I've been living among the Bonners for 22 days now, and am officially a resident. It feels like it's been a lot longer than three weeks, but at the same time it's gone by super fast. This past week was really fun, especially the weekend (but that's every week amirite?). We visited the small river-side town of Cochem, and we saw probably about 8 people total the first day. I never even saw our landlord once. It's apparently the off season for them, so the town was fairly deserted and pretty much every restaurant was closed. The two we went to were both very good, though, and we even made friends with Nicholas the waiter at the Italian restaurant. We got to tour the little castle they have, and even though it was drizzly the scenery was beautiful and I got some great pictures. We also went wine tasting (again!) and got to try the famed "ice wine," which is basically the closest wine can get to straight grape juice. It's amazing. The wine people were very friendly and we ate like three loaves of their bread. The apartment we stayed at was super cute and cozy...during the day. At night, I'm 98% sure it's haunted by angry German ghosts, judging by the sounds that resonated through the rooms. But we survived!
On the more academic side of things, we've started working on research for our project with enmodes. I'm not really sure how this is going to go, but I hope we can live up to their expectations from last year. I know more about bubbles already than I ever thought I would need to know. At least it's interesting. We visited Bayer headquarters in Leverkusen yesterday. The most interesting part was learning about the process of making and marketing a new drug. I was also surprised to learn about Bayer's involvement in agricultural preservation and farmland stuff. Wheat weevils are a huge problem, apparently. #whoknew. Classes are starting to pick up pace, and I'm already dreading the week of 2/22, but we also have Vienna coming up soon and I'm pumped for that. OH and Karneval, almost forgot about that. I'm gonna be a polar bear, people are gonna throw candy at me...it should be a fun time.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Jay Garza 2/3/16
Jay Garza 2/3/16
Germany has been treating me well. Most of my faults have been
corrected through circumstantial “accidents”. Although one of my faults
that has yet to be corrected is the fact that I have lost my key to my host
family’s house. The most infuriating part of this is that I lost it somewhere
in the house, but my host family doesn’t believe. Therefore, they are bent on
changing the lock and getting a new set of keys. I have been trying through my
broken German to explain that they don’t need to change the locks and that I
just need a new key, but they will not supply.
I have read through 3 books already since I have gotten to
Germany. Now this is surprising because I haven’t read a book since 8th
grade, especially not one on my own accord. This phenomenon has probably been
due to the fact that I can’t drive and must take public transportation which
gives me plenty of time to read. Also, I don’t have wifi at home so I can no
longer look up funny pictures and videos on the internet. Fortunately, most of
the books I have read have given me tips on how to deal with people,
effectively. More importantly, people that are angry with me. Since, this seems
to be my relationship with most people that I have any sort of cooperating
relationship with, this skill has proven quite useful. This has led to a better
experience with my groups and classmates.
I Conquered My Fear and Walked on the roof of the Cathedral
The Fear Was Real
This past week was filled with interesting events. I walked on top of the Cologne Cathedral. I got food poisoning from schnitzel. I got some super cheap, cute shoes. I went to Bayer to tour the company office. I learned to sing a Karneval song in German and how to yell for candy. And I bought a lady bug costume... and not your typical lady bug costume. I mean a fluffy... large... bright lady bug costume. It is quite cute.
Walking on the roof of the Cologne Cathedral was a pretty great experience. Being afraid of heights, I was very skeptical of walking all the way up to the roof of this giant Cathedral. I have to admit though, it was worth the panic attack. The view from up there was absolutely amazing. I got the opportunity to see the city from a completely different perspective and I loved it.
This weekend is Karneval. I have a costume and I am ready for womens' Karneval tomorrow! I think that just being there for one day is enough. I am so excited to get to spend a while all dressed up watching the parade, but I am not quite the type to want to be surrounded by millions of drunk people acting a fool for four days straight. I will be slipping away to Munich with about 13 other people in our group. Im not going to lie, I am so excited to spend the weekend away just having fun with friends.
I am sorry that this blog post is kind of lame.... This week hasn't been too exciting. My next post will be much more entertaining with a lot more stories to tell I promise!
Until next time blog...
Monday, February 1, 2016
Living out my dream of being a princess
This past weekend I made my way to the little village of Cochem, Germany with a group of unreasonably cool people. Cochem is a quaint town with lots of vineyards and an awesome castle that I got to play princess in for a day. While most of the town was closed for the winter holiday, we were still able to tour the castle (all be it in German....) and venture to a wine tasting. It was quite the relaxed weekend getaway.
It was on the rainy and cold Saturday that we decided to hike up the mountainous hill to my princess castle....oh, oops, I just meant the castle...It was rebuilt by a wealthy man in the 1800s after laying in ruins from a battle with the French in the earlier years. It was still cool to see a castle and the view from the balcony was absolutely breathtaking. After the castle tour we went to a wine cellar for a private wine tasting where we were treated to several delicious white wines, two of which were ice wine! Of course, we all ended up buying a bottle or two and went back to the hotel to have a wine/game/convo night which was my favorite part of the trip.
Something I've realized is that it really doesn't matter where you are, it's all about who you are with and how you all share the experience together. In just one night we managed to get so much closer through real conversations about life, faith, and our passions. I am so thankful for such a great group of people to travel with. I can't wait to see what other adventures we have.
School is definitely starting to pick up, and honestly I'm a little worried. Studying abroad is very different than taking classes at a university. The classes are more spread out and so a logical flow of material is much harder to achieve. The motto right now is to work hard during the weeks, so that I can experience Europe on the weekends.
It was on the rainy and cold Saturday that we decided to hike up the mountainous hill to my princess castle....oh, oops, I just meant the castle...It was rebuilt by a wealthy man in the 1800s after laying in ruins from a battle with the French in the earlier years. It was still cool to see a castle and the view from the balcony was absolutely breathtaking. After the castle tour we went to a wine cellar for a private wine tasting where we were treated to several delicious white wines, two of which were ice wine! Of course, we all ended up buying a bottle or two and went back to the hotel to have a wine/game/convo night which was my favorite part of the trip.
Something I've realized is that it really doesn't matter where you are, it's all about who you are with and how you all share the experience together. In just one night we managed to get so much closer through real conversations about life, faith, and our passions. I am so thankful for such a great group of people to travel with. I can't wait to see what other adventures we have.
School is definitely starting to pick up, and honestly I'm a little worried. Studying abroad is very different than taking classes at a university. The classes are more spread out and so a logical flow of material is much harder to achieve. The motto right now is to work hard during the weeks, so that I can experience Europe on the weekends.
Who would have thought cologne came from Cologne
Twas the week of the 23rd of January and all through Bonn, everyone was beginning to feel at home and walked on the Dom.
That was stupid. This past week we finally broke out into our device design group to begin working on the project. I like my group of three. I think we all bring very different qualities to the table and will be able to come up with some really cool ideas to bring back to the Man with the Deep Voice of Enmodes. On Tuesday of that week, we went to Cologne!
I had heard my host parents and Dr. Wasser talk about the Dom Cathedral in Cologne but I did not expect it to be as big as it was. It was absolutely incredible and nothing like I had ever seen before. The fact that it began construction in 1248 and didn't finish until 1842 blows my mind. Also, the fact that there will always be a scaffold on it because it is too large and too vast to complete all restorations at once also is crazy to think about. As we were taken around the city of Cologne, our tour guide was able to tell us that cologne actually originated in Cologne and that it was originally used as medicine. I mean, it makes sense but I just never put two and two together. Then the tour guide took us to the bridge of love that had all the locks attached to it. While he was explaining, I ended up sneezing probably 10 times within 5 minutes. I must either be allergic to cologne, Cologne, or love. I'm hoping it was just to cologne. I've already accidentally toasted without making eye contact and we all know what that means so I can't afford to be allergic to love as well.
Then we walked on top of the cathedral. I never really was afraid of heights but it was quite an awe shocking view. It was incredible to look out and see the landscape of Cologne, the Rhein river, and even being able to see Bonn in the distance. One thing that really stood out to me about the cathedral thought was that even during the Nazi occupation of Cologne, they still had to make repairs on the cathedral. In order to make restorations to the cathedral, the blocks had to have the year and a swastika carved into each. It was very eery to know that these symbols were etched into such a magnificent cathedral. Our tour guide explained that since they are out of the public's eye, it is basically like a historical document atop the cathedral. I still think it is very strange to have these on a cathedral.
School the rest of the week was fine. Nothing too exciting or awe inspiring. Oh, except for the fact that doctors used to think that hysteria was only found in women because of their wandering uterus's. That was quite the prediction.
This weekend I stayed in Bonn and decided to save my money and not travel. I went into town and got a costume for Karneval, I finished a lot of homework for the coming week, and then had a movie night and watched In Bruges and Liar Liar.
Can't wait to see what this week has in store.
That was stupid. This past week we finally broke out into our device design group to begin working on the project. I like my group of three. I think we all bring very different qualities to the table and will be able to come up with some really cool ideas to bring back to the Man with the Deep Voice of Enmodes. On Tuesday of that week, we went to Cologne!
I had heard my host parents and Dr. Wasser talk about the Dom Cathedral in Cologne but I did not expect it to be as big as it was. It was absolutely incredible and nothing like I had ever seen before. The fact that it began construction in 1248 and didn't finish until 1842 blows my mind. Also, the fact that there will always be a scaffold on it because it is too large and too vast to complete all restorations at once also is crazy to think about. As we were taken around the city of Cologne, our tour guide was able to tell us that cologne actually originated in Cologne and that it was originally used as medicine. I mean, it makes sense but I just never put two and two together. Then the tour guide took us to the bridge of love that had all the locks attached to it. While he was explaining, I ended up sneezing probably 10 times within 5 minutes. I must either be allergic to cologne, Cologne, or love. I'm hoping it was just to cologne. I've already accidentally toasted without making eye contact and we all know what that means so I can't afford to be allergic to love as well.
Then we walked on top of the cathedral. I never really was afraid of heights but it was quite an awe shocking view. It was incredible to look out and see the landscape of Cologne, the Rhein river, and even being able to see Bonn in the distance. One thing that really stood out to me about the cathedral thought was that even during the Nazi occupation of Cologne, they still had to make repairs on the cathedral. In order to make restorations to the cathedral, the blocks had to have the year and a swastika carved into each. It was very eery to know that these symbols were etched into such a magnificent cathedral. Our tour guide explained that since they are out of the public's eye, it is basically like a historical document atop the cathedral. I still think it is very strange to have these on a cathedral.
School the rest of the week was fine. Nothing too exciting or awe inspiring. Oh, except for the fact that doctors used to think that hysteria was only found in women because of their wandering uterus's. That was quite the prediction.
This weekend I stayed in Bonn and decided to save my money and not travel. I went into town and got a costume for Karneval, I finished a lot of homework for the coming week, and then had a movie night and watched In Bruges and Liar Liar.
Can't wait to see what this week has in store.
21 Days Down....a lot to go!
Well, it's officially been twenty-one days since I left the U.S. to start my journey in Germany. I have to say that Germany has surpassed my expectations, and I am so thrilled that I went through with this trip of a lifetime.
School is gut! I have met some of the coolest people. I can only hope that the relationships that I have made here thus far will grow into some great friendships in the future. So far, the school work isn't that bad. Yes, sometimes lectures seem to drag on, but the sleep deprivation is starting to wear off which is extremely nice! Physiology is by far my favorite class. I just enjoy the way the body works, and Dr. Wasser makes it that much more enjoyable with his enthusiasm.
The coffee here is still decent, but I haven't quite found the 'perfect' coffee shop yet. I'm actually getting used to having toast and some kind of fruit for breakfast EVERY morning. My host mom switched it up this past week by getting bananas, which made me very happy! So far, I haven't found any food that I really don't like. I think it's because I've tried really hard at keeping an "open-mind" about the food. I say this because I know for fact that some of the things I've eaten here would've never been eaten if I were still in the states.
The fact that I wont see my parents, boyfriend, and friends for another three months is really starting to hit me some. It's not as bad when I stay busy, but on weekends like this past weekend when I had a lot of time to myself, I start to think and then that leads to some feeling of sadness. I do miss them all so so much! They've been really good though about texting, and sometimes calling just so that I can hear their voices everyday. It really does help, even if it is just an "I love you." My friends that I have made here also help a lot by trying to keep me busy, and surround me with their company.
This week is the start of Karneval. I've never really been a huge fan of costumes and dressing up, so this might be kind of difficult for me. I am able to avoid some of it though, by going to Munich this weekend, and not staying in the Karneval madness. I'm sure it will still be fun though.
All in all, I'm glad to be here, and I've really enjoyed my stay so far! I know that there's so much more to see and do, and I can only hope that I can make those things happen!
Tschuss!
School is gut! I have met some of the coolest people. I can only hope that the relationships that I have made here thus far will grow into some great friendships in the future. So far, the school work isn't that bad. Yes, sometimes lectures seem to drag on, but the sleep deprivation is starting to wear off which is extremely nice! Physiology is by far my favorite class. I just enjoy the way the body works, and Dr. Wasser makes it that much more enjoyable with his enthusiasm.
The coffee here is still decent, but I haven't quite found the 'perfect' coffee shop yet. I'm actually getting used to having toast and some kind of fruit for breakfast EVERY morning. My host mom switched it up this past week by getting bananas, which made me very happy! So far, I haven't found any food that I really don't like. I think it's because I've tried really hard at keeping an "open-mind" about the food. I say this because I know for fact that some of the things I've eaten here would've never been eaten if I were still in the states.
The fact that I wont see my parents, boyfriend, and friends for another three months is really starting to hit me some. It's not as bad when I stay busy, but on weekends like this past weekend when I had a lot of time to myself, I start to think and then that leads to some feeling of sadness. I do miss them all so so much! They've been really good though about texting, and sometimes calling just so that I can hear their voices everyday. It really does help, even if it is just an "I love you." My friends that I have made here also help a lot by trying to keep me busy, and surround me with their company.
This week is the start of Karneval. I've never really been a huge fan of costumes and dressing up, so this might be kind of difficult for me. I am able to avoid some of it though, by going to Munich this weekend, and not staying in the Karneval madness. I'm sure it will still be fun though.
All in all, I'm glad to be here, and I've really enjoyed my stay so far! I know that there's so much more to see and do, and I can only hope that I can make those things happen!
Tschuss!
My Guardian Angel and A Crazy Life for Me
These last couple of weeks have been the craziest weeks of my life. I'M IN GERMANY! Seriously, though, for not having all of the clubs, labs, and busy work from College Station, I find that I have even less time to relax and stop to take in my surroundings.
First of all, public transportation is not my cup of tea. I do not enjoy having to get up an hour early to get to school, nor do I enjoy waiting 30 minutes to an hour to get a train ride home. On several occasions, the bus has even left Gunnar and I when we were standing at the bus stop. Living with our host family makes up for it, however. Mariana and Chico, although they are very different, they both seem to enjoy hanging out with us and care about our well being. Our host mom is also very kind, although I think she grows tired of having to cook so much to feed us (Sorry mom!).
Last weekend, we traveled to Aachen to learn more about the Cathedral built for Charlamangne, as well to meet ENMODES to discuss our project. We are tasked with designing a method to remove bubbles from a paracorporeal lung assist device, which seems both very challenging, yet awesome. A group of us, Sarah, Caleb (from now on referred to as Cal), Lauren, Reagan, Elaine, Gunnar, and I took a weekend trip to Brussels. The city was amazing! Belgian waffles are not overrated by any means: slap on some Nutella, bananas, or ice cream, and you are sure to experience something amazing. We spent the day going on a tour of the city, seeing the peeing baby among other things, and eating as unhealthy as possible. I think my favorite part of the city, however, besides the amazing architecture, is the fact that St Michael is one of the patron saints of Brussels. Michael, the Confirmation name that I took on, has been a very important name to me throughout my life in the church. My parents were married in St Michael's Church, I was baptized there, and my religious life really started at St. Michael's. Knowing that my Saint was watching over me in such a beautiful city made me feel so much more connected to the city, and I have to admit that I was reluctant to leave after the trip was over. Brussels also has one of the widest selections of Trapest beer, and thanks to Cal's recommendations, I had the best beer of my life, called Trapest Blanc. It was an amazing weekend with great company.
Upon arriving home, Gunnar and I met our host brother Andre for the first time. He was very nice and genuinely seemed to want to hang out with us, although he was very sarcastic (my second language). We went out with him several times, played FIFA until one in the morning on a couple of occasions, and I can't wait to spend time with him during Karneval.
This weekend, seven of us, Elaine, Reagan, Kendal, Maddie, Hannah, Gunnar, and I went to a small little schlos town called Cochem. It was a very relaxing and quiet town, and since it is still winter, most of the shops were either closed or undergoing renovations. We spent the weekend touring the city, visiting the castle, and going wine tasting. Although I am not usually a fan of wine, I really enjoyed the ice wine, although it was way too expensive to buy. That night was one of the best nights of the trip so far. We all spent the night drinking wine and having a great conversation about religion and faith, and I am thankful for getting to know my friends better through such a talk.
Today is Gunnar's birthday, and I am thankful to have such a great friend. I anxiously await Karneval, and I hope to have even better stories to share next week. God bless Germany.
First of all, public transportation is not my cup of tea. I do not enjoy having to get up an hour early to get to school, nor do I enjoy waiting 30 minutes to an hour to get a train ride home. On several occasions, the bus has even left Gunnar and I when we were standing at the bus stop. Living with our host family makes up for it, however. Mariana and Chico, although they are very different, they both seem to enjoy hanging out with us and care about our well being. Our host mom is also very kind, although I think she grows tired of having to cook so much to feed us (Sorry mom!).
Last weekend, we traveled to Aachen to learn more about the Cathedral built for Charlamangne, as well to meet ENMODES to discuss our project. We are tasked with designing a method to remove bubbles from a paracorporeal lung assist device, which seems both very challenging, yet awesome. A group of us, Sarah, Caleb (from now on referred to as Cal), Lauren, Reagan, Elaine, Gunnar, and I took a weekend trip to Brussels. The city was amazing! Belgian waffles are not overrated by any means: slap on some Nutella, bananas, or ice cream, and you are sure to experience something amazing. We spent the day going on a tour of the city, seeing the peeing baby among other things, and eating as unhealthy as possible. I think my favorite part of the city, however, besides the amazing architecture, is the fact that St Michael is one of the patron saints of Brussels. Michael, the Confirmation name that I took on, has been a very important name to me throughout my life in the church. My parents were married in St Michael's Church, I was baptized there, and my religious life really started at St. Michael's. Knowing that my Saint was watching over me in such a beautiful city made me feel so much more connected to the city, and I have to admit that I was reluctant to leave after the trip was over. Brussels also has one of the widest selections of Trapest beer, and thanks to Cal's recommendations, I had the best beer of my life, called Trapest Blanc. It was an amazing weekend with great company.
Upon arriving home, Gunnar and I met our host brother Andre for the first time. He was very nice and genuinely seemed to want to hang out with us, although he was very sarcastic (my second language). We went out with him several times, played FIFA until one in the morning on a couple of occasions, and I can't wait to spend time with him during Karneval.
This weekend, seven of us, Elaine, Reagan, Kendal, Maddie, Hannah, Gunnar, and I went to a small little schlos town called Cochem. It was a very relaxing and quiet town, and since it is still winter, most of the shops were either closed or undergoing renovations. We spent the weekend touring the city, visiting the castle, and going wine tasting. Although I am not usually a fan of wine, I really enjoyed the ice wine, although it was way too expensive to buy. That night was one of the best nights of the trip so far. We all spent the night drinking wine and having a great conversation about religion and faith, and I am thankful for getting to know my friends better through such a talk.
Today is Gunnar's birthday, and I am thankful to have such a great friend. I anxiously await Karneval, and I hope to have even better stories to share next week. God bless Germany.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)