Day 22

Since I have today off, I think I’m going to take it easy and do some homework. The bonus is that when I don’t go out I save my money. J I think it will prove to be a productive day. J

I forgot to mention that I played basketball today!! I met up with a club team that Hartwig worked so hard to organize. I was sooooo nervous, I almost didn’t want to go, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I didn’t like that I couldn’t talk as much on the floor since I don’t know the translations for some basketball terms but the girls were very nice and helped me out. I can’t wait to go again, but I really miss my basketball shoes. Hopefully mom can send them.  J

Tschüß!!

Day 21

What a way to top off the weekend!!!

Today was FANTASTIC!! It was a combination of all the reasons I’ve wanted to study abroad.

I met up with Herr Küpper at 7:45 this morning to head into Weilerswist. I ran 2 minutes (due to running) late today because I failed to learn how to read the subway times for Sunday. (Lesson Learned!!!)

Today is the 700^th anniversary of Weilerswist so the town had a celebration. J Since the bank is right on Kölnerstraße (where the fest was being held) we were able to set up shop right in front of the building. We had roulette for prizes, a climbing wall and information at the stand. Prizes included stuffed animals, pens, gummi bears, piggy banks in the shape of frogs and a lottery ticket for the banks personal drawing they hold monthly. (Herr Küpper let me take home a piggy bank and a bear! I also received some tickets for helping out J)We had a car under our tent to show what they could win if they got a lottery ticket and had the winning numbers. (picture shows our tent). 

After we set everything up Herr Küpper took me down to listen to the Bürgermeister (or Mayor) give a little speech to start the celebration. There were so many people in costumes from all of the different eras and cultures of Weilerswist, along with delectable scents that filled the air. There were waffles and cakes, doughnuts and Danishes, everything homemade and ready to eat! It was a homier version of Pütchzen’s Markt without all of the rides. There were games for kids and adults and tons of homemade crafts to buy. It was just wonderful.

At our tent we had children come up to spin the wheel, climb the rock and adults to chat with about the lottery ticket and benefits of having a Konto (account) with us. Though I stumbled at times trying to explain certain things it was a lot of fun, and besides there were tons of coworkers ready to help me at any time. J

A little after 11 (or before noon) Hartwig arrived. It was really nice to see him. He and I talked with Herr Küpper for a while and expressed our gratitude for my internship and talked about how amazing the fest was. Then we headed off to take a tour of the fest for ourselves.

Hartwig and I had so much to talk about. I need his help in making my traveling plans for my last week here, possibly looking for an internship next semester, getting interviews for my thesis and so much more. It was a working lunch. Lol

Hartwig and I ran into a Texas stand and found out that Weilerswist had a sister city in Texas! Imagine that! It’s actually the city where Texas Tech is. We also ate sauerkraut with potatoes, and curry wurst for lunch. We ate in front of a personal airplane and spoke with the pilot. He was appreciated my interest in German food and gave an extra serving of sauerkraut. He also asked me to be the Glücksfee (lucky fairy) for the lottery they were having for a free plane ride. That meant that I was the person who drew out the winning ticket. He asked me if there was a word for that in English but I don’t think there is. (If anyone has an idea please let me know!J)

Before the day ended two of the Emma and I tried to climb the rock wall. It was fun but I didn’t make it too the top since my shoes kept falling off. Emma, another Ausbilder: Laura, and I made plans for this Saturday. They are going to take me to Köln and show me how the German’s have fun. I’m so stoked!! J

Overall, today was a great day in Germany, and another one I’ll never forget. J

Tschüß!!

Day 20

Another full mornings rest! Thankfully this time I got up and it wasn’t raining! To avoid doing some tedious homework, but accomplish something today, I decided to walk along the Rhein and look for the Brückemännchen. (this is the best site I got. Hopefully it can be translated) http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brückenmännchen_(Bonn)

I walked all the way from Heussallee to beyond where we have our classes to the Kenny Bridge. I saw a lot of runners and cyclist, I know that’s where I’m going to be doing my jogging. It was so beautiful even though the sky was cloudy and a little gray. To find this little guy I had to walk across the bridge to Breul. I thought I had gone insane, since he was nowhere to be seen. I was afraid to ask incase he was really small or something. After searching for a few minutes I decided to ask and learned that he wasn’t up do to the construction on the bridge. Wonderful…

Maybe he’ll be up before I leave.

After that failed attempt I decided to walk back into the city and look for another museum. Another fail. I got caught up in the city market and bought some grapes and tomatoes. They were so much cheaper than at the stores and wayyyy better looking. Double win. J

Now I’m takin’ it easy tonight since tomorrow I have to get up early to go to Weilerswist for my internship for the towns 700^th anniversary. I can’t wait. :D

Tschüß!! 

Day 19

Today was a really slow, peaceful day. I got to sleep in and just wander aimlessly throughout Bonn. I was going to try to go to a museum since it was raining but got caught up in window-shopping again. J

I think I know where to go for some gifts for Conner. J

At around 10 Su and I went to the Light Festival. It’s a part of the Beethoven Fest in Bonn. It gave the Pink Floyd laser show a big run for its money! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4RJKeJ-TlE&playnext_from=QL&feature=bf_play&playnext=1
The show was in Münsterplatz, right in front of Beethoven’s statue. The light was played onto water, which was truly incredible. There were pictures on him displayed on the water and surrounding the viewers were bar stands and food venues. It was nice to get out, experience some culture and enjoy some drinks. J

Later on one of the film students from another program came over and we watched a calm rainstorm with some ”wonderful” 1 Euro boxed wine lol.

A great day off.

Tschüß!!

Day 18

Woooo what a day!! My last work day of the week proved to be the longest.. literally. Our workday was from 9 to 6, but if that’s the only thing I have to complain about then its not all that bad. J

Today was relatively like the others, more clients, more scenarios and much to learn. One of the women who work at the bank had to help another branch since they were missing some employees and only had Ausbilders.

An Ausbilder is like an apprentice.  When high schoolers in Germany finish Gymnasium (middle school and high school pushed together) they can either become an Ausbilder in a chosen profession or go on to the University. As an Ausbilder, like Emma März at our bank, the students work along side employees learning processes and other aspects of the profession. They also attend class once a week with others in their profession. They will do this for 2 to 3 years and then take an exam. Once the exam is passed the student may either go on to study or begin working right away.

Emma had a lot of work today due to the other employee’s absence. This also meant that I worked directly with one of the bankers. We worked on a clients financial portfolio and some of the legal issues with Wills and Testaments.

Tomorrow I have the day off. J hopefully I get some homework done!

Tschüß!!

Day 17

Wednesday was the second day of my internship. It was a long day. I feel like my brain is on double time, trying to understand what’s going on and trying to process the German at the same time. 

Today I sat in on more appointments and went over them with other employees in the bank. I was very confused during the appointments because there was so much going on. I’m glad everyone is so friendly and helpful. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have work to do and also try to teach me what is going on but everyone smiles at my questions and they go above and beyond to help me understand. J The hard thing is once I begin to get a grasp of what is being discussed after the appointment another client stops in and the process repeats itself. Haha I guess that just means I’m getting a well rounded education. J

I worked less today with Herr Küpper since he had a lot of phone calls to make. He is the head of this branch of VR Bank. That being said, as manager of the branch he holds a team meeting every month to go over the banks performance. I was allowed to sit in while he and another colleague went over the figures and discussed what might be important issues to bring up in the meeting. 

The meeting was held at the end of the workday and was truly quite interesting. Though I was lost with the unfamiliar words it was interesting to see the dynamics of the group and how a meeting was held. It was casual, yet professional and everyone was allowed to give his or her input. I picked up on Herr Küpper’s management style and was really impressed by his ability to keep control but share decisions with his team. When going over certain figures he took the time to truly analyze the reasons behind the numbers and speak in a constructive manner rather than dictate or scold his employees.  

Being in the meeting today reminded me of the Gerstacker trip to Chicago. My group’s visit to a vet hospital was eye opening to other areas of business management just like this experience with the bank. I can’t wait to go over the information next week so I can see the figures behind a bank and be able to compare it to that of other businesses.

Tschüß!!!

Day 16

The day finally came!!! This was the first day of my internship. J

I was so nervous and excited!! I was up and out the door by 6:45 am and at Herr Küpper’s house about 45 minutes early.  (I needed to be there at 7:45) lol

I brought the flowers with me and Herr Küpper was very pleased. J

I drove with Herr Küpper to Weilerswist, which is about 30 minutes outside of Bonn to VR Bank. (hopefully you can get the website translated :/ )

 http://www.vr-bank-rhein-erft.de/wir_ueber_uns/filialen_und_geschaeftsstellen/30.html

Herr Küpper took the time to tell me a little about the history of the town and what it was we were driving to Weilerswist, where the bank is. The town was originally two towns, Weilers and Wist and they came together centuries ago. We passed an old castle that is now used for one of the political parties (CDU) as a sort of school for young politicians.

The area was so beautiful, we drove through forests, tons of farmland and there were rolling hills all around. Doesn’t leave much room for complaints. J

Now down to business. For my first day I met with the regional manager Herr Leur and Herr Küpper to talk about what I would be doing, my interests and basic information about the bank. I was amazed that the regional manager would take the time to come and meet me!

After the meeting I needed to sign some paperwork saying that I wouldn’t discuss the personal matters of the clients or display private information of the bank. I made sure to get a copy of the paperwork just incase. I then was allowed to sit in on several appointments between Herr Küpper and his clients. I was a little overwhelmed by how quickly the German was spoken and all of the economic terms that I’m not familiar with yet but luckily after every appointment Herr Küpper took the time to go over things with me and explain certain words. What was really cool for me was how much I did in fact understand.

It was really interesting to see differences between duties of a banker in Germany and in the US. For instance, bankers in Germany perform a lot of the tasks US bankers outsource, like appraising homes. When clients take out loans the bank uses houses or other assets as a security that the loan will be repaid. The value of the security is equal or of more value than the loan. I was actually allowed to go with Herr Küpper to evaluate a home in Weilerswist.

There is so much to learn!! I can’t wait for tomorrow!!

Tschüß!

Day 15

Monday, aka start of week 2, though it was an off day I had a lot to do. I needed to practice going to my current boss’s house for the start of my internship on Tuesday, go grocery shopping, buy flowers, clean up my room for the week and do some research on VR Bank (where my internship is.).

I managed to get my place cleaned up before 12 (since I barely fill it) and then was off to Aldi/ Hit (two grocery stores in Germany) in Tannenbüsch, where Su will do her internship. It took us round about two hours to figure out what we truly needed, what everything was and to get there and back.  Grocery shopping is relatively cheaper than in the US. (thank goodness!!!) However I always have to remember that the Euros I spend are some very expensive dollars.

After we bought our food, I went out to the market to buy some flowers for Herr Küpper (my Chef (or boss) at the bank) since he would be driving me to work every day. Flowers are a great gift in Germany considering the German’s put a lot of emphasis on the little things in life, including the beauty of nature. J

After that I went back to Heussallee to pick up Su to find out where I needed to go on Tuesday. After talking with some officials for the U-Bahn (or Subway) we figured out that I could either walk for 30 minutes, take the EPA bike, or take the U-Bahn to the train station then take a bus and walk from there. Su and I hopped on the bus (since we were already at the train station), found where I needed to go and just to be sure walked back to Heussallee. It was a beautiful day so the walk was no problem, in fact it was really nice. J

That night I made some American pork chops (grandma’s/ mom’s recipe) with some steamed carrots and mashed potatoes for Su and I.

It was a good way to end a long weekend and to start off the week and my internship. J

Tschüß!! 

Day 14

Sunday was spent in bed, watching movies, cooking and relaxing. The first day that we did… ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!! J

The highest mountains in Holland are the Drachenfels. (dragon falls in Könnigswinter)

Since so many Hollanders come to see them. :)

http://www.drachenfels.net/

Tschüß!!

Day 13

Today Su and I ventured into Bonn in hopes of going to Könnigswinter to climb some of the “mountains” along the Rhein.

Needless to say we never made it.

We spent the entire day window shopping and wandering around Bonn. It was very cool and relaxing, especially since there were so many people out this weekend for Beethoven Fest that is put on by the city.

Later that night we tried out a German disco. It was ..interesting to say the least. No one gets as dressed up as we though and the music is soooo loud! It was a fun night. J

(I can give details to those who inquire J )

Tschüß!!

Day 12

Today was the last day of orientation with Hartwig. L

Nothing too much to report besides another blissful day in Germany. J We had lunch above a store that was like Macy’s.  I had some sort of beef lol. Funny how must of my culture experiences are derived around food! Though that is never a bad thing. ;)

Hartwig took us into Bad Goddesberg to try the water. There is a spring that that the Queen of England visited that is hundreds of years old and provides carbonated water. (which the Germans seem to love, I'm not picking up that habit too quickly haha).

He also took us to a Haribo factory store. There was so much candy there I know Conner would've DIED!!!

Here's a bonus for those of you who read this.. (haha)  I'll make sure I bring you back something sweet. if you can find in the answer to this in one of my blogs (and tell me what it is lol).

A little joke among the Rheinlanders: What's the highest mountain in Holland?
:)

Tschüß!!

Day 11

Thursday was a very important day for me. Hartwig and I met my boss for the third part of my internship at 3 o’clock.

Man oh man was I nervous. I was really worried about how I would be perceived since my German isn’t tiptop yet.  It’s easier to play the roll of a confident business person when you know your own language inside and out. Having to speak in German where I don’t know the exact feelings behind certain words, it’s easy to feel extra nervous and insecure. Hartwig was very reassuring however and kept me calm by giving the best advice there is: to be yourself. J

It’s too bad I didn’t bring my camera with me on Thursday because we ate some very traditional German meals in the restaurant Beethoven used to go to. http://www.em-hoettche.de/

I had blutwurst, or blood sausage, (and no it was not how it sounds) and liverwurst with apple sauce and what was kind’ve like mashe potatoes.. only better J

It was called Himmel and Äd or heaven and (I’m not so sure lol).

I liked it to be honest and I’m glad I’m diverging into the German culture so suddenly. J

Back to the meeting..

I was so glad to have Hartwig with me because I was so nervous and to help clarify some of the things Herr Leßmann (my soon to be Chef (boss)) said. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Herr Leßmann was very friendly and professional.  Hartwig said that I handled myself well, though I was still a little unsure of myself but overall I felt really good about the whole situation. Its much more rewarding when I don’t understand certain things to know that I at least tried to ask for clarifications and put myself out there. It’s hard falling down so many times but I know it’ll be worth it.

Tschüß!!

Day 10

On Wednesday Su and I went with the other study abroad program on a trip down the Rhein. Waking up early to make the trip was well rewarded. J

The weather was so wonderful, some clouds, blue skies and it wasn’t too cold. We started out taking a bus to the town of Bacharach, which is very well known for its wine. The hills surrounding the town were filled with grapes.

We climbed to a look out point overlooking the town. It was GORGEOUS! I took some photos of the destroyed church, (on the right in pic) built for a boy named Werner that is a landmark for the town. Supposedly this boy was murdered and abused by the Jews and he was made a saint, however the tale was refuted as an anti-Semitic story created by the church and he was stripped of his saint hood. It was still really neat. 

 

Being on the Rhein and by Bacharach really made me think of the McIntoshs’. I know Mr. and Mrs. McIntosh would have loved the scenery and appreciated the wine there.

From Bacharach we boarded a ship and proceeded to glide along the Rhein. It was so beautiful, I want to come back someday and live there. J In fact I know I will. We passed miniature mountains that were topped by castles and fortresses. No wonder they call it the romantic Rhein, it was just like being in a fairytale. 

Along the Rhein we passed the fabled Lorelei. Here’s some more info on it, it’s a cute story. J http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorelei

To end our trip we landed at Braubach and the castle Marksburg. We had lunch at a local restaurant before we made the climb up to Marksburg. At Marksburg we took a tour through the castle. It was really interesting and neat to see especially since most of the castles on the Rhein have been turned into hotels and hostels, like the castle at Bacharach. The view was astounding from way up high and we learned a lot about how crafty the medieval timers were. For instance they made their stairwells extremely narrow so knights in their armor couldn’t fit through the door and they made them round so the swords made noises along the walls.

Overall it was a wonderful day and like I said, I’m going to live somewhere along the Rhein someday. J

Tschüß!

Day 9

What an exciting Tuesday!! I spent the day in Köln with Hartwig and Su. Right next to the train station was the Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom. I couldn’t help but stare it was sooooo big!! I immediately thought of my classes with Ms. Secord. Seeing the cathedral is sooo much better in real life. J

Our tour with Hartwig didn’t begin with the cathedral, however it did begin in the basement of a car garage haha. There stood the old wall, built by the Romans that surrounded Köln. So crazy that something so ancient is in a car garage! Thank goodness Su and I had Hartwig to show us all of Köln’s hidden treasures. J

We went through the city visiting all sorts of old Roman ruins, old houses and even stopped for lunch in a restaurant that first opened in 1318!!!!! We had the restaurant’s special dish called Sion Sudpfannenputzer. It was a super long Bratwurst lol and was awesome!

Hartwig took the time to tell us about Köln’s history and explained some of the fountains and statues through out the city, like Tunnes and Schal, (picture) some German cartoon characters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tünnes_and_Schäl

You’re supposed to rub Tunnes’ nose and wipe your foot on his shoe for good luck, like I am! Haha!!

Hartwig also showed us some postcards that show what Köln looked like after the war. I can’t imagine being in the city at that time; there literally was nothing there! This website is mostly of the cathedral but the second pic on the right side is the best I could find: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/germany/cologne-cathedral

We met an older woman at one of the fountains, while Hartwig told another interesting tale of Köln, that told us how she was here at the time and that everything was destroyed.  I was a little surprised that she told us her memory of the war, since I (like most Americans) believed that it was such a hard topic that no one spoke much about it, but it doesn’t seem to be as extreme as I thought.

At the end of the day Su and I climbed to the top of the cathedral. 533 stairs!!! It was quite a trek but it was more than worth it. I can’t wait to go back. J

Tschüß!!

Day 8

I couldn’t believe it but Monday marked my first week in Germany!!

Su and I had to meet Hartwig for orientation at AIB 2 at 11 am. Hartwig has done so much for Su and I, it has absolutely helped me feel at home and in the right place. J

He took us to a very restaurant where we had a pizza/ quesadilla looking dish lol. (Picture) It was very delicious and would eat it again in a heartbeat. 

Hartwig also got me a bike!! This way I can be mobile in Bonn and save some money on a rail pass. It will become the new EPA bike but I get to be its first user! Awesome! I had to ride from where we bought it to our house and let me tell you I have never been more scared to be on a bike lol. I rode on the street and it looked like I’d never ridden a bike before because I was so worried about the cars and where to go. Lol it was a crazy adventure but luckily Hartwig and Su drove so that I could follow them a bit.

 

Later that night Su and I went with the other kids studying abroad to a Beethoven concert with a famous pianist: Andras Schiff. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/András_Schiff

I never knew time could pass so fast and so slow at the same time it was really neat.

J

Tschüß!

Day 7

I’m running behind!!! Ahhh! So much has happened in the past few days J

Sunday (day 7 haha) Su and I had another class with Herr. Mathes before we headed to Pütchzen’s Markt. It was AMAZING!!!

It was like walking through an amusement park, fare and bar hopping all at the same time! I got some really pretty jewelry. (Hopefully for one of my pretty sisters but I can’t fall in love with it first J )

I ate Curry wurst which is  very traditional German junk food. (As you can probably tell by the picture. J)

Walking around the fair was really fun and not to mention the wonderful Kölsch,  (the regions beer), other drinks, food and atmosphere.  I highly recommended this tourist sight.

On to the next day!!

Tschüß!!

Day 6

What a big day!! We finally moved into our apartments!! They’re soo big!!! I posted a ton of pictures on facebook. J I was completely settled in an hour or so. I know I brought a lot of stuff with me but I feel like I have nothing since it barely fills the room! I decorated with the maps Hartwig gave us and the wall hanging from Bali Uncle Tom gave me. There were also a couple of posters up from the last person who stayed here, so that’s cool.

Since we live in the old Western capital there are bunches of political buildings around where we live. Heussalle, where I'm living, used to be where political officials would stay when they came in for work. So I'm living in history! haha. Fitting since the museum we went to yesterday is right down the street. :)

I kind’ve feel like I wasted the day away since I stayed in my room until about 3 when Su and I decided to go grocery shopping. It was soooo nice today, I feel kind’ve bad about being inside but made up for it by have a pretzel and a beer in the Beer Garten on the Rhein. J There were tons of people there. What was really awesome was all of the dogs that were there too. In Germany you’re allowed to take your dogs into restaurants and stores and just about anywhere, really made me miss Doolan and Bailey. L

After the Beer Garten, Su and I went grocery shopping and bought a bunch of stuff pretty cheap. I found out my Visa card is pretty much useless because it’s a debit card not a real credit card. I guess I’ll just have to find ATM’s and use cash everywhere, which isn’t too bad.

When we got back I made some spaghetti in the community kitchen, which wasn’t too bad. ;) Su and I spent the rest of our time cleaning and organizing it since it’s been run by 6 guys for the past few days. Haha. Now I’m just waiting on laundry. Su and I might go to Pützchen's Markt tomorrow.  It’s a small Oktoberfest like celebration. :D

Here’s a link on it: http://www.puetzchens-markt-webcam.de/historie/hist_gb.htm

It's weird being so far away from home and remembering today is 9/11. While we were shopping I told Su about where I was and what I remember about 9/11. I was sitting in Mrs. Birchmeir's 6th grade class and she turned the tv on. I remember how worried our other teacher Mrs. Alsup was since her son was supposed to be there that day. (thankfully he wasn't.) It's strange to think of how things have been shaped by what happened and that 8 years later we're leaving Iraq. I will never forget what happened and I hope the families affected have or will get some since of closure.
Remembering..

Tschüß!!

Day 5

            Today was a much better day thank goodness. J I was sooooo tired though haha.

In the morning Su and I took the subway to the Museum of Contemporary German history to meet our professor and do an assignment. We had to pick out 3 exhibits and say what they were and what they said. I picked the political cartoon (<--), an old sports article and a map that showed how Germany was split up after the war. The museum was very cool and was filled to the brim with information, not to mention everything our professor, Mathes, clarified for us. He has so much to say I don’t think there’s enough time in the day to learn half of what he knows. Lol

One thing I found really interesting at the museum was that there was an exhibit on the Holocaust and the Nazis.  It was well put together and they even had a film that showed interviews with some inmates/ workers in the camps, which might have been made by Americans. As an American, I realized that, even though I’ve learned a lot about German history in school I still place a lot of emphasis on the World War II as a major part of its history, instead of what really makes up Germany. I really appreciated seeing more of its history and learning about its different aspects.

I guess that’s another thing I would like to try and show others about Germany, but then again I have to make that connection as well.

We had class for most of the day and have a TON of homework but we have a bunch of time to do it. J

Su and I grabbed some Subway afterwards and we met Henning, a student at the University. He seemed pretty cool, maybe we’ll see him again.

Tschüß!

Day 4

Had my first class today. 6 hours of politics… We got some very interesting books for the class and it should be pretty interesting. Tomorrow we’re heading to a museem for some interactive learning.

I’m not going to lie, though, I had no idea what was going on for most of today during our class. I’m feeling so dumb not understanding what people are saying and forgetting words I should know. Its very frustrating.

It doesn’t help that when I asked for some clarification and help from the school I’m paying thousands of dollars to attend I get a mean and demeaning response. Its hard to be so far away and not be able to do anything about certain things, especially when it comes to money. My back is against the wall with money I don’t have and instead of getting answers to questions, I receive responses in which I feel criticized and belittled. I did so much work trying to figure out every little detail before I left and now it feels like I did NOTHING and am treated as such! Ugh I’m so frustrated. I feel like I made a mistake sometimes with studying abroad because of the timing of it all. I just feel so trapped with time and money.

This is such a pretty place, and I really want to enjoy my time here but it’s hard with so much to worry about every time I try to do something. Gosh and it’s only the 4^th day!!! Haha maybe I’m over thinking things but right now I feel like crap and am really upset by the response I got from school when all I was doing was asking for a little help and understanding, but there’s nothing I can do when I’m so far away.

Sorry for the downer.

Tschüß…

Day 3

            Man, oh, Man... What A Day!

Su and I met Härtwig at 11 this morning, at the AIB 1 house.

(AIB is a study abroad program for students who don’t speak German but would like to study in Germany. Next Wednesday Su and I are going with those students on a trip down the Rhein.)

Today was orientation, going over culture shock, our schedules and another tour of Bonn and where we’re going to be living. Starting on the 21^st I will be working with a Bank, Tuesdays through Fridays, however every two weeks or so where I’m working and what I’m doing is going to change. I can’t wait, it’s amazing what Härtwig has done, this internship is very specific to business and is so diverse that I’ll have a great experience to share on my resume!

We ate in the student cafeteria. (I think Su and I will go there on our class breaks since its relatively cheap and a lot of kids our age go there. ;)

I got an international student ID, which, according to Härtwig, will give me tons of student discounts here and in the US. Yahtzee!!!

We also went to get our bus and subway passes. This was the hardest thing so far for me. I was so frustrated with everything. I didn’t understand what was going on with how the passes worked and didn’t realize that I had to pay for it. 57 Euros for a bus pass for only 1 month!!! Not to mention that I have to buy daily passes for 12 days for trips to another city for my internship that’s another 50 Euros!!!  I felt like I was backed into a corner and didn’t understand what was going on at ALL.. ugh. 

Later Su and I mentioned something to Härtwig that we didn’t think we were supposed to pay for the bus passes and that they were included in our program fees. Härtwig COMPLETELY understood and after our tour wrote a few emails to try and fix our misunderstanding. J

After the bus pass mess, Härtwig took us to see what will be our apartment and where Su will have her internship (which is luckily right next to a supermarket called Auldi? Or something J)

After Härtwig took us back to our Hotel around 17 o’clock, haha or 6. Su and I were pretty warn out and hungry from all of the German and confusion with money so we ran into Freidrich Plazt for some Düners for dinner so we could have the rest of the evening to ourselves.

I already have so much HW and we start classes tomorrow!! I have to study up on the basketball team, the bank for my internship and some paperwork for Albion. Hopefully I can manage to do some of it tomorrow.

We have class from 10 to 12:30 then 1:30 to 6:30 tomorrow!!!  We might go to a museums though for class.. or at least I hope so!!!

Tschüß!!

Dinner

Here is a picture from dinner last night; Su and I tried 6 different German beers with Bonner Hackbraten (I want to say it was like meatloaf in a cutlet form that was in an awesome gravy lol) with mushrooms, vegetables and BratKrtoffeln or roasted potatoes.) This website has more pictures from the restaurant.

http://www.sudhaus-bonn.de/Aktuelles.aspx


Su and I went to a cuban bar/restaurant closer to the University after dinner and got 2 cocktails and a vanilla shot each for FREE! Talk about service. 

Day 2

Today we had the day off and went shopping for our apartment, to know the city. To start we walked towards the Rhein river to AIB1 where we will meet with our professor tomorrow at 11 o’clock. It was easy to get there when we had Hartwig to show us around but on our own we had a few complications but got there all the same. J

Once there we spoke with some directors for other American students studying abroad (ones who do not speak German). Next Wednesday we will take a trip with them along the Rhein and do some hiking.

After AIB we went back into the city to do our shopping. We went to a store similar to CVS called DM. Apparently I forgot my hairbrush so I had to pick up one of those. Haha

When Su and I were trying to get to AIB we ran into Beethoven’s birth home. We decided on our way back that we should go inside since it was raining and all. Our first bit of history on the trip! Haha. I’ll post some pictures, but this is a website they have for kids lol www.hello-beethoven.edu

Tonight Su and I are going to get some dinner, a few beers and hopefully some Germans! Haha just kidding but hopefully meet some people who can show us some nightlife. After all this is Germany and I know Courtney and Jax won’t let me live it down if I didn’t go out and have some fun.J

I miss you guys back home! Hope all is well and Haley and Roman had a good first day of school. (hahaha!!!)

Tschüß

Day 1

Around 10 o’clock (or 3 am) I arrived in Bonn. I took a taxi to my hotel and was welcomed by my new roommate Su. We decided to roam around the city and search for food and possibly a Handy (or cell phone J).  We went into a few shops for a phone but everything was very expensive, well expensive for a couple of students lol. After a nice Dünner (Gyro) for lunch we came back and I took a much-deserved nap before we met our program director Hartwig.

            At 4 o’clock we meet Hartwig and received a tentative schedule for the few weeks to come. Hartwig took us around the city and showed us where we will take our classes and some of the city sights, such as the Rhein. J He also took us out to dinner where we had Reinische Sauerbraten or sour beef. It was delicious, different but delicious. Of course I had a couple of beers brewed in the restaurant. J

            Su and I will move into our new home on Saturday. Our apartment is right in the city and my internship will be right around the corner! There’s so much to tell but so little time. J

Tschüß,

Taylor

Flying out

Well today was the big day. I flew out of Detroit to Chicago, Chicago to Frankfort and Frankfort to Düsseldorf. The ride wasn’t that bad, the only issue I had was trying to sleep so today isn’t as long.  I’m a little nervous about catching my train to Bonn. I’m a little bummed that I don’t have a phone to share this experience with my family and friends but they’ll be informed soon. J I watched Iron Man 2 on the plane here and listened to my Ipod (thank god for those things.) Iron Man was amazing I don’t know if I like the first or the second one more.

It was amazing to hear so much German on the plane; it made me very excited and a little nervous. It’s easy to doubt my speaking and understanding abilities when I compare it to native speakers. It’s very humbling. I really look forward to meeting new people and improving my German.

I’m still worried about finances and the minor details of living in a foreign country but I know I can manage. J I really miss my family and wish I could take them with me but then again that’s part of the learning experience right? However it would be nice to have a companion.

I’m very tired, I hope I can get used to the time change quickly. It’s a seven-hour difference. Right now its 6:30 am and back home its midnight!! That’s wayyy past my bedtime.  Well I’m about to board to Düsseldorf hopefully I can get wireless at the next stop and make my way to the Bahnhof in good time. J

Tschüß!