Arnhem was really fun. I have to say the zoo, and guides were quite enjoyable and I also liked being able to explore a little on our own. Furthermore the bike ride was perfect in the National Park, the pace and scenic route was just what all of us needed. I'd be remiss if I did not say however that the artwork we saw was definitely not my taste, at least the first part. When we got to the Van Gough section though, I really loved seeing that genre of artwork.
I was somewhate skeptical when we arrived in Utrecht and the students seemed so disorganized, however I was pleasantly surprised. Diana and I got our own apartment, which was amazing! But if this part of the trip would have been at the beginning instead of the end, I'm pretty positive we wouldn't have been as comfortable as we were with the city, schedule, and public transportation.
The lectures were great! They were so organized and prepared for us that I really felt like I was learning about Vet Med again, but with a Dutch point of view. My favorite was the public health lecture, and tour and lecture of the equine clinic. Both professors were very enthusiastic about their subject matter, and seemed care that we were learning, and actively participating in disscussions on the matters at hand.
The students yet again were amazing, but in a different way than the Hannover students. They were so open to us, and the fact that they invited Diana and I to play soccer with them was so much fun! I haven't played soccer since I was 12 years old, but I'm fast so I just used that to my advantage. They also found out that I was a real "American Cheerleader," and seemed quite excited when I tumbled and taught one of them a cheer; it was great!
Although today technically the program is over, it almost seems like it is not because most of us are still in Berlin and going to the zoo together today. I was really sad to see Dr. Wasser leave yesterday and Lena this morning, they were truly our saving grace day in and day out.
I have gotten to know people in the vet school better than I ever thought possible because of this trip. We have sweated through language barriers, trains, buses, more trains, houses, hostels, hotels, trains, bike rides, rain, cold, wind, animals, lectures, tours, runs, trains, churches, luggage issues, and did I mention trains? I like to believe through all of it we came out better people than we began, and more educated about the world as a whole.
I still have one more week abroad in Berlin and Prague, but words cannot express how grateful I am I got to participate in this trip, and European experience. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly definitly came out at various times, but everyone pushed through like champs, and are better individuals and future veterinarians because of it. Thank you for putting up with me, my stories, and my luggage(s) I greatly appreciate the opportunity to get to know everyone and partcipate in this abroad program!
I look forward to next semester and the adventures that lie ahead of us in Veterinary Medicine and otherwise.
Thanks and Gig'em
-Bucket
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