Valpo Voyager

Student Stories from Around the World

Author: sarahtiemann (page 2 of 2)

The Taste of Belgium

March 29, 2012 / / 0 Comments

During our pre-departure meetings we were warned that there would be a time during the semester where we will be sick, it was inevitable. So naturally after having been told this, I disagreed with this warning and had complete confidence in my strong immune system. Well a few weeks ago, I was kicked off my high horse and got sick. Instead of doing the responsible thing and lying low for a few days, I decided to spend the weekend in Bruges, Belgium. And I am definitely glad my desire to travel outweighed my desire to stay in bed the entire weekend.

One of Bruges' many canals

We only had a regular two day weekend, so we figured why not go to Belgium? So I packed up the whopping two Tylenol Cold Medicine pills I had brought with me and left after classes. After probably spreading the love of  cold season to the entire train car, we arrived in Bruges. Though it was eleven o’clock at night, the moment we walked into town, I knew I would love the city. The next morning after taking some extra tea bags for the road, we wandered around Bruges. If I thought Bruges was pretty at night, it was even more adorable during the day. We first went to the local market where there were stands ranging from fresh fish to hand crafted jewelry. After spending some time and money there we decided to experience a real Belgian Waffle. And let me tell you, there is a reason why they are called Belgian waffles. Even in my drowsy state where nothing tasted good, that had to be the best waffle I have ever had. What better to do after eating a little taste of heaven than to go on a brewery tour with a very charismatic tour guide and buy a basket of French fries (ironically enough they were invented in Belgium). We continued eating our way through Bruges by going to an old fashion chocolate shop to taste Belgium chocolate. Belgium was definitely three for three that day.

Once we were full of Belgian classics, we started to make our way back to Germany, starting with a train ride at eleven o’clock at night and spending the night in the Welkenraedt Train Station platform. The city of Welkenraedt just didn’t have the same appeal as Bruges did at three in the morning. Finally morning came and we were able to make it back to Reutlingen. Once the sense of the night’s adventures faded, my cold systems began to make themselves known again. And the six hour nap that followed was much needed. However, I do not regret traveling while being sick because I was able to experience so much and tour around one of my favorite cities. What I do regret is my lack thereof cold medicine.

Brewery Tour

Check out more of my study abroad photos at https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

Brandenberg Gate

Hodgepodge Berlin

March 15, 2012 / / 0 Comments

For our second class trip, we went to Berlin for five days and though it may seem like a long time, we barely skimmed the surface of everything the city has to offer. Germany’s capital, Berlin is known for so many different things. From its history dating back to the 1700’s to the more modern history with being the capital of Nazi Germany and the airlift during the Cold War, Berlin has seen a lot of changes throughout time. With all these changes has come a very unique and lively atmosphere of the city.

Brandenburg Gate

Ampelmännchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t sure what to expect when going to Berlin. I had heard about all the different sites to see but whatever preconceived notions I had before going where blown away once we arrived. The city is filled with so many different types of people and interests. On one block, you can  see people who are going to see the newest performance on one of Berlin’s many of stages, history buffs staring at buildings from World War Two, families taking their kids to the zoo, and  shoppers taking full advantage of the open  air markets. With this hodgepodge of a interests, it was hard to choose where to start digging in to the city. We wandered around the markets, toured the famous museums, climbed up a cathedral to have the perfect view of the city, and peopled watched by the Brandenburg Gate.

And then came Berlin at night. If I thought there was too many options during the day, the night was even worse. No offense to Valpo, but every night there are always theater performances, ballets, Jazz lounges, sports bars, and  crazy dance clubs. It was definitely not an issue of what is there to do, but which one to choose from. We tried to experience all the different types of nightlife by going to the clubs, bars, and a musical performance.

Berlin Cathedral

Berlin has definitely made my top ten of my favorite cities. Berlin has definitely kept up with the modern times but doesn’t forget its past. Even coming back exhausted from sensory overload, Berlin still had more to see. I think that even spending years in that city, there would still be more to see. This just gives me another reason to go back to Berlin in the future.

 

Check out more of my pictures from Berlin, as well as the rest of my study abroad trip at https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

 

Fasnet Festivities

March 7, 2012 / / 0 Comments

For the past couple of weeks, we have been seeing people dressed in old wooden costumes, jingling bells and making ruckus while walking down the street. For us, American tourists, we were very confused by this scene. We were even more confused when the people around us didn’t stop and gawk at the people in masks and the shenanigans they were up to. This confusion was a common occurrence for a few weeks until we finally found the answer we were looking for: Carnival.

Wooden Mask of a Federahannes

Carnival has been a tradition in Germany dating back to the Middle Ages. In German it is called Fasnet. Fasnet starts during Epiphany and progresses through February up until Ash Wednesday and when Lent begins. The last few days are when the fools (the carnival characters) really go all out. There are parades where the characters either give candy to the kids singing the traditional songs, or they tease the audience if they aren’t dressed in costume or if they are American college students studying abroad. The tradition of the characters goes back to the guilds and range from mischievous Federahannes to the friendly Gschell. These characters all line up for a parade and are accompanied with local bands and the festival continues throughout the day.

Federahannes teasing the crowd

As a class, we went to Fasnet in Rottweil, where we were definitely exposed to this unknown tradition. When we first arrived, we ate a good old traditional lunch that consisted of a bratwurst and mulled wine. We watched as the parade started to get into formation and made our way to the front of the crowd. For the first half of the parade, we attempted to learn the song that the crowd sang in order to get candy. Finally after several attempts and having various Germans teach us the song, we started to sing. By the end of the parade, we had collected various German candies along with having our hair messed with, feathers in our face, and thoroughly teased. I definitely enjoyed Fasnet and being able to see how this town could take a break from their lives and just have a great fun filled day.

Passing out candy to kids

 

 

 

 

 

Check out more of my pictures from Fasnet at https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

 

The Sunset

Traveling the Rhine

February 22, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Sunrise over the Rhine River

One of my “must do before I die” moments that I have had on my list is seeing the sunrise. I can now check that off because I finally got to see the sun rise. And a gorgeous sunrise it was. After spending the night in a castle in Bacharach, we woke up early to begin our trip down the Rhine River. As we were making our way down the path to the train station, the sun began peeking above the river. Pictures cannot describe how amazing this sunrise was. We followed the Rhine by train and for about an hour just watched the sunrise in between the hills which were covered in vineyards and castles. I could already tell that it was going to be great day.

Marksburg Castle

We continued this theme of castles and vineyards by hiking to Burg Eltz castle. Burg Eltz is nestled in a valley between the hills, so thanks to Google maps, we wondered through vineyards (still don’t know if it was private property) and forests. It’s easy to see where the Grimm brothers got their inspiration when snow began to fall gently dusting the trail. The river was frozen in some areas and there were waterfalls along that trail that had iced over like a winter wonderland. It was hard not to get lost in one’s thoughts and just enjoy being away from the craziness of the cities we had just visited. Even the town where we caught our next train felt like a ghost town, with all the winemakers on holiday during their off season, but there was something peaceful about wandering through the deserted streets.

When we finally circled our way to the train station, we had yet another chance to watch the scenery along the Rhine. We found ourselves at Marksburg Castle and took a tour of the grounds. Afterwards, we roamed through the streets of Braubach while the sun was setting; we made it to a railing that overlooked the entire town, the castle and the Rhine. It only seemed right to end this perfect day with watching the sunset over the Rhine. I can honestly say that this day has been one of the most beautiful days I have experienced.

The Sunset

Check out more of my pictures from my day along the Rhine at

https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

 

Leipzig at Night

Lessons From Leipzig

February 15, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Leipzig at NightGrowing up in the United States, the Cold War seemed like a faint memory that we only learn about in our history classes. Having to memorize all the political agreements, the unsaid tension between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., it just seemed like one long stalemate. However, after visiting Leipzig I have realized that for the German people, the Cold War and the East verses the West was not just another chapter out of a history book. The city is famous for being the start of the protests against the Communist government. By just touring around and seeing the buildings that have been rebuilt within the last twenty years, as well as, the people who were witnesses and protesters during the peaceful revolution to unify their country, these events are very much alive today.

One of the most striking moments was visiting the Stasi Museum (Museum in der “Runden Ecke”). The building, itself, was the headquarters for the East German Secret Police (Stasi). Just walking into the building, you feel as if you are entering the Communist run building. Your eyes immediately focus on a banner hanging in the entrance stating, “This building will be secured on behalf of the Government and the Citizens Committee of the People’s Police” hangMail Steamering right next to a security camera. The museum takes you through the original offices while showing you all the equipment used to spy on their own people. From hidden cameras in briefcases, to phone tapping machines, and disguises, it is hard to believe these were still being used until the 1990’s.

The most moving exhibit for me, however, was an essay written by a ninth grader. He criticized the society and policies that he had to live under, even though he knew the consequences of writing this would be severe. According to the museum, the essay found itself in the hands of the police and they kept record of the boy until 1989 when German Communism fell. When I chose to study abroad, I figured that I would be able to connect my studies to my History major, more so than my Education major. However when reading about this student’s (translated) essay, I realized that this is a memory that I could pass on to my future students. I cannot only talk about the history surrounding the story, but also share the message that one person no matter how old, can speak out against what they believe is wrong and truly impact their future.

Memorial of the Peaceful Protest

 

 

 

 

 

Check out more pictures of my ten day trip to at https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

Learning Swabian Culture

January 27, 2012 / / 0 Comments

When one thinks about studying abroad, they think of a semester of traveling to elaborate places and seeing all the famous sites. I spent my winter break looking up places around Europe, trying to create a checklist of all the must-see sites throughout the continent. I was so determined to see and immerse myself into the rest of Europe that I completely forgot about the country I would actually be living in for the next four months.

Within hours after arriving in Germany, I was in love. All the months leading up to this study abroad experience, I never once thought that I would want to waste precious travel time to just spend time traveling around the region and exploring its culture. Why tour around a small Southwest German region when you had Paris and Rome calling your name. However, it is the complete opposite for me now. I am in love with the Baden-Wüttemberg and its Swabian culture. And I’m not alone. One only has to ask any native about their Swabian culture and you will hear more about their history, where one should go visit, and what food to eat, than you ever thought possible. We decided to take their advice and thoroughly scope out the Swabian culture. Naturally, we started with their chocolate, more specifically Ritter Sports chocolate. We explored the medieval city of Tübingen, as well as, hiked up to see the Hohenzollern Castle. We even took a spur of the moment train ride to the end of the tracks and explored the town of Herrenberg. All while eating and drinking traditional meals and talking to random people on the trains about the area around us. Never once did the idea that I could have been somewhere else in Europe cross my mind.

 

Within just two weeks, I have been able to see why Swabian culture is spoken so highly about in this region and to think that I would have past up this opportunity to indulge in a culture, in order to just be able to check another place off my list appalls me now.  This would definitely be the biggest surprise for me these past two weeks.  As my first initial reaction to finally experiencing this fantasized dream of studying abroad, I would definitely say that being here is very different than my expectations, but in a good way. I feel that not only am I seeing amazing sites that I would have over looked had I kept my original mindset and checklist, but I am beginning to understand a whole new culture and society. Though I still cannot wait to venture into other parts of Germany and Europe, right now I am satisfied with just exploring this whole idea of Swabian culture.

 

 

Check out more pictures of my cultural excursions at https://plus.google.com/photos/113496106333285759017/albums?banner=pwa

 

Newer posts

© 2024 Valpo Voyager

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑