Coming up on about 2 months left here in this magnificent country. Though I know my heart will shatter as the time comes to leave, I will also be extremely grateful for what this experience has given to me and what I can take away from it.
These past two months have been not necessarily unforgettable, more so, life changing for personal reasons.
As for the culture, school, and experience itself, it has been interesting watching myself become more and more accustomed to German culture each day. The hustle and bustle of 8:00am commute on the train. The rush in the Hauptbahnhof after arriving to the new city. Enjoying Freimarkt and the sea of people all trying to do the same thing. Understanding better when to cross a road and when not to cross (turns out they are not as strict as maybe they once were). Ordering in German and becoming quite fluent in writing it as well.
I have found a sense of home here and while there are some moments I miss actual home, I can’t help but to quickly realize this place has become a home as well. Learning the different accents of the different regions. Finding a Fresh Green (a restaurant) <- (Be sure to check this place out when you study here, you won’t regret it.) in Hamburg, Germany and becoming “smile friends” with the owner.
In the last two months I’m excited to be traveling outside of Germany and though I know without a doubt I will be back in Europe in no time, I’m already starting to miss it. Every country has it’s downfalls, but even so, Germany has proven to be a land of honor, humbleness, beauty, & wonderful memories with cafes scattered everywhere. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and as I’m sure many other students who have studied abroad felt… there’s just never enough time. But this is life, this is how you live it. Learning new cultures, how others see your country (because America doesn’t have a culture), and becoming friends with others from different cultures. This is how change begins, how peace is formed, and how history stops being repeated.
Tschüss for now from Germany