The last time I wrote I was nervous and just starting my two week journey in Germany. I had not seen Nils yet and had no idea of what to expect. Now, almost two weeks later I have a flood of emotions and experiences. It does not feel like it has just been two weeks because it has been jam packed with a whole new way of life. I will try to give you a summary of these beautiful weeks but I am certain that words will not give my time here in Germany justice.

When I arrived to the Dusseldorf airport in Germany I was seriously shaking with the excitement of seeing my boyfriend. I waited at the baggage claim for what seemed to be forever and then made my way towards the exit (where Nils told me to meet him). When I walked out I was searching for Nils and I immediately saw him coming towards me with a huge grin on his face and a sunflower in hand. It was the perfect moment and the one I had been waiting for, for months. That day was exhausting and we didn’t do much because I was so tired. However, I did get to see his university and have lunch with a few of his friends and two of the other German students who studied at A&M last spring. I also rode on a train and subway for the first time and had a realization that even the smallest of things are different in Germany. I was actually quite frustrated the first day and was left feeling hopeless. I had broken Nils’ shower door, was confused by the toilets and was just really in shock that I was in another country when just the day before I was in Texas.

Ever since that first day in Germany, the time has just flown! I have learned something new each and every day and have had the opportunity to see some of the most breathtaking sights one could ever see. These last two weeks have been a dream come true. With meeting Nils’ family and friends, reuniting with the German students who studied at Texas A&M last spring, exploring Nils’ hometown, taking day trips to Aachen, Duelmen, Cologne and the Netherlands, vacationing in Berlin for a week and last but not least spending time with my incredible boyfriend who went out of his way to make sure my time in Germany was perfect.

Since I can’t tell you EVERYTHING about my trip to Germany, seeing that it would take well over twenty pages I will just create a list of things I have learned. Here we go!

THINGS I LEARNED IN GERMANY:

1.       Toilets in Germany are different…

2.       Germany is SOOOO green!

3.       They recycle in Germany… like a lot.

4.       Germans are planners.

5.       Pretty much everyone can speak English.

6.       Texas public transportation systems SUCK!

7.       Germany has lots of graffiti within the city.

8.       People dress up every single day. I really miss my Nike shorts!

9.       If you do not like potatoes, sausage, bread or noodles, you’re screwed in Germany.

10.   Want to see a church? Go to Europe! They will take your breath away.

11.   Want to fall asleep in church? Go to Europe! There are no young people and the church music is dark and not refreshing for the soul in the slightest bit.

12.   It is hard to find a public restroom that you do not have to pay to use.

13.   Germany is a friendly atmosphere for homosexuals.

14.   Every German wears house shoes.

15.   Converse are in style.

16.   Germans like to drink!

17.   You must have a bike in Germany.

18.   Lots of people smoke in Germany.

19.   Yard=Garden for the Germans.

20.   Air condition is not necessary for survival everywhere. ( I have not had air condition for 15 days)

 

So you get the gist. I have learned a lot, seen a lot and lived a very different life these last two weeks. It has been a whirlwind but I have enjoyed every moment of the ride.

…

Now I am in my dormitory at the University of Dublin and all I can say is that it has been a long day. Today is the day that it hit me that I am really doing this. I am really studying in another country for a semester and it feels like it is my freshman year of college all over again. I am entering a whole new world full of unfamiliar faces and places.

Today as I completed the mile journey with my two suitcases from the bus stop to the residence check in, I came across local freshmen who were checking in with their parents and moving all their belongings into their dorm. There were tears shed from saying goodbye and I couldn’t help but think of how far I have come since my freshman year at A&M when I was daunted with the task of telling my own family bye as well. I remember balling as I said goodbye, knowing that they were a whole 3 1/2 hours away. I thought that was hard but now I am in another country moving into a dorm by myself and with my family being across the ocean. I had no one to help carry my luggage, buy my groceries, make sure my dorm looked cute or assure that I had everything that was needed. I arrived to a dorm that had no toilet paper, towels, sheets, bed spreads, hangers, bowls/plates, or food. I had no car to go get this stuff and didn’t know where the bus stop was and when asking a local, I couldn’t understand them because of the thick Irish accent. I was seriously alone in another country and didn’t know a soul and that is the experience I came here for. Although frustrating at times, growing up is inevitable and I can’t think of a better way to do it than by spending a semester abroad in the gorgeous city of Dublin. The campus is beautiful and the people are lovely.

 I have met one of my roommates, Elliot who is from Iowa but attending Syracuse in New York and he is GREAT! He really knows what I am going through and we have been counting on each other to get through the day.  Our other two roommates’, 1 more boy and girl should be arriving sometime this week! This week will be an exciting one for sure. I am feeling quite overwhelmed with things that must be done before classes start Monday but I am truly excited to see what this semester has in store. I will be sure to keep you all updated the best that I can.

Cheers,

Bobbi