what Cologne has to offer, and I will certainly be returning soon. 

Lastly, as we prepare for our week in Norderney and all this beautiful island has to show, we are also gearing up for a long travel weekend to Amsterdam. Past experiences will prepare us for the coming adventures we will have along the way. I can't believe two weeks have already flown by!