Ay yo! I can't believe it but my first month in Freiburg is already finished. This past month was a whirlwind of German speaking and people meeting madness, and I loved ever minute of it! I had my last day of class before the actual semester starts on Friday, and it was actually kind of sad. I met some really great friends there. On Wednesday, in class, we watched some comics made by Loriot, a famous German cartoonist. One especially funny one is about a old couple that are bickering at breakfast about a hard boiled egg that is too hard. You can see it here: (warning: non-german speakers will probably not think it is as funny) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V13tFp-M1No So, after watching this sketch our teacher gave us the text and we paired off to act it out. Pretty fun. Then, as the story goes, I must have zoned out. When I snapped back to the class room, our teacher was asking for volunteers to perform the skit. No body was budging; no body wanted to do it. So, of course, I gave in. No biggie. I picked my friend Katie to do it with me, thinking that it would just be in front of our class of 12 on the last day. Well, turns out I was wrong. Friday rolled around and class finished up early because we had a closing ceremony with all the other classes from the Sprachlehr Institut. On the way to the ceremony, Katie says to me, "Alena I cannot believe you volunteered us to do the skit in front of everyone at the ceremony." Haha. Good one. "Wait, what?!" Yes, it is true. But, it actually went alright. People laughed, at least. It probably helped that there was free champagne (which I happily partook of before going on stage).
So, now we have a break for all of April. Such a long time! The break would not typically be this long but because Easter (which also happens to be my birthday this year) is late, so they added another week. On Monday I will be going to Berlin, staying in a hostel there for three nights, then going to Prague for another 3 nights. After that we will come home for two days, then leave again for Italy. I am excited for all of the places that we will be traveling, but I think I am most excited for the first place we are going in Italy. Its called Cinque Terre and it is a series of 5 little towns on the rockjaggedy/mountainy northwestern coast. We will ride a train into Levonto and then hike our way down to La Spezia, making stops at the towns in between. Super stoked. After that, its Rome, Florence and Venice. I guess I'll be getting in touch with my true, Italian roots ;) Then home! I am sure I will be completely dirty, smelly and and tired of cheap, street food by the time I get back to Freiburg...
I suppose I will be talking to everyone in a week or so. tschau!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
brown paper packages tied up with strings...
These are a few of my favorite things!!! (thus far)
Hello people. As of tomorrow I will have been here for 2 weeks. These are some of my favorite things (hope everyone picked up on the Sound of Music reference):
1. döner kebab: The most fabulously constructed Turkish sandwich you could ever ask for. There are a couple places around Freiburg that sell them. Its kind of like a gyro with vertically roasted lamb or chicken, spicy red onions, tomatoes and tzatziki and hot sauce and other delicious things. I'm a döner-digger.
2. the tram system: I love riding the trams into the city and to the little towns around Freiburg. It's super fun and efficient. Also, good for people watching.
3. the people in my language class/the people I have met through the language institute: I have never met so many people from so many different places in my life. It's crazy! Tomorrow, two japanese girls, and italian girl, and my friend Katie from IU are going to make real Italian pizza in my freshly cleaned kitchen. I don't know if I am more excited that I don't have to worry about contracting a disease from my kitchen, or for the generations-passed down recipe we will be using...
4. my roller-blades: A couple nights ago, two flat mates and I decided we wanted to make dinner. So we ventured off to the Aldi, just a few blocks away. We were walking around the store, looking for inspiration, when I saw them. In-line skates. Kid sized. 19 Euros. I was so excited that I could fit my foot (comfortably) in. So I impulsively bought them. We decided to make Spätzle, a very traditional German meal. It's kind of like German macaroni and cheese I guess...but way better. You make the noodles out of eggs (a lot of them), flour, and water...and a noodle press. I am sure thats not the word for it, but whatever. Then, you combine them with sauteed onions, butter, and cheese, and let it brown in the pan. Yum. The meal turned out grand...the roller blades on the other hand...haha. I took them out for a spin with Friedeman (same flat mate that hooked us up with the Spätzle) and probably looked goofier than the goofiest European I've seen thus far. I'm actually somewhat surprised the wheels didn't fall off or something. Ha! Oh well...
5. Beer.
6. the metric system
7. not!!!
8. bakeries, gelato, and other tasty treats. Ok, so this makes 5 out of 8 things on this list about food...hmm...good thing the next one's about...
9. the lake in my back yard! Its so nice! I have been jogging around it and the park behind it, and getting so excited for warm weather! eek! Its also great because there are so many families always chillin and playing with their kids :) Also, yesterday I saw a guy walking his ferret on a leash. It was a squirmy little thing.
That's about it for now! Tomorrow I have to give a presentation in my German class on a person from Germany. I chose Dietrich Bonhoeffer...hopefully I won't dishonor him in my ramblings... I am also trying to figure out where I am going to go during April, since we have a break. Thus far, in the running are, Prague, Berlin, Paris, Rome/Florence/Venice, Barcelona, and Krakow. Ahh!!!
Hello people. As of tomorrow I will have been here for 2 weeks. These are some of my favorite things (hope everyone picked up on the Sound of Music reference):
1. döner kebab: The most fabulously constructed Turkish sandwich you could ever ask for. There are a couple places around Freiburg that sell them. Its kind of like a gyro with vertically roasted lamb or chicken, spicy red onions, tomatoes and tzatziki and hot sauce and other delicious things. I'm a döner-digger.
2. the tram system: I love riding the trams into the city and to the little towns around Freiburg. It's super fun and efficient. Also, good for people watching.
3. the people in my language class/the people I have met through the language institute: I have never met so many people from so many different places in my life. It's crazy! Tomorrow, two japanese girls, and italian girl, and my friend Katie from IU are going to make real Italian pizza in my freshly cleaned kitchen. I don't know if I am more excited that I don't have to worry about contracting a disease from my kitchen, or for the generations-passed down recipe we will be using...
4. my roller-blades: A couple nights ago, two flat mates and I decided we wanted to make dinner. So we ventured off to the Aldi, just a few blocks away. We were walking around the store, looking for inspiration, when I saw them. In-line skates. Kid sized. 19 Euros. I was so excited that I could fit my foot (comfortably) in. So I impulsively bought them. We decided to make Spätzle, a very traditional German meal. It's kind of like German macaroni and cheese I guess...but way better. You make the noodles out of eggs (a lot of them), flour, and water...and a noodle press. I am sure thats not the word for it, but whatever. Then, you combine them with sauteed onions, butter, and cheese, and let it brown in the pan. Yum. The meal turned out grand...the roller blades on the other hand...haha. I took them out for a spin with Friedeman (same flat mate that hooked us up with the Spätzle) and probably looked goofier than the goofiest European I've seen thus far. I'm actually somewhat surprised the wheels didn't fall off or something. Ha! Oh well...
5. Beer.
6. the metric system
7. not!!!
8. bakeries, gelato, and other tasty treats. Ok, so this makes 5 out of 8 things on this list about food...hmm...good thing the next one's about...
9. the lake in my back yard! Its so nice! I have been jogging around it and the park behind it, and getting so excited for warm weather! eek! Its also great because there are so many families always chillin and playing with their kids :) Also, yesterday I saw a guy walking his ferret on a leash. It was a squirmy little thing.
That's about it for now! Tomorrow I have to give a presentation in my German class on a person from Germany. I chose Dietrich Bonhoeffer...hopefully I won't dishonor him in my ramblings... I am also trying to figure out where I am going to go during April, since we have a break. Thus far, in the running are, Prague, Berlin, Paris, Rome/Florence/Venice, Barcelona, and Krakow. Ahh!!!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
settling in...
I made it to Freiburg, Germany in one piece! And made a mental not to never take a 13 hour train ride alone with a connection and a huge suitcase again. Fun fact about that train ride was that I felt like the first three hours were out of a movie. There was a creepy guy sitting across the isle from me with huge blaring headphones and a leather jacket...he was head banging to some french techno music that was loud enough for our whole car to hear. The weird part was that the music kept cutting out, about a minute and a half into each song, but he just kept head banging and staring creepily... Anyways, between him and the little boy with a blonde curly mullet sitting in front of me and singing German children's songs, I was lucky to sleep at all.
But, now I am in Freiburg and have been for about a week now. I am so excited to be here, its pretty great. Its funny, I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but mostly not this. Right now it feels like a decently sized city. I take a ten minute train/trolly ride into the city for everything. The city is pretty awesome, lots of young people everywhere and super alternative. Theres a huge, Gothic style church in the middle of the city that has been standing since 1330. Its amazing. Every day of the week except Sundays you can find hundreds of little tents and stands set up around the church until 1pm, a farmers market! The city is all cobble stoned and still has lots of old and interesting architecture, along with the new boutiques, cafes, bakeries, and edgy clothing stores. One of the most notable landmarks in the "Old City" part of Freiburg are the little freshwater streams that run on the sides of the streets and alleyways. They were originally designed as a fresh water source and protection for fire, but now are just there for character. Its pretty cool, because the University does not have a campus, really. The buildings are dispersed all through out the city, making it extra lively in the day time.
Hmm...apartment life...where to begin. I guess I should say that I was super bummed at first when I found out that I didn't get into the dorm I wanted to live in. Vauban is a little dorm/apartment village about 20 minutes south of the city that was built into a "sustainable eco-district" from an old French military base. The buildings are all painted crazily, theres a pirate ship playground, and you can find hundreds of old buses and trailers made into to houses, lining the streets: hippie madness! In fact, there is somewhat of a sit in going on right now. In protest against new office buildings being built in Vauban, people have constructed somewhat of a shanty town right on the plot of land. and they are not moving. They've made complete homes, all from recycled everything. It's pretty incredible, I need to take some pictures of it. So thats a taste of Vauban...if you know me well, I am sure you understand why I was bummed at first...But! All is not lost!
Let me give you a taste of my dorm, StuSie. It is a pretty big dorm/apartment complex about 20 mins west of the city. In my back yard there is a small lake and a nice park. It's nice now, but I cant wait to really enjoy it when it warms up. StuSie houses mostly international students and Germans as well. I live on a floor with twelve other guys and girls. We share a kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. I by no means would call myself a clean freak, but the kitchen might be the death of me. Its grimy piece of work! It's hard to find clean dishes, fridge space, counter space, or really clean anything...we'll see what happens... Anyways, my roommates are all pretty random and are from all over the world!
I'm lookin' to buy a cheap, used bike pretty soon... Freiburg is the "bike capital" of Germany, and it's not kidding around! Thousands and thousands, everywhere! It's incredible. I'm really excited for when I know my way around. I'm also on the look out for my study spot/coffee house. Thus far, German coffee has disappointed me. We shall see... I think tomorrow my new friend Stephanie and I are going to go hiking in the Schwarzwald, which I am stoked about :) Classes have been easy thus far. It's so funny to be an international here. In my intensive German class alone there are people from Japan, Greece, Italy, Romania, Brazil, France, Australia, and the U.S. Talk about accent overload! Last night I went, with a bunch of other Americans to a dub step concert...ha. I am going to go explore the city some more this afternoon! Hopefully I will take some pictures...but no promises...
Peace.
But, now I am in Freiburg and have been for about a week now. I am so excited to be here, its pretty great. Its funny, I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but mostly not this. Right now it feels like a decently sized city. I take a ten minute train/trolly ride into the city for everything. The city is pretty awesome, lots of young people everywhere and super alternative. Theres a huge, Gothic style church in the middle of the city that has been standing since 1330. Its amazing. Every day of the week except Sundays you can find hundreds of little tents and stands set up around the church until 1pm, a farmers market! The city is all cobble stoned and still has lots of old and interesting architecture, along with the new boutiques, cafes, bakeries, and edgy clothing stores. One of the most notable landmarks in the "Old City" part of Freiburg are the little freshwater streams that run on the sides of the streets and alleyways. They were originally designed as a fresh water source and protection for fire, but now are just there for character. Its pretty cool, because the University does not have a campus, really. The buildings are dispersed all through out the city, making it extra lively in the day time.
Hmm...apartment life...where to begin. I guess I should say that I was super bummed at first when I found out that I didn't get into the dorm I wanted to live in. Vauban is a little dorm/apartment village about 20 minutes south of the city that was built into a "sustainable eco-district" from an old French military base. The buildings are all painted crazily, theres a pirate ship playground, and you can find hundreds of old buses and trailers made into to houses, lining the streets: hippie madness! In fact, there is somewhat of a sit in going on right now. In protest against new office buildings being built in Vauban, people have constructed somewhat of a shanty town right on the plot of land. and they are not moving. They've made complete homes, all from recycled everything. It's pretty incredible, I need to take some pictures of it. So thats a taste of Vauban...if you know me well, I am sure you understand why I was bummed at first...But! All is not lost!
Let me give you a taste of my dorm, StuSie. It is a pretty big dorm/apartment complex about 20 mins west of the city. In my back yard there is a small lake and a nice park. It's nice now, but I cant wait to really enjoy it when it warms up. StuSie houses mostly international students and Germans as well. I live on a floor with twelve other guys and girls. We share a kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms. I by no means would call myself a clean freak, but the kitchen might be the death of me. Its grimy piece of work! It's hard to find clean dishes, fridge space, counter space, or really clean anything...we'll see what happens... Anyways, my roommates are all pretty random and are from all over the world!
I'm lookin' to buy a cheap, used bike pretty soon... Freiburg is the "bike capital" of Germany, and it's not kidding around! Thousands and thousands, everywhere! It's incredible. I'm really excited for when I know my way around. I'm also on the look out for my study spot/coffee house. Thus far, German coffee has disappointed me. We shall see... I think tomorrow my new friend Stephanie and I are going to go hiking in the Schwarzwald, which I am stoked about :) Classes have been easy thus far. It's so funny to be an international here. In my intensive German class alone there are people from Japan, Greece, Italy, Romania, Brazil, France, Australia, and the U.S. Talk about accent overload! Last night I went, with a bunch of other Americans to a dub step concert...ha. I am going to go explore the city some more this afternoon! Hopefully I will take some pictures...but no promises...
Peace.
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