In my opinion, the visit to the heart and diabetes center in Bad Oeynhausen was far and away the best field trip we have taken thus far. I absolutely love being in the operating room and can't think of a better way to spend my day. I had the opportunity to observe a heart surgery on a nine year old girl with a rare heart defect. I have observed many surgeries in the past but never such an extensive surgery on a such a young child. I was afraid that this might be more difficult to seperate my emotions in this situation, but I was thankful to see it was no difference in this sense. I found it slightly frustrating at times when I did not understand what the surgeon was doing or what I was looking at, and was desperately wishing i spoke deutsch. I cannot wait until I am further into my medical studies and will be able to know exactly what I am observing in surgeries.
I also enjoyed observing patients from the transplant floor. After watching my dad recover from open heart surgery this past summer, I was amazed at the condition of the patient who had recieved a new heart less than 48 hours before. I am constantly amazed at the medical technology and knowledge we have available to us. This hospital seemed like a wonderful place to work. I would have enjoyed seeing some of the work they did with the diabetes patients as well.
Thats all for now... I am off to a beer festival!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Rollercoaster
Week four was full of its ups and downs from beginning to end. It began on Monday with a trip to Bonn to visit Germany’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection. While the presenters were very interested in their work , I felt as though they lacked the spark to excite the group as a whole. However the second half of our excursion to Bonn we toured the Horst Stockel Museum of the History of Anaesthesia. Our tour guide of the museum was the founder of the museum and was extremely knowledgeable and interested in his museum. So knowledgeable that we had to stop him short in the museum so we could catch our train back to Dusseldorf. On Tuesday things were looking up and we were all excited about a boat trip down the Rhine, a tour of a castle, and ending with wine tasting. Though it rained during our boat trip and the castle was underwhelming (especially after visiting Neuschwanstein the weekend before), the day ended on a high note with a wine tasting event unlike any I had seen before. The high on Tuesday quickly diminished on Wednesday with no day trips planned and 6 hours of working on papers. Yet once again the week took a positive turn with a day trip that in my opinion was the best trip so far. We traveled by bus to Bad Oeynhausen to visit the Heart and Diabetes Center there. To begin this amazing day, I was able to observe a surgery of a 9 year old girl with a rare heart disorder. After lunch we visited the hospital’s ICU and transplant ward and then to the MRI unit. What made this hospital unique and a joy to be inside was the modern design and its dedication to state of the art treatment regimens. Like I said this was the best day of the program so far and I am skeptical that anything in the one week left will surpass today. Anyways, this Friday is free and thus we have a long weekend to catch up on sleep and party one more weekend in Europe.
Jordan “Juice”
Jordan “Juice”
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Culture of Germany...how sweet it is!
So wine tasting is incredible. Now I can go home and act like a pretentious snob in front of my friends about how I know so much about wine! Well the wonderful wine here is posing a problem...the alcohol limit of bringing it back to the states...Dang 1 Liter! I will pay my extra tax and enjoy the wonderful wine that I bring home. It really isn't for me, but my wine loving family! I really enjoyed the Rhine excursion yesterday; however, it would have been nice if it didn't rain. The Castle was really nice as well. It was incredible actually being in a medieval castle as opposed to Neuschwanstein that was built like a medieval castle. But I have to say that Neuschwanstein put this castle to shame. It was so impressive and ornate that I don't think much can compare. The Rhein castle also had a lot of bees...and as we all know very well, I don't get along with bees.
This trip has not had as much medical observations as I imagined; however, I am still very grateful for the experiences that we have had and will have. I am very excited about the heart and diabetes center. I have never seen a heart surgery and I am looking forward to it so much. I also had never seen a lung transplant, so that was pretty amazing as well (to say the least). All I know is that if I am ever a surgeon, my operating room is going to be ice cold. All of the operating rooms we have been in have been pretty warm. After you combine that will all the robes and accessories you have to wear, I feel like I am going to pass out. I love observing surgeries, and it's not the sights that make me squemish, it's the heat! So cold or none for me! Let's hope tomorrow's ORs will be cold!
So I hate the Euro...it is kicking not only the dollars butt, but my wallet's butt as well! I just wanted to buy some new running shoes because mine are getting worn out, and they are so expensive here! People say that Europeans are healthier than Americans...I beg to differ! Maybe the average of all Europeans is healthier than the average of Americans, but so many Europeans smoke, don't work out, but just walk everywhere! I think that's why the running shoes are expensive...because no one runs here! I think my host mom and maybe the two other people I see in the morning are the only people in Dusseldorf that run....so it makes the running shoes really expensive! Yay for a lot of Americans that like to run to increase the demand, which increases the supply, and lowers the price! Whoop!
This trip has not had as much medical observations as I imagined; however, I am still very grateful for the experiences that we have had and will have. I am very excited about the heart and diabetes center. I have never seen a heart surgery and I am looking forward to it so much. I also had never seen a lung transplant, so that was pretty amazing as well (to say the least). All I know is that if I am ever a surgeon, my operating room is going to be ice cold. All of the operating rooms we have been in have been pretty warm. After you combine that will all the robes and accessories you have to wear, I feel like I am going to pass out. I love observing surgeries, and it's not the sights that make me squemish, it's the heat! So cold or none for me! Let's hope tomorrow's ORs will be cold!
So I hate the Euro...it is kicking not only the dollars butt, but my wallet's butt as well! I just wanted to buy some new running shoes because mine are getting worn out, and they are so expensive here! People say that Europeans are healthier than Americans...I beg to differ! Maybe the average of all Europeans is healthier than the average of Americans, but so many Europeans smoke, don't work out, but just walk everywhere! I think that's why the running shoes are expensive...because no one runs here! I think my host mom and maybe the two other people I see in the morning are the only people in Dusseldorf that run....so it makes the running shoes really expensive! Yay for a lot of Americans that like to run to increase the demand, which increases the supply, and lowers the price! Whoop!
Rhine River Rapids
Yesterday we got to take a river excursion that was quite unique. We got to see the green landscape of the this area. Every 5 minutes or so a new castle would pop out from the hills overlooking the Rhine. It felt like we were back in the middle ages and about to fight in the Crusades. Clusters of towns hugged the banks of the river. After a while the towns seemed to look the same. Hills of fresh green surrounded the Rhine. I thought this was the most beautiful part of the surrounding area of the river.
As soon as we stepped onto the boat, it began to rain and thunder. As soon as we left the boat, the sun came out. The rain did not take away from the boat because I figured this was the natural rainy environment of the Rhine. I thought this was a good time to relax and view the countryside of Germany. We are mostly stuck in the city during the program so this was a pleasant change.
As soon as we stepped onto the boat, it began to rain and thunder. As soon as we left the boat, the sun came out. The rain did not take away from the boat because I figured this was the natural rainy environment of the Rhine. I thought this was a good time to relax and view the countryside of Germany. We are mostly stuck in the city during the program so this was a pleasant change.
Cultural learnings for make benefit glorious nation of USA
A weekend in Bavaria was a welcome change of scenery and culture while not being too different from that German lifestyle to which we've become acquainted. It only supported the stereotype I've heard about political views becoming more conservative the closer to the equator one gets. Life there seemed a little closer to the laid back Texas lifestyle most of us know well. I noticed more people strolling, and many fewer people in suits. Visiting the alps and seeing brilliant castles, biking to and swimming in alpine lakes, all of it was breathtaking. The eye candy was matched by the deep historical stories that surrounded each. Even the seemingly simple natural alpine lake had history which included being used to test Nazi U-boats before sending them to the ocean in the second world war.
This week, I've gotten the chance to eat a time or two with both of my host parents together. I've enjoyed getting to speak with locals about everyday issues. I also got to visit another host family that speaks English a little better. They asked about my life in Texas and I told them a bit about my life, including my parents divorce after I left for college. This sparked good conversation about relationships today and what it takes to have a good one. Talking about these things helped me to see first hand that despite the differences, Europeans face many of the exact same problems we face in America and go through the exact same situations. Our differences stick out so much that we often overlook the similarities. I don't have a lot of time left here in Germany, but I'm going to use what I have to focus more on the similarities; as for the differences I find, I hope to better understand the reasons behind them and take home everything I learn.
This week, I've gotten the chance to eat a time or two with both of my host parents together. I've enjoyed getting to speak with locals about everyday issues. I also got to visit another host family that speaks English a little better. They asked about my life in Texas and I told them a bit about my life, including my parents divorce after I left for college. This sparked good conversation about relationships today and what it takes to have a good one. Talking about these things helped me to see first hand that despite the differences, Europeans face many of the exact same problems we face in America and go through the exact same situations. Our differences stick out so much that we often overlook the similarities. I don't have a lot of time left here in Germany, but I'm going to use what I have to focus more on the similarities; as for the differences I find, I hope to better understand the reasons behind them and take home everything I learn.
A bit behind...
So, I'm not very good about blogging when I'm supposed to, so now i need to play a bit of catch up. I guess i'll start with the most recent stuff and work my way backwards.
Yesterday was pretty fun--Rhine tour, castle, and wine tasting. Sounds pretty romantic. The Rhine was beautiful even in the rain. It was fun sitting up on the top deck of the boat watching the wind blow the chairs into people. Peter got to be the photo subject of a tipisch Japanese tourist while he was curled up on his little covered bench. The scenery was gorgeous, all green and covered in churches and half-timbered houses. We passed at least one castle every 5 minutes...small ones, but none the less, castles. The castle we got to tour, Schloss Stolzenfels, was gorgeous. i find royalty a bit ridiculous...the fact that Stolzenfels was just their summer getaway for having parties is crazy to me. I wish we could have taken pictures in the rooms. Skating around in the shoe cover slippers was really fun. :)
The wine tasting was not exactly what i had imagined-it was better. i was not anticipating food or being down in a 150 year old cellar. The wine was good as was the food, but i was ready to be done after 6 wines, so it was perfect.
Class time...gotta cut this one short too.
The Weekend and Bonn
This weekend was great!!! I loved not having to travel somewhere on Friday. We just stayed in Munich and relaxed. The English Gardens were beautiful! On Saturday we went with Mike Bike Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle. It was an amazing day! We biked to Swan Lake and went swimming. I have never seen a lake so clear and clean. It looked like glass. It was pretty cold, but it was such a nice swim, with the Alps rising right out of the water. I'm so excited to say that I have swam in an alpine lake! Then we had lunch and hiked up to the castle. It was gorgeous from the outside. The inside, even though only 16 of the 60 rooms were finished, was incredible. Everything was so ornate and intricate. Man did Ludwig have an obsession with Vagner. He had a hall just to perform his operas and a room made to look like a cave based from one of his operas. His bad was amazing, taking over 15 carpenters around 4 years to carve it. The country side was so pretty. I went to mass on Sunday at St. Peter's Cathedral. The inside was breathtaking. It was very interesting not knowing exactly what was being said. Overall a very nice and relaxing weekend.
Monday's excursions were okay. I did not really get a lot from the morning trip to the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection. I felt like a lot of the information was a little over my head and the other information not the most interesting or relative to my interests. Hearing a little about the set up of the vet schools, particularly their certification process, was interesting. I enjoyed the afternoon a lot more. The Museum of the History of Anaesthesia was really neat. Horst Stockel had a very wide collection of artifacts. It was very informative to learn about all the different devices and the beginnings of anaesthesia. I would have preferred to have used some of the time in the morning at the museum instead. I felt very rushed at the end of the tour, and I think there was a lot more to learn. He was very entertaining, and I feel like he could have made it even more interesting if he included some of his stories if we had more time. Today has made me want to learn more about anaesthesia in general.
Monday's excursions were okay. I did not really get a lot from the morning trip to the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection. I felt like a lot of the information was a little over my head and the other information not the most interesting or relative to my interests. Hearing a little about the set up of the vet schools, particularly their certification process, was interesting. I enjoyed the afternoon a lot more. The Museum of the History of Anaesthesia was really neat. Horst Stockel had a very wide collection of artifacts. It was very informative to learn about all the different devices and the beginnings of anaesthesia. I would have preferred to have used some of the time in the morning at the museum instead. I felt very rushed at the end of the tour, and I think there was a lot more to learn. He was very entertaining, and I feel like he could have made it even more interesting if he included some of his stories if we had more time. Today has made me want to learn more about anaesthesia in general.
Where have the weeks gone?
Our 4th week in Germany is almost over... the time has flown by fast. Yesterday we had the pleasure of spending our day with Britta. Our Rhine excursion on the boat was a lot of fun. I was definitely impressed by the size of this boat. I thought we would be on a little ferry boat or something of the sort. Although it was raining and it got a little too windy to sit up on the top deck, I always enjoy talking to the people on this trip. Not only has this trip been such a great experience of Germany and the history of medicine, it has been an opportunity to meet some really great people that I probably would have never met; they would just be another face in the crowd of 50,000 students.
After our tour on the Rhine we had lunch in a local restaurant in Rhens. I had schnitzel once again, it seems to be consistently good wherever I go. After my delicious lunch, we got back on our really cool charter bus, cool because we each had two seats to ourselves and we got to watch Little Miss Sunshine and Ratatouille, unless you are Evan, in which he had 4 seats to himself:) Watching American movies was a nice break from Germany... I start to feel kind of homesick every now and then, but watching those movies made things much better! I'm ready for more Germany now! After lunch we arrived at Stolzenfels castle and had a good little hike up to it. I know I will have really nice calves and thighs when I leave here- watch out! haha The castle was really neat because it had all of the old knight armor and swords, but it wasn't as elaborate as Neuschwanstein. ;) It was really neat to see a replica painting of the three kings with Mary and Jesus along with Ursula, because we had seen this painting in the Cologne Cathedral. One of the most mind blowing things at the castle was the replica of the Cologne cathedral made of sugar! We could have done the experience without the bees though... darn bees.
After our tour with the castle we got back on our awesome bus and went to Ahrweiler to have our wine tasting. It was really neat to see how they keep the wine and how they paint they decipher red wine barrels from rose wines by just painting a simple red rim around the barrel. I thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting. It was informative, and so gooooood.
The way back home was great. I was a kid again, playing games at the back of the bus. Good times, good times. I like excursions such as these in which I can see and learn about beautiful places, drink good wine, and laugh with great friends.
Home
I feel almost spoiled with the host family that I have been matched with. I dont even think my parents at home have gone out of their way so much to spend so much quality time with Ashley and I. That is an explicit difference between households here and America that I am most appreciative towards and I believe most students on this trip have found to be true. After meals whether they last ten minutes or an hour, we are expected to sit for another hour or so in conversation. In this they always discuss important matters and news around the world as well as personal things just trying and genuinely caring to get to know Ashley and I. At my house after my mom cooks, anyone home rushes in to devour whatever is served at get back to their own business. Honestly, I have no idea where my brothers and sister stand politically, religiously, or on several other substancial matters, and I speak their language fluently!
Also, both host parents are off for the summer because their careers are both in teaching so their time dedicated to us is quite flexible. These are the things I am thankful for: They are up in the morning with breakfast ready and coffee on. We alway have clean clothes on Fridays folded and brought to our rooms. We can be assured of a hot meal ready for us when we get home waiting in the oven. Mrs and Mr. Banach called the mail service everyday until I got my medicine when I had poison ivy...I think I could go on for awhile. I feel like I am being completely absorbed in German culture at the family level living with them from things like these to being exposed and forced to learn certain German phrases. I absolutely love it here...it has become my home and it always feels safe and comfortable returning to Dusseldorf like I would my own home in Texas.
Also, both host parents are off for the summer because their careers are both in teaching so their time dedicated to us is quite flexible. These are the things I am thankful for: They are up in the morning with breakfast ready and coffee on. We alway have clean clothes on Fridays folded and brought to our rooms. We can be assured of a hot meal ready for us when we get home waiting in the oven. Mrs and Mr. Banach called the mail service everyday until I got my medicine when I had poison ivy...I think I could go on for awhile. I feel like I am being completely absorbed in German culture at the family level living with them from things like these to being exposed and forced to learn certain German phrases. I absolutely love it here...it has become my home and it always feels safe and comfortable returning to Dusseldorf like I would my own home in Texas.
On the bus...always meeting new people
A few weeks ago, I met a girl on the bus that made me really appreciate the system of schooling we have in America. She was a dental student and sort of explained the way her schooling and career would pan out. To begin with, admissions works differently because you just sort of apply without really any experience or credibility to your name because it`s just like you are right out of high school. The dental schools receive the pool of applicants and choose seemingly almost blindly compared to the particularly strenuous application procedure that we go through. Needless to say, she had waited a few years of reapplying and being patient before she could even start. When she did, she found that much of the curriculum had become hazy which did not help the already rigorous load which is thrown in their lap. Plus, she was hurting for money because they just started heavily charging dental students in the last few years, which was not expected beforehand. Basically, her frustrating situation was that she had not passed a semester yet, so said she would probably be there for 9 semesters or so and get out with a black hole of debt that would not allow her to save at all for a house, a comfortable life, and retirement until later in her career of which she must retire at 65. I actually appreciate that strenuous application method that I am about to begin because of the kind of doctors it puts out into society. Im certainly not saying our system is perfect, for it is far from that, but the dental student that day made me appreciate at least the long process medical and dental schools undertake.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Back Home... Almost
When returning to Duesseldorf this week, I felt like I was coming home. I find it strange how quickly i became comfortable with the city and my host mom. I missed knowing which train to get on, the bed i would sleep in, the musili would be waiting for me in the morning. I will miss my life in Duesseldorf. I have fallen in love with Germany and hope to return very soon.
On Monday, I enjoyed going back to Bonn. It reminds me of college station in a way because of all the students walking around. Although it was interesting to see how the ministry was set up and worked, I would have prefered if we had discussed more about the actual animal wellfare laws they have set up and there reasoning behind them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the anesthesiology museum. Although it was hard to concentrate because of how unbeliavable hot it was (by the way, i am greatly missing the consistence of temperature in buildings and homes in Texas), I wish we had more time to hear the retired doctor's stories. I enjoy talking with older doctors who have seen a lot and I think he was anxious to share his knowledge with us if we had been able to make the time. I found seeing how the different equipment and procedures changed throughout history interesting. I can't imagine being the first doctor to try putting someone under, not knowing how the patient would react.
Today was a very relaxing day. Last week was very moving and emotional due to the amount of holocaust information we discussed. Although it would have been nicer to have sunshine on the rhine cruise this morning, I have grown accustom to the daily rain in Germany and almost find it relaxing now. The wine tasting was not what i had in mind but was wonderful just the same. Overall it was yet another wonderful day in Germany!
On Monday, I enjoyed going back to Bonn. It reminds me of college station in a way because of all the students walking around. Although it was interesting to see how the ministry was set up and worked, I would have prefered if we had discussed more about the actual animal wellfare laws they have set up and there reasoning behind them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the anesthesiology museum. Although it was hard to concentrate because of how unbeliavable hot it was (by the way, i am greatly missing the consistence of temperature in buildings and homes in Texas), I wish we had more time to hear the retired doctor's stories. I enjoy talking with older doctors who have seen a lot and I think he was anxious to share his knowledge with us if we had been able to make the time. I found seeing how the different equipment and procedures changed throughout history interesting. I can't imagine being the first doctor to try putting someone under, not knowing how the patient would react.
Today was a very relaxing day. Last week was very moving and emotional due to the amount of holocaust information we discussed. Although it would have been nicer to have sunshine on the rhine cruise this morning, I have grown accustom to the daily rain in Germany and almost find it relaxing now. The wine tasting was not what i had in mind but was wonderful just the same. Overall it was yet another wonderful day in Germany!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Just What the Doctor Ordered!!
Well this weekend was awesome to say the least. Sharon and I cruised to Locarno, Switzerland and were in awe of the beautiful landscape. We were literally surrounded by huge mountains and clear lakes that beckoned to be swim in. So I obliged and dove in the second I found an opening! We wanted to have a relaxing weekend so the only appointment we made was a bungee jump called Goldeneye that is the biggest in the world. It was probably the most terrifying thing I have ever done, but it was totally worth being scared out of my hosen. I think I appreciate life more and being on solid ground and not falling 800 feet to my death.
The first night we met Swiss Germans from the north that were vacationing in Locarno. Their German was slightly different and was rough sounding. It sounded like there was something stuck in their throat when they were speaking. However, me and them hit it off because we liked all the same music. We ended up singing a song from Mando Diao, an awesome Swedish band, at the end of the night together.
The rest of the weekend was spent by the vast lake Maggiore which connects Switzerland and Italy. We had a meat sandwich picnic and enjoyed locals shooting Roman candles at pestering swans. The highlight of the night was the superb firework show that was set to begin at 10;45, but did not start until midnight. This lateness would never fly in Germany. The people of Switzerland were extremely nice and helpful and I would recommend it for anyone who loves lakes and mountains and beautiful scenery. If you do not like these things, then you have a problem.
The first night we met Swiss Germans from the north that were vacationing in Locarno. Their German was slightly different and was rough sounding. It sounded like there was something stuck in their throat when they were speaking. However, me and them hit it off because we liked all the same music. We ended up singing a song from Mando Diao, an awesome Swedish band, at the end of the night together.
The rest of the weekend was spent by the vast lake Maggiore which connects Switzerland and Italy. We had a meat sandwich picnic and enjoyed locals shooting Roman candles at pestering swans. The highlight of the night was the superb firework show that was set to begin at 10;45, but did not start until midnight. This lateness would never fly in Germany. The people of Switzerland were extremely nice and helpful and I would recommend it for anyone who loves lakes and mountains and beautiful scenery. If you do not like these things, then you have a problem.
Last week in Dusseldorf
Finally after an entire week of travelling we made it back to Dusseldorf. It felt great to finally be back in the city I feel most comfortable in. Travelling all over Europe is great and everything, but it definitely starts to wear on me after about day 4 or 5. Nuremburg, Munich, Austria, and renting a car and driving through the Black Forest were all amazing. They were right, the Black Forest really does look black from a distance, and Salzburg was a nice city to walk around and site see in. Driving in Germany was definitely an experience, the rules really aren't that different from the states, but the signs sure are. It is also intimidating to drive in the cities (if the other drivers smell fear, they eat you alive). Also, Pete's video of him freaking out on the bunjee jump was hilarious, if I had been there, I would've laughed at him with everyone else on the bridge that was watching.
I am really looking forward to the wine tasting tomorrow. I'm sure most people here know that I really like beer, but wine is something to sit back and enjoy. I'm glad that I much prefer white wine to red wine as well. The boat cruise should be fun also, and I'm sure the bus will be cramped like always. Today's events were good as well, the government agency we visited today was interesting, though a little long, and I thought the anethesia museum was great. There's nothing like an experienced retired doctor telling stories about all the experiences he's had and the history behind the devices. It felt like I was talking with my Grandfather back home.
We aren't sure where this weekend will take us yet, but it's Europe man, you really can't go wrong.
I am really looking forward to the wine tasting tomorrow. I'm sure most people here know that I really like beer, but wine is something to sit back and enjoy. I'm glad that I much prefer white wine to red wine as well. The boat cruise should be fun also, and I'm sure the bus will be cramped like always. Today's events were good as well, the government agency we visited today was interesting, though a little long, and I thought the anethesia museum was great. There's nothing like an experienced retired doctor telling stories about all the experiences he's had and the history behind the devices. It felt like I was talking with my Grandfather back home.
We aren't sure where this weekend will take us yet, but it's Europe man, you really can't go wrong.
Munchen and back to Bonn
Staying in Munich for the weekend was probably the best decision. I did your daily things.. ya know, biked in a beautiful city near the alps, swam in Alpine lake, and saw the inside of Neuschwanstein, had a beer and an expensive pretzel at the Hofbrauhaus, and then topped it off with watching fire works in the olympic stadium... just your typical day.
I truly got to experience Bavaria. It is what I pictured when I think of Germany... and I LOVED it. Nothing like hanging out, relaxin with good friends.
Today we went to Bonn and got to see the Agriculture and Food Ministries, it is a very different system than ours. Some of it was hard for me to comprehend because it was presented as if I already understood their legislation. It was also awesome to see the museum of anaesthesiology. One of my favorite parts was seeing the cattle intubation tube, as well as enjoying the company and knowledge of our tour guide, Professor Stoeckel. It would have been nice to have more time there though... to hear more about the development of each piece of equipment and not just their use.
All around lovely days.
I truly got to experience Bavaria. It is what I pictured when I think of Germany... and I LOVED it. Nothing like hanging out, relaxin with good friends.
Today we went to Bonn and got to see the Agriculture and Food Ministries, it is a very different system than ours. Some of it was hard for me to comprehend because it was presented as if I already understood their legislation. It was also awesome to see the museum of anaesthesiology. One of my favorite parts was seeing the cattle intubation tube, as well as enjoying the company and knowledge of our tour guide, Professor Stoeckel. It would have been nice to have more time there though... to hear more about the development of each piece of equipment and not just their use.
All around lovely days.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
When in Munich...
This weekend 7 of us decided to stay in Munich to relax a bit and see more of the countryside. Friday started out with a tour of Munich University to see the hall Sophie and Hans Scholl distributed their flyers for the White Rose. The tour ended quickly because the only English speaking tour guide was out sick. After about 30 minutes in the memorial we left and had the rest of the weekend free. Thus giving us most of Friday and all of Saturday and Sunday to do what we pleased. The highlight of Friday was a trip to the English Gardens where we brought wine and cheese and enjoyed a beautiful sunset over a distant tree line in the middle of the city.
However the highlight of the weekend came with a trip out to Neuschwanstein Castle through Mike’s Bike Tours in Munich. To begin the trip we rode bicycles out to a natural alpine lake near the castle. The water was unbelievably clear and cold but we decided to swim out in it anyways. I mean when else are you going to have the opportunity to do something like that. After changing we left for lunch and got to witness a storm rise up off the mountain and rain for a bit. Towards the end of the rain we left for a hike up the mountain to the castle. The castle was absolutely awesome. I am told this is the same castle Walt Disney used as a model for building Cinderella’s castle. The castle was built and owned by King Ludwig II who died before all the interior of the castle was completed. However the part he had completed was amazing. Every wall was covered with paintings and every trim was very ornate. I can understand completely how our tour guide said this is the prettiest castle on Earth.
The rest of the trip couldn’t compare to the trip to Neuschwanstein, yet we did see a very impressive fireworks show at the old Olympic Stadium in Munich. It was complete with fireworks, music, pyrotechnics, and lazer lights. To add to the impressiveness was the amount of people that attended the show. Never before, including college football games, had I seen so many people in one place. After that we went home and caught up on some much needed sleep and are now ready to start the final two weeks of this already awesome program.
Jordan “Juice”
However the highlight of the weekend came with a trip out to Neuschwanstein Castle through Mike’s Bike Tours in Munich. To begin the trip we rode bicycles out to a natural alpine lake near the castle. The water was unbelievably clear and cold but we decided to swim out in it anyways. I mean when else are you going to have the opportunity to do something like that. After changing we left for lunch and got to witness a storm rise up off the mountain and rain for a bit. Towards the end of the rain we left for a hike up the mountain to the castle. The castle was absolutely awesome. I am told this is the same castle Walt Disney used as a model for building Cinderella’s castle. The castle was built and owned by King Ludwig II who died before all the interior of the castle was completed. However the part he had completed was amazing. Every wall was covered with paintings and every trim was very ornate. I can understand completely how our tour guide said this is the prettiest castle on Earth.
The rest of the trip couldn’t compare to the trip to Neuschwanstein, yet we did see a very impressive fireworks show at the old Olympic Stadium in Munich. It was complete with fireworks, music, pyrotechnics, and lazer lights. To add to the impressiveness was the amount of people that attended the show. Never before, including college football games, had I seen so many people in one place. After that we went home and caught up on some much needed sleep and are now ready to start the final two weeks of this already awesome program.
Jordan “Juice”
Oh ya know....Swimming in Alpine Lakes...
So Munich has been amazing! I know it´s ´touristy´ but I love the Bavarian culture and history. This weekend we got to relax on Friday! Wait maybe you didn´t hear me...we got to relax! It was great! It was so nice just staying the weekend here without needing any extra traveling. We maximized the time of our weekend. This calm feeling is really making me think about staying in Düsseldorf next weekend, but maybe Prague will be calling my name. I would really like to go to Prague, because I heard it wasn´t damaged that much in WWII so it has a lot of old architecture. Also, I heard it is very Catholic. So we shall see if I end up going there or relaxing in the big D!
One thing I have enjoyed very much is the difference of Catholic masses everywhere I have gone. The Catholic church is universal, as is the mass; however, some of the masses I have been to here haven´t been quite the same. One in Düsseldorf, which I have gone to twice, only had one reading, no psalm, and doesn´t say the creed. Notre Dame was pretty much on the money and was amazing, awesome (true meaning of the word), and I can say I have gone to mass in Notre Dame! This weekend I went to St. Peter´s right off of Marienplatz. It was really pretty inside. It had a high altar and the altar´s gold work reminded me of St. Peter´s in Rome. They also only had one reading, and they didn´t give peace to each other. Next week I want to go to Köln, which is another reason why I might want to stay in Düsseldorf. Seeing the differences in the masses has been a huge part of my culture experience in Germany. I can´t wait to come back again and get to experience different churches, food, lifestyle, usw in Europe. I have been to mass at St. Peters in Rome, a church in Lucerne, Notre Dame, St. Pauls in Düseldorf, and St. Peters in Munich. It has shown me how awesome Catholicism is, and has fueled my faith which I have been here in Germany.
This weekend we also got to see Ludwig II´s Neuschwanstein Schloss. It was awesome. It wasn´t just the castle that was great, it was the whole day. There were 7 of us, and we went on a Mike´s bike tour trip there. We go to go on a bike ride around the area, GO SWIMMING IN AN ALPINE LAKE, go to the castle, and see some magic (our tour guide was a magician as well!). When spent most of the day there, and I am so glad that we went! There were some tourists there, but it was really fun regardless! Then after we got back into town we went to the Hofbrau house and had 1L of beer...of course! I love German dark beer! Then we went to the Olympic Center and saw a phenomenal firework/light show! It was incredible! I am so glad we go to go and experience that and see the Olympic park! So now I have seen fireworks twice in Germany, so I think I´m over missing the 4th of July! Plus these firework shows put the ones I have seen in the US to shame!
Well I am glad we are going back to Düsseldorf next weekend. I need to get some unique Düsseldorf gifts for some friends (Mustard, Killepisch (sp?), usw). Also, it´s our last week with our host families, which makes me sad! But I am also looking forward to Berlin. So Tschüß for now, and bis später!
One thing I have enjoyed very much is the difference of Catholic masses everywhere I have gone. The Catholic church is universal, as is the mass; however, some of the masses I have been to here haven´t been quite the same. One in Düsseldorf, which I have gone to twice, only had one reading, no psalm, and doesn´t say the creed. Notre Dame was pretty much on the money and was amazing, awesome (true meaning of the word), and I can say I have gone to mass in Notre Dame! This weekend I went to St. Peter´s right off of Marienplatz. It was really pretty inside. It had a high altar and the altar´s gold work reminded me of St. Peter´s in Rome. They also only had one reading, and they didn´t give peace to each other. Next week I want to go to Köln, which is another reason why I might want to stay in Düsseldorf. Seeing the differences in the masses has been a huge part of my culture experience in Germany. I can´t wait to come back again and get to experience different churches, food, lifestyle, usw in Europe. I have been to mass at St. Peters in Rome, a church in Lucerne, Notre Dame, St. Pauls in Düseldorf, and St. Peters in Munich. It has shown me how awesome Catholicism is, and has fueled my faith which I have been here in Germany.
This weekend we also got to see Ludwig II´s Neuschwanstein Schloss. It was awesome. It wasn´t just the castle that was great, it was the whole day. There were 7 of us, and we went on a Mike´s bike tour trip there. We go to go on a bike ride around the area, GO SWIMMING IN AN ALPINE LAKE, go to the castle, and see some magic (our tour guide was a magician as well!). When spent most of the day there, and I am so glad that we went! There were some tourists there, but it was really fun regardless! Then after we got back into town we went to the Hofbrau house and had 1L of beer...of course! I love German dark beer! Then we went to the Olympic Center and saw a phenomenal firework/light show! It was incredible! I am so glad we go to go and experience that and see the Olympic park! So now I have seen fireworks twice in Germany, so I think I´m over missing the 4th of July! Plus these firework shows put the ones I have seen in the US to shame!
Well I am glad we are going back to Düsseldorf next weekend. I need to get some unique Düsseldorf gifts for some friends (Mustard, Killepisch (sp?), usw). Also, it´s our last week with our host families, which makes me sad! But I am also looking forward to Berlin. So Tschüß for now, and bis später!
07.27.08
So this last week was pretty interesting and intense. We went to Nurnberg and Munich. While in Nurnberg we took a city tour and saw the Nazi Rally grounds, which was interesting. It was kinda hard to imagine that many people there. The grass has grown over all of the steps but the main side, and there is a soccer field in the middle of the grass... It was just hard to picture even though I was looking at the place where Hitler used to adress the people.
We then went to the Documentation center. When I was there I had an interesting experience I thought. I was expecting to go and be sad at what I saw, and when I looked around that is what I saw in most people's faces that were there. But I didn't feel saddness. I felt anger. I was legitatmately pissed off at everything I was seeing and reading and listening to on our audio guides. It was very weird for me and not at all what I was expecting to feel. I don't really know if anyone else felt that way. It took about 3.5 hours to get through it all, and by that time I was so emotionally exhausted I didn't really want to talk about it at that time. Then there was so many other things that happened this week that I just haven't yet.
We went to Dachau a few days ago which was very intense. It was weird to think about the different people that were there 60-70 years ago and what was going on in the rooms that we were in. The weirdest thing for me was the gas chamber and the creamatorium rooms. I wasn't expecting to see it when I did, I don't think our guide told us what we were walking into, then I turned a corner and bam. There is was, staring me in the face. It was pretty shocking. Out of everything we saw I think that made it more of a reality of what went on there. And then to see pictures that a prisoner took illegally from right where I was standing, with smoke going out of the chimney... which meant the creamatorium was in use... is was eye opening for sure.
This week was pretty emoitionally draining for me really. I'm looking forward to getting back to Dusseldorf and relaxing and letting my mind rest a little. It is something I feel I should have seen and I'm glad I did, but I look forward to getting back to Dusseldorf.
We then went to the Documentation center. When I was there I had an interesting experience I thought. I was expecting to go and be sad at what I saw, and when I looked around that is what I saw in most people's faces that were there. But I didn't feel saddness. I felt anger. I was legitatmately pissed off at everything I was seeing and reading and listening to on our audio guides. It was very weird for me and not at all what I was expecting to feel. I don't really know if anyone else felt that way. It took about 3.5 hours to get through it all, and by that time I was so emotionally exhausted I didn't really want to talk about it at that time. Then there was so many other things that happened this week that I just haven't yet.
We went to Dachau a few days ago which was very intense. It was weird to think about the different people that were there 60-70 years ago and what was going on in the rooms that we were in. The weirdest thing for me was the gas chamber and the creamatorium rooms. I wasn't expecting to see it when I did, I don't think our guide told us what we were walking into, then I turned a corner and bam. There is was, staring me in the face. It was pretty shocking. Out of everything we saw I think that made it more of a reality of what went on there. And then to see pictures that a prisoner took illegally from right where I was standing, with smoke going out of the chimney... which meant the creamatorium was in use... is was eye opening for sure.
This week was pretty emoitionally draining for me really. I'm looking forward to getting back to Dusseldorf and relaxing and letting my mind rest a little. It is something I feel I should have seen and I'm glad I did, but I look forward to getting back to Dusseldorf.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bavaria- an original title
We've seen so many things that I have no idea where to start! Seeing the rally grounds, courthouse, and documentation center in Nuremberg was a different and memorable experience for me. It is hard to explain the feelings I have had at these places because I have never had these feelings before. Now we are in Munich, and I absolutely love it here. Dr. Wasser wasn't kidding when he said it is a walkable city! The people here are wonderful and very nice.
Today we visited Dachau... I didn't like starting my day off there. As Mark, our tour guide, walked us through the camp grounds and told us of the torture that the prisoners undertook, I just kept asking myself "how can anyone be so cruel?!" I just couldn't grasp the fact that another human being would do that to another. I felt enraged and sad all at the same time. What got to me the most was seeing pictures... because the words that Mark said turned into reality with just a glimpse of a black and white photo outside the crematorium. It was also frustrating to see high schoolers laughing and non-chalantly walking through like there was nothing to remember. It was a great experience and an emotional roller coaster that I wish I never have to repeat.
I left with words of wisdom on the statue of the "unknown prisoner"- "To honor the dead and warn the living."
Today we visited Dachau... I didn't like starting my day off there. As Mark, our tour guide, walked us through the camp grounds and told us of the torture that the prisoners undertook, I just kept asking myself "how can anyone be so cruel?!" I just couldn't grasp the fact that another human being would do that to another. I felt enraged and sad all at the same time. What got to me the most was seeing pictures... because the words that Mark said turned into reality with just a glimpse of a black and white photo outside the crematorium. It was also frustrating to see high schoolers laughing and non-chalantly walking through like there was nothing to remember. It was a great experience and an emotional roller coaster that I wish I never have to repeat.
I left with words of wisdom on the statue of the "unknown prisoner"- "To honor the dead and warn the living."
Munich
I love this city!!! I have walked all over the place by now and I don't think it could get old. I had no idea that Munich was so young in comparison to the rest of the country, but the architecture still looks so old to me. Of course, America is practically a baby compared to Munich so anything over 300 years old looks really old to me. The people have all been very nice as they have been all over Germany, and the beer....oh yeah! The fact that they come in 0.5L glasses just makes it all the better. I just love the traditions and culture of this area. It seems much more down to earth, not to say that Dusseldorf isn't. I just feel like I can connect to this city much more than up north. If I had to come back to Germany for just a few days, I think I would choose Munich. Of course, I haven't been to Berlin yet and I know Dr. Wasser really loves that city so I guess I should reserve my judgement until then.
I do have to say though that this week has been absolutely exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Today at Dachau was alot. I felt so much personally that I don't feel like I want to share it with everyone, but I think it is fair to say that it moved me to the point that I wanted to run out and throw up. I'll keep the rest of my thoughts to myself but I just wanted to let you know that I did feel something while I was there.
I do have to say though that this week has been absolutely exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Today at Dachau was alot. I felt so much personally that I don't feel like I want to share it with everyone, but I think it is fair to say that it moved me to the point that I wanted to run out and throw up. I'll keep the rest of my thoughts to myself but I just wanted to let you know that I did feel something while I was there.
Munich
I am loving this city! It is so nice to just walk around, and there is always something to see. The tour yesterday was really informative and helped me get a good feeling of the city and directions. I loved all the churches! I am going to try to go to mass on Sunday, since I haven't been able to this whole trip. I am very excited to experience mass in Europe! I still can't get over all the history in these cities! I love this area and the people.
Today was very hard for me. Seeing Dachau really hit me. Standing there, having the pictures in my mind of all the people who did not survive, gave me a very eerie and disturbing feeling. Hearing the descriptions of the torture, the experiments, and the deaths, I felt so ashamed of what humans did to other human beings and horrified that something so atrocious was even possible. To think that concentration camps are not completely a thing of the past is incredibly frightening. The movie brought me to tears, seeing the faces of those who died and their emaciated bodies. It was a good experience to see the camp, but I don't really ever want to see it again. I feel it is important for us to know about the past in order to change our future, and I feel visiting these places is a way to accomplish that. I was hoping to hear more medical details about the experiments. Not necessarily all of the specifics about the experiments, but maybe discuss the physiology behind some of the results. I feel like this week has not been focused on medicine as much as I was expecting. I am still learning a lot though, about the history, the culture, and myself.
Today was very hard for me. Seeing Dachau really hit me. Standing there, having the pictures in my mind of all the people who did not survive, gave me a very eerie and disturbing feeling. Hearing the descriptions of the torture, the experiments, and the deaths, I felt so ashamed of what humans did to other human beings and horrified that something so atrocious was even possible. To think that concentration camps are not completely a thing of the past is incredibly frightening. The movie brought me to tears, seeing the faces of those who died and their emaciated bodies. It was a good experience to see the camp, but I don't really ever want to see it again. I feel it is important for us to know about the past in order to change our future, and I feel visiting these places is a way to accomplish that. I was hoping to hear more medical details about the experiments. Not necessarily all of the specifics about the experiments, but maybe discuss the physiology behind some of the results. I feel like this week has not been focused on medicine as much as I was expecting. I am still learning a lot though, about the history, the culture, and myself.
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