Before the trip began, Matt and I decided it would be a good idea to travel to Italy via plane for our long weekend. I was a little nervous earlier in the week, because I was thinking that I would regret travelling instead of working on my paper, but with a little time management I was able to fit both objectives into my schedule.
Friday morning, we arrived in Cologne airport to leave via TUI fly. I have to admit that I was pretty apprehensive to fly a small airline over the Alps, but all was welll at the end of the flight. I bought an American newspaper in the airport as well, so I was finslly able to catch up on news from home. It appears news is slow, aside from the bridge collapse in Minnesota. We arrived in Venice and stood in a very long line to find out how to get to the train station. Finally we found our way to the station and took a train to Florence. We plan to spend more time in Venice on Sunday before we need to catch out return flight.
On a side note, I highly suggest flying at least one of the weekends while travelling in Europe. It is very quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive if the trip is planned before leaving for Germany. I understand that it was tough to do for most people in our group, due to the fact that noone knew each other prior to the program, but as future reference, it is great to do.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Last weekend in Düsseldorf
I am sad to say that this is the last weekend we will be in Düsseldorf. It seems like we just got here. Its amazing how fast people can get accustomed to a new situation. I feel perfectly comfortable here and it doesn't seem like we are going to the next stop on a trip but like we are leaving home. Düsseldorf has been very good to me as a whole. I am normally not a big fan of big cities but something about Düsseldorf is different. I could see myself living here in the future. There is alot to do here and alot nearby. Though we have travelled to alot of parts of Germany that were alot of fun, I think the one that would appeal to me the most as a permamnent residence would be either Düsseldorf or the immediate area of the Rhein. Although Bavaria was a blast I don't know if I could live with the "crazy Bavarians". I would however have to make frequent weekend trips there... Its really hard to believe that in one week I will be back in the US thinking about Germany rather than in Germany thinking of Germany. I am very glad I got to make the trip to the Rhineland and will surely be coming back ASAP.
Hangin in the Düss
Last week we did a lot of really cool things. On thursday, we visited bayer in Wuppertal. The chemistry department was the my favorite part. It reminded me a lot of our organic chemistry lab but on a much larger scale. It struck me as something I could do as a job. There is a lot of exploration and experimentation involved and that is something I enjoy.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we went to Hannover to visit the vet school there. Tuesday evening I palpated a cow. I think I could make out the pelvis, but that was about it. Apparently if you reach in a bit further, you can feel the cervix and it is similar to a turkey neck. I am currently premed, but I have thought a lot about vet school. I enjoy going out to the farms and talking about the veterinary aspects of the work there.
This weekend I am going to be hanging around the altstadt. We´ll se how that goes.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we went to Hannover to visit the vet school there. Tuesday evening I palpated a cow. I think I could make out the pelvis, but that was about it. Apparently if you reach in a bit further, you can feel the cervix and it is similar to a turkey neck. I am currently premed, but I have thought a lot about vet school. I enjoy going out to the farms and talking about the veterinary aspects of the work there.
This weekend I am going to be hanging around the altstadt. We´ll se how that goes.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Wuppertal
Eventhough our trip to wuppertal on thursday was not very far, and didnt even take up a whole day, it was a pretty important day to me.
The visit to Bayers labs made me think about my future. My goal is still to make it to med school and become a doctor. Ive been wanting to do that for as long as i can remember. But ive always wondered what im i going to do if i dont make it to med school. No, im not doubting myself. I do believe that i can make it to med school and have what it takes to do it. But ive always been the kind of person that always has a back up plan.
During our tour, the tour guide talked about the experiments they do at Bayer. Just about everything he was saying reminded me about things i had learned in ochem and biochem. I understood what he was talking about and was interested.
So i got to thinking maybe i can work for a company like Bayer. I did enjoy taking ochem and biochem. There are so many things i can get into in the medical field if i dont make it to med school. And i think research has become one of my options after our trip to wuppertal.
The visit to Bayers labs made me think about my future. My goal is still to make it to med school and become a doctor. Ive been wanting to do that for as long as i can remember. But ive always wondered what im i going to do if i dont make it to med school. No, im not doubting myself. I do believe that i can make it to med school and have what it takes to do it. But ive always been the kind of person that always has a back up plan.
During our tour, the tour guide talked about the experiments they do at Bayer. Just about everything he was saying reminded me about things i had learned in ochem and biochem. I understood what he was talking about and was interested.
So i got to thinking maybe i can work for a company like Bayer. I did enjoy taking ochem and biochem. There are so many things i can get into in the medical field if i dont make it to med school. And i think research has become one of my options after our trip to wuppertal.
Hungover Hannover
This week was quite an interesting one, seeing the Vet school, clinics, and farm was quite an amazing experience. I really really enjoyed seeing the facilities, but i especially enjoyed meeting the students. Michael and all of those guys were so much fun to hangout with and talk to: It was also really cool that they came out and toured with us, even though one of them was a music major and had nothing to do with vet school at all. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the surgery techniques as well even if it was for a bovine and not a humine. But what i enjoyed a bit more was the tour of Bayer´s facilities, and meeting the chemist. He was a very intelligent man and a great scientist. The Production facility was also a neat place to visit since we got to see the commercial level of production and the threats of contamination and how serious of an issue it was. Last night i went out to a German Birthday party with my family where we had German style pancakes which are nothing like American pancakes, it was a very interesting meal. Me and my host brother talked more about international affairs and politics and things. I still dont understand what gives the World the right to hate American politics for attempting to help desperate nations when this government doesnt nothing internationally. None the less we had a good convo about liberal and conservative economics, though i still dont believe that liberal economics actually accomplishes the principles that it is based on, but he was passionate about it so i listened and discussed with him things. It was good. Cheers!
Wow, only one week left here in Europe, and I know the days are going to go by so fast. I am excited about going home, but I know I will miss being here.
This week was pretty fun. The vet school was great, but I wish there would've been more on small animals. I felt like the two research farms we have been to were pretty similar, except at the second one we saw the awesome milking machine and we saw the turkeys which were really smelly! Getting to see the necropsies was probably the most interesting part. And I wish we could have seen the cow surgery, but oh well. After this trip I am pretty sure that if I do go to vet school I want to do small animal. I know how important large animal veterinary medicine is and have learned a lot about it from my animal science class at A&M and the excursions on this trip, but I don't think it is for me. I don't even know if vet school is for me, but being a very indecisive person I guess it is normal to think about other options. The BBQ at the German fraternity house was great! Dancing with Dr. Musser was so much fun, and I danced with two of the German guys. They probably think American girls are the worst dancers now because I wasn't good at whatever dancing we were doing, but it was still really fun. I'm glad our whole group got to be together and have a good time with the German vet students.
Yesterday we went to Bayer and learned about their pharmaceutical company. We also visited the fermentation facility, which felt more like a photo shoot than a tour. Anyways, today we are off to Paris for our last weekend! Whoop!
This week was pretty fun. The vet school was great, but I wish there would've been more on small animals. I felt like the two research farms we have been to were pretty similar, except at the second one we saw the awesome milking machine and we saw the turkeys which were really smelly! Getting to see the necropsies was probably the most interesting part. And I wish we could have seen the cow surgery, but oh well. After this trip I am pretty sure that if I do go to vet school I want to do small animal. I know how important large animal veterinary medicine is and have learned a lot about it from my animal science class at A&M and the excursions on this trip, but I don't think it is for me. I don't even know if vet school is for me, but being a very indecisive person I guess it is normal to think about other options. The BBQ at the German fraternity house was great! Dancing with Dr. Musser was so much fun, and I danced with two of the German guys. They probably think American girls are the worst dancers now because I wasn't good at whatever dancing we were doing, but it was still really fun. I'm glad our whole group got to be together and have a good time with the German vet students.
Yesterday we went to Bayer and learned about their pharmaceutical company. We also visited the fermentation facility, which felt more like a photo shoot than a tour. Anyways, today we are off to Paris for our last weekend! Whoop!
We're on the way to Paris! These past couple of days have been really interesting. Wednesday we were still in Hannover. We visited a couple different departments in the vet school there. I really like comparing how American and German education systems differ. Although a part of me would really like to get through my education in 5 years and start practicing medicine more quickly, I like our system. I really think we learn more of the fine details and get a better starter base, and I like taking classes that don't necessarily go towards my medical education. One of my favorite classes last year, was my theatre class. I also really liked watching the animal dissections, I wish we could of spent more time there. Thursday, we were in Wuppertal and toured the Bayer facilities. It was really neat seeing the production process, all the way from the brainstorming and micro-scale experiments to the fermentation plant. I'm pumped about Berlin, I've always wanted to go there!
I'm sad that there's only a week left...Im having so much fun. Paris is going to be on on lot of fun. Now I can enjoy my trip since Im basically done with my paper. Paris is the place Ive always wanted to go in Europe. Im pumped about the Louvre.
We are coming back early on Sunday. My host family wants to take me to a lake near the Netherlands. They are so much fun. Ill be sad to leave dusseldorf. Im thankful to have a short day on Monday so we will have time to spend some time in dusseldorf. I really want to get some of that mustard.
This is random, but my host family's baby is sick and has been tooting all the time. Ill was holding him last night and it's so funny because you can hear and feel when he does it!!! That was the entertainment last night. The tour of Bayer was interesting. It was so funny when we had to wear those random shoes and all the factory gear. I wish we could have gotten pictures of that. It was like being in a photo shoot with that man taking so many pictures. Im really looking forward to Berlin!!!
We are coming back early on Sunday. My host family wants to take me to a lake near the Netherlands. They are so much fun. Ill be sad to leave dusseldorf. Im thankful to have a short day on Monday so we will have time to spend some time in dusseldorf. I really want to get some of that mustard.
This is random, but my host family's baby is sick and has been tooting all the time. Ill was holding him last night and it's so funny because you can hear and feel when he does it!!! That was the entertainment last night. The tour of Bayer was interesting. It was so funny when we had to wear those random shoes and all the factory gear. I wish we could have gotten pictures of that. It was like being in a photo shoot with that man taking so many pictures. Im really looking forward to Berlin!!!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
A Future Outlook
Since vet school is extremely difficult to get into, many people can't help but think about things to do if they don't get accepted. I used to think about it a lot, because until not too long ago I didn't really believe in myself. I have had people, some even in my family, doubt my dream. When that happens, after a while you begin to doubt yourself and that really holds you back. However, I recently rekindled the fire and I feel much more sure of myself now- much more empowered and determined than ever. This trip has only helped. I have learned so much about not only veterinary medicine and its history, but about human medicine and some completely different cultures and their histories. The world seems so much larger now, and I feel as if anything is possible when it comes to my future, no matter what anyone else thinks or says.
Why am I talking about all this here? Well, today we paid a visit to the Bayer research and fermentation facilties. One of the alternatives that I used to think about was going into animal pharmaceuticals, so I had been looking foward to today to get a better sense of what that would be like. While I found it all to be very interesting, I was comparing it to what I had just experienced in our two days at the vet school in Hannover, and honestly, it did not compare at all. I mean, I could sort of see myself working in a pharmaceutical lab and making good money... And hating life at the same time. But I can clearly see myself having a great time getting down and dirty palpating cows, playing with ewe ovaries, and researching reproduction in swine. It sounds like a blast to me. And about the money? It's not as important to me as enjoying what I do for the rest of my life.
For me, veterinary medicine takes the cake. Half-assing things because I don't think I can do it no longer applies to me. This program has opened my eyes again, so wide this time that I can see my path. Stand back ya'll, I'm going to vet school!
Why am I talking about all this here? Well, today we paid a visit to the Bayer research and fermentation facilties. One of the alternatives that I used to think about was going into animal pharmaceuticals, so I had been looking foward to today to get a better sense of what that would be like. While I found it all to be very interesting, I was comparing it to what I had just experienced in our two days at the vet school in Hannover, and honestly, it did not compare at all. I mean, I could sort of see myself working in a pharmaceutical lab and making good money... And hating life at the same time. But I can clearly see myself having a great time getting down and dirty palpating cows, playing with ewe ovaries, and researching reproduction in swine. It sounds like a blast to me. And about the money? It's not as important to me as enjoying what I do for the rest of my life.
For me, veterinary medicine takes the cake. Half-assing things because I don't think I can do it no longer applies to me. This program has opened my eyes again, so wide this time that I can see my path. Stand back ya'll, I'm going to vet school!
Dachau
Another old post that I wrote down instead of blogged right away. Written on the 27th
Yesterday we went to Dachau, a former concentration camp that was eerily close to Munich today. It was 3 miles from town in the 1930's when it was first in use. The experience was worthwhile, but I hated being there. I am sure that is a typical response due to its history. The camp was not what I expected. I didn't know what to expect, I only had ideas from movies I suppose. It reminded me of when I went to Pearl Harbor and the memorial there. I had the same sort of feeling. Both places are massive grave sites. I cannot see them any other way. It was hard for me to watch morbid curiosity manifest itself in everyone. Terror, grief and sadness are interesting from the outside in.
In short, I suppose that I just didn't know what kind of feelings and behavior were appropriate at such a place. Men were tortured and murdered in that place. How are we to act? The best thing I could think to do was to stare and remember what I witnessed.
Yesterday we went to Dachau, a former concentration camp that was eerily close to Munich today. It was 3 miles from town in the 1930's when it was first in use. The experience was worthwhile, but I hated being there. I am sure that is a typical response due to its history. The camp was not what I expected. I didn't know what to expect, I only had ideas from movies I suppose. It reminded me of when I went to Pearl Harbor and the memorial there. I had the same sort of feeling. Both places are massive grave sites. I cannot see them any other way. It was hard for me to watch morbid curiosity manifest itself in everyone. Terror, grief and sadness are interesting from the outside in.
In short, I suppose that I just didn't know what kind of feelings and behavior were appropriate at such a place. Men were tortured and murdered in that place. How are we to act? The best thing I could think to do was to stare and remember what I witnessed.
one more week...
Thinking about having only one more week left in Germany brings about mixed feelings. On one hand, I am excited to see my family and friends. I have become much less dependent on my cell phone by coming here because I did not bring it with me. I am used to being able to call whoever whenever. I think that when I get back to the states I will not use my cell phone as much as I did before. I am also sad that the trip is coming to an end. I have learned so much and also feel like I have grown as a person as a result of my experiences here. Today we went to the Bayer facilities. I am not that interested in research but still found their labs very interesting. We also visited the Bayer fermentation factory. This was also neat, but there was a guy taking pictures the whole time which was somewhat distracting. I would say that the coolest thing that I have seen this week would have to be the robot milking machine at the vet school in Hannover. The night before we had a BBQ at a frat house in Hannover. I think that everyone had a really good time. I am looking forward to relaxing and shopping here this weekend and also to next week in Berlin. Let's pray for good weather for the bike tours!
Moo Moo Medicine
This week has been great so far. We spent two days in Hannover at the vet school. Being pre-vet, this was especially interesting for me. Also, we looked more at the large animal/food animal medicine area which is something that I have been in dire need of experince in. I really enjoy learning about the animals that I have never had much contact with thoughout my life, and what it takes to care for them, keep them healthy, and treat the illnesses they can come down with.
The barbeque that the fraternity had for us was a treat because I got to chat with the german vet students about what the German system was like for vet school and their areas of interest. Just like in the states, going into small animal medicine is more popular than large animal medicine. What a shame!
Today we are visiting Bayer. It should be pretty neat and I think it could help me write my paper.
The barbeque that the fraternity had for us was a treat because I got to chat with the german vet students about what the German system was like for vet school and their areas of interest. Just like in the states, going into small animal medicine is more popular than large animal medicine. What a shame!
Today we are visiting Bayer. It should be pretty neat and I think it could help me write my paper.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
The beginning of the end
Week 4
Day 29
My Euro Trip Journey is slowly coming to a conclusion. As of tomorrow, I will have been here for four weeks exactly and have one week remaining. I've been all over this great continent in my time here, built and made new friendships and probably lost a few along the way. Overall my time here, although not over, has been a great learning experience. I've experienced things that most people only hear about. I've see things some people only read in text books. I've also done things that many will never do. I've been to Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Interlaken, and all across Germany and can't close my mouth that's still open in awe. I think to myself in every new city I step foot in "Could I live here?... Could I have a life with a family here?" And more and more I realize that yes I probably could. I could come here for higher education and maybe settle down on the German country side or the Netherlands or maybe even Switzerland. I believe my time here was well spent and I will walk away a different person. However, I am getting quite homesick for the moment and would like to go back for a while. I miss my friends, my bar, driving, eating nutritious food, working out, and most of all my parents and my dog, Tubby. If I had a few of those here, it would make the stay more comfortable for the moment. Maybe someday, I can come back with a few of those things and settle down for a while...
Day 29
My Euro Trip Journey is slowly coming to a conclusion. As of tomorrow, I will have been here for four weeks exactly and have one week remaining. I've been all over this great continent in my time here, built and made new friendships and probably lost a few along the way. Overall my time here, although not over, has been a great learning experience. I've experienced things that most people only hear about. I've see things some people only read in text books. I've also done things that many will never do. I've been to Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Interlaken, and all across Germany and can't close my mouth that's still open in awe. I think to myself in every new city I step foot in "Could I live here?... Could I have a life with a family here?" And more and more I realize that yes I probably could. I could come here for higher education and maybe settle down on the German country side or the Netherlands or maybe even Switzerland. I believe my time here was well spent and I will walk away a different person. However, I am getting quite homesick for the moment and would like to go back for a while. I miss my friends, my bar, driving, eating nutritious food, working out, and most of all my parents and my dog, Tubby. If I had a few of those here, it would make the stay more comfortable for the moment. Maybe someday, I can come back with a few of those things and settle down for a while...
It's going by too fast!!!
Switzerland was a lot of fun. I think it's my favorite place I've been on the weekends, but I was ready to come back to Germany. It feels like home here. I love the people and the atmostphere. I'm sad that we will be going home in 10 days. Switzerland was very expensive!!! This week has gone by really fast. I'm almost done with my paper which will be a big relief.
The trip to Hannover the past two days was good. We covered a lot of ground and it was tiring. I love cows and it made my day to get to pet that calf. I enjoyed getting to see up close what kind of experiments they do on the cows...I never thought I would see someone stick their arm inside a cow's behind, hehe. I really enjoyed spending time with some of their students. As usual, we got the Germans dancing. It's really fun to see Dr. Musser get out there. We have a lot of fun and all of us staying in the hostel was a lot of fun too. We haven't been to a place in Germany yet that I haven't liked.
A lady started talking to me on the tram ride home tonight and I told her I didn't speak German and she then started talking to me about America. She asked me what state I was from and when I told her Texas, she said that Bush was from there and then she asked me what I thought of Bush. It's frustrating how that seems to be people's first response when hearing we are from Texas. I was talking to my host mom about how people seem to dislike Americans because they dislike Bush, and she said that that is exactly how it is here and that it's sad. Oh well. I just try not to open my mouth when I'm by myself about Germany.
Well, this weekend is Paris and I'm very excited. I really can't believe this trip is almost over...
The trip to Hannover the past two days was good. We covered a lot of ground and it was tiring. I love cows and it made my day to get to pet that calf. I enjoyed getting to see up close what kind of experiments they do on the cows...I never thought I would see someone stick their arm inside a cow's behind, hehe. I really enjoyed spending time with some of their students. As usual, we got the Germans dancing. It's really fun to see Dr. Musser get out there. We have a lot of fun and all of us staying in the hostel was a lot of fun too. We haven't been to a place in Germany yet that I haven't liked.
A lady started talking to me on the tram ride home tonight and I told her I didn't speak German and she then started talking to me about America. She asked me what state I was from and when I told her Texas, she said that Bush was from there and then she asked me what I thought of Bush. It's frustrating how that seems to be people's first response when hearing we are from Texas. I was talking to my host mom about how people seem to dislike Americans because they dislike Bush, and she said that that is exactly how it is here and that it's sad. Oh well. I just try not to open my mouth when I'm by myself about Germany.
Well, this weekend is Paris and I'm very excited. I really can't believe this trip is almost over...
Hann(g)over
I remember telling my roomate that i was not going to enjoy hannover because we were going to be hanging out at a frat house. Nothing against frats, i have several friends that are in frats, and one of my roomates here is in a frat at A&M. But that lifestyle just isnt for me. The one thing i do with frats is go to their parties, they do have some good ones. The one last night in hannover was badass.
We first got to their bbq and the first thing they brought out is a lot of beer. So the night was off to a good start, bbq and beer, what more can you ask for? The food was great.
After we ate we went inside the house and there was a bar in the house. There was music playing and people drinking. Right when i walked in a german student challenged me to chug down a beer. I lost the match, but i am not ashamed. I dont think any americans beat a german that night.The beer just kept on flowing. It was great. They played really good music, all American. I didnt want to leave when it was time to go.
The ride back home was fun. Just about everyone was feeling good. I had the munchies, so when i saw a pack of donuts hanging out of a guys backpack, i grabbed them. I gave them back to him and apologized. I felt really bad because the guy had no idea what was going on, and to make matters worse, he was in a wheelchair.
We got back to the hostel and basically went straight to bed. I woke up with the worst headache. I could barely open my eyes, and when i stood up, it nearly brought me to my knees. But the shower really helped, after i got out i felt better and breakfast helped also.
That was an awesome night. A couple of more things happened that i would rather keep a secret, sorta. Ill give a hint...it happened in the elevator and im sure you saw it the next morning. Well i basically gave away that secret.
Oh yeah, we also visited the vet school in hannover. It was pretty cool.
We first got to their bbq and the first thing they brought out is a lot of beer. So the night was off to a good start, bbq and beer, what more can you ask for? The food was great.
After we ate we went inside the house and there was a bar in the house. There was music playing and people drinking. Right when i walked in a german student challenged me to chug down a beer. I lost the match, but i am not ashamed. I dont think any americans beat a german that night.The beer just kept on flowing. It was great. They played really good music, all American. I didnt want to leave when it was time to go.
The ride back home was fun. Just about everyone was feeling good. I had the munchies, so when i saw a pack of donuts hanging out of a guys backpack, i grabbed them. I gave them back to him and apologized. I felt really bad because the guy had no idea what was going on, and to make matters worse, he was in a wheelchair.
We got back to the hostel and basically went straight to bed. I woke up with the worst headache. I could barely open my eyes, and when i stood up, it nearly brought me to my knees. But the shower really helped, after i got out i felt better and breakfast helped also.
That was an awesome night. A couple of more things happened that i would rather keep a secret, sorta. Ill give a hint...it happened in the elevator and im sure you saw it the next morning. Well i basically gave away that secret.
Oh yeah, we also visited the vet school in hannover. It was pretty cool.
"Beer Boy"
Those are the words which should never be spoken to on on German fraternity brother, lest you wish to have your ass handed to you in a beer chugging contest. They explained that in the good ol' days, they settled arguments between fraternities by dueling (which still sometimes happens) but now, most disputes are settled by who drinks beer the fastest. What a great method... Anyway, the end result of "beer boy" was the absolute embarrassment of us Americans by the Germans. No surprise there...
Today, and part of yesterday, we toured TiHo, the oldest veterinary school in Germany and located in Hannover. I enjoyed it mainly because they had a heavy focus on dairy, something I've been involved with since birth. Everything was really interesting, but the coolest thing was the robotic milking machine at the research farm. This 100,000 euro machine could dip, milk, and post-dip without the assistance of a human. Not very practical for the majority of dairies, yet still amazing to watch in action. It may be on on long shot, but if i ever decided to get on on Ph.D, i wouldnt mind doing it there...
Today, and part of yesterday, we toured TiHo, the oldest veterinary school in Germany and located in Hannover. I enjoyed it mainly because they had a heavy focus on dairy, something I've been involved with since birth. Everything was really interesting, but the coolest thing was the robotic milking machine at the research farm. This 100,000 euro machine could dip, milk, and post-dip without the assistance of a human. Not very practical for the majority of dairies, yet still amazing to watch in action. It may be on on long shot, but if i ever decided to get on on Ph.D, i wouldnt mind doing it there...
Well, we're on the way back to Dusseldorf from Hannover. The last two days we've spent there were busy, but really interesting. I thought it was intereting yesterday to learn about the follicles and insemination, and today seeing the different animals the farm works with. Turkeys creep me out. I didn't know that poultry can be cannibals, and in the turkey pen, we saw a turkey pecking another turkey to death. It was weird, and now I'll never look at a turkey leg the same. My favorite part of the excursion was at the BBQ at the German frat house. It was a lot of fun seeing the entire group in a social setting like that. It was also cool interacting with Germans who are closer to our age. I kind of miss Dusseldorf, and I'm ready to get back. I only have a few more nights in Dusseldorf and I have several goals: have one more meaningful conversation with my host mom, go out to aldstadt for a final time, and buy several gifts. Those are fun goals. Oh yeah, and finish my paper, but I'm getting close to finishing that. I can't believe we're getting close to the end of the program!
Well, we're on the way back to Dusseldorf from Hannover. The last two days we've spent there were busy, but really interesting. I thought it was intereting yesterday to learn about the follicles and insemination, and today seeing the different animals the farm works with. Turkeys creep me out. I didn't know that poultry can be cannibals, and in the turkey pen, we saw a turkey pecking another turkey to death. It was weird, and now I'll never look at a turkey leg the same. My favorite part of the excursion was at the BBQ at the German frat house. It was a lot of fun seeing the entire group in a social setting like that. It was also cool interacting with Germans who are closer to our age. I kind of miss Dusseldorf, and I'm ready to get back. I only have a few more nights in Dusseldorf and I have several goals: have one more meaningful conversation with my host mom, go out to aldstadt for a final time, and buy several gifts. Those are fun goals. Oh yeah, and finish my paper, but I'm getting close to finishing that. I can't believe we're getting close to the end of the program!
Hannover
Wednesday is already over and were headed back to Dusseldorf. The days are starting to fly by as the program is wrapping up. I enjoyed the trip to Hannover. Yesterday it was very interesting at the Vet School to see how they removed the follicles from the cow and how the instruments were used. I do not want to go into veterinary medicine, but seeing any kind of medicine practice interests me. I wish we had been able to view a surgery at te cattle clinic today, but still enjoyed the tour and seeing the baby calves. I did not enjoy the one to the farm this morning as much due to the very unpleasant smells from the turkeys and chickens. Last night was so much fun at the BBQ at the german vet fraternity house. This was one of the first time the entire group had been in a social setting, and I got to see sides of people I have never seen before! As I'm sure some did of me as well :) We only have 5 nights left in Dusseldorf which makes me sad, because I really enjoy my host family. I am staying in Berlin this weekend so will get to spend a lot of time with them the lst few days, that is when I'm not working on my paper or finishong up my video journal! I hope the weather is nice because I would like to walk around konigsallee and go to aldstadt on saturday. I am looking forward to Berlin next week though, but will be sad when its over!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Munich
I wrote this on the 27th on the way to Prague. Sorry if it is a bit old!
I really enjoyed our time in Munich. I had some strange expectations. My boyfriend's family is from more central Germany, and they have all sorts of colorful names for Bavarians. They like to mock their accent, too. Also, the Catholic vs. Protestant dynamic is very heated to the day in their region which borders on Bavaria. One could imagine that since his family is Protestant, they would feel marginalized in that strongly Catholic area.
The Bavaria that I saw was friendly enough. It was noticibly Catholic, but much of Germany is. Munich was very touristy. I heard a lot of American accents too. I like wandering around the Marienplatz and watching everyone else look just as new as I did!
Munich had an overall feeling of friendliness although I know didn't see much of it and I wish that we could have. It was interesting to witness the most stereotypical German activities; roaming around in liederhosen for example, like our amazing tour guide! I enjoyed the beer halls too, and the wasn't so bad either!
I really enjoyed our time in Munich. I had some strange expectations. My boyfriend's family is from more central Germany, and they have all sorts of colorful names for Bavarians. They like to mock their accent, too. Also, the Catholic vs. Protestant dynamic is very heated to the day in their region which borders on Bavaria. One could imagine that since his family is Protestant, they would feel marginalized in that strongly Catholic area.
The Bavaria that I saw was friendly enough. It was noticibly Catholic, but much of Germany is. Munich was very touristy. I heard a lot of American accents too. I like wandering around the Marienplatz and watching everyone else look just as new as I did!
Munich had an overall feeling of friendliness although I know didn't see much of it and I wish that we could have. It was interesting to witness the most stereotypical German activities; roaming around in liederhosen for example, like our amazing tour guide! I enjoyed the beer halls too, and the wasn't so bad either!
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