Day 19: Frankreich!

Hallo everyone! So, today was quite a long day. We had class in the morning (I was functioning on minimum sleep due to my late night socializing) and we left for France right afterward for wine country. After passing through some mountains and countless vineyards, we toured around Colmar for a bit. Our group ended up seeing a pretty neat alter which was painted in the fifteenth century, I believe. This alter was a series of fold-out paintings of different biblical scenes that could changed based on the time of the year. It is very famous, but I can't think of the exact name at the moment! We saw this exhibit in a historical museum, but we were all sort of too tired to enjoy it too much.

After Colmar, we traveled to a nearby village and walked around a "storybook town." By then, it was 6 pm and were all getting hungry! So, we headed down some windy roads, past a few castles on a hill, and through more endless vineyards. We arrived in some other little French town (like Colmar, it used to be German territory) and came to a wonderful restaurant! The waiter was great and the food was delicious!! And we even had "Flammkuchen!" It was sort of like a really flat, thin pizza, but the cheese was fresh and it had its own distinct taste. I had a nice time socializing with the group and just having fun. It was a very enjoyable evening! Our waiter was so sweet and he gave the group complimentary beverages at the end of the meal. It was a nice day overall, but I am ready for a good night's sleep. I think we're going to have a fun weekend, so I'm excited! I hope everyone is doing well back home and that you are enjoying the spring! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 18: Busy Day!

Part 1: Hallo everyone! Hope you are all doing well! Today was an interesting day. It started out rainy and cold, but it's gotten a bit warmer. Class was okay; there's so much to absorb in so little time! I had the chance to better know one of the guys who sits next to me in class today. He's from Australia and the person on the other side of me is from South Korea! They are both very nice. I really saw another, more personal side of one of them today that went beyond the grammar corrections usually supplied in class. It's been really interesting to get to know people from across the world, from Italy, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, China, Panama, South Korea, Australia, Hungary, California, Canada, Switzerland, Mexico, France, Thailand, Germany, etc.! Quite a different experience! But it is also quite interesting to see how much English is spoken and generally in use. It's on the street signs and food labels in Freiburg. And it is also the international language that is used to bridge cultures. It makes me think, though...if English and Americanization is taking over, what will happen to the world's diversity?

Oops, I've got to go prepare for an international buffet. There's much more to say, so I will continue this later! 'Til next time...Tschuess!


Part 2: Hallo again! So, to continue my thoughts: I think that it is interesting how Americanization has spread throughout the world, but then also how so much of the world has influenced American culture. When Andrea and I were deciding on a dish to make for the international buffet, we realized that there really are not many purely "American" dishes. Our best food is adopted from other cultures and brought over by immigration. But we decided to make s'mores since they're not really popular anywhere else in the world and no one from other countries has ever heard of them before. I ended up meeting a teacher from Long Island who decided to make apple crisp in order to represent good, ol' American pie. So, when we say that Americanism is spreading through globalization, what does that mean exactly? Because America is really comprised of so many different cultures and people. Does that mean that it is American values, ideals, and multiculturalism that is spreading or is it something else? Interesting indeed...

Alright, so I also wanted to talk a little more about the events of the past few days. Yesterday (Wednesday) we ate schnitzel at a local bar/restaurant. I'm not a schnitzel expert, but generally it seems as if it is some type of meat (pork, veal, etc.) that is breaded or covered in gravy. I tried the Badesches Schnitzel, which is a specialty of the German state I am currently in (Baden-Wuerttemberg)! It was sehr gut!

Anyway, so I had quite an interesting afternoon, also. After coming home to a pretty rainy day, I got my homework done and decided to do my own exploring of the city. I ended up walking the whole length of Freiburg and actually came to the river which I had ran along a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to know my way back to the Gaestehaus and to feel as if I can find my way around the city. I also ended up just reading by a cafe on the river for a while. It was very relaxing and really just what I needed to clear my head a bit. So, then I came back and ate. And I caught up on a few things before I decided to head to bed. But I actually ended up talking to a bunch of Chilean guys until pretty late. It was an interesting experience to have a relaxed conversation and joke around with them for a bit. They also want to show me and our group a pretty cool restaurant some time next week. That should be interesting, something different. Hope all is well! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 17: Die Kraft von Wörtern

Hallo everyone! I hope you are all doing well! It's been a pretty long day of classes here, but it's been nice to have a bit of a break before going out for "Schnitzel Essen" (eating). The weather was decent today, but I am really looking forward to it warming up a bit. It makes things just a little more bright and cheery!

So, today I was in class from 8:30-1 and then from 2-4 pm. It's been different having to adjust to being so interactive and in a public atmosphere all of the time. For the Goethe class, time goes by pretty quickly, but that's only because we get so much done! As you can probably tell, things have been a bit better today. It really is difficult at times being away from home, while so much goes on across the Atlantic! But it's been nice to put on a smile and enjoy times here! I am really looking forward to Berlin: its a change of pace and a change in scenery. But I really do love the city of Freiburg! If I were to live in a city, this would be the type of place I choose!! Perfect size, student population, so much to do! But there is still so much to get used to and it all can be overwhelming. I am just glad that things seem to be looking up!

Alright, well, you are probably wondering what the title of this post means. I hope that I have correctly said this in German. The general meaning I was trying to convey was "the power/strength of words." I've just been thinking a bit and I have really come to some interesting conclusions involving "words," only one of which I will speak briefly of here:

It is often difficult to communicate exactly what you are trying to say! Whether it is trying to learn another language, putting forth an opinion, asking for advice...Life can be difficult! But even though it is sometimes difficult to share your thoughts with others, it is important to consider your words beforehand and understand the possible consequences of your actions.

Well, those are my words of wisdom today. Words are a powerful thing, I've learned. My Goethe classes and being immersed in this foreign culture have definitely shown me that. But sometimes it is the familiar people you already know who can really show you something different about yourself. I have also learned that it is important to realize that there will always be people who care about you and ones you care about in return. Well, time to Schnitzel...'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 16: "Hello! I am American!"

Hallo all! It is a slightly overcast Monday and I am "ein bisschen muede" (a little tired). I wish the weather would just warm up! It has been a different type of day. I haven't been out and about every single minute of today and it's been nice to catch up on things. Class went fairly well today, although there was one point I did not understand what the teacher was saying to me and it frustrated me a bit. But I put on a smile and tried to be engaging to show that I am not a complete idiot! But we actually got a lot of homework for once from the Goethe class. I have it all done, I just have to look it over once again to make sure that I won't lose points on the take-home test. But this has been the kind of day that it was nice to stay indoors and just relax. I am happy to get ahead with my Union homework, too! Really, there's not much new to report on my part from today. It was nice to talk to Anna and Paula (the sisters on our trip), and to know that they are going through a lot of the same feelings related to being away from home as I am experiencing.

I forgot to mention yesterday an interesting thing. Zach (a friend from back home) sparked my memory of this conversation last night after I had already posted. While we were waiting out the hailstorm, we took refuge in a cafe. I ended up sitting with a man from Hungary and another American (not of the Union group). It was an interesting experience because he gave us an insight into the perspective of some Europeans on America. And it was definitely the typical opinions, which I had heard mentioned before while I was still in the US. First, he made fun of Bush ("Two times you elected him?!) and then asked our opinions on Obama. He also mentioned that he does not think the Americans at the Goethe Institute are "typical Americans" because our recent ancestors come from other countries, we are interested in learning about different cultures, etc. I was somewhat surprised that he was so outgoing in his questions and responses. Yet, while I say this is the first time my home country has been the subject of discussion, I realize that the statement is actually not true. My friend from Libya has actually called Americans the friendliest out-going of all people he has met (although he jokes and says his English teacher in London used to say that as soon as you meet someone from the US they say, "Hello! I am American!"). So, it was interesting to see the different perspectives and to finally get that experience of hearing that other countries really do discuss our politics.

So, ja! Today will probably continue to be a pretty relaxing day. And I think it is good for me to rest up a bit and get some work done. I hope all is well at home! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 14 & 15: Stuttgart!

Day 14: Hallo all! So, after a refreshing night's sleep and some deep thinking, I have realized that a blog is quite an interesting thing. A suggested assignment for my Union abroad class was to create it as an online journal, but the rest was pretty open-ended. I really had no expectations since I never had kept a daily journal for more than a week. The experience has shown me how much the technologically-oriented world has become a place where privacy can be at a minimum depending on how you and those you surround yourself with handle public interaction online.

You've come here to read my travels in Germany, so I won't go on about my thoughts on blogging. But I will then leave you with a physical description of what I am currently experiencing: I am sitting on the third floor patio of the Gaestehaus, looking out at the sunshine on the nearby mountains. The birds are chirping and there are five different languages being spoken in the background. I have a bowl of half-eaten granola next to me and empty wine bottles previously used by my fellow Gaestehaus inhabitant litter the nearby tables. The day is beautiful, but I am lonely and missing the familiarity of home! Yet, I am sure that I will survive! Hope all is well! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 15: Hallo everyone! I hope you are doing well! Nothing much more to report about yesterday, but I am feeling slightly better! I do admit, though, that today was a long day! We got up pretty early for our trip to Stuttgart. The train ride took about four hours and we had to change trains three time before finally reaching the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

It was very interesting to see how technologically-innovative the company is. The museum was set up in a spiral-like tower; you take an elevator to the top floor and walked your way down through history to the present day. They really did a nice job putting the evolution of the auto industry in perspective with other events in modern times. There were also these really neat audio tours which gave you an overview of the topics discussed at each display. But it was a lot different than anything else I had experienced in my museum-visits; the experience was very personalized and user-friendly.

After our time in the museum, we ran to the train station, hoping to make the subway in time even though a couple of girls were late in meeting up with us. After a nice and refreshing (not really) jog, we had to wait another thirty minutes for the next train. But it all worked out in the end. We made it to the main part of the city all in one piece and had some time to tour the area a bit and get something to eat. Unfortunately, when we were hoping to see the sights, it started hailing! But we took cover in a cafe and waited out the weather. When we emerged, well-rested, the skies had cleared and the sun had emerged for the first time that afternoon! Today really showed me to expect the unexpected weather-wise! I will be better prepared for cold days in Germany for now on! So, we hopped the train again at 7:30 and we are back now at the Gaestehaus. I am not really tired at the moment surprisingly. But I know I will be tomorrow if I don't go to bed! Hope you are all doing well! 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 13: Surprise Encounter

Hallo once again! Having a four day week sure made time fly! I am hoping to get this done by the time we leave for our early dinner in 30 minutes, so I will manage even though the student lounge is a bit loud here!

Well, today was a fairly good day. Class is finished up well, we visited the Uniseum (university museum), and I have the next two days ahead of me to relax and enjoy the sights. The Uniseum was pretty interesting; we walked in a few minutes before it opened and one of the caretakers spoke to us and asked us (nicely) to wait outside while they set up a bit. I was pretty excited that we were able to pick up on what the person was saying. I am definitely starting to understand more of the spoken language, which is nice. Tonight, we are going to an Italian restaurant. Pretty interesting to be doing that in Germany, but I guess it's supposed to be pretty darn good. It's going to be the good bye dinner to the younger sister of two of the Union girls here. I am looking forward to a change of pace from all of the bratwurst and breads, but I'm still not sick of all that delicious German food! Later tonight, Andrea and I are going to movie night at the Goethe Institut. I can't remember what film we will be seeing, but I hope at least it is one of the decent German movies.

Well, just one more thing before I start getting ready for dinner. Today in class, we had to interview each other about what we spend our money on, what we hate to have to pay for, and whether we like to save money. I was paired with one of the Italian students in my class, a really nice guy. We were talking about saving money and I mentioned that I like to save for the future. I was then surprised when he asked me what my religion was...It was difficult to understand at first what he was asking with the difference in accents and all of that, but he asked me if I was Catholic. I said no. He then asked, "Oh are you Jewish?" And again, I said no. I was very surprised when he said he was glad that I did not practice that specific religion. He seemed to imply that because I save money I might be Jewish. This whole interaction pretty much has thrown me off all day. I could not believe that someone my age would be ignorant enough to play into this centuries old stereotype and that this sentiment would be held by Europeans still to this day. Through the many classes I have taken on the topic, I have learned so much about discrimination and antisemitism. The Jews were forced into the money handling business back in the middle ages and they were then hated for their later prosperity and just for doing their job. But the Augsburg Fuggers (my distant relatives) were money lenders, too. They financed loans used to wage war and purchase indulgences (a "free ticket" to heaven). And yet, they were not hated like the Jews. I just don't understand why someone's personal beliefs--whether they be religious or otherwise--would influence another individual's views of the person. Should being Jewish or Christian or agnostic or Atheistic or Islamic or Buddhist or a Scientologist really have an impact on the perceived virtue or personality of a person? So what if someone likes to save money? That only makes them smart...not Jewish. I was really struck by this whole situation. It was also very ironic that the interaction took place in German, the language of a people whose history of antisemitism dates back far before the Second World War. I wish that this encounter did not happen in the last two minutes of class, that I had understand right away what this student was saying, and that I could have then confronted him about his misconceptions. I makes me very disillusioned to think that these stereotypes have been carried on by my generation. I only hope that some day we will be able to overcome our differences, misconceptions, and prejudices in order discover our ability to come together as a world. I will leave it at that. 'Til next time...Tschuess!

Day 12: Exciting Plans

Well, is pretty late here, but I am still going to get enough sleep to function tomorrow! And it is almost Friday! Today was a good day and I say that confidently. We found out that Goethe (the institute, not the writer) is taking a trip to Stuttgart this weekend (Sunday)! It is going to cost us only 11 Euro to take the train and go to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, which is supposed to be really neat. Andrea and I had looked into buying our own tickets yesterday before we found out about the trip and it was going to cost 100 Euro! So, I am very excited for Sunday!

We also plan to go to the "Uniseum," the Freiburg University Museum, tomorrow. That means that we could get two of the mandatory museum visits out of the way now just in case it ends up that we don't have the chance to do more later. Also, we cooked dinner for the Union group night--Bavarian style weisswurt, spaetzle, brot (bread), and vegetables. It actually came out well and it didn't even cost us very much!

After dinner, I did some homework and then walked around town for a bit. We got some ice cream (well, gelato) and enjoyed the night air. It was a bit overcast today, but the temperature seemed to warm up tonight. It's interesting how that seems to work here. I am glad that this week has flown by, it has been much more relaxed than last week. I cannot believe that our time in Freiburg is almost halfway over! I found out that we won't have to take a final exam here, which pretty awesome! I am very much looking forward to living in Berlin for a bit, although I will definitely miss the relaxed atmosphere of this city.

Before I forget, the pictures above show one of the many Holocaust reminders/memorials found within Freiburg. As I walked by this bronze jacket, I thought it was real and that someone had accidentally left it on the side of the bridge. But once I found out what it symbolizes (and the fact that it was made out of metal and not cloth), I definitely agree with Andrea that once you knows it's there, the jacket will always serve as a reminder of what occurred almost seventy years ago. I decided to make the focus of my photo project on Holocaust memorials throughout Germany, so it will be interesting to see how each place gives remembrance in different ways...Well, I must head to bed. Missing everyone and hoping that all is well! 'Til next time...Tschuess!