So, the last couple of weeks have been crazy with the Deutsch-Kompakt Kurs (the orientation program here that runs for five weeks). We have been doing a lot of traveling, tests, and group projects to wrap up the end of the program. Some people have said goodbye and gone back home or elsewhere in Europe, because they were only here to improve their German skills, but the rest of us are looking forward to the beginning of university classes here. We are not looking forward to a new hectic schedule, though. That is something to talk about in the future however. Let’s talk about what’s been happening the last couple of weeks here in Tübingen, or elsewhere on one of the many excursions. First up….Ulm. Ulm is a great city. A majority of it was destroyed during the second world war, so most of the architecture is not exactly what you would expect in a city that is more than 1,100 years old (yes, 1,100!). However, one can experience a very interesting blend of the modern buildings and the Gothic style of the Ulmer-Münster (Ulm Minster), which is obviously the focus of the city (both visually, since it is the tallest church in the world, and for tourists).

The church literally towers over everything in the city!

 

Making your way to the very top of this church is a challenge, even for the physically fit. I do not recommend that you try to do this if you have a fear of heights!Going to very top of the church offers some great views, but it is most likely to be windy and cold too. The very last part of the climb is a very narrow spiral staircase. It is actually so narrow that I was stuck at the top lookout for a while since so many people were trying to come up and nobody was able to go down. The whole experience was worth it, though, because I got to look at the amazing view (even though it was a cloudy day). You all should visit Ulm. It’s a great city.

The spiral staircase leading to the very top...

In my next entry, I will talk about the group trip to the Bodensee!