Hello all! Welp…it is time. Time for us here in Germany to make our ways back home. I know I speak for all of us in saying that it was an amazing time! But I figured I would give a little list of what I personally missed most (besides friends, family, and just good ol’ valpo). So here is a little top 3 things I missed from the U.S. while I was abroad!
3. Root Beer
Yes you read that correctly, root beer. Throughout my travels in Germany and in Europe in general, I can honestly say I NEVER came across a restaurant or store that sold root beer. Also another great American drink is Cream Soda. Both of these beverages along with Dr. Pepper were Missing in Action. So if you have a sugar addiction for any of these drinks, then you will be going through tough withdrawls. I can honestly say that I am excited to go to Red Robbin and get bottom-less root beer floats! Whos with me??
2. Jimmy’s Cafe
I really should have just said the classic American breakfast, but I knew I would get more peoples attention with Jimmy’s. German breakfast customs tend to differ with the different regions of Germany you travel to, however for example when our group visited Berlin, we received a complementary breakfast platter that included bread, cold cut meats and a vegetable platter with assorted cheeses as well. I miss waking up to the smell of fresh bacon with biscuits and gravy and chocolate chip pancakes. I tried explaining what biscuits and gravy was to a German, and lets just say it didn’t go so well. This number 2 is also coming from a breakfast lover. There may be other things obviously that you may miss more when or if you come abroad, but for a kid that grew up on his mother making amazing breakfast food, my heart is broken. Also quick shout out to my mom because she is the best cook and best mom in the world! Happy late mothers day again!
1. MEXICAN FOOD
Notice how Mexican food is in caps. Yeah I cannot stress that enough. I can also say for everyone in our group that this would be most everyone’s numero uno. Authentic Mexican food is a little tough to come by in the United States however in Germany, it is non-existant. The closest thing to Mexican food our group came in contact with was Chipotle in Frankfurt, Germany which is an hour and 45 minute train ride away from where we live. There are 2 Mexican food restaurants where we live, but I did not go to them, but from what I heard from friends who did go, the restaurants were not all that special. I think it is safe to say that the first thing I want to eat when I get home is some complementary chips and salsa then stuff myself with my burrito after I was already full from eating 2 trays of chips and salsa. I truly feel bad for my roomate and other Valpo students who have been here for longer and are staying longer than us because I could not make it. Props to you guys, you da real MVP.
Now for a little personal tribute to the trip and on my experiences. I have seen things that I never thought in my life I would ever see. I have traveld to 9 different countries, lived in a foreign country for 4 months, and learned about German history in Germany. I will forever be greatful for the Valpo Reutlingen program because of what they have done for our entire group. This experience is something I will remember for the rest of my life. More importantly, this trip for all of us, has been a waking up moment. This trip helped us become more independent. All we had starting out was each other and we ended it with friends I never thought I would have met. I also, most importantly learned who are important in my life. Although I have had an amazing time here in Germany, it is time to come home. Thanks everyone for reading and I hope I at least sort of convinced you to travel to Germany. It was an amazing experience and I just want to thank everyone for reading again and everyone who I met here in Germany and also a BIG shout out to the faculty and staff over here for making our stay here amazing! Well everyone, see you tomorrow and thanks again for supporting this blog! Till then this is Austin P signing off for the last time!
May 11, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Love you too kiddo. Can’t wait to make you breakfast again.