The last week has been great so far. We just walked around Munich for the last two hours so Pete could get his damn lederhosen, which he finally did at a second hand store. This last week has been incredibly interesting and full of historical significance. Nuremberg was an incredible city, it was creepy to be at the rally grounds and stand where Hitler once stood. I also thought that the documentation center, while long, was a great museum and did a great job showing how the nazi party worked through propoganda to control the people. Dachau was also a creepy place to know that I was walking in a place that contained so much pain and suffering within it. It was definitely a meaningful experience, and one that I won't soon forget.
Last weekend was amazing as well, I almost didn't go to Paris but was incredibly glad that I did. Drinking wine underneath the Eiffel Tower during the light show is something that I will never forget. Paris did make me appreciate greatly appreciate Germany, though. While it was a beautiful city and full of history, the people suck. When they're not trying to swindle you out of money they're just plain rude to you. I guess that comes with living in the most tourist visited city in the world. Either way I was glad when I heard german at the train station and got back to the order and familiarity of Dusseldorf, not to mention getting a good night's sleep. I'm looking forward to this weekend also, especially renting a car and driving through the Black Forest.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
ok this last week we visited some med and vet schools. we went to the hannover schools and saw some surgeries and got to visit their facilities. it was pretty cool. The pre-med people got to see a pig lung transplant. That was real cool to see the lung re-inflate after they were done, and really anytime you see a heart beating, it's a cool experience.
now we are in nurenburg about to head out to munich for the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to Munich. Everyone told me that was the place they loved the most.
I haven't said much about the host family I'm with so I guess I should do that. There is the mom the dad and the daughter. I have really enjoyed living with them so far. I haven't had any huge culture shock here, that I can put a finger on. I like their culture. It fits me. I love the fact that everything has order and a reason and everything is on time when they say it will be. It is how I am at home, so it's very nice. The biggest issue I've had is not hearing English. Whenever I do my heart skips a little beat. I get very excited. So really I think that has been the hardest thing adjusting to. Other than that, I'm loving being here so far.
now we are in nurenburg about to head out to munich for the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to Munich. Everyone told me that was the place they loved the most.
I haven't said much about the host family I'm with so I guess I should do that. There is the mom the dad and the daughter. I have really enjoyed living with them so far. I haven't had any huge culture shock here, that I can put a finger on. I like their culture. It fits me. I love the fact that everything has order and a reason and everything is on time when they say it will be. It is how I am at home, so it's very nice. The biggest issue I've had is not hearing English. Whenever I do my heart skips a little beat. I get very excited. So really I think that has been the hardest thing adjusting to. Other than that, I'm loving being here so far.
Nurenberg
I have learned a lot, or what I thought was a lot, about WWII and the Holocaust. I had seen documentaries and pictures, but today was a whole new experience. The bus tour around Nurenberg was very informative. Getting off the bus and seeing what the Nazi's had designed and built was very sureal and disturbing. To picture all the plans they had of roads, stadiums, fields, and a congress building blew me away. I never realized just how much power Hitler held over so many people and how much of a "vision", if you can call it that, he had of what he wanted Germany to be. Being designed to display power, it really creeped me out how much of an effect the building had on the people in attendance. Seeing pictures of children with their mothers infront of Zepplinfield, or hearing witnesses talk about how excited they were to go see a rally, completely confused me on why they would view Hitler and the Nazis in such a positive light. And it scared me to think that many of them would be considered normal people. To go into room 600 in the Nurenberg courthouse was a once in a life time experience. To picture all that occured in that one room and to realize the magnitude of those trials and verdicts made something so foreign to me seem very real. I found the Documentation Center incredibly enlightening. It was helpful to see pictures combined with the history in order to gain a much better understanding of how the Nazi party was able to start at all, and how things progressed during and after the war. The pictures in one of the last hallways of the people in the concentration camps really disturbed me. It was an overwhelming day, of information and emotion. I am very nervous for Dachau.
Taking it all in...
Today was alot to take in. Between getting the creeps by standing in the former rally grounds to trying to take in all I can at the documentation center, I'm not sure what all I'm supposed to feel. When we were at the rally grounds, the weather definitely added to mood I was in. All I could imagine was thousands of angry Nazis standing around looking up at Hitler. Hitler was actually there, on those grounds. It just really creeped me out. I couldn't even get up on the grandstand pedestal thing that he stood on. I didn't want to know what that felt like. It was kind of the same thing everywhere else we were, except for maybe the castle. I was just trying to imagine how it was used back in the times of the Nazi party. The documentation center was pretty amazing though with all the red brick and stuff. It was alot to take in though, but I tryed to listen to everything because I felt like it wouldn't be respectful to the people who died during Hitler's time to zone out and not care. What I did like about everything today though was the fact that our discussions did not focus mainly on the Holocaust. I know that it was a major factor to the war but it was interesting to learn about everything else that was going on and not have it overshadowed by the concentration camps and genocide. One thing I have noticed though is that with all of the World War II talk no one has mentioned Japan. They were the reason we entered the war so obviously we talk about them in our history classes but I have yet to hear about them from any of our tour guides. If I remember, I plan on asking one of them about that.
Reality slap to the face!
So today we were in Nürnberg and went to the place where the Nazi rallies were held...it was incredibly eerie standing in the place where Hilter used to address the Nazis. It is very hard for me to imagine it actually happening. Then we went to a document museum and learned a lot more about the occurrences during the Third Reich. I can´t believe it really occurred or how people actually let it happen. I know it probably is easy to say today looking back at the atrocities. It is a similar question I ask myself when I think about being Christain. I think today that I believe 100 percent that Jesus Christ is my savior, but when Jesus was alive, would I have been someone brave enough to stand up for my beliefs as so many were afraid to do against Hitler during the Third Reich.
On another note, it is very odd spending your birthday abroad. It definitely makes you realize you are away from your close friends and family. But I guess that just makes it possible for me to celebrate my birthday when I get back home! Two birthdays for me! Also I am happy that Germans go running. My host mom runs with me and she is 62 years old. I have to run really fast because I don´t want a 62 year old woman to beat me at running 3 miles! Everyone that I see in the morning is very friendly and also mostly in Germany as well! It´s hilarious when they say that they can only speak a little english and then they are fluent! I´m afraid to try any of my german on them if they think their english is a little...what will they think of me!? Hah oh well! I know how to be polite and get around...I guess that will just have to suffice for this trip! So onto München! I´m so excited for Bavaria!
On another note, it is very odd spending your birthday abroad. It definitely makes you realize you are away from your close friends and family. But I guess that just makes it possible for me to celebrate my birthday when I get back home! Two birthdays for me! Also I am happy that Germans go running. My host mom runs with me and she is 62 years old. I have to run really fast because I don´t want a 62 year old woman to beat me at running 3 miles! Everyone that I see in the morning is very friendly and also mostly in Germany as well! It´s hilarious when they say that they can only speak a little english and then they are fluent! I´m afraid to try any of my german on them if they think their english is a little...what will they think of me!? Hah oh well! I know how to be polite and get around...I guess that will just have to suffice for this trip! So onto München! I´m so excited for Bavaria!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Back home ...in a sense
With each passing day I grow more comfortable here. I really enjoy Germany and its people, but I wasn't sure if that was because it's the only European country in which I've spent much time. After a few weekends in other countries now, I feel I can say with a little more assurance that it is the German lifestyle specifically with which I identify. I am an ordered and regimented person myself. I enjoy clean places and respectful people who do not interfere with others. What I've seen of the Netherlands and France leave different impressions. Whether I see kids spray paint a French tram on my first ride, or get offered elicit drugs just as I walk out of the Amsterdam main station, I can definitely tell the difference.
A strange feeling I experienced this weekend was something like a saturation of new, beautiful, interesting places. Paris is an amazing city, and I think everyone should experience it at least once, preferably for more than a day and half like me, but I couldn't see myself staying there. Perhaps it was just because it is such a huge international city, but I felt a general difference in attitude and culture. I really enjoyed the free walking tour we took starting at St. Michel, but I think after a few weeks of seeing more and more buildings with historical significance and lasting beauty, that my brain needed a break.
I'm glad to be back in Germany. It was amazing to me that the sound of the German language is now a comforting one. The little German vocabulary I have is vastly greater than my French one. The time of the Nazis and the history involving is it extremely intriguing me, so I think I'll be back in the mood for some more sightseeing.
A strange feeling I experienced this weekend was something like a saturation of new, beautiful, interesting places. Paris is an amazing city, and I think everyone should experience it at least once, preferably for more than a day and half like me, but I couldn't see myself staying there. Perhaps it was just because it is such a huge international city, but I felt a general difference in attitude and culture. I really enjoyed the free walking tour we took starting at St. Michel, but I think after a few weeks of seeing more and more buildings with historical significance and lasting beauty, that my brain needed a break.
I'm glad to be back in Germany. It was amazing to me that the sound of the German language is now a comforting one. The little German vocabulary I have is vastly greater than my French one. The time of the Nazis and the history involving is it extremely intriguing me, so I think I'll be back in the mood for some more sightseeing.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The second week
I have been incrediby amazed by the European countryside. Travelling by train has allowed me to see some of it. The first weekend that I had free most of the group and I were able to travel to Trier and Amsterdam. I completely enjoyed it and I feel that it was a good chance to get to know the group a little better. In Amsterdam we got to go to the Ann Frank house. The museum was really well done and it helped me visualize what really happened. It is one thing to read it and imagine what it looked like, but it is another to actually stand where it happened. It makes it easier for you to emotionally connect with history and better understand what she and her family had to go through to hide from the Nazis.
During the week, we got to study in Bonn, Hannover, and Köln. I thought that the medical school at Hannover was really interesting, but the Institute of Aerospace Medicine was my favorite. I have never thought about all of the medical issues that effect astronauts, and also about physicians that have to work along side them to make sure they remain healthy in space. It seems to me like it would be a very interesting and exciting job to have, and it has brodend my my knowlege of what physicians can have carrers in. I also really enjoyed seeing the equipment that the physicians and scientists use to run tests and record research, especally the centrifuge.
This past weekend most of the group and I went to Paris. It was a lot cleaner and safer than I remember it. The only problem was that the people were still rude. Once again I feel that I got to know the group a little better and it made me more excited for the remainder of the time that I get to spend with them.
During the week, we got to study in Bonn, Hannover, and Köln. I thought that the medical school at Hannover was really interesting, but the Institute of Aerospace Medicine was my favorite. I have never thought about all of the medical issues that effect astronauts, and also about physicians that have to work along side them to make sure they remain healthy in space. It seems to me like it would be a very interesting and exciting job to have, and it has brodend my my knowlege of what physicians can have carrers in. I also really enjoyed seeing the equipment that the physicians and scientists use to run tests and record research, especally the centrifuge.
This past weekend most of the group and I went to Paris. It was a lot cleaner and safer than I remember it. The only problem was that the people were still rude. Once again I feel that I got to know the group a little better and it made me more excited for the remainder of the time that I get to spend with them.
Grosse post
I am going to be a blog-exclusive rebel and not post with well-written eloquence and connecting thoughts. Instead, I feel poor grammar and dated thoughts will yield better insight.
7/4: Our host family speaks no English. Our dinner consists of outstanding food and furious page flipping through a translation manual to figure out what we are being asked or told.
7/5: Juice and I decided to wake up early and go walking down the Rhine before we met up for our tour. I pulled out a notepad and tallied responses to “Guten Tag” and “hello” to test how people treat friendly Texans. Most people who didn’t avoid eye contact gave us scorns. Favorable responses were usually from the elderly or young women our age. I blame Juice’s good looks for this deviation. I am hoping a free afternoon and a biergarten will yield a similar survey on courtship.
7/6: We got lost on the public transportation system and ended up spending 3-4 hours touring far suburbs and different parts of the city. We were told lots of people spoke English here. Our parts of the city must have been ‘dead zones.’ Ironically my cell phone didn’t work in one of the areas either.
7/8: Today was our first German workshop. We followed it with a scavenger hunt that sent us around the older yet ironically ‘hipper’ part of the city. The city is quite pretty and the people treat us pretty well.
7/9: Cologne is fantastic. I don’t think anyone believed that we would have such a wonderful tour of the cathedral. The Elde Haus pulled a bit of emotion into everyone. Seeing is truly understanding and all that. We ended with some breathtaking heights on top of the cathedral.
7/10: After lecture and another German workshop my associates and I headed up to the ruins north on the Rhine to find a similar riverside beauty like that of the Benrather ‘pink castle’. It was pretty, but the pink castle still is the group favorite.
7/11: Our guest lecturer was really engaging and entertaining. His knowledge was vast without coming off as overwhelming. We shared our feelings in cultural studies and found that many of us feel the same way about things. The consensus is the lack of personal space is our main concern.
7/12: We journeyed to the beautiful city of Trier and found that its small town feel was exactly what we all needed. Involved was a walkthrough of a building from 16 BC and many beautiful churches. I would compare it to Fredericksburg in Texas with the exception of architecture diversity, automobiles, and a language barrier.
7/13: Amsterdam is gorgeous. Amsterdam drivers are jerks. Between gorgeous architecture and rich history are drivers born with the intent of mowing you down. The Anne Frank house was the most positively moving part of the trip due to its actual artifacts and actual walkthrough of the living situations that we have all read about. Any one of the many walkthroughs of an Amsterdam alley was the most negatively moving part of the daytrip. There are some pretty sketch stores and characters that are all but ubiquitous in portions of the city. Luckily, it was completely overshadowed by the beauty of the city and the good company of fellow group members.
7/14: A beautiful journey through the German countryside brought us to a tour of a research farm. They were extremely informative and seem to be doing great things with such a small setup. They could probably do just as much groundbreaking research as A&M if they had similar resources.
7/15: We toured the Cologne zoo. Talking with other tourists reminded us of the progress we have made with both our German linguistically and culturally. After returning home from Cologne, Juice and I realized how we have come to understand Germany as home. We no longer miss our morning drives to school and we know our public transportation routes and times. I tried to celebrate this personal groundbreaking time by ordering extra mustard on my sandwich during dinner. The lady just gave me an empty expression and had to speak English to me to try to understand what I was saying. Totally shot down. Despite the language butchering, she was quite nice.
7/17: The Hannover facilities are fantastic. We stayed the night on a hostel and ended up suiting up to watch a lung transplant. Additionally we toured the mice facilities that are used with an emphasis on genetics. The rest of the tour showed us different parts of a hospital and several doctors talked to us about the pros and cons of the German healthcare system. I am a strong believer in American healthcare and was disappointed to see a punishment system for malpractice and a lack of ability to choose a doctor for surgery. I refuse to believe that healthcare should be practiced with anything short of excellence and was therefore disappointed to see what I feel is a tolerance for exactly that.
7/18: The DLR added a new angle to what medicine is used for. I think we all thought about it but never actually got to see how and where they do physiological tests for prospective and current space travelers. Apparently they pay people to be bed-ridden to test the physiological changes in order to mimic zero gravity conditions. We toured these rooms and nearly unanimously agreed that they would need to increase the compensation to make us participate in such studies. The experts had no comment.
7/4: Our host family speaks no English. Our dinner consists of outstanding food and furious page flipping through a translation manual to figure out what we are being asked or told.
7/5: Juice and I decided to wake up early and go walking down the Rhine before we met up for our tour. I pulled out a notepad and tallied responses to “Guten Tag” and “hello” to test how people treat friendly Texans. Most people who didn’t avoid eye contact gave us scorns. Favorable responses were usually from the elderly or young women our age. I blame Juice’s good looks for this deviation. I am hoping a free afternoon and a biergarten will yield a similar survey on courtship.
7/6: We got lost on the public transportation system and ended up spending 3-4 hours touring far suburbs and different parts of the city. We were told lots of people spoke English here. Our parts of the city must have been ‘dead zones.’ Ironically my cell phone didn’t work in one of the areas either.
7/8: Today was our first German workshop. We followed it with a scavenger hunt that sent us around the older yet ironically ‘hipper’ part of the city. The city is quite pretty and the people treat us pretty well.
7/9: Cologne is fantastic. I don’t think anyone believed that we would have such a wonderful tour of the cathedral. The Elde Haus pulled a bit of emotion into everyone. Seeing is truly understanding and all that. We ended with some breathtaking heights on top of the cathedral.
7/10: After lecture and another German workshop my associates and I headed up to the ruins north on the Rhine to find a similar riverside beauty like that of the Benrather ‘pink castle’. It was pretty, but the pink castle still is the group favorite.
7/11: Our guest lecturer was really engaging and entertaining. His knowledge was vast without coming off as overwhelming. We shared our feelings in cultural studies and found that many of us feel the same way about things. The consensus is the lack of personal space is our main concern.
7/12: We journeyed to the beautiful city of Trier and found that its small town feel was exactly what we all needed. Involved was a walkthrough of a building from 16 BC and many beautiful churches. I would compare it to Fredericksburg in Texas with the exception of architecture diversity, automobiles, and a language barrier.
7/13: Amsterdam is gorgeous. Amsterdam drivers are jerks. Between gorgeous architecture and rich history are drivers born with the intent of mowing you down. The Anne Frank house was the most positively moving part of the trip due to its actual artifacts and actual walkthrough of the living situations that we have all read about. Any one of the many walkthroughs of an Amsterdam alley was the most negatively moving part of the daytrip. There are some pretty sketch stores and characters that are all but ubiquitous in portions of the city. Luckily, it was completely overshadowed by the beauty of the city and the good company of fellow group members.
7/14: A beautiful journey through the German countryside brought us to a tour of a research farm. They were extremely informative and seem to be doing great things with such a small setup. They could probably do just as much groundbreaking research as A&M if they had similar resources.
7/15: We toured the Cologne zoo. Talking with other tourists reminded us of the progress we have made with both our German linguistically and culturally. After returning home from Cologne, Juice and I realized how we have come to understand Germany as home. We no longer miss our morning drives to school and we know our public transportation routes and times. I tried to celebrate this personal groundbreaking time by ordering extra mustard on my sandwich during dinner. The lady just gave me an empty expression and had to speak English to me to try to understand what I was saying. Totally shot down. Despite the language butchering, she was quite nice.
7/17: The Hannover facilities are fantastic. We stayed the night on a hostel and ended up suiting up to watch a lung transplant. Additionally we toured the mice facilities that are used with an emphasis on genetics. The rest of the tour showed us different parts of a hospital and several doctors talked to us about the pros and cons of the German healthcare system. I am a strong believer in American healthcare and was disappointed to see a punishment system for malpractice and a lack of ability to choose a doctor for surgery. I refuse to believe that healthcare should be practiced with anything short of excellence and was therefore disappointed to see what I feel is a tolerance for exactly that.
7/18: The DLR added a new angle to what medicine is used for. I think we all thought about it but never actually got to see how and where they do physiological tests for prospective and current space travelers. Apparently they pay people to be bed-ridden to test the physiological changes in order to mimic zero gravity conditions. We toured these rooms and nearly unanimously agreed that they would need to increase the compensation to make us participate in such studies. The experts had no comment.
When in Paris....
So, I’m on a train headed back to Dusseldorf at the moment after a weekend in Paris. Coming to Paris I really didn’t have any ideas on what the city would look like nor did I realize all the historic areas that are in the city. We arrived late Friday night and headed to the hotel to prepare for the next day. Saturday we started with a free tour of Paris and was probably the best thing we could have done. The tour guide was a college student from Oregon who lived in Paris for the summer and worked as a tour guide only paid by tips. She was hilarious and knew the city well. After the tour was over we decided to walk around a bit more and see more of the city. After some time we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We slapped on our nice clothes and went out to the top of the hill where a big white church was on the top and Moulin Rouge was at the bottom. After we hiked to the top we found a very nice outdoor restaurant and celebrated life. We left the restaurant, walked around the top of the hill and headed back to the hotel. Today we went back to the Eiffel Tower and climbed the stairs to the second platform which was 670 steps high. After which it was time to head back to the train station to head to Dusseldorf.
Our time in Paris was not nearly long enough. After the free tour we realized just how much there was to do and knew immediately that we could never see what we wanted to see in just one weekend. However just being in Paris and seeing the city made me want to come back as soon as I can to see more of this amazing city.
Our time in Paris was not nearly long enough. After the free tour we realized just how much there was to do and knew immediately that we could never see what we wanted to see in just one weekend. However just being in Paris and seeing the city made me want to come back as soon as I can to see more of this amazing city.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Second Week
The program has really started to pick up speed. This week we spent everyday traveling. It started with a tour of a research farm on Monday followed by a zoo visit on Tuesday in Cologne. Along with Dr. Wasser’s lectures and German language classes we stayed completely busy. So busy I have had no free time in the day except for lunch. Wednesday and Thursday we traveled to Hannover and stayed the night there; my first hostel experience. In Hannover we toured the medical school and teaching hospital. The most interesting thing by far was watching a lung transplant in swine. We were welcomed there with a BBQ for supper on Wednesday night. After a few beverages we returned to the hostel and resumed consuming beverages. The next day, Thursday, we returned to Dusseldorf in time to repack our bags for a day trip to Cologne and the weekend in Paris. The day trip to Cologne turned out to be very interesting and I wish we had more time to tour the institute which dealt with aerospace medicine and the European Space Agency, very interesting.
Anyways this weekend we are traveling to Paris, which should be a good time. I’ll blog about the weekend later. Till then…..
Jordan “Juice”
Anyways this weekend we are traveling to Paris, which should be a good time. I’ll blog about the weekend later. Till then…..
Jordan “Juice”
Friday, July 18, 2008
ELDE Haus...intense.
Blogging a bit late about my visit to Köln and after watching Sophia Scholl, I thought it appropriate to preview my experience at the ELDE Haus, a main site of administration and execution in Köln during the Nazi regime. As we were able to peer into a meer crack in the hollow darkness that hellaciously defines the era, I was able to open my eyes like never before to a piece of history that quickly became tangible reality as we silently walked down the eery, narrow halls as the tour guide outlined the procedures of extermination beginning with an unjustifiable measurement of features to inhumanely categorize innocent citizens into what would become "lives unworthy of life" or not. My eyes slowly ran down the pages and pages of charts that merely gave statistics on who a person is, apparently at the time determined only by words on a page. Graphs outlined how much taxpayers spent on indigents like the deaf, blind, or mentally retarded only for the purpose of attempting to justify throwing those citizens out for the success of creating their "master race." We continued down into a cold, dim basement of which a few lights illuminated deeply engraven scripts desperately beseeching freedom in a time of inevitable injustice and imminent execution. My heart sank and every face of every portrait I have seen in my history books suddenly came to life. This experience is one which everyone should know, and of which I am appreciative to have taken part of.
I can not believe how quickly the time has gone on this trip. I am glad that we are getting to visit different parts of Germany and making good use of our time even if we are super busy.
Hanover was very exciting because we were able to begin viewing and discussing the medical field in Germany. The lung transplant was unbelievable. Last summer, I was able to observe many complex surgeries due to my internship in a hospital. I did not think watching a lung transplant in a pig would be that interesting. I was wrong. I found I love being in the operating room, no matter who is having the operation. I enjoyed hearing about how these experiments on animals is how we perfect human transplants. Seeing the newly attached lung inflate for the first time was an exhilarating feeling. I can not wait to be the one holding the scalpel one day.
I also enjoyed hanging out with some high school students we met Wednesday night in the hostel. I found it funny when they told me at age 16 they could drink a beer with us but would not be allowed to get their drivers license until they turned 18. This is so strange to me. It makes sense in a way though. They learn there tolerance for alcohol before they can even get in a car. I wonder if this prevents more drunk driving accidents in Germany?
We just finished watching the movie on student resistance in the Third Reich. It is weird to think that at my age Sophia had the courage to stand up to her country and say what was happening was wrong. I do not think I would do this. I like to follow the rules and would find it very difficult to take this stand, even if I believed what the government was doing was wrong.
I am excited to go to the aerospace medicine institute this afternoon. I have never considered the health problems associated with space flight. I look forward to being informed about such health issues that exist. I am also excited that we will be in the city of love by 10 pm tonight!
Au revoir!!
Hannover and more
I just got home from Hannover yesterday, one of our excursions with the program. The experience was very wonderful, s the pre-veterinary students (or veterinary students, in the case of Amanda) went separately to the vet school there in Hannover, where we shadowed the students there for their evening rounds. I got to give a cow an injection of ampicillin, give another cow an oral medication (which was quite difficult, since the cow had a weight advantage on me and knew the score), and examined another cow for a displaced abomasum. It was very interesting, and the opportunity for the hands-on experience here in Europe was invaluable.
We also went to see the amazing anatomy department at the school, with all of the old skeletons and models, which was very impressive. Some of the models date back the the end of the nineteenth century, and there were a number of posed horse (pferd) skeletons from famous horses that had been donated to the school. The accessibility of the model was impressive, as I believe A&M's models are all higher on shelves, as a general rule.
The aquaculture center was likewise very fascinating, especially as I have a strong interest in fishkeeping as a hobby. The fact that the center there conducts not only research, but also treats the fish that are simply pets is quite astonishing. I do not believe such a service is readily offered in the States, though of course all fish stores will offer advice and medications. There was also an impressive display aquarium, which had several freshwater rays, which had also recently given birth! That was a rare sight indeed, though I had actually seen more freshwater rays at the aquarium at the zoo in Köln.
Speaking of the zoo in Köln, I saw some amazing things there, too. The elephant exhibit there is very, very impressive, especially when compared to the paltry enclosure found at the Dallas Zoo. I was likewise impressed by the set up of the facility--the animals always seemed very close and accessible, a unique arrangement. And the zoo had a number of Przewalski's horses there, which I was able to see at a very close range, something that, given my interest in equids, was very exciting to me personally.
All in all, the past few days have been wonderful, and I am now very excited to see the aerospace center in Köln. Also exciting, though not relevant to the program, is the trip I will take immediately after the program to Paris, a place I never dreamed I would visit so early in my life. I can't wait to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc d'Triumph, and maybe even the Louvre, if I can. I can hardly wait! Expect more from me soon!
We also went to see the amazing anatomy department at the school, with all of the old skeletons and models, which was very impressive. Some of the models date back the the end of the nineteenth century, and there were a number of posed horse (pferd) skeletons from famous horses that had been donated to the school. The accessibility of the model was impressive, as I believe A&M's models are all higher on shelves, as a general rule.
The aquaculture center was likewise very fascinating, especially as I have a strong interest in fishkeeping as a hobby. The fact that the center there conducts not only research, but also treats the fish that are simply pets is quite astonishing. I do not believe such a service is readily offered in the States, though of course all fish stores will offer advice and medications. There was also an impressive display aquarium, which had several freshwater rays, which had also recently given birth! That was a rare sight indeed, though I had actually seen more freshwater rays at the aquarium at the zoo in Köln.
Speaking of the zoo in Köln, I saw some amazing things there, too. The elephant exhibit there is very, very impressive, especially when compared to the paltry enclosure found at the Dallas Zoo. I was likewise impressed by the set up of the facility--the animals always seemed very close and accessible, a unique arrangement. And the zoo had a number of Przewalski's horses there, which I was able to see at a very close range, something that, given my interest in equids, was very exciting to me personally.
All in all, the past few days have been wonderful, and I am now very excited to see the aerospace center in Köln. Also exciting, though not relevant to the program, is the trip I will take immediately after the program to Paris, a place I never dreamed I would visit so early in my life. I can't wait to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc d'Triumph, and maybe even the Louvre, if I can. I can hardly wait! Expect more from me soon!
Inflated Lung
Yesterday we got to go to the Hannover Medical school. It was by far the coolest thing we've done academically on this trip so far. As soon as we arrived at the organ transplant center, we were dressed from head to toe in protective gear. I even had to use hairnets for my shoes because my feet are gigantic and apparently don't fit normal shoe covers. We then proceeded into the operating room where a lung transplant was occurring on a pig. A team of surgeons we're huddled around the sliced open swine and meticulously threading together a transplanted lung. I had never seen any large surgery as this in action and it was a completely enlightening experience. To be able to see the beating heart of the pig while it received a new lung was amazing. The periodic thump of the heart nudged the doctor's hand as he flawlessly pieced together the organs. It is was one thing to listen about a lung transplant, but another to actually see this life saving operation in progress. These procedures are first tested on animals and then implemented on humans. Without these animal tests, human organ transplantation could never be executed. So to say the least, these are crucial experiments and operations. I found it even more impressive that the surgeons were able to answer questions while their hands were inside the pig. As the operation came to an end, the surgeons demonstrated the newly attached lung. The transplanted lung inflated with air and successfully performed its task.
Hannnover, Paris
This week has absolutely flown by with all the trips that we have been taking. I really can't believe that it has already been two weeks since I have arrived in Germany, and that we only have three weeks left. This trip has been awesome so far, and everything that it has been described as and more. I'm glad that we have started with the different medical/vet excursions, even though I am interested in German history and culture, it's still nice to be able to go out and see different things in the field and speak with experts about their research. Even though the speakers are extremely nice and outgoing with their work and research, I still feel that it is hard to come up with questions to ask them and are relevant to their field of study. Since I do not know nearly as much as they do in their field, it's hard to come up with questions that either 1 - make me look like an idiot, or 2 - are not really relevant to what they are actually working on. Hopefully I will get more experience in this and be able to come up with good questions. As far as this weekend I'm looking forward to going to Paris and being able to experience another European city and get more stories for when I go back home.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
to DLR
I'm going to try this pre-excursion blog and then get back to you about our trip! We just finished watching "Sophie Sholl- the Final Days." This movie really touched me. I was sad and angry all at the same time. I tried to hold back tears but it didn't work. I'm really looking forward to Munich and seeing the University where the Scholls distributed the leaflets. I think that if I were to feel great emotions at any other location we visit, it will be seeing this University. I'm a pretty emotional person as is, so I don't doubt that I will also have strong emotions as we stand in Berlin where they burnt the books and going to see other historical places of world war II.
On a much lighter note, I'm anxious to visit the German Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne today. Although much of their research is about developing better measures to protect humans from muscle atrophy in space, and it may not all pertain to veterinary medicine, having taking physiology last semester, it is always a great experience to apply what I've learned from a book to real life troubles. It is great to practice my knowledge and see how it applies.
This weekend I will travel to Amsterdam, and thanks to Amanda, we have our e-tickets to the Anne Frank Huis. Like I've said in my past blog, I've always enjoyed learning about this part of history, and I have no doubt this will also be a place that I will have strong emotions at. So, safe trip to everyone going to Paris, and a safe trip to us as we further explore the rest of Europe!
Hannover
This week has been awesome so far. Yesterday and the day before was Hannover, which has definitely been my favorite part of the trip so far. Seeing the vet school there, talking to the professors and students, and learning the similarities and differences between our medicine and theirs has been quite an experience indeed. It was so cool to visit such an old vet school and attempt to comprehend the history that has gone on there. As we found out (along with the German doctors) there are many things that are the same in German and English like abscess, edema, and mastitis. It was also really cool to see and work on Holsteins. All in all, I really loved Hannover, but class is starting, so I'll blog again later. Tschuess!
Travel Travel Travel
This week has been so busy with all the traveling! The Farm was really neat and I loved getting a chance to see rural Germany. I found the information about dairy cows very interesting since my family raised dairy cows when I was younger. It did not seem to pertain to medical school very much, but it was very informing and neat to see how they do research on animals on a farm. The Zoo was awesome! I love zoos, and I had never seen one with such nice exhibits for the animals. The tour was nice, but I was expecting something more behind the scenes. I felt like a lot of the information was similar to what they put on the informational plaque and that we could have gotten almost the same information from going around ourselves with Dr. Wasser. The medical and vet schools were really neat! I really enjoyed learning about the research and seeing the labs and operating rooms. I'm excited I learned more about knock out mice, since I will be doing research with them this year. I was very impressed how they can keep all of the rats and mice germ free. The last hour where the vet students went to do examinations on cows and the med students when back to the conference room was interesting, but seemed a little repetitive from that morning. I really enjoyed the discussion the next day on Germany's health care system. It sounded very different than the US. I'm still a little confused on the differences between it and Canada, seeing as how Canada's doesn't work very well at all. I still hear of people from Europe coming to the US for health care though. The system seems to do okay for Germany, especially since they are so used to it, but I don't believe it would work in the US. I don't think the people would like it very much. The lung transplant was incredible!!! It was amazing to see a beating heart and the new lung inflate!! It was also interesting to learn about kidney transplants and dialysis. I was pretty exhausted by the end of the day because we had been going to so many different places. I was hoping to see more of the medical school and get a better understanding of what medical school was like in Germany compared to the US. I am excited to visit the Aerospace Medicine DOR! It is a topic I have never heard much about, so I think it will be very informative. I am getting a little tired this week with all the traveling, especially in comparison to last week's more laid back atmosphere. I kind of wish we did one of this week's excursions last week to kind of break it up a little more. This weekend we are going to Amsterdam and Brussels! I am very excited to see the museums and try the food! Hopefully I can catch a little rest on the train ride!
So much fun, too little time
This week has been pretty much amazing. We've done alot but it was so much fun and informative. The vet school was absolutely superb. The hands on experience was very cool because I had never handled a cow like that. I've pushed them around the pasture but I've never been able to give an injection or listen to their rumen and I'm so glad we got to experience that. I even sat on a cow's neck! The students that we were shadowing were also really nice. I had one girl pull me into a stall to help her but she couldn't really speak english. She still got me to do what I needed to do because she smiled the whole time and didn't get frustrated when she couldn't remember a certain word. I am really grateful for those kind of people since it really helps me out and I'm sure everyone else in the group to have a patient person try to help you out. On the tour of the cattle clinic we also learned a few differences between how we would practice bovine medicine as compared to how they do. Apparently, and it makes total sense I just never thought about it, some of the drugs we use in America are not legal to use here in Germany, but it makes no difference to them because they use the drugs they have and we use the drugs we have. Everything else has been really similar, which shouldn't be very surprising sense we aren't in a third world country or anything and they have top notch doctors and medicines.
The fish presentation was not too bad. Unfortunately he chose to just give a power point presentation in a dark room so it made it a little hard for us to stay awake, but we still learned alot. For instance, I have never thought about doing surgery on a fish, but it happens. We also talked about some of the parasites that fish can get, specifically the pectoralis, or sea lice, that he had worked with. Again, I had never thought about these things. When I hear about fish, I think about the catfish or trout that will be on my plate covered in butter. It was an interested perspective to take so I found the whole thing very informative. So all in all, this week has taught me alot and shown me things that I never would have thought to even look at, which I guess is kind of the point of this trip so kudos to everyone who set up these excursions.
The fish presentation was not too bad. Unfortunately he chose to just give a power point presentation in a dark room so it made it a little hard for us to stay awake, but we still learned alot. For instance, I have never thought about doing surgery on a fish, but it happens. We also talked about some of the parasites that fish can get, specifically the pectoralis, or sea lice, that he had worked with. Again, I had never thought about these things. When I hear about fish, I think about the catfish or trout that will be on my plate covered in butter. It was an interested perspective to take so I found the whole thing very informative. So all in all, this week has taught me alot and shown me things that I never would have thought to even look at, which I guess is kind of the point of this trip so kudos to everyone who set up these excursions.
An Excursion to Remember
This week has flown by fast! We just got back from Hannover where I got to visit their Veterinary school. Being there and getting hands on experience with their cattle has made me even more eager to study mixed animal practice. Having worked at a dairy clinic back in west texas it was great to see the similarities and differences between the techniques taught here, and our techniques back home. As we got the chance to walk around the clinic and help out, the meaning of 'order' was totally displayed. The first time we walked through we gave each cow their medications, but before that, we got everything completely ready (seringes, cottonball with alcohol, etc) on a pan before going into each stall. This was done for every cow there (~40). Afterwards we did one more walk through before heading out, and this included looking at their written list of medications for which cow and then comparing it to their chart outside each stall. Then a quick examination of each cow. I absolutely loved the dairy clinic I worked for, but I don't ever think we were the thorough, and everything was much more fast paced when giving injections or vaccines. --- the vet school was a great experience---
I really enjoyed this trip not just because of getting to visit the vet school but because I learned a lot about things I never thought to think about. I guess coming from a semi small town, seeing cows or feed lots never bothered me. I never thought to myself was it right or wrong. I do not necessarily think it is wrong right now either, but it has made me see the oposing view. I've always loved to hear what others had to say on particular issues, and I feel that being in the animal field it is very important to have an open mind and be well informed about these topics at hand. With this being said, I noticed a difference in the way we treat our livestock and how German's do so here. They seem to seek out the best possible environments for their cattle, horses, dogs, etc. Everytime we went to a stall to see another cow, if they weren't a 'downer' cow, they would be in a stall where there was a lot of sunlight and fresh air because Dr. Meyer assured us that it is very important for them to have that natural environment while they were at the clinic. When we got home, my host father was talking to us about horses, and how he refuses to use and bit, harness, or any restraint on horses, and he was very adiment about any of those harm them. Regardless whether they are right or not, I am absolutely enjoying the fact that I am hearing different views from a different country.
This is only the second week and I have found everything very interesting to me. I feel so much more informed on topics I never thought to be informed about. I can't wait to see what else Germany and the rest of our excursions will bring!
I really enjoyed this trip not just because of getting to visit the vet school but because I learned a lot about things I never thought to think about. I guess coming from a semi small town, seeing cows or feed lots never bothered me. I never thought to myself was it right or wrong. I do not necessarily think it is wrong right now either, but it has made me see the oposing view. I've always loved to hear what others had to say on particular issues, and I feel that being in the animal field it is very important to have an open mind and be well informed about these topics at hand. With this being said, I noticed a difference in the way we treat our livestock and how German's do so here. They seem to seek out the best possible environments for their cattle, horses, dogs, etc. Everytime we went to a stall to see another cow, if they weren't a 'downer' cow, they would be in a stall where there was a lot of sunlight and fresh air because Dr. Meyer assured us that it is very important for them to have that natural environment while they were at the clinic. When we got home, my host father was talking to us about horses, and how he refuses to use and bit, harness, or any restraint on horses, and he was very adiment about any of those harm them. Regardless whether they are right or not, I am absolutely enjoying the fact that I am hearing different views from a different country.
This is only the second week and I have found everything very interesting to me. I feel so much more informed on topics I never thought to be informed about. I can't wait to see what else Germany and the rest of our excursions will bring!
Cologne and Paris
Our excursion last week was incredible! I was not expecting so much from Cologne. The tower tour obviously sounded fun, but just the city itself I did not know what to expect. We walked out of the train station, and BAM there is the cathedral. It was awesome! The tour of the town was very interesting, especially with its Roman background. I am still constantly shocked the amount of history towns have here. It was fascinating how their town hall was designed as a mixture of so many different types of architecture. I had never seen anything combine three very different types of architecture. The cathedral tour was breath-taking. I was really nervous climbing up the tower, but it was so worth it. The beauty and effort that was put into the cathedral is amazing. I felt so moved just to be walking above all the pews in narrow hallways and winding stairs. The stained glass was gorgeous, and everything was so intricate. It was such a contrast to going to the ELDE house. To see something so beautiful and then something so horrific was very errie. I learned a lot about the beginnings of the Nazis. I had no idea they started at such a young age with children, trying to change the way they think. And seeing the jail cells and learning about how neighbors would turn people in. It was chilling and scary. I just don't understand. The day was one of stark contrasts. I love Cologne!!! I'm glad it is close and we go through it often.
Paris was awesome! It started out a little stressful when we realized we were supposed to leave Cologne at 5:14, instead of leave Duesseldorf at 5:14. But luckily it all worked out. Some people on the train were very helpful in telling us the platform so we could make our next train. We had a little adventure when we got there trying to find our hostel. Everyone was very friendly though, which surprised me. I was expecting very rude people, but I never encountered that. We actually met some very friendly French. lol I think the French get kind of a bad rap, like a lot of citizens do when their country isn't currently popular with the world. On Saturday we got our fill of sightseeing, visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Arc de Triomphe. Most of the day was very relaxed, walking or taking the metro around town and just taking in the sights. The Eiffel Tower was incredible! We went during the day and then went back at night to see the light show. We just relaxed on the lawn, visiting with some of Amanda's friends. The food there was incredible too! So good! We had a little adventure when we got back. The maids cleaned our hostel room, taking Jamie and Susan's things. We never got them back, so that kind of stunk. We all were not very happy to have our stuff thrown out by the hostel itself. Don't recommend Aloha Hostel to anyone. But other than that, the trip went great! I'm so glad I finally got to see Paris, and I have some amazing pictures to always remember it! When we got home, our host family had made us French hats! They are really nice! I love our host family! They are definitely making this trip even more memorable!
Paris was awesome! It started out a little stressful when we realized we were supposed to leave Cologne at 5:14, instead of leave Duesseldorf at 5:14. But luckily it all worked out. Some people on the train were very helpful in telling us the platform so we could make our next train. We had a little adventure when we got there trying to find our hostel. Everyone was very friendly though, which surprised me. I was expecting very rude people, but I never encountered that. We actually met some very friendly French. lol I think the French get kind of a bad rap, like a lot of citizens do when their country isn't currently popular with the world. On Saturday we got our fill of sightseeing, visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Arc de Triomphe. Most of the day was very relaxed, walking or taking the metro around town and just taking in the sights. The Eiffel Tower was incredible! We went during the day and then went back at night to see the light show. We just relaxed on the lawn, visiting with some of Amanda's friends. The food there was incredible too! So good! We had a little adventure when we got back. The maids cleaned our hostel room, taking Jamie and Susan's things. We never got them back, so that kind of stunk. We all were not very happy to have our stuff thrown out by the hostel itself. Don't recommend Aloha Hostel to anyone. But other than that, the trip went great! I'm so glad I finally got to see Paris, and I have some amazing pictures to always remember it! When we got home, our host family had made us French hats! They are really nice! I love our host family! They are definitely making this trip even more memorable!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A summary to date
The program so far has been amazing. The sheer volume of history in Germany is astounding, and the opportunity to see all the sights of Europe that I have is something I never thought I was going to be able to experience at such an early stage in my life. From the moment I first set foot off of the airplane, everything has been absolutely amazing. Düsseldorf and the Altstadt are wonderful, and meine gestmutter is very nice.
All of the excursions and activities have been very exciting, too! The scavenger hunt through Düsseldorf was great fun, even if the prize was for Subway, which might require me to break my oath to not enter an American chain restaurant. Of course, Köln was absolutely amazing. The tour on top of the alter point was mind-blowing, as terrified as I was of the sheer height we were up, and in the rain to boot! The history and size of the cathedral was astonishing, and that first moment when I exited the Köln hauptbahnhof and caught sight of it was something I'll remember for a long while.
Living in Germany is also a blast, even though the language is still giving me some trouble. Putting what I've learned in German class to use on the streets is a bit hard, and I've found it easier just to speak English, since the entire population here seems to know at least enough to get by with day-to-day requirements. Learning what I have is fun, though, and I try to use it when I can.
Not that there isn't any culture shock. The public transportation didn't take too much getting used to, since I've been all over Dallas's DART system, and I've had no trouble getting used to German food--in fact, I may come home ten pounds heavier--but the style of living here is very different. Orderly is a good word for it, I think, which does fit in with the stereotype. It's the little things that have a way of throwing me off--the way that lights turn yellow before turning green, and how the first floor here would be the second floor in America, and how I have yet to see a single pick up truck.
The little differences can be very good, though. For instance, I love the German attitude towards dogs. Everywhere I go, I see dogs! I love it, though it makes me homesick. I've been pretty good with the homesickness, though. I have yet to call home, though I do find myself ducking into internet cafes fairly regularly to check email and update facebook, and to chat with my boyfriend back home. But my host mother is very nice, and all in all, I am so busy having fun I barely have time to think about what I've left in the states!
My free weekend was again amazing, though that is perhaps a story for another blog. Trier, Köln, and Amsterdam make for a busy weekend. Likewise, Lehr und Forschungsstation was very enjoyable to see, especially as a pre-vet student. And now, I am very excited to see the zoo in Köln, and in fact, I need to leave to go catch the train there. More soon!
All of the excursions and activities have been very exciting, too! The scavenger hunt through Düsseldorf was great fun, even if the prize was for Subway, which might require me to break my oath to not enter an American chain restaurant. Of course, Köln was absolutely amazing. The tour on top of the alter point was mind-blowing, as terrified as I was of the sheer height we were up, and in the rain to boot! The history and size of the cathedral was astonishing, and that first moment when I exited the Köln hauptbahnhof and caught sight of it was something I'll remember for a long while.
Living in Germany is also a blast, even though the language is still giving me some trouble. Putting what I've learned in German class to use on the streets is a bit hard, and I've found it easier just to speak English, since the entire population here seems to know at least enough to get by with day-to-day requirements. Learning what I have is fun, though, and I try to use it when I can.
Not that there isn't any culture shock. The public transportation didn't take too much getting used to, since I've been all over Dallas's DART system, and I've had no trouble getting used to German food--in fact, I may come home ten pounds heavier--but the style of living here is very different. Orderly is a good word for it, I think, which does fit in with the stereotype. It's the little things that have a way of throwing me off--the way that lights turn yellow before turning green, and how the first floor here would be the second floor in America, and how I have yet to see a single pick up truck.
The little differences can be very good, though. For instance, I love the German attitude towards dogs. Everywhere I go, I see dogs! I love it, though it makes me homesick. I've been pretty good with the homesickness, though. I have yet to call home, though I do find myself ducking into internet cafes fairly regularly to check email and update facebook, and to chat with my boyfriend back home. But my host mother is very nice, and all in all, I am so busy having fun I barely have time to think about what I've left in the states!
My free weekend was again amazing, though that is perhaps a story for another blog. Trier, Köln, and Amsterdam make for a busy weekend. Likewise, Lehr und Forschungsstation was very enjoyable to see, especially as a pre-vet student. And now, I am very excited to see the zoo in Köln, and in fact, I need to leave to go catch the train there. More soon!
Woche Zwei!
So this week has been super busy! However, we are getting to know different parts of Germany so it´s definitely worth it! From now on we only have 1 day when we are in Düsseldorf for an entire day for the rest of the program! That´s incredible to think about! I am so excited about the different parts of this amazing country that we are going to be able to see!
Yesterday we went to Bonn and saw a little of the city, but then we went to Königswinter to see the Animal Research Institute there. I am not that interested in animals, but they were so cute and I had never seen farm animals that up close! It was a once in a life time experience, I learned a lot about veternary medicine, and can say that I have pet a cows head while wearing a Beastie Boys music video outfit! :)
Today we are going to go to the Köln Zoo and the Hannover tomorrow. We are staying overnight in Hannover in a Hostel. This will be my first hostel experience! I´m a bit nervous, but I know that they wouldn´t put us up in some shanty...but I guess we shall see!
My birthday is this coming weekend and apparently in Germany it is bad luck to celebrate your birthday earlier! Hmm....well in Germany I would be having a lot of bad luck! Oops! But on Thursday night we are going to celebrate into my birthday, which is looked upon favorably! So we are going to go to AltStadt on Thursday, take a train to Paris and arrive late on Friday night, and then see the sights and keep on celebrating on Saturday and Sunday!
I am a bit afraid of Parisians being mean because I don´t know any French, minus my butchering of words of ´my name is..´´I would like...´and so on! So that´s it for now! I´m can´t wait to see what all these excursions hold!
Yesterday we went to Bonn and saw a little of the city, but then we went to Königswinter to see the Animal Research Institute there. I am not that interested in animals, but they were so cute and I had never seen farm animals that up close! It was a once in a life time experience, I learned a lot about veternary medicine, and can say that I have pet a cows head while wearing a Beastie Boys music video outfit! :)
Today we are going to go to the Köln Zoo and the Hannover tomorrow. We are staying overnight in Hannover in a Hostel. This will be my first hostel experience! I´m a bit nervous, but I know that they wouldn´t put us up in some shanty...but I guess we shall see!
My birthday is this coming weekend and apparently in Germany it is bad luck to celebrate your birthday earlier! Hmm....well in Germany I would be having a lot of bad luck! Oops! But on Thursday night we are going to celebrate into my birthday, which is looked upon favorably! So we are going to go to AltStadt on Thursday, take a train to Paris and arrive late on Friday night, and then see the sights and keep on celebrating on Saturday and Sunday!
I am a bit afraid of Parisians being mean because I don´t know any French, minus my butchering of words of ´my name is..´´I would like...´and so on! So that´s it for now! I´m can´t wait to see what all these excursions hold!
B.O. and other marvels of Europe
So this weekend I went to Paris and was so excited about it. We got there and we saw how dirty the subways were among other somewhat unmentionable things and smells, and my expectations started to slowly decline. Anyway, we went to buy some metro tickets and we were trying to pay attention to how the people in front of us were doing it because the machine was all in French and none of us spoke french. Well, some nice Canadians saw us and helped us out and we were very grateful for it. I started to feel a little bit better about the weekend since there are some nice people around and such. Then, after a little bit of a crisis and panic attack we managed to get to our hostel. I want to right now black list this hostel and let everyone know that no one should ever stay there, EVER!!! It was called the Aloha Hostel and it was nasty. The entire place smelled like b.o. and I was a little scared to go to the restroom. So anyway we checked in and then went to grab something to eat. I personally think that the French tend to smoke more than Germans. Our waiter was smoking as he was taking our order for pizza with egg on it. It was definitely interesting to say the least. The one thing I really liked about Paris though was that we didn't have any trouble getting around. You always hear that the French people will be snobby and rude if you try to speak English to them but we never got that. It was a good surprise and made the weekend much better.
Also, the research farm we went to yesterday was a really informative and fun experience. I personally am very interested in reproduction technologies so I found everything he was saying to be extremely interesting. Also, I had no idea that it was such a popular trend within their industry. I know our dairy industry is almost completely dependent on A.I. but I never heard that it was such a big deal over here so that was fun to learn. Also, the fact that their cattle are used for dual purpose instead of strictly dairy or strictly beef like our industry was really interesting. I never knew about that either. In other words, yesterday was alot of fun and I learned alot so I'm really glad we got to go.
Also, the research farm we went to yesterday was a really informative and fun experience. I personally am very interested in reproduction technologies so I found everything he was saying to be extremely interesting. Also, I had no idea that it was such a popular trend within their industry. I know our dairy industry is almost completely dependent on A.I. but I never heard that it was such a big deal over here so that was fun to learn. Also, the fact that their cattle are used for dual purpose instead of strictly dairy or strictly beef like our industry was really interesting. I never knew about that either. In other words, yesterday was alot of fun and I learned alot so I'm really glad we got to go.
Monday, July 14, 2008
You had to be there.
This place is great. After being here just over a week, I am already comfortable with the general aspects of everyday German life. I do not always understand exactly what people say to me, but we almost always end up getting our respective points across. I usually at least try to start in German, and though I quickly have to ask them in English, I think that is better than merely relying on the dominance of English and expecting them to know my language. My pronunciation may be horrible and by grammar flat wrong, but people seem to generally appeciate the effort, just like Dr. Wasser said.
One of the highlights for me on this trip was going to be my host family. They are extremely nice people, but they do not seem that interested in getting to know their host students. They have two daughters at the house and another student from Japan who is here studying German. The daughter near my age is never there and the younger one spends most of her time in her room with the door shut, as does the Japanese student. Last week I only really saw them on Monday and Friday, but I was staying out late and getting up early.
I may try visiting some other families which I know enjoy talking about our cultures and their characteristics. I think the stereotype of superconservative Texas is known throughout the world and I enjoy talking to people about it and letting them know I have always lived there and I am fairly liberal. In America, I usually enjoy speaking more with adults about these issues, but over here it often seems that the younger Germans are more interested in talking about it. They may just be more comfortable with English though.
This weekend I visited Trier and Amsterdam. Both amazing cities in their own ways. Both of them had more historical importance than I can fullz comprehend. The Anne Frank house brought back so many memories from Dachau. The two are not directly related, but I think the general feeling I had started to bring back memories of my trip to Dachau and I could remember more details. Both put me in an odd mental state, disgust at the tragedies that happened and appreciation that they were preserved for me to experience.
One of the highlights for me on this trip was going to be my host family. They are extremely nice people, but they do not seem that interested in getting to know their host students. They have two daughters at the house and another student from Japan who is here studying German. The daughter near my age is never there and the younger one spends most of her time in her room with the door shut, as does the Japanese student. Last week I only really saw them on Monday and Friday, but I was staying out late and getting up early.
I may try visiting some other families which I know enjoy talking about our cultures and their characteristics. I think the stereotype of superconservative Texas is known throughout the world and I enjoy talking to people about it and letting them know I have always lived there and I am fairly liberal. In America, I usually enjoy speaking more with adults about these issues, but over here it often seems that the younger Germans are more interested in talking about it. They may just be more comfortable with English though.
This weekend I visited Trier and Amsterdam. Both amazing cities in their own ways. Both of them had more historical importance than I can fullz comprehend. The Anne Frank house brought back so many memories from Dachau. The two are not directly related, but I think the general feeling I had started to bring back memories of my trip to Dachau and I could remember more details. Both put me in an odd mental state, disgust at the tragedies that happened and appreciation that they were preserved for me to experience.
Trier, Koln, and Dusseldorf
Our first completely free weekend of the trip turned out to be full of new experiences accompanied with some relaxation for myself. On Saturday, 9 of us left for Trier to see old ruins and what we told was a more traditional German town. Of course when we got there it was raining and stayed cloudy all day. Trier was fun and interesting, but the real excitement of the trip came on the ride back to Koln. Basically to make a long story short we partied with a bachelorette party on the train and one of us (Madeline) even brought the Soulja Boy dance to the Deutschland. We got off the train in Koln to see the fireworks and have a few drinks. Finally we got back to Dusseldorf around 2:00 am. The next morning I opted no to travel to Amsterdam and stayed in Dusseldorf all day. I experienced the French Festival in Aldstadt and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
During my short time here I have been thinking of things here that I think should be started in the States. First, Duners should come to the states. Duners are Turkish sandwiches made from huge slabs of meat and some good sauce with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Amazing simply describes it. Another is all the ice cream stands. Around every corner there is sure to a bar and close that is usually an ice cream stand. And for just a few cents you can try one of a number of flavors, pure genius. There will surely be more to come in later blogs, but for now, tschuss.
During my short time here I have been thinking of things here that I think should be started in the States. First, Duners should come to the states. Duners are Turkish sandwiches made from huge slabs of meat and some good sauce with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Amazing simply describes it. Another is all the ice cream stands. Around every corner there is sure to a bar and close that is usually an ice cream stand. And for just a few cents you can try one of a number of flavors, pure genius. There will surely be more to come in later blogs, but for now, tschuss.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
"Dude, there's a hair on my pillow"
Me and Pete are here in the Amsterdam public library waiting for our train to arrive later on this evening, and we figured this would be as good a time as any to post to the blog. Amsterdam has been great, at first I was a little intimidated by everything but now that we have been here since Friday I feel like I am getting the hang of things. The Dutch are a completely different culture from Germany, at least as far as I can tell. They are extremely laid back (for obvious reasons) and are not afraid to be open about everything (such as other certain sights in the city). Whether it was the 5 year old kid wearing a shirt that says "HOLY SHIT", the children's museum with an entire floor dedicated to sex and what goes down during puberty, or the people that seem to anywhere and anytime bust out a joint (the steps leading up to the library for example), it is very obvious that this is a completely different place from America, let alone Germany. Pete and I had some great adventures here, but I am definitely dragging and really looking forward to getting back to Dusseldorf and actually sleeping. I also experienced my first hostel (what the title is referring to), it was dirty in place, but not bad at all. You really get a great chance to meet a lot of people that are just like you, travelling around looking for a good time. I never thought that I would go out and party with 2 Canadians, an Austrailian, and a Brit in Amsterdam one night. This entire trip has opened me up to so many new experiences it's amazing. I'm looking forward to Zoo and travelling to Bonn this week, and having a real meal from my family as opposed to the crappy 1 Euro frozen pizzas we bought at the grocery store here to eat at the hostel (though it sure is easy on the wallet). I think Pete is going to give the low down on everything that happened this weekend, so I'll quit typing and yall can read his.
Withering away in Amsterdam
Well at the moment I am lounged on a sofa with a state of the art Mac at Amsterdam's awesome free library/mutimeddia center located close to the central station. Allen and I have been walking all weekend discovering Amsterdam and its unique features. Needless to say we are exhausted and need a break while we wait for our train back. To begin the trip our 1st train go canceled so we had to take one 45 minutes later that was slower. That was disappointing. Next on our new train to Amsterdam we proceeded to get off on the wrong stop and ended up in Utrecht. So we then had to take a 100 euro taxi ride 30 km to Amsterdam.
When we arrived the luxurious hostel Anne Marie, we were greeted by a fat orange cat named Andy that I promptly renamed Garfield. I'm not a picky guy so the hostel was not the best living conditions, but I did't mind because we were in the famed Amsterdam. We quickly drropped off our backpacks and began our exhilarating journey.
We did all the typical museum stuff such as the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank house. However the best was the science museum called Nemo. It is full of hands on experiments and exhibits that made feel like I was 7 years old and watching Power Rangers again. There was a sex/puberty exhibit that I found quite puzzling at a museum aimed mostly for kids. The Dutch are obviously extremely liberal because there were giant tongues teaching kids how to French kiss and different models of sexual positions. As an American I know this would NEVER see the light of day as a children's museum exhibit on American soil. It just goes to show the complete openess of the Netherlands. However I found it quite amusing watching the kids swordfight with the giant tongues. And yes I took many pictures.
Also Allen and I cruised the city at night. The stories are true, Amsterdam is completely insane. The first night we walked around the city and happened to end up in the Red Light district. It was quite frightening every time a girl tapped on the window and beckoned you inside. I feel sorry for them. The second night we befriended some Canadians, Austrailians, and an energetic Brit at the hostel. We then talked at a pub for a while and got to know each other. To end the night we went to a club and danced the night away. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my new friends from all over the world.
Amsterdam was awesome. We did everything we planned to do and learned so much about the Dutch and backpacking in general. I highly reccommend this crazy city.
When we arrived the luxurious hostel Anne Marie, we were greeted by a fat orange cat named Andy that I promptly renamed Garfield. I'm not a picky guy so the hostel was not the best living conditions, but I did't mind because we were in the famed Amsterdam. We quickly drropped off our backpacks and began our exhilarating journey.
We did all the typical museum stuff such as the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank house. However the best was the science museum called Nemo. It is full of hands on experiments and exhibits that made feel like I was 7 years old and watching Power Rangers again. There was a sex/puberty exhibit that I found quite puzzling at a museum aimed mostly for kids. The Dutch are obviously extremely liberal because there were giant tongues teaching kids how to French kiss and different models of sexual positions. As an American I know this would NEVER see the light of day as a children's museum exhibit on American soil. It just goes to show the complete openess of the Netherlands. However I found it quite amusing watching the kids swordfight with the giant tongues. And yes I took many pictures.
Also Allen and I cruised the city at night. The stories are true, Amsterdam is completely insane. The first night we walked around the city and happened to end up in the Red Light district. It was quite frightening every time a girl tapped on the window and beckoned you inside. I feel sorry for them. The second night we befriended some Canadians, Austrailians, and an energetic Brit at the hostel. We then talked at a pub for a while and got to know each other. To end the night we went to a club and danced the night away. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my new friends from all over the world.
Amsterdam was awesome. We did everything we planned to do and learned so much about the Dutch and backpacking in general. I highly reccommend this crazy city.
Expectations and entertainment!
So this week has been pretty interesting! There are certain things that I expected to happen that aren´t, and certain things that I didn´t expect to happen ocurring. I wish I could be practicing my german more, as I have taken four semesters and was told that I would be able to practice it more. But besides that, the trip is going very well. The group here is amazing and I am looking forward to the times in the future.
I think my favorite part about this week was this past Saturday! We went to Trier, the oldest city in Germany that has a lot of Roman ruins. There was a French festival and lots of bands playing Jazz music! It was awesome! Then we took a train to Köln and watched fireworks! I was happy to see the fireworks because I missed the 4th of July! :( But now it´s okay.
My german is improving, but only in the asking for directions or ordering food area. I hope to expand my practice and to continue enjoying my excursions. This upcoming week is going to be a lot of fun because from now on and until the end of the trip, we only have 2 days when we are in Düsseldorf for the entire day!
Another thing that I have found very entertaining is the Bachlor and Bachlorette parties here! They go all out! That will be another entry: Our experiences with Bachlor and Bachlorette parties...look forward to reading it! Tschüs!
I think my favorite part about this week was this past Saturday! We went to Trier, the oldest city in Germany that has a lot of Roman ruins. There was a French festival and lots of bands playing Jazz music! It was awesome! Then we took a train to Köln and watched fireworks! I was happy to see the fireworks because I missed the 4th of July! :( But now it´s okay.
My german is improving, but only in the asking for directions or ordering food area. I hope to expand my practice and to continue enjoying my excursions. This upcoming week is going to be a lot of fun because from now on and until the end of the trip, we only have 2 days when we are in Düsseldorf for the entire day!
Another thing that I have found very entertaining is the Bachlor and Bachlorette parties here! They go all out! That will be another entry: Our experiences with Bachlor and Bachlorette parties...look forward to reading it! Tschüs!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Week 1
We are finally finished with the first of five weeks that will be undoubtedly amazing. The week started off with classes to help familiarize ourselves with Dusseldorf and the German culture. The highlight of the week came on Wednesday with a trip to the Cologne Cathedral. If you are reading this and have never been to this cathedral and do not know much or anything about this place you should look it up on the Internet. This place is absolutely amazing. Looking at pictures just does not quite do it justice. It is huge, elaborate, and definitely one of a kind. Cologne itself is an old city with many other very interesting places and traditions. There we spent most of our day and ate lunch and walked around. With this trip being amazing, I glance over our schedule for the rest of the 4 weeks and I notice that many, many more day trips and over-night trips are coming up. Needless to say, I am excited. The week ended with an interesting and informative lecture given by R. Zinnikus over the 20th century in Germany and the Nazi rise and WWII ramifications. I'm looking forward to this weekend with a trip to a very old German city, Cologne fireworks show, and Amsterdam.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
First week in Germany!
My time in Germany has been filled with excitement from th moment i arrived. It was a little unnerving to walk off the airplane and see no familar faces or language for that matter. And just for a moment i wanted to get back on that airplane and go back home. Luckily, Florien, drew's host brother, found us at the airport and made us feel right at home.
My host mother could not be more wonderful. She speaks English fairly good and seems to be getting better the longer i am here. She fixes me musili every morning from fresh fruit she gets at a local market, granola, and something similar to yoguart. I am getting very spoiled.
The first weekend I got to know Florien and some of his friends in the altstadt. They were very charming and enjoyed talking to us about the differences between American and German culture. The first difference i learned was that the bars do not close at 2 am here. I remember walking out of the bar and being in disbelief because it was light outside. I did not make it home till 7 am.
Because Florien was very nice and always came with me where ever i went, i decided on Sunday i was going to be brave and venture out on my own. I am very poor with directions and it did not work out so well. My plan was to meet Drew in front of the pink castle at 3. Since Drew knows how well i am with directions he said he would pick me up at the bus stop. Somehow i did not make it to the bus stop till almost 3 hours after the set time. Needless to say, Drew had gone on by then. Although i never made it to the pink castle, I was content with my first real adventure.
Monday and Tuesday were all about getting adjusted to Dusseldorf which i thoroughly enjoyed but Wednesday in Cologne was my favorite by far. I will never forget walking out of the train stop and being in awe of the dome. It was an unbelieveable feeling. This day brought a mixture of feelings for me. Visiting the elde haus was very enlightening. Standing in the memorial and looking at messages left from the prisoners who were tortured here was unbelievabley sad. I think it is good that the Germans do not try to repress or forget what happened. I think it is important to learn from your mistakes and teach others what you have learned.
I am looking forward to a fun filled weekend with good friends! Tschau!
My host mother could not be more wonderful. She speaks English fairly good and seems to be getting better the longer i am here. She fixes me musili every morning from fresh fruit she gets at a local market, granola, and something similar to yoguart. I am getting very spoiled.
The first weekend I got to know Florien and some of his friends in the altstadt. They were very charming and enjoyed talking to us about the differences between American and German culture. The first difference i learned was that the bars do not close at 2 am here. I remember walking out of the bar and being in disbelief because it was light outside. I did not make it home till 7 am.
Because Florien was very nice and always came with me where ever i went, i decided on Sunday i was going to be brave and venture out on my own. I am very poor with directions and it did not work out so well. My plan was to meet Drew in front of the pink castle at 3. Since Drew knows how well i am with directions he said he would pick me up at the bus stop. Somehow i did not make it to the bus stop till almost 3 hours after the set time. Needless to say, Drew had gone on by then. Although i never made it to the pink castle, I was content with my first real adventure.
Monday and Tuesday were all about getting adjusted to Dusseldorf which i thoroughly enjoyed but Wednesday in Cologne was my favorite by far. I will never forget walking out of the train stop and being in awe of the dome. It was an unbelieveable feeling. This day brought a mixture of feelings for me. Visiting the elde haus was very enlightening. Standing in the memorial and looking at messages left from the prisoners who were tortured here was unbelievabley sad. I think it is good that the Germans do not try to repress or forget what happened. I think it is important to learn from your mistakes and teach others what you have learned.
I am looking forward to a fun filled weekend with good friends! Tschau!
Koln and HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY AMANDA!
Yesterday we were in Cologne- Koln. It was such a great great experience to visit the cathedral that holds the three wisemen and actually see their caskets. The church was beautiful and being able to see the town of Cologne from the top was very scary but definitely worth it. The most touching experience for me was visiting the El-De haus. Ever since I was in the 6th grade I would read books about the Holocaust and novels that were written about their exile. I was greatly moved by all of the history that surrounded me, and even though I knew some of the information already, I couldn't help but listen intently. Walking through the office building of the Gestapo was pretty much mind boggling. Hearing the stories about putting children on a bus and gassing them in the middle of nowhere and seeing pictures actually hurt; there was a pain in my chest. As we were in the basement, I couldn't help but feel my heart ache again as our tour guide explained their living situation, if you would even call that living. So far this experience has been the most memorable for me because it truly touched me that aren't any adequate words to describe all that I felt during the tour.
On a much lighter note, today is Amanda's birthday!!! Christine and I woke up extra early today to decorate the table for breakfast with every birthday decor you can imagine. Amanda's candle on her cake was a sparkler! It is time spent with my host family such as these that shows me just how important family is to them. Obviously we are not the Klose's real children, but they are so generous and definitely treat us like their own. Tonight we are celebrating Amanda's birthday and the Klose's have invited everyone to an authentic German dinner. I cannot wait to taste more of the their delicious food, and listen to our host parents tell jokes and entertain us.
long winded ramblings from germany......
So I have officially been here a week today. It has gone by very quickly already and soon we are to start our travelling allll over Germany Monday so Im sure it will go by even quicker now. My friend and roomie Sharon and I got in at noon last thursday. We came to the AIB and then went and got a hotel at the CVJM, which is the equivalent of the YMCA at home... but it has hotels rooms... Anyway, we got our room which was very nice. It had two little single beds and a shower and desk and everything we needed. There were three huge windows that opened up all the way out onto the street. we just sat and watched the people go by for a while and settled in. We went on a walk to find dinner and found this little Italian restraunt on the corner of some streets so we went in and had some pasta. We sat in the seats at the window facing out and ate and watched the world go by. It was a very nice dinner. Our waiter spoke a little english so that was nice. After dinner we started walking back and found this Turkish desert place and decided to go in and try it out. The workers knew no english what-so-ever, but they loved us. We got a few pieces of Baklavar (sp) on the house and Turkish tea. I think they knew we had never had any so they were just letting us try. They also gave us a piece of Turkish Delight... I do not like Turkish Delight. But the Baklavar was amazing. i was pleasantly surprised, it looked weird when i first saw it. After that we just went back to the room and fell asleep at about 8... I know, sad, but we were exhausted.
The next day we met our host family. They are very sweet. The mother speaks english very well, and the father doesnt really at all. It is really funny to try to understand each other when the mother, Sibylle, isnt around to translate. The other day at dinner he asked if we liked Brad Pitt and Britney Spears in broken english. It was really funny. Their daughter does live with them, but she is in the middle of finals and so we dont see her very much. When shes not taking the tests shes locked in her room studying for them.
Saturday we met with the rest of the group and went on a tour of the old town of Dusseldorf. It was nice. We got to know some of the history and some of the places to go. That was basically all we did that day. That night we went out the the Aldstadt (old town) to all of the bars, which is called the 'longest bar in the world' and it gets that name with reason! There were bars as far down the street as I could see, which I guess wasnt far because there were so many people there I couldnt see more than two or three places down the way. It was so much fun. The cocktails we got were HUGE. Think the cups we drink water out of at your house, or coke glasses when you go out... and that was the small. There were Jumbos that you could get that were ridiculous. The were very good though.
Sunday Sibylle took us to the castle that is in Dusseldorf. It was beautiful. We didnt get to go inside because there was some parade going on that day but we walked around the hunting grounds in the back. They were gorgeous. The trees were unbelievable. The castle was built inthe 16th century so the trees were that old as well and huge. It had the dirt pathways that went through the forest. And there was a huge rectangle pond, lake thing in the back next to the castle. It went long way out into the forest with grass around it and it had swan and ducks and such. It was really beautiful.
Monday we had class all day and a little tour of the area that our class is. We went up a thing called the Rhein tour. It is a 175 m (ish) tour with a restraunt at the top. The walls at the top are all windows so you get an amazing view of the city. So that was fun. That was basically all we did Monday.
Tuesday morning we had class and then after lunch we went on a Scavenger hunt around city. That was ok. Just basically walked around and took pictures of places and statues. Then later that night was the welcome dinner with everyone and their host families. That was a lot of fun. We had homemade quiche and pasta salad and smoked Salamon and the works. It was really good. That night we went home and Sharon and I went on a walk around the neighborhood which was very nice. The neighborhoods are very cute and old-style around our house. So that was nice.
Yesterday we took our first of three trips to Köln. We took a tour of the city and the outside of the Cathedral. It was stunning. I cant describe to you what it looks like. And to think that it was built over a hundred years ago is amazing. Pictures do not do it justice. After the outside tour, we went to the Elde Haus which was the Gestapo headquarters of Köln. We took a tour of the first and second floor which was a memorial. Then we went to the basement which was the prison. There were 10 tiny cells basically built for one or two people and just enough to fit a bed and two people. We then learned that they fit up to 30 people in one... I have no idea how that was even possible, but apparently it was done. And on the walls there are still writings from the prisoners with dates and caledars showing how long they have been in there and what was happening. They were done with whatever the people had on them, so some were done in lipstick and eyeliner if people didnt happen to have a pencil or pen on them. It was hard to think about and actually see, but I think it adds a piece of realness to it. It's not just a story you hear or read about in books anymore. It's in your face with writings and artifacts.
After the Elde Haus we went back to the Cathedral to go on a rooftop tour. That was unreal. We went to the top the church part and went up a little part of the north tour. Inside we went on the little 'cat walks' in the inside up by the roof, and when I figure out how to send pics you will see how high that was! I'm not going to lie, my heart was going a little bit faster than normal while we were up there. But to see the detail of everything so close and be able to touch the little tours that are on top and stand under the star that is the center of the cross the church makes was awesome. And it gave an amazing view of the city.
Today so far we have just had class. We aren't going to do much else I dont think. Tomorrow was have class in the morning and then are let out after lunch. Most of the group is going to Amsterdam. I am going to a city called Trier. It is the oldest city in Germany and has Roman ruins from 16 B.C. There are a few of us going, but we're only making it a day trip. We will come back Saturday night, and then Sunday a few will go out to Amsterdam to meet up with the group for a day. I'm going to stay in town and go visit some ruins that are a little north of here and try to go back to the inside of the castle in Dusseldorf.
Sorry this is so freakin long! I wrote part of this to my fam and just decided to keep going for the blog!!!! I promise the next ones won't be as bad... and more broken up...
The next day we met our host family. They are very sweet. The mother speaks english very well, and the father doesnt really at all. It is really funny to try to understand each other when the mother, Sibylle, isnt around to translate. The other day at dinner he asked if we liked Brad Pitt and Britney Spears in broken english. It was really funny. Their daughter does live with them, but she is in the middle of finals and so we dont see her very much. When shes not taking the tests shes locked in her room studying for them.
Saturday we met with the rest of the group and went on a tour of the old town of Dusseldorf. It was nice. We got to know some of the history and some of the places to go. That was basically all we did that day. That night we went out the the Aldstadt (old town) to all of the bars, which is called the 'longest bar in the world' and it gets that name with reason! There were bars as far down the street as I could see, which I guess wasnt far because there were so many people there I couldnt see more than two or three places down the way. It was so much fun. The cocktails we got were HUGE. Think the cups we drink water out of at your house, or coke glasses when you go out... and that was the small. There were Jumbos that you could get that were ridiculous. The were very good though.
Sunday Sibylle took us to the castle that is in Dusseldorf. It was beautiful. We didnt get to go inside because there was some parade going on that day but we walked around the hunting grounds in the back. They were gorgeous. The trees were unbelievable. The castle was built inthe 16th century so the trees were that old as well and huge. It had the dirt pathways that went through the forest. And there was a huge rectangle pond, lake thing in the back next to the castle. It went long way out into the forest with grass around it and it had swan and ducks and such. It was really beautiful.
Monday we had class all day and a little tour of the area that our class is. We went up a thing called the Rhein tour. It is a 175 m (ish) tour with a restraunt at the top. The walls at the top are all windows so you get an amazing view of the city. So that was fun. That was basically all we did Monday.
Tuesday morning we had class and then after lunch we went on a Scavenger hunt around city. That was ok. Just basically walked around and took pictures of places and statues. Then later that night was the welcome dinner with everyone and their host families. That was a lot of fun. We had homemade quiche and pasta salad and smoked Salamon and the works. It was really good. That night we went home and Sharon and I went on a walk around the neighborhood which was very nice. The neighborhoods are very cute and old-style around our house. So that was nice.
Yesterday we took our first of three trips to Köln. We took a tour of the city and the outside of the Cathedral. It was stunning. I cant describe to you what it looks like. And to think that it was built over a hundred years ago is amazing. Pictures do not do it justice. After the outside tour, we went to the Elde Haus which was the Gestapo headquarters of Köln. We took a tour of the first and second floor which was a memorial. Then we went to the basement which was the prison. There were 10 tiny cells basically built for one or two people and just enough to fit a bed and two people. We then learned that they fit up to 30 people in one... I have no idea how that was even possible, but apparently it was done. And on the walls there are still writings from the prisoners with dates and caledars showing how long they have been in there and what was happening. They were done with whatever the people had on them, so some were done in lipstick and eyeliner if people didnt happen to have a pencil or pen on them. It was hard to think about and actually see, but I think it adds a piece of realness to it. It's not just a story you hear or read about in books anymore. It's in your face with writings and artifacts.
After the Elde Haus we went back to the Cathedral to go on a rooftop tour. That was unreal. We went to the top the church part and went up a little part of the north tour. Inside we went on the little 'cat walks' in the inside up by the roof, and when I figure out how to send pics you will see how high that was! I'm not going to lie, my heart was going a little bit faster than normal while we were up there. But to see the detail of everything so close and be able to touch the little tours that are on top and stand under the star that is the center of the cross the church makes was awesome. And it gave an amazing view of the city.
Today so far we have just had class. We aren't going to do much else I dont think. Tomorrow was have class in the morning and then are let out after lunch. Most of the group is going to Amsterdam. I am going to a city called Trier. It is the oldest city in Germany and has Roman ruins from 16 B.C. There are a few of us going, but we're only making it a day trip. We will come back Saturday night, and then Sunday a few will go out to Amsterdam to meet up with the group for a day. I'm going to stay in town and go visit some ruins that are a little north of here and try to go back to the inside of the castle in Dusseldorf.
Sorry this is so freakin long! I wrote part of this to my fam and just decided to keep going for the blog!!!! I promise the next ones won't be as bad... and more broken up...
Right at Home
I've been in Germany for a week and I haven't posted any of my experiences or thoughts yet. When I arrived in the airport, everything was going great until I came to the passport kiosk. It felt like an interrogation, so that made me nervous. All of my nerves were relieved when I found my host brother at the airport. I could not have asked for a better host brother. As soon as he found me and Jordan, he took us back to his house and became an example of a true servant. For my first few days in Germany, he was my guide into German culture and made sure that I was comfortable in Germany. The first Friday I was here, he took me with his friends to the Altstatt to experence what Germans do best, drink beer. I was so impressed when he and his friends bought me beer and would not let me pay for it. It allowed me to see that the Germans are very hospitable. After we got back home, we stayed up and talked about culture, politics, and ethics until 5 in the morning. It was a great introduction to the country and to the people I would be sharing the next 5 weeks of my life with. I am increadibally excited for the experences that the next few weeks are going to bring.
Amsterdam Weekend
Over the week, I've come to feel more and more like Dusseldorf is really an awesome city that I have been growing accustomed too. Each time we go out to the Altstadt we meet more people, for example, last night we talked to the clerk at a kiosk about why Dusseldorf is better than Koln. You can probably read more about our adventure last night in Pete's blog. As I've been figuring out where things are in this city and how to use the train/bus systems, the city isn't nearly as intimidating as it was on our first day as the taxi driver blew by the city on the way to the AIB. I'm also beginning to realize what my friends were talking about when they said that studying abroad is an amazing experience. This weekend we are going to Amsterdam, and from what I've heard from everyone it sounds like a great city. I am looking forward to the museums and getting to experience a famous European city, and I'm sure we will have many, many stories and experiences to tell people back home about.
Bullen!
So last night was yet another interesting night in Altstadt. Every night I go out I feel like I fit in more and more and know all the cool local clubs and bars. At around 10 Allen and I arrive in Old Town for student night to meet up with Andy Peters from the past Aggie Dusseldorf group and Jordan. We went to some electronica club called Sub and it was literally packed like sardines of dancing locals. To our astonishment, we spotted a couple of girls that we had met this previous Saturday. Me, Allen, and Andy proceed to do the Euro-type dancing with the girls and their friends. I'm not the world's most talented dancer, but I could hold my own with the Europeans. So after we worked up a good sweat we headed to a karaoke bar with the girls. I had never been to one, but I had a wonderful time watching the Germans try to belt out English songs from Whitney Houston to the Spice Girls. I could get used to the culture in Germany quite easily. On the way home, the girls showed Allen and I a shortcut to take on the trains. While we were walking down the streets, a passing by car was blocked by a baricade so the German girls moved it for them and then moved it back. About a block later we were met by a tiny police car. Allen and I were terrified because we do not know all the German laws and we feared we had accidently broken one. To end the story, the German girls quickly explained the baricade situation to the police while me and Allen watched with wide open eyes. The police apoligized for scaring us then we were on our way.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
So I know that just about everyone I've talked to since we've been here has heard me say this but, I love this city. There are so many trees and gardens and sporadic parks placed throughout. Even with all the rain lately I have really been enjoying the whole experience of just hopping to another country on the other side of the world. It didn't take too long to see some of the differences between here and back home: the tiny cars zipping around, 16 year olds walking around the altstadt with open bottles of beer, and these crazy keyboards that are still tripping me up. But its all part of the experience right? I'm going to be spending the weekend in Paris so we'll see how that goes.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
"Haben Sie ein 'bottle opener'?"
Well I am here in Germany now, and it has been a blast so far. The first couple days I was a little intimidated by the fact that it is a completely different country and continent, not to mention a different language. Despite that, the people here have proven to be extremely friendly, regardless of whether they speak English or not. Our host family is awesome, we live at a sports complex the family runs, as well as the bar/restaurant/beer garden that is at the complex as well. They weren't around much the first weekend because they also had to work their catering job that weekend as well. Even though, our rooms are nice and the family is very friendly and eager to know about Texas when we are there. We have already had a few trips to the Altstadt, including one that lasted until 6 in the morning. Needless to say, that was a great night. So far though I feel that I am getting a great view of German culture from our family and talking to the various people at the bar each night. It's a great culture and mindset, and while different than ours in Texas, I feel that the more time we spend here and with the people, we'll start to identify more and more with it, to the point where we feel like we have become a part of it.
Man at the Bar
Our host family runs a bar/restaurant/beer garden/rooms for rent. Needless to say, we get to meet a bunch of interesting characters while we spend time with our host family. Last night while eating more pork(that's all we seem to eat, but I'm getting used to it), a middle aged man in his 40's sat next to me and Allen at the bar. He introduced himself and as Dr. Wasser predicted was very interested in politics and about our thoughts about the upcoming election. We told him we were Republican and supported McCain over Obama and he continued with question after question. I felt I was learning a lot during this onslaught of questions because he was also very opinionated and let us know when he disagreed or agreed. It turns out he was a retired military man in the German army. He was fond of the U.S. army and its efforts to help keep peace in the world. Also, he did not seem to like the British army or its people very much. I'm sure this dislike stems back to World War II and the aftermath where Britain was harsh on Germany. I found it surprising that these feelings were still alive in some Germans. Everyday I seem to learn more and more about the likes and dislikes of average Germans. I even seem to follow the general conversation between our host family and its international guests even though the conversation is mostly in German.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Wilkommen in Düsseldorf!
We're here!!! The time has finally come to be in Germany, and yet it still hasn't hit me. Oh well, I hope it will soon. The flight over here was nice, though there were a couple of hang-ups in Arizona...leave it to US Airways. Man, this German keyboard is tricky. I've been here for 29 hours, and so far I love everything I've encountered. My host family is awesome, the ice cream is amazing, and the sights are full of history. Before leaving to come on this trip I was in the Grand Canyon, so I didn't have much time to mentally prepare myself for Germany. I was packed a month before the trip, and haven't done much planning. I am not a very spontaneous person, so this trip should be interesting...I'm not even sure of my plans for this coming weekend! Anyway, this experience is going to be unlike anything I've ever done before, and I'm so excited to see what Europe has in store for all of us!! Tschuess!
Celler!
Our hosts surprised us for the weekend with a trip to visit their family in Celler! It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive north of Dusseldorf. We stayed with Dietmar's mom. She didn't speak English, but she was very sweet. Her home was very cute, with a gorgeous porch and backyard, much different than the flats in Dusseldorf. We also met his sister and her family and his brother. They cooked so much for dinner, I wasn't able to eat it all. I don't know if that was normal for them or if they were celebrating. Julia and her cousins Michael and Maria took us out in Celler. They were so sweet and welcoming! Michael even let us drive his brand new 80,000 euro Mercedes. It was so awesome!! We started laughing so much because he only speaks German and we didn't understand fast, slow, turn, and directions. We learned pretty fast though. They are so giving and trusting. I don't know any American who would have done that. They tried to teach us German all night. It was hilarious! I don't think I learned very much though. lol It is amazing how much they know about our culture. They listen to so much of our music and watch our movies! I never listen to other countries music or movies. They take in interest in world news, learning about so many other places and people, where as I think we tend to focus just on new that directly effects America. We watched the Lion King in German. It was so funny! I could catch a couple of the words since I know the movie so well. We took a tour of the historic part of Celler. Some of the builiding date back to the 1500s. It is incredible how much historz there is, with Napoleon, World Wars, and the Cold War. I can't imagine having so much history. We even saw original letters of Martin Luther to the Duke of Celler. It was incredible. You could never see something so old like that in the United States. We also saw a beautiful castle and French Gardens. It was a great trip. It's odd because I will never see them again, but they were so open and sincere. They truely wanted to get to know us, even for the short period of time. I'm excited to get to see more of Dusseldorf this week, since we haven't really been able to walk around yet.
I'm finally in Germany!
First of all bear with me, as this if my first blog... ever.
Before I came on this trip I didn't know what to expect but I was very excited. I'm not one to come out of my comfort zone too often (i.e. Texas) but after Dr. Wasser talked to our physiology class about it, I really wanted to seize this opportunity. I've been to Europe before but I came more as a tourist, and now I'm much more excited to apply my knowledge that I've learned in past classes to what we are going to see here in Germany.
On our first night with our host family, Dietmar (the dad) told us our room is for "sleeping only and the living room is where we would stay to sit or read." It is funny he said that because if he didn't, I feel like apart of me would have stayed in my room, not to be a hermit but just for comfort reasons? I feel like living with them is going to add to my experience much more than I thought it would.
Saturday, instead of going on the walking tour our (Me, Christine, and Amanda's) host family (the Klose's) took us to Celle, a beautiful town about 3 hours north of Dusseldorf. We met our host dad's mother, brother, sister, nieces, and nephews. I definitely enjoyed their hospitality, and I love how they made us feel like family. When we would eat I just wished I could speak just a little bit of German so I could converse with them or at least understand them. Ahhh, why didn't they enforce learning another language when we were young?! Taking a few years in high school of any language seems to be too late. But, Saturday night we spent time having a few drinks with the cousins, and now Christine and I know our numbers!!
I feel very safe here in Dusseldorf, and I can't wait to see more of Germany.
1st and only question: How much does it cost?
I know everyone complains of their "boring" beginnings, but I can say with some authority that there's not much to be found in West Texas for people who aren't the farm-type. I found it difficult to be open-minded in a sea of people who weren't, and that's part of the reason I jumped at a chance to visit Europe when I was in high school. I loved every moment of it. I had wanted to learn German before, but had to take the only language offered in my town, Spanish. It's a great language, but I didn't see myself using it ever. Luckily, Europe was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Most people say that they don't want to leave, but I really think it's good that I didn't have much money at the time.
Obviously, I was excited from the moment Dr. Elizabeth Crouch introduced Dr. Wasser as a guest speaker in class to talk about his program about medicine based in Germany. It was perhaps one of my biggest strokes of luck. I called my parents immediately after class to see if they would be interested in helping me finance the trip, and thankfully, they seemed open to the idea. I'm no expert on Germany, but I never once had a second thought about coming and I had a pretty good idea on what I was getting into. I know very little conversational German, but I knew what some call "Survival German" like how to ask for directions, food, beer, toilets, etc. I plan on putting that little knowledge to very good use.
I'm no tough guy, but there was never any meaningful amount of nervousness or doubt in my decision to come. Only whether or not I would be able to afford the cost and time. I'm interested in what the trip will entail. I've never been inside a German home, but I have no doubt that I'll enjoy almost every moment. I hope to expand my German vocabulary and maybe even learn a little of the extremely confusing grammar. I guess I should also say I'm really interested in medicine and its practice, but that's a bit overshadowed by the fact that I'M BACK IN FREAKING GERMANY NOW.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
No, not at all? Oh what a trip this is going to be…..
Well, I guess I should start at the beginning. Coming into the trip I had mixed emotions. I was sad I had to say goodbye to those I love, yet was excited to travel overseas for the first time and immerse myself in new culture. I strangely wasn’t too worried about the plane rides or being across the Atlantic from everything I know. I guess Dr. Wasser prepared us well for our trip. Once over here, I expected to live with a host family not unlike my own, English speaking, younger, and with a large backyard. I thought maybe a family I saw briefly between me coming in to the house and me going to sleep. However my expectations quickly changed. You see, I was at the AIB (the school) and my host family walked in, a daughter and her mom together. It took me a little while to realize the older lady knew no English, but if the younger one was there, she was our translator and every thing was okay. But then before dinner the daughter left leaving us till Monday with her parents who knew about as much English as Jon and I know German. Let’s just say dinner was interesting, not bad at all but interesting. So Jon and I spent our dinner flipping through pages of a translation book, trying to figure out what our host parents were saying and what to respond. Despite the language barrier, we worked through it and I feel we understood most of the conversation at dinner. After dinner we met up with a couple other guys on the trip and went to the “Old City” to do some late night sightseeing. On the way back, I realized that it had not yet hit me that I was in Germany, a long way from home and Texas A&M and here with no one except Jon that I really know. Anyways, Jon and I are going to definitely be completely exposed to German culture for the next 5 weeks and I have a feeling that once I wake up to reality I’m going to love every minute of it.
Till next time,
Jordan “Juice”
Well, I guess I should start at the beginning. Coming into the trip I had mixed emotions. I was sad I had to say goodbye to those I love, yet was excited to travel overseas for the first time and immerse myself in new culture. I strangely wasn’t too worried about the plane rides or being across the Atlantic from everything I know. I guess Dr. Wasser prepared us well for our trip. Once over here, I expected to live with a host family not unlike my own, English speaking, younger, and with a large backyard. I thought maybe a family I saw briefly between me coming in to the house and me going to sleep. However my expectations quickly changed. You see, I was at the AIB (the school) and my host family walked in, a daughter and her mom together. It took me a little while to realize the older lady knew no English, but if the younger one was there, she was our translator and every thing was okay. But then before dinner the daughter left leaving us till Monday with her parents who knew about as much English as Jon and I know German. Let’s just say dinner was interesting, not bad at all but interesting. So Jon and I spent our dinner flipping through pages of a translation book, trying to figure out what our host parents were saying and what to respond. Despite the language barrier, we worked through it and I feel we understood most of the conversation at dinner. After dinner we met up with a couple other guys on the trip and went to the “Old City” to do some late night sightseeing. On the way back, I realized that it had not yet hit me that I was in Germany, a long way from home and Texas A&M and here with no one except Jon that I really know. Anyways, Jon and I are going to definitely be completely exposed to German culture for the next 5 weeks and I have a feeling that once I wake up to reality I’m going to love every minute of it.
Till next time,
Jordan “Juice”
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wow...it's today!
So today is Thursday and I'm about to head to the airport! I can't believe it's already here! I don't even feel like I'm going to Germany...I've been waiting for this moment for so long. I FINALLY GET TO PRACTICE MY GERMAN! And I'm more scared than I ever have been! I don't expect to be fluent, but I hope to become more comfortable. School wise, I don't really know what to expect about this trip. I'm just worried about how the living in Germany part will go. This will be the longest I've been away from my family and friends without having the ability of constant contact. It will be interesting. But again, I am very very VERY nervous about having to use my German at home all the time; however, I am looking forward to it so much! I cannot wait to get there...if only it wasn't for this darn overseas flight! :) See you guys soon! Tschuess!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
kann ich die Mikrowelle benutzen?
Juice and I are sitting in the airport watching planes take off and land. I've never been to Europe yet I've always had an interest in the history and culture of the people. Germany has a special intrinsic appeal to me because of the disciplinarian society and the focus on education that they instill in their youth. While I don't know much about the history of Germany besides broad lessons taught in world history, I find the theme of "coming to terms with the past" of specific interest. I look forward to meeting the people and trying to find out what they think of their country both now and historically. Dr. Wasser mentioned that they aren't a smiling population persay, so it's highly likely that our tooth-filled excitement will be matched with a different reaction.
We are about to board and couldn't be more excited to get to know both our host family and our group. See y'all soon-
We are about to board and couldn't be more excited to get to know both our host family and our group. See y'all soon-
Deutschland!
Well tomorrow is finally the day that I leave for Germany, it seems like its taken forever for this trip to actually happen. I had actually signed up for the winter trip, but then decided that it would be a lot more fun to be able to live with a host family, plus be in Germany twice as long. Thankfully I remembered to post to this blog before I left so that I don't start the trip out on a bad note with Dr. Wasser. As far as expectations of the trip I am really hoping to have a great time and experience a different culture. I grew up on the Texas/Mexico border and have been to the Caribbean once, but I have never traveled overseas and am really looking forward to it. One of the things I am especially excited about is living with the host family. I emailed them yesterday but they haven't replied back to me yet. Hopefully they're cool. Obviously I am a little nervous about traveling overseas and being immersed into a completely foreign culture, but I am sure that will all go away once I have a few awesome German beers. I also fully expect to come back to the states with a whole new understanding of just how bad Keystone and every other American beer sucks. All in all, I am really looking forward to the trip and learning more about German culture and medicine.
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow's the day! This summer has gone by so fast. I've been so busy with visiting family and filling out med. school applications, I feel like I haven't been able to prepare for this trip as much as I would have liked. I'm a little nervous I'll forget something tomorrow, but I know it will all work out. This is the first time I've been out of the country, besides Tijuana and the Caribbean. Both of those trips were with my family and didn't seem like completely different cultures. I'm so excited to meet my host family and experience a new culture! I can't wait to see everything and try new foods! I know I'm going to miss my family and friends like crazy, being out of contact except through e-mail for five weeks. But it will be a great growing experience to learn not only about others but also about myself. This trip is going to be a once in a life time experience, and I can't wait to be over there!
I am ready!!
I can't believe I am going to finally be on my way today! I am so blessed to be going on this trip. I was planning on working in a research lab all summer, but going to Germany with a group of aggies seems much more fun! I have not been to Europe since I was in 2nd grade so I am not quite sure what to expect. I am excited to experience a new culture. I greatly enjoy learning about medicine and look forward to see how far we have come in technology. I look forward to tasting new food and drink, as well as picking up some German cooking skills along the way. I am nervous about missing my family and friends, but look forward to making new lifelong families and friends. I hope to take risks and experience Europe to the fullest.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Prepared for takeoff
I've waited till the last moment to post my expectations about the time I will be spending in Germany this summer. Up until this moment I haven't felt nervous, but now for some reason my nerves are getting to me slightly. Maybe its writing on this blog, or finishing up packing. I have been to Europe twice before, once to Paris and the other time to Tuscany and I got to see a little bit of Germany from the air. As far as the geography goes I'm expecting beautiful countrysides, and a land rich in history. One of my favorite things about my previous two trips to Europe is being surrounded by another culture. If anything, that is what I am most excited about. I have talked to my host family multiple times via email and I so excited that I get to live with them. They seem very compassionate and have been very helpful to me while I have been preparing. I also expect to learn a lot from the program and I am very excited about learning the history of medicine, which is a topic I love learning about. The group of Aggies that are going seems like a great group to me and I cannot wait to get to know and travel with everybody. I believe that the next five and a half weeks are going to greatly surpass my expectations and I can barely wait!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Prost!
I received an email from my host family the other day and was informed of my misuse of the word "prost" for the ending of my email that is supposed to be used "for our first glass of wine or beer together." This correction made by my host mother was the first real step for me in becoming absorbed in the German culture, which is one of the things I'm most excited about. I want to take not one moment for granted and learn everything I can from those around me.
The overwhelmingly routine days of the past month in my internship have steadily increased my growing anticipation for my departure for Germany. At this point the trip still remains completely unrealistic, especially since I have never in my life to this point traveled outside the country. The opportunities offered by the program are completely surreal from the museums to learning the differences in how medicine is carried out in Europe in contrast to America. I expect not only to learn about the medical/vet aspect of Germany but come back to America with a well-rounded view of the country.
I cannot wait to see you all again and get to know you even more on this trip, I know all of you are just as ecstatic and antsy at this point as I am!
The overwhelmingly routine days of the past month in my internship have steadily increased my growing anticipation for my departure for Germany. At this point the trip still remains completely unrealistic, especially since I have never in my life to this point traveled outside the country. The opportunities offered by the program are completely surreal from the museums to learning the differences in how medicine is carried out in Europe in contrast to America. I expect not only to learn about the medical/vet aspect of Germany but come back to America with a well-rounded view of the country.
I cannot wait to see you all again and get to know you even more on this trip, I know all of you are just as ecstatic and antsy at this point as I am!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Germany, Here I Come!!
Earlier tonight, a friend asked me if I was scared at all to be traveling so far away and not knowing a soul. I told her that I was not scared the least bit. On the contrary, I am the exact opposite and beyond excited to be traveling to Germany. I am absolutely convinced that we have a great group going together and we will all make countless German acquaintances while we are there.
The only semi-exotic place I have traveled to is a border town in Mexico. Its main appeal was Chiclets (tiny Mexican gum) and sombreros. To be honest, I was not exactly impressed. Germany will without a doubt surpass my expectations with its giant castles, rich history, and scrumptious lagers.
I am going into this trip with an open mind and ready to try anything and everything. Simply, I want to have an adventure every day and learn and do as much as I possibly can. I probably won't sleep much, but that will not phase me because I will be energized by adrenaline. I have not really planned my weekend trips, but I'm down for whatever and look forward to winging it.
As for my any fears or worries, I can't really put my finger on any specific thing. I am not a picky eater so I got the food thing down. I like to meet new people so I got the friend thing down. I think I am just too excited to be in Germany that my excitement overcomes any worries. That is just fine with me. All and all, I can't wait to see everybody in Germany and begin this journey with a toast in a German beer hall!
The only semi-exotic place I have traveled to is a border town in Mexico. Its main appeal was Chiclets (tiny Mexican gum) and sombreros. To be honest, I was not exactly impressed. Germany will without a doubt surpass my expectations with its giant castles, rich history, and scrumptious lagers.
I am going into this trip with an open mind and ready to try anything and everything. Simply, I want to have an adventure every day and learn and do as much as I possibly can. I probably won't sleep much, but that will not phase me because I will be energized by adrenaline. I have not really planned my weekend trips, but I'm down for whatever and look forward to winging it.
As for my any fears or worries, I can't really put my finger on any specific thing. I am not a picky eater so I got the food thing down. I like to meet new people so I got the friend thing down. I think I am just too excited to be in Germany that my excitement overcomes any worries. That is just fine with me. All and all, I can't wait to see everybody in Germany and begin this journey with a toast in a German beer hall!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
One week and counting....
Alright! So it's less than a week til I leave from NM to go to Dallas! And this time next week I'll be on a flight to NY!!! I'm very excited about it! Though it doesn't really feel like I'm going. I keep saying it, but it still doesn't seem like a reality. I heard from the family Sharon and I are staying with. They seem very nice. And they have a 22 year old daughter that lives with them, which I think will be pretty cool. Other than that pretty normal fam I think.
Ok let see, the biggest thing I'm nervous about is the actual travelling by myself. I mean I've travelled by myself before, but not to another country. And I'm a little nervous about what to expect over there exactly. Obviously it will be very different, but I don't know in what ways exactly! I've been to the British Virgin Islands, which is the only time I've been 'out of country' but that was hardly that much of a culture difference.
So I'm looking forward to this and can't wait to start this adventure!!! See you all in a week!!!!!! Yay! Safe travelling!
Ok let see, the biggest thing I'm nervous about is the actual travelling by myself. I mean I've travelled by myself before, but not to another country. And I'm a little nervous about what to expect over there exactly. Obviously it will be very different, but I don't know in what ways exactly! I've been to the British Virgin Islands, which is the only time I've been 'out of country' but that was hardly that much of a culture difference.
So I'm looking forward to this and can't wait to start this adventure!!! See you all in a week!!!!!! Yay! Safe travelling!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Whats to happen....
So I've been checking the blog lately because I remembered that Dr. Wasser asked us to post something before we left and we're going to be leaving soon (YEAH!!!) but no one else has done a post. I guess I'll be the guinea pig and put up the first one. I can't wait for this trip. I've never been outside out the U.S. so I know this will be a huge culture shock for me and that is what I am looking forward to the most. All my life I have lived in a small country town where we knew just about everyone and everything that was going on. When I came to College Station I felt like I was in a whole new world because there were new people and the city is a bit bigger than what I'm used to, but I like it. I like new experiences and I know that this trip is going to give me quite a few. The only thing I'm kind of weary about is the food. Everyone just keeps telling me to get ready to have a stomach ache for a while after I get there and that just doesn't sound like fun to me so I'm not exactly looking forward to that. Other than that I'm ready! I can't wait to see everyone again and meet my host family and get this thing started! See you all in a couple of weeks!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)