Advice for Next Years Group

June 2, 2010
Advice to Next Year’s Group:
(Hindsight is always 20/20)
“T-shirt weather” should imply bringing a parka for the just-in-case.
Don’t think this will be a time/place to catch up on sleep or reading that you would like to do.
Be ready to move and move fast.
Always finish your dinner because 1) you need the calories to keep moving at the fast-pace 2) you never know when the next meal is coming
Along the same lines, buy snacks!!
Don’t expect to follow the schedule to a T: be willing to go with the flow
Don’t expect to know the exact plans- Olaf stays rather aloof when it comes to the schedule…
Don’t expect much free time – the group often functions together: Be prepared for “group think”
Don’t expect to find a Deutsche Bank every time you need it (if you have Bank of America their ATM’s have no fees).
Wifi isn’t everywhere and it’s “spotty”/ GPS and 3G networks are AWESOME TO HAVE! You’ll never be lost :O).
Expect Switzerland to be the most expensive place.
Bring a clothes line, pins, and detergent – I had to do laundry in the hotel room.
On free weekends, plan your morning travels the night before…. Look at bus and tram routes and map it out – we spent some of the time lost and it’s valuable time.
Be prepared to experience things that you will only experience on the program- it’s priceless
Be prepared to LOVE your hosts- this is the best experience of the program! Bring them a little something from Texas, and be open towards them!
Hopefully, If you want to party there will be opportunity to do so- but if you don’t want to party, perhaps have Dr.Wasser say something about this to the host ahead of time so you are not obliged.
Bring a blow up neck pillow (if you want luxury) for the many bus rides, train rides, and airplane rides where you will be trying to catch up on sleep.
Pack light.
Olaf is awesome.