Finally, I get to post this goofy thing! From Roncesvalles, Spain none the less, where I finally found a desktop computer.
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As a self described southern gentleman (and 'self' being the only one to describe me as such) there's a touch of culture shock to traveling as I've found out in the past two weeks. Oh, right, the past two weeks and how I've not been blogging about it. Guess I should start with that.
Well truth is it's hard titypepp in atabket (the corrected version of that is 'its hard to type on a tablet'), so my desire to constantly correct the auto correct and finagle with a virtual keyboard is next to nil. But since Ive an hour train ride and a guilty conscience, guess what I'm doing? So I guess thatd be the first thing. Either bring a laptop or dont buy a Toshiba thrive if you plan on blogging extensively because even the simplest posts take upwards of an hour to type.
Anyhow, the story so far: we started in Bonn where we got used to the German life (drinking good beer for cheap), sampled the local foods (asparagus. Lots and lots of asaragus), and got rained (hailed) on. So that was fun. Nice town with a good bit to keep you entertained. Even climbed up to see the ruins of Drachenfels, twice. The views are worth it. And just as I began to figure out the subway system and not ride around in circles for an hour, we left.
Onwards to Leipzig where we spent a lot of time at the Leipzig veterinary school. First, we saw their historical collection of veterinary implements which was very cool, though I've always been a fan of history so we don't have to repeat it. Hand cranked centrifuges, while beautifully geared, are something I'd rather avoid. After that we toured their campus and then broadened our horizons to the city tour. I must say, I really enjoyed the city tour. Learned a lot about a town I'd previously only heard of in passing. We also did an anatomy session with a group of Leipzig students, which was interesting in i own regard because their are several differences between the two systems. I really hate that I brought a tablet instead of a laptop because I can't expound upon things in any decent amount of time, so again: bring a laptop.
We then saw the Leipzig zoo, which is a nice facility, though a bit small in my opinion. Also learned that blowdarting animals will not be a valid fall back olan for me if the whole vet thing ends up not working.
After Leipzig we went to berlin, which is a pretty amazing city and perhaps the largest I've ever been in. On the first day we went to the Leibniz institute, which may be my favorite part of the trip so far, though I couldnt tell you exactly why. Just an enjoyable facility as a whole. It did, however, further reiterate that blow darting is not my cup of tea.
After leibniz we went to the Berlin zoo, which is quite massive and well worth the visit. We did typical zoo stuff their, so not a lot to say really.
On the second day we hung out at the Berlin vet school where we split into groups. I ended up in the large animal group (which is theolace to be when wearing flip flops) where we saw mostly equin cases. We also got to attend a farrier class which was most excellent. Learned a lot and got to see some techniques I'd not seen used over in the US. Though take that with a grain because my farriering experience basically doubled in a one hour class period.
On the third day we took a bike tour of the city which was nice, but somewhat nerve wracking as the cars expect you to be ok with them whizzing by just inches from your body. I guess thats why health insurance is part of the program fees. Oh and I lied to you. Leibniz wasn't my favorite part of the trio. The museum of natural history in Berlin gets that qualificatio thus far and I dont see anything thats likely to usurp it in the future. That place was amazing and I could spend an entire day in there I'd wager. Unfortunately w only got about 2 hours....
Anyhow, now we 're all caught up and I'm in a train to hannover. So what's all this about chivalry? Well, really not a while lot, just some weird bumps along the way for the southern gentleman. My first encounter with this was on a bus in Bonn. Now, back home, when a lady gets on the bus and you're sitting down, you stand up an offer her your seat. Not so in Germany. I did this to a young lady and got a rather curtling glare usually only seen from exes and Black Friday shoppers. So what shouldve happened, as far as I can tell, is for me to remain seated and enjoy the millimeter thin cushioning. Standing up to give someone your seat is reserved for the elderly and young (as in children) here, evidently.
The other hiccups I've had are in regards to trams, buses, an subways. The German and, to a lesser degree, Czech, public transport system is very efficient and theyre leaving the estation regardless of your proximity to the train. So when you have the opportunity to get on a tram or what have you, you take it instead of waiting for the lady next to you to go ahead. Elsewise, you're going to end up with the tram doors shutting literally on you as you are boarding. Three times now and counting. Or the more fun option: closing in front of you after you let the little old lady get on in front of you and the train speeding away when you were about 2 cm from the door. Oh well, there's usually another one coming down the line and the east side gallery ( very cool by the by) will still be there in a few minutes...
Oh and bring a laptop or at least a keyboard that will work with your tablet. Took an hour and 15 minutes to type this whereas it should've taken only 15 minutes. And watch out for tram doors, they're out to get you.
P.S. another update since weve not had wifi for several days now. We went to norderney which was nice, but very wet and rainy, so bring at the least a rain jacket since were talking Soaked through to the bone kind of rainy. On a similar item have plenty of changes of clothes on hand.
The mudwalk was very cool though and if you've the option, you should most definitely do it barefoot. As for hannover' we really didn't do to much there', the most notable thing being the BBQ with the German vet stoudents. Good food nd good compapny (plus beer) always makes for a good evening though. Currently on the way to basel.
P.P.S. belgian waffles are amazing.
P.P.P.S. this post just keeps getting longer and longer. Lost the password to my blogger account so typing this in another document right now until I can recovdr out, and so I have to update as the days go by. So, remember what your blogger credentials are...
Were in Utrecht now and just a few days short of the end of our trip. Today we visited the utrecht vet school and played a friendly game of soccer against the visiting Israeli students. The Fighten' Texas Aggies actually beat the Israel team at soccer 3-2. That may be the only time you ever see that sentence.
P.P.P.P.S. to come full circle, bring a laptop over a tablet, or at least not the Toshiba thrive. Its ridiculous how much trouble I've had posting this. I can't do it from my tablet because blogger evidently doesn't allow me to paste into the text field with this tablet, and I can't do it on a desktop because the hostel's are currently unavailable. Its now the last day of the trip (departure day) and this goofy thing still remains unposted. Maybe tonight will be the night...
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