Week One

Basel

Being in Basel was an awesome way to start. I am glad I was able to get in early to acclimate to the time change. The city was amazing. One afternoon for lunch waiting of Sam to get in, we were in a park and a little boy kept slowing walking up to us to see what we were doing, he eventually asked is for our numbers. He was too funny and his parents were really nice. The first day of the program we saw Novartis and I never realized how much work goes into the packaging of their products. Every month I just use a knife to cut open a pill for my dog. The city tour was also really good. I loved walking around a medieval town. It is impressive how they were able to do things like that without technology.

Leipzig

The train was pretty cool but long and hot. It was my first time on one and being able to see the countryside was so amazing. We got in a little late to Leipzig but met Kathrin, my host. She was so sweet and hosted Courtney last year. After dropping off my stuff, I experienced Bergfest's first night. It was pretty impressive and a really cool thing. This years class was the deer. On Wednesday, we started our first full day. In the morning we went on a tour of the city center and saw different things. It was interesting to learn how big an influence Leipzig had on the Baroque era of music. We then did an anatomy lab with the students, which was interesting because the facility was very nice. I really liked the tables with individual drains on them for easy clean up. We then took a tour of the non-human primate facility where I got to feed a marmoset!! Talk about the coolest thing ever! I loved how they reached our their hands to grab mine closer for the food. After that, Kellen, Sam, and I had a relaxing evening in the city center getting lost. First we got on the wrong tram back to main station because I wanted to see the Russian Orthodox Church by the school. But, we made it. We had dinner and some wine and beer. The next day was the zoo. I thought it was pretty nest to learn that their primary objective was breeding. The baby gorillas were adorable! We also saw the Leipzig veterinary history collection, which was very interesting. It was so neat to see the hundreds of years of history. Last day in Leipzig was nice and laid back. The large animal facility was really cool. To be so modern in a hundred year old building was impressive. Then came our first trip on the train by ourselves to Prague. Everything went well until we get to Dressden and get off at the first train. Thank goodness a man sitting with us told us we were at the wrong one and were able to hop back on with no problem. Until next time... The fun never stops.