Okay, so I believe we were supposed to write a summary blog after a month back home? Or two...? Okay, so I may have forgotten, just a little bit. But I still find myself relating random tales of our trip and comparing things to how they are in Europe versus here. First off I have to say that the trip to Germany (and the Netherlands, France and Switzerland), was hands down the best trip I've ever been on. Not only was it further than I've ever been from home (approximately 4500 miles from Austin to Hannover to be precise), but we we immersed in a whole different world culturally and linguistically speaking.
I think I learned a lot both about myself and the world around me. My independence and confidence in myself increased a lot for one. For example, I had never been on a subway (or a train for that matter) at all, and then all of a sudden I had to use one by myself in Hannover. And I must admit, I was inordinately pleased with my ability to do so. Even though I had quite the detailed cheat sheet courtesy of my host student, Anna. In addition, while it is false to assume that everyone in Germany speaks English, it is possible to get by with the written word and hand gestures...for the most part. I also learned that although some cultural faux paus seem to be inevitable (why again can I not drink a bottled drink I purchased from a bakery in that same bakery??), they're just part of the experience. Plus they give you fun stories to tell. :) And for the most part, people are more alike than different, and it is our differences that make us interesting.
I don't really have any new stories to relate or revelations about the world around me. I just know the following things: I would like to go back to Europe some day, I met some wonderful people there (particularly Steffie, Olaf and Anna), had some awesome adventures (ahh, mudwalking...), and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to travel with such a great group of people. :)
