Thoughts from Germany

Ok, all you blog followers. As you are preparing this week for Halloween, so too is Deutschland. Well, not really, but in the past 10 years the commercialism and Americanism of the world has reached Germany, and you can also enjoy yourself at a Halloween party here. I do not think the trick or treating has taken off with kids, but who knows. I will be traveling to Münster with an international group this weekend for a day trip on Saturday. Should be fun.

Last weekend I was in the Eifel, a national park. I went with SMD, Studenten Mission Deutschland, for a Christian retreat. I was the only non-German there, and found it extremely draining to be around a group of people for an entire weekend speaking mostly German. I did not get much of anything out of the messages or small group sessions, but nevertheless, I went to meet people. There was also a group from Düsseldorf that joined in with us. The area is really pretty, but I did not get to explore much of it. However, I did take a nice walk down to a lake through the woods.

Last night I went out bowling and went to Spanish Tapas bar with some ERASMUS students. It was pretty cool to spend time with students from Germany, Poland, New Zealand, and Spain. As always, I was the only American. I am not a good bowler by any means, but bowling is not so common over here, so many people had only done it a few times in their lives. Sadly they made me look decent, but I am not!

The beer front: I am learning to like beer! This is something that I am proud of, since it is a quasi-requirement if you are going to travel or live in germany. I am no longer bound to ordering a 5 euro cocktail or 4 euro glass of wine :)

In addition to beer, I recently enjoyed a typical Bayern meal at Marietta's house. Several people from our lab group were there. She had been in München for some experiments, and brought back Weisswurst, or white sausage. They come as 2, connected together, and you have to peel of the casing before you eat it. We had fresh baked pretzels, potatoes, sauerkraut, leverkäse (which is really pork, not actually liver or cheese), homemade pear struedel, and a yummy spread made from brie for the pretzels. And beer, of course! The germans have a really yummy girly beer. It is grapefruit flavored, and oh so good! The bayerische Essen was lecker, and as always, I was impressed by the cooking.

As far as the research goes, I have not yet begun any lab work. We are still in the planning phase. It is hard for me to remain motivated when I have the entire day, week, etc. to essentially decide what I want to do with my time. This is a very self-directed study so far, and it is taking a long time to really form a feasible project idea. I have been attending a few lectures, but sometimes I do not stay the whole time because the German for 2 hours in a science class can be wearing. I have yet to make it to this history class I am interested in. The reason? It starts at 8:15, and this requires me to get up really early and take the bus. yeah, i know, you feel bad for me. However, something always seems to happen on Wednesday nights before this class. Oh well, maybe next week.

As far as what I have done between the last post, everything is becoming a blur.

I have started to meet a German student for a Tandem partnership. This means, that you both speak a foreign language and would like to improve your language skills. We meet for coffee, and talk about all sorts of things. Last week we talked in German, this week we talked in England. She is really nice, and I enjoy meeting with her. She studied in England for a year, Birmingham actually, so her English is really good. Recently I have had the conversation with several Germans about how the British English sounds and often has many words quite different the the US. Sometimes they do not realize how different the two dialects are. English is English, right? I beg to differ. For example, I explained that I would never use the word trousers to describe the PANTS I am wearing. However, they always use this term, and I find it funny.

I went for a walk yesterday to clear my head and get some exercise. The weather has been pretty mild here lately. Chilly, but nice with little rain. The fall colors are absolutely beautiful. I need to take more pictures before all the leaves fall. I am glad that the winter weather we had a few weeks ago did not stick around. That was so cold!

I have continued to have similar conversations with Germans about the education system, health care, and also a general theme of uneducated, uninformed Americans. You know, sadly this is often true, but I am trying to stand up for my country and be the exception, and explain that not every American is clueless or stupid. Many people have opinions about the US, but they have never been to the US before. Oh well. As a Fulbright scholar, it is intended that I am an ambassador for our country. This I am trying to do, but find it hard to be the only American in a room trying to represent an entire country. I keep explaining that the US is so big, there are so many different cultures, ideas, regions of the country, types of people, etc. I have yet to meet an American here, and most people are surprised that I am here. Why did you learn German? You are American- how can you speak so well? Why Germany, Why Aachen? What are you studying? What, you are not working on a degree here? And so on...

I do not think any European can understand how insurance and education are not a right in the US, that students go into massive debt after college, and that you must pay for insurance. The social ideas here are interesting, and provide for many thought provoking conversations. So does the topic of Obama...

One thing I love about the EU is mobility. With the Euro and the lack of border patrol, as well as programs like ERAMUS that encourage students to study anywhere in Europe, it makes for so many great opportunities to connect internationally through travel, study, commerce, etc. This is not something we have in the US, and I think it is so neat to live somewhere like Germany, where you have 9 countries bordering you. Let's go to Amsterdam this weekend- ok. Or, I think I want to study in Finland next semester. Or, I think I will go to Spain for a week of vacation. So nice! On the other hand, I try to explain to others that we do not have this opportunity in the US. It costs lots of time and money to visit so many different countries and cultures, and our country is big enough as it is. However, I truly believe in exchange of ideas, cultures, and that it is essential for one to visit another country to realize how many other ways of living there are. You clearly realize that there is no absolute right and wrong when you move from one culture to another.

Well, I will expand on this another time. My days here are always different. I usually live one day at a time, and never know how they will turn out. Some days are good, some days are really low. However, I am learning so much and observing a lot, and I know that this exchange year is worth it. It is far from a year long vacation. Traveling to europe and attempting to live and establish yourself in Europe are two totally different things. I wish that everyone had such an opportunity.

Like always, I want to upload pictures, but never want to fool with it. So, sorry if you were expecting something visual. At least I updated, right?

Looking forward to the weekend ;)

From that crazy german speaking American,

RL

First post from my apartment!

As always, it has been too long since the previous post. However, I am pleased to announce that I am officially living in my apartment in Halifaxstrasse! Address follows:

Rebecca Ludvigsen

Halifaxstr. 81

Nr. 14-41

52074 Aachen

Deutschland

Rather than do this post in chronological order, I will try to sum up by points of interest:

IKEA-I have been to IKEA twice now, and have spent a good number of Euros there! It was all worth it. That store is just great! You can buy anything for the home, all in one day, and eat there! This simplifies a LOT! This past weekend I went there with Willi, my professor. We had a lot of yummy cakes and coffee, as well as managed to find lots of things for my room, functional or purely for fun. I bought two plants, in an effort to be more German. Every German, every household, office, etc....has plants inside, in a windowsill, and/or has a garden! Even many guys. Well, I am no green thumb, but I bought an orchid and some type of "Himalaya Forest Mix." Whatever that means. The instructions were naturally in dutch, since the IKEA close by is in Holland. So, if anyone would like to give me instructions (Grandma!) about the best care for these lovely room additions, let me know!

I now have storage baskets, boxes, floor lamp, bedding, mattress, lattenrost, pillows, bath rungs, bath rug, the plants, blankets, hangers, candles, well everything you really need I guess. And everything always fits in the car! What a great concept.

Fahrrad! Yep, I bought a bike! I am no biker by any means, but here bikes are about as common as cars. In the city of Münster, about 2 hours from here, but still in NRW, the city literally has more bikes than people. They also have a multi story bike park. I hope to go there this year. However, Willi helped me buy a bike, a lock, a bell, a helmet, a basket. I am all equipped to zip around town. Now if I just learn those European road signs....

Bureaucracy....

Well, this is never ending, but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I enrolled with the University (I think), payed a bunch of fees, so on and so forth. Still not sure where I fit in to this University since I am neither Bachelors or Masters student, or ERASMUS student. Most exchange students here are from the EU, the ERASMUS program, where students in the EU can study anywhere in the EU. I also now have a German CV, complete with my picture and everything, thanks to Willi.

My guest family- The Sinkens were just absolutely great to me. Even though Doris brought me and the remainder of my things to my apartment today, we both agreed that we would see each other this year! I look forward to going back. It was so nice to be a part of a family. She picked me up today, brought me back to Würselen, and I ate dinner with them. I want to host an exchange student one day. I think it such a great opportunity for both sides.

Shopping in Holland- I went to an outlet mall in Holland about an hour from here on Friday with Anne and Marietta, two doctoral students from the lab. (As well as their boyfriends). I did not buy anything, but that place is huge! Lots of expensive clothes, shoes and everything really. I have yet to master the European clothing system....That will be my next task, considering that I need winter clothes. I am already wearing my winter clothes and coats. For example, Wednesday morning the low is 30 degrees, high of 46. Yeah, and it is only October.

Food- I ate Muscles for the first time with Marietta, Anne and their boyfriends.. Apparently they are eaten here often in this area. Very good! Plus we had a homemade peach struedel and tomato soup. Germans can cook- students here know what they are doing. Their impression is that Americans cannot cook. Sadly, I think that their impression is mostly true. Not only do they mostly all cook, but they most often do it from scratch.... I also have come to LOVE pumpkin soup. Have you ever heard of such thing? I had not, however, I want to try to make it soon. I ate this, as well as Zwiebelküchen and Federweiße (only available Sep. thru Nov. when the grapes are harvested and begin the fermentation process. So sweet, bubbly and delicious!) at the house of Andre, an Erasmus student tutor who helps organize erasmus events. He can cook well! Guys and students here cook- what a novel idea.

Classes and Research- I currently have no idea what classes I should take. No one here seems to know how to help me or what to recommend. The semester starts this week, so I guess I should figure that out soon! As far as research is concerned, I gave a small talk last week to the lab group. I do not think it went well. I feel very overwhelmed and in over my head with this whole research project. I do not know what is possible to do in 10 months, and what is expected of me. I feel very ill equipped!

I also went to Köln last Sunday for a conference. Did not get to see any of the city, and the conference was really mostly boring. Oh well, I know I will go back soon. There are also plans of my Erasmus group going to Amsterdam. Sign me up!

I am drawing a blank as to what else has happened. Everyday is different for me here. I am looking forward to making some true friends, or just people to spend time with. I know that will come with time, though. Maybe if I learn to drink beer, lots of beer, this will happen :)

I think I will sign off here. I promise, one of these days I will upload pictures. Until then, I will say Tschüss!

Is it really October already?

Hello fellow blog followers,

I really need to get better about updating more than once a week, because usually too much transpires in a week to sum it all up in one post. However, how shall I start to describe my first week in Aachen and Würeselen? With the train ride, of course!

Last Thursday, I checked out of the my room, or shoebox as we liked to call it oh so lovingly. This appointment was at 8am following our farewell evening. Needless to say, I was quite tired! I waited around that morning, because my train came at 11:30. However, I was really anxious due to the LARGE amount of stuff I had to carry. Somehow, everything did not fit back in the suitcase. I accumulated too much stuff over those past 6 weeks, and ended up carrying a HUGE AND HEAVY rolling duffel, a packed bookbag, a laptop bag, my purse, and a daypack. This is NOT an ideal way to travel alone with the train, but what was I to do? It had to get to Aachen with me, and I had to carry it. I had a fellow Fulbrighter help me with my things from the dorm to the taxi and then to the track. After that, it was up to me. I took the first train from Marburg to Gießsen. I had only 20 minutes to get my things off the train, up the stairs, over a bridge, down the stairs, through the train station, down the stairs and up again to track 12. Well, long story short, I did not make it in time. The station is under construction, and they often change the track number where your train will arrive without you knowing or hearing. Well, I guess if you know the language or the station really well, but for me. I was unlucky! So, by the time I had reached the track, I realized something had been changed, and I lugged everything back to the information desk, where they informed me that the track had been changed, and I needed to wait an hour for the next train. Anywho, after two more trains following Gießsen, I arrived in once piece in Aachen at almost 5 pm. That was a very long day, to say the least. I did not really appreciate the comments I got about how much luggage or how heavy my luggage was. A girl who has to live in a foreign country for a year needs a lot of stuff, ok? Anyways, I was at least fortunate enough to have found men to help me carry my baggage on and off the train, and occasionally up and down stairs. I almost missed the last connection in Siegen to Aaachen, bc we had only 7 minutes to find the track, go down and up the stairs and hop on the train! I got on that one just as the train left...

Enough with the travel woes! Doris picked me up with a luggage cart and a car that evening, and brought me back home. I was so tired, and was glad to just be for the evening. On Friday, I was also content to stay at h ome. I spend the entire day doing laundry because I had not done any in Marburg for a few weeks. That evening, I met with Brian (my cousin) and his roommate from ATL. They were taking a vacation in Germany and Austira, and began their trip in Aachen. Brian gave me a shopping bag full of stuff from home. Thanks Shelia, Mom and Dad for all the goodies! We went out to eat, and sat outside on one of many squares in Aachen. There was a band setting up because this past weekend Fri thru Sat they had a band festival all weekend long. Btw, the chairs outside here often have blankets or fur type rug things on them, allowing you to sit outside when it is cold! That evening, we walked around the Katschhof. This is the main event square between the Rathaus (city hall) and the Dom, the church where Charlegmagne's remains are and where more than 30 something kings were crowned. Anywho, there were lots of tents for beer and food, as well as a ferris wheel. We had a few drinks at a few places in the city with Brian, Ted, and Nicole, a friend of Brian's who lives in Germany.

On Saturday evening, I met my professor and two of his doctoral students for the first time. We went back to the same place and actually got on the ferris wheel! Cool! I could see the whole of Aachen. We also went to a Spanish Tapas bar ( I thought about you Brit!). I actually had never been to one, and it was really good! Good tapas, red wine, and some other dish and a cappachino later! We then walked to the marktplatz and sat down for a beer. There was a huge amount of people there listening to whatever band was playing at the moment. I had a lot of fun with them, and they are very friendly and nice!

On Sunday, I met Becky for the first time in the city. She is my international office mentor buddy friend. We walked around the city and had lunch. She is very helpful and friendly!

On Monday, I went to the lab for the first time. This is in the Uni Klinic, where the hospital, medical school, research labs, well, everything is located! It is just about in Holland, west of the Aachen city center. It is by far the most confusing, largest, and ugliest building I have ever been in. For you AU kids, Haley center does not even hold a candle to the massive confusion this building creates. The outside has all these pipes of all different colors. The inside has green metal walls, sometimes yellow, with kelly green carpet. Just plain ugly, confusing and depressing! Oh well. I really like the lab group, though. I went all over with the professor's secretary, Renate, trying to get all this administrative beaucracy that Germany is so well known for taken care of. She was really nice to help take me everywhere. She also lives in Würselen, and gave me a ride to the clinic. I had to go to the doctor to get my blood tested and a phsyical done to make sure I was fit and not carrying any disease! We also had to go to someother office to get my key and card, so that I have access to the lab. Well, this was unsuccessful, but I think I can get everything easier once I have enrolled with the university. I am not even sure where all we went and what was all required. All I know is that we ran around all day trying to navigate the beaucracy of Germany!

On Tuesday, more beaucracy to be tackled! However, I had Becky to help me, thank goodness! We went to Deutsche bank and had my address changed, went to the city office to register my new address, and went to the office of the university where you sign your rent contract. You have to register in Germany with every city you live in! This requires time, patience, a smile, a passport, and a rent contract! I also went to the WG to meet with Arnie, who just moved out of my room. We had to draw up some unoffical contract that we both signed. This contract listed what things that he owned that he was leaving in the room for me. I am now officially responsible next year to get rid of them. Silly, but whatever. I am using a broken but repaired bed frame from Alex, and the shades, curtains, pantry shelf, tv, tv cart, desk chair, and carpet from Arnie. Not bad, I would say. I also went to the Lindt factory with Becky. Lecker! You can find all kinds of Lindt chocolate in this warehouse store for super cheap. Either it is misprinted or a mess up and really cheap, or they have new flavors to test. You would not believe the flavors they mix with chocolate. YUM! Also went across the street to Leibniz, which makes snacks, cookies, etc. They are based in Hannover, but have an outlet store here. Yum, as well! I came back that day with lots of chocolate and cookies.

On Wednesday, I went back to the lab. I tried to collect journal articles concerning the lab's main research interest. I did not really get very far, but at least I started. I also got internet on my computer. SO great! The entire group, aoubt 12 people, all use Apple! This is excellent, and I fit right in. Everything works, and my internet only required me typing in a password to the airport. This was like heaven, compared to my last internet experiences in Marburg and so on. I also saw the room where they keep on the research mice in the Uni Klinic. We had to wear so much protective wear, I looked like I was going in to surgery! Footies over your shoes, hair net, mask, gloves, and a coat that ties around from the back. I think my research will be with mice. Later, I ate in the Mensa with the lab students, and then rode back to Würselen with Renate because I have not gotten my semester bus ticket yet. Without this, traveling with the bus costs a fortune. That afternoon, Doris and I waited in line at the ASEAG office, the Aachen bus transportation office, for a monthly bus ticket for me. Normally this costs 70 Euro, but I had received a coupon for a free ticket from the city office welcoming me as a new resident. I guess the coupon book is one good perk of registering with the city!However, this old, fat man stood behind us the whole time and did not give us any personal breathing space. It was so disgusting, and made us want to scream. My personal space was definitely compromised, and I felt slighly closterphobic from this man. Plus, he kept playing with his dentures and poking them in and out of place. eww!!

Today, I met Becky again and we went to the apt complex to meet with the Hausmeister. I showed him my rent contract and he gave me my keys and explained the WG rules and such. I now have an APT, and address, keys, and my name on my mailbox! yay! Becky and I also went to a store, sort of like a campus book store, where I bought some notebooks and folders to organize my things. A little culture note: Binders here are either 2 or 4 rings, without any pockets. We also went to Deutshe Bank to ask for a folder to keep all my bank statements. In Germany, there is a law (there are lots of laws here) that says the bank must send your account statement. You are supposed to print it at the cash maschines or online every 6 weeks. Otherwise they have to send it to you in the mail, and charge you a fee each time. Therefore, you have to collect these statements and store them away. Komisch.

Well, I also just remembered that on Sunday the national elections happened. Angela Merkl will remain the Kanzlerin. However, CDU and FDP will form the Schwarz-Gelb coalition. This is a big deal, because FDP has never had such presence in the Parliament before. There will probably been a red red green coalition between die Link, Grüne, and SPD. SPD is a really big party here, but did not have good results in this election. Well, I could talk a lot more about the politcal system here, but this post is getting too long and probably too boring for most of you.

Tomorrow I am going to Holland to shop at IKEA! Hopefully I will come back with everything I need. I will write later on how different the beds are here. Honestly, I have decided that Americans always do things different than the Germans and Europeans in general. No matter what subject you can think of, somehow there will be a different way of doing it. Why did everything get to be so different in the US?

I willl upload pictures once I have internet on my computer in my computer. Currently I have to use the family computer. Speaking of my guest family, they are all so helpful and nice! I am really glad I did this homestay program.

Bis später,
RL

PS I can now say I have been in Germany for 8 weeks. CRAZY!