My Studentenwohnheim seems to be all out of hot water. This situation does not a happy Becca make. Of course, instead of getting up at a reasonable hour, I spent half the day in bed reading, so I suppose this is my punishment for being a bum. I'm a college student! I should be fine without showering! Argh.
Anyway, Julia and I just made a feast, so now I'm absolutely stuffed with food. I had Maultaschen (German amazingness), wurst, broccoli, and cappuccino. It's funny, the things that Julia and I bond over. For example, as children of divorce, we are both able to pack a weekend bag in seconds flat. We've also never learned how to cook, never got used to daily family dinners, and lived off of Lean Pockets in high school. I'm not complaining at all. It was my choice to be insanely busy during high school. I'm just saying it's funny when she and I attempt to conquer the kitchen. The end results are getting better, however, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My roommates tell me that as soon as I learn how to cook and clean, there will be men lined up out the door for me. Psh. I already cleaned the bathroom and I actually bought chicken breast today. And, anyway, I'm too busy for lines of men. That's my sister's thing.
I survived the first week of classes, even though I'm still unsure about my schedule. My regular Comp & Convo course and Theater in Freiburg are keepers, but History is making my head spin. I may switch into a course about Medieval Art in the Upper Rhine Region, which sounds horribly random, but I've heard good things. And then I think my 4th will be a Deutsches Seminar about Bertold Brecht. Nothing's written in stone yet, so I have some time to decide.
And the BEST part of this week...
I'VE FOUND A CHOIR
A few days ago I picked up the Studiumgenerale book, which lists all the extra stuff students can do, like taking a course for photography, Russian, Microsoft Excel, etc. It also includes "Choere und Orchester". So, after reading each description several dozen times, biting my nails, and deciding how much time I wanted to put in, I went on impulse and picked one. The Madrigalchor der KHG (Katholischen Hochschulgemeinde, so I'm actually singing for the Catholic University, and not my own)
The funny thing is, about 15 minutes after doing this, Ben IMed me and told me he was planning on doing the exact same one. Ben is another AYFer, an ex-"whatever" of mine, and another choir nerd. Of course, he was hacking into my brain waves or something
So last night after running out of class like a crazy woman, I biked like hell (in the dark) to Lorettostrasse 24. Now, I've walked into a ton of first rehearsals, but this one did a number on my nerves. Most everyone already knew each other and were conversing in rapid German, so I kind of cowered in the corner for awhile. They also all looked significantly older, too, so I felt especially out of place.
After a few warm ups and yawn sighs (my very favorite), I was feeling better. I guess I had to remind myself that I can still sing. And our director, Gisela Helb, is absolutely adorable and has a high beautiful soprano. Ben and Adam (another AYFer who's a Voice Major at Iowa) eventually stumbled in, which also was comforting.
Once I actually got some sheet music in my hands and figured out where the Altos were sitting, I was feeling marvelous. The pace was comfortable and nothing was too challenging. I wasn't too scared to sing out. The girls on both sides of me asked me if I'd already been in the choir the previous semester, which I took as a huge compliment. The best part was that when we sang in Latin, everyone already knew how to pronounce everything.
So, our main work this semester is a Mass from Wolfram Buchenberg, who is still living in Muenchen. We're also doing some Bach, Rheinberger, and Schuetz, so I am excited. We were already adding in dynamics yesterday, which is a promising sign.
I still have to do a voice check one-on-one with Gisela, but I don't think it'll be a problem. I feel fairly well-equipped. We have two practice weekends, which Ben and Adam were grumbling about, but I don't think will be a problem. After all, I used to voluntarily go off to choir camp for weeks at a time. And this is just another opportunity to immerse myself in German and meet people.
So, I now have choir rehearsal every Thursday night from 8-10. I also now get to begin my weekends with harmony. I love the sound of that. (harharhar)
This weekend will include hiking, an intense job search, reading Othello in German, and making sense out of my class schedule. Only after landing a dependable job can I even think about running off to Paris to visit Lisa, so that's my incentive. The Lourve vs. sitting around here broke. Hm...
So, in conclusion, my inner choir nerd has resurfaced, and I now know how to steam broccoli.
Off to take a cold shower.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
grooming
I just stuffed my face with sushi, which was the first time since coming to Europe. I felt that this was justified a) because I have a sushi addiction b) I have been eating a ton of genuine Austrian food c) it's healthy. It was a far cry from Sadako, but I am satisfied. I bet the owner of Sadako misses me and my wallet.
I separated myself from my group after dinner because I was desperately in need of some alone time. Generally after dinner we go back to our hostel, hang out on our beds for awhile, relax, and eat a lot of chocolate. After this comes 2+ hours of hairspray, makeup, screeching, and yelling at Maryia for opening the window to smoke. Last night after all of this we went out to some bar called Kaktus, which was interesting. Stephanie and I were up at the bar eating Twix bars and drinking Heineken and kept getting hit on by business men who were easily in their 50's. They were all drunk, wearing suits, and going on and on about how they were all CEOs and presidents of major Austrian corporations. True or not, we were totally grossed out. Julia was talking to some firefighter from Texas named Michael who was resisting the urge to run over and save us, I guess, but I think we handled ourselves fairly well. Unsmiling faces work wonders. And I think that they realized that I was focusing mainly on candy. Do not get between a woman and her chocolate.
We've also come up with a code when one of us needs to be pulled out of a sketchy situation. Saying anything about some imaginary guy named Greg is our red flag. I have no idea where that code came from, but we've actually used it. "Have you talked to GREG, BECCA?" translates into "Please grab my arm, insist that you need me to come with you somewhere, and we can run off into the abyss and never be found again."
Sometimes I wish punching a guy in the face could be socially acceptable, but, since it isn't, we have learned to adapt.
On the way to Kaktus we opted for 2 cabs, since we were also with 2 French guys, Julian and Cedric, and Michael the Firefighter. Along the way, the French guys started singing the American national anthem. Mind you, they were also completely sober. I was also speaking to the driver in both French AND German. It wasn't even intentional I just kept mixing sentences together. So the French guys could understand half of what I was ever saying, which led to even more confusion. And Michael was just sitting calmly in the back, not understanding anything.
They were also horrified that I didn't know the French national anthem.
Today we went to the Hundertwasserhaus, which is this really funky decorated apartment complex in the middle of nowhere, basically. But it was nice to go walk out in the fresh fall air and the building itself was really neat. Daniel, Stephanie's roommate in Freiburg, met up with her this morning and has been with us the whole day.
After that we spent a couple hours in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which is the elaborate, gigantic building that holds all the art the Hapsburgs collected. We spent the entire time in the Picture Galleries, which included Rennaisance and Baroque art by German, Dutsch, Flemish, Italian, Spanish, and French artists. There was also a special exhibit for Bellini, Giorgione, and Tizian which actually had captions in English about painting in Venice at the beginning of the 16th century. I was doing by best to remember what little I know about art, but I sure wish I could have had Molly with me. She's the one who's always telling me racy historical tid-bits about Italian painters.
And, man, I wish pale, healthy looking women were still in style. Sure, there were some messed up things going on during the Renaissance, but I'd much prefer their ideals of beauty.
Yesterday we took the Grand Tour through Schloss Schoenbrunn, which was amazing. This gigantic yellow palace with soaring ceilings and ornate everything. I kept going on an on about how I want to be a princess, but by the end of the tour, Maryia changed my mind.
"Why would you want to be a princess? They all get shot or stabbed with a file or married when they're 13 to crazy guys. "
Hmm...convincing argument.
But still. I want a palace and, like Maria Theresa, 1,500 people to cater to my every need.
Vienna feels more like my kind of city. Prague was wonderful, but it was just too...young. And I don't mean the population, I mean moreso how often the city has had to resituate itself and adjust to historical tumult. It's still settling in and getting over recent history, which is understandable, but I'd need more stability if I was looking to live there. It's also very suddenly become a major tourist destination. Obviously Vienna has been through it's share of uproar, but this city also seems to have a very clear idea of who it is and I feel that much of it has remained continuous for hundreds of years. I respect that, Vienna. Nice work.
It's also very regal and grand, which I also love. Everyone here is groomed, confident, and is constantly in motion. I guess I could kind of guess that I would feel this way coming in. When I first started flirting with the idea of studying abroad in a German speaking country, I wanted to come here. I mean, it also happens to be the classical music center of the universe. That is very, very appealing-.
But, no, Freiburg is good for now. Freiburg is perfect for a 20-year-old who still may be a bit intimidated by a gigantic city.
Ok we have to go figure out our sleeping situation for tomorrow night. There's no room left here, so we get to get up and relocate to the other hostel tomorrow at 10 AM. There are two Wombats hostels in Vienna, so that's convenient. What isn't convenient is packing and repacking.
I am going to go eat more chocolate.
I separated myself from my group after dinner because I was desperately in need of some alone time. Generally after dinner we go back to our hostel, hang out on our beds for awhile, relax, and eat a lot of chocolate. After this comes 2+ hours of hairspray, makeup, screeching, and yelling at Maryia for opening the window to smoke. Last night after all of this we went out to some bar called Kaktus, which was interesting. Stephanie and I were up at the bar eating Twix bars and drinking Heineken and kept getting hit on by business men who were easily in their 50's. They were all drunk, wearing suits, and going on and on about how they were all CEOs and presidents of major Austrian corporations. True or not, we were totally grossed out. Julia was talking to some firefighter from Texas named Michael who was resisting the urge to run over and save us, I guess, but I think we handled ourselves fairly well. Unsmiling faces work wonders. And I think that they realized that I was focusing mainly on candy. Do not get between a woman and her chocolate.
We've also come up with a code when one of us needs to be pulled out of a sketchy situation. Saying anything about some imaginary guy named Greg is our red flag. I have no idea where that code came from, but we've actually used it. "Have you talked to GREG, BECCA?" translates into "Please grab my arm, insist that you need me to come with you somewhere, and we can run off into the abyss and never be found again."
Sometimes I wish punching a guy in the face could be socially acceptable, but, since it isn't, we have learned to adapt.
On the way to Kaktus we opted for 2 cabs, since we were also with 2 French guys, Julian and Cedric, and Michael the Firefighter. Along the way, the French guys started singing the American national anthem. Mind you, they were also completely sober. I was also speaking to the driver in both French AND German. It wasn't even intentional I just kept mixing sentences together. So the French guys could understand half of what I was ever saying, which led to even more confusion. And Michael was just sitting calmly in the back, not understanding anything.
They were also horrified that I didn't know the French national anthem.
Today we went to the Hundertwasserhaus, which is this really funky decorated apartment complex in the middle of nowhere, basically. But it was nice to go walk out in the fresh fall air and the building itself was really neat. Daniel, Stephanie's roommate in Freiburg, met up with her this morning and has been with us the whole day.
After that we spent a couple hours in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which is the elaborate, gigantic building that holds all the art the Hapsburgs collected. We spent the entire time in the Picture Galleries, which included Rennaisance and Baroque art by German, Dutsch, Flemish, Italian, Spanish, and French artists. There was also a special exhibit for Bellini, Giorgione, and Tizian which actually had captions in English about painting in Venice at the beginning of the 16th century. I was doing by best to remember what little I know about art, but I sure wish I could have had Molly with me. She's the one who's always telling me racy historical tid-bits about Italian painters.
And, man, I wish pale, healthy looking women were still in style. Sure, there were some messed up things going on during the Renaissance, but I'd much prefer their ideals of beauty.
Yesterday we took the Grand Tour through Schloss Schoenbrunn, which was amazing. This gigantic yellow palace with soaring ceilings and ornate everything. I kept going on an on about how I want to be a princess, but by the end of the tour, Maryia changed my mind.
"Why would you want to be a princess? They all get shot or stabbed with a file or married when they're 13 to crazy guys. "
Hmm...convincing argument.
But still. I want a palace and, like Maria Theresa, 1,500 people to cater to my every need.
Vienna feels more like my kind of city. Prague was wonderful, but it was just too...young. And I don't mean the population, I mean moreso how often the city has had to resituate itself and adjust to historical tumult. It's still settling in and getting over recent history, which is understandable, but I'd need more stability if I was looking to live there. It's also very suddenly become a major tourist destination. Obviously Vienna has been through it's share of uproar, but this city also seems to have a very clear idea of who it is and I feel that much of it has remained continuous for hundreds of years. I respect that, Vienna. Nice work.
It's also very regal and grand, which I also love. Everyone here is groomed, confident, and is constantly in motion. I guess I could kind of guess that I would feel this way coming in. When I first started flirting with the idea of studying abroad in a German speaking country, I wanted to come here. I mean, it also happens to be the classical music center of the universe. That is very, very appealing-.
But, no, Freiburg is good for now. Freiburg is perfect for a 20-year-old who still may be a bit intimidated by a gigantic city.
Ok we have to go figure out our sleeping situation for tomorrow night. There's no room left here, so we get to get up and relocate to the other hostel tomorrow at 10 AM. There are two Wombats hostels in Vienna, so that's convenient. What isn't convenient is packing and repacking.
I am going to go eat more chocolate.
Monday, October 16, 2006
sleeping giant
Ah, I am somehow alive...
Right now I'm sitting at a computer station in our hostel in Vienna, which is absolutely spectacular. We just arrived here a few hours ago and were very pleased to find that we have a 4 bed room to ourselves in a brand new hostel. Apparently the shower is also perfection, though I have yet to try it. I paid 48 Euro for 3 nights, so not too bad. I'm also getting better at mastering the art of packing my backpack and figuring out how to wear it comfortably.
Prague was absolutely beyond words. I felt like I was in the middle of a fairy tale, and our first night there I yelled that it was like Disney World for adults. We did A LOT in 5 days and I feel that we left our mark on the city. Highlights included: a fashion show in the Municipal Building, arriving home at 7 AM after a night in the biggest night club in Middle Europe, falling madly in love with a Czech bartender and terrorizing our poor Australian roommate, Alan. The only major downside was that our mattresses at the Old Prague Hostel were basically a set of springs with a sheet over them, but most nights I was so exhausted it didn't matter. This was also a field daz compared to camping in sub-zero temperatures in Yellowstone. I also bonded with my bed in a weird twisted way. Overall our hostel was good and the location was amazing. I'll get back to Prague someday.
Anyway, much much more about that later, when I have a familiar keyboard to work with.
We somehow dragged ourselves out of bed at 7:30 today and caught a 10:01 train to WIEN. This was an old Czech train which was interesting...The toilets were basically a hole onto the tracks and the seats were upholstered sometime before communism. But we all drifted off into Ipod land (we have 6 among the 4 of us, which I realize is really sad) and dozed off. I put on Loreena Mckennitt and had a moment with the Czech countryside. The customs guys laughed at us because we all got so excited about getting new stamps on our passports. Thus far I have collected 4 new ones and I have two whole pages taken up with my city registration for Freiburg. Oh. Ah. Look at me GO.
We were all very, very excited to get back into a country where we could understand the language. Even on the train Stephanie was pointing and shouting out the city names as they sped bz. Granted, none of us are entirely fluent in German, but even pronouncing Czech was a major issue. I kept giving major roads nicknames, like K-rizzy for some street that was Kristgokavosnsiksa...or something like that. Maryia, thankfully, understood a little and got by with some weird mixture of Slavic nonsense when we had to harass taxi drivers. Most everyone in the city spoke English though, so we didn't have any major problems. But it's a lot more comforting to get back to someplace German speaking, even if it is a violently different dialect. I know here that I can immediately get my point across and be understood, even if the grammar isn't perfect and my accent is foreign.
It's great to know that the German language has become something that's safe for me. Tonight at the restaurant the waiter stopped by with an English menu, which we all scoffed at and ignored. At first he was slightly rude to us, but he eventually warmed up and told us to come back on Friday. I think the knowing German helped with this.
My travel companions are wonderful and are continuing to put up with me, even when I'm a huge pain in the ass. We are all doing some hard-core bonding and have had a lot of laughs along the way. We all feel slightly guilty for being so far from our families. Julia's mother had ear surgery the other day. My daddy's birthday is tomorrow. Stephanie is calling home every other day just to keep her mom from freaking out. It's nice to know that my peers are concerned about similar things, because we all wish we could be two places at once sometimes.
I also have noticed that after something wonderful happens, the first person I think of sharing that sight or experience with is my sister. Obviously my other closest loved ones are considered, but I'm starting to realize how Laura's eyes are probably the most similar to my own. Maybe it's how close we are in age, maybe it's the thousands of experiences that she and I have shared together, or maybe it's the fact that we were created out of the same genepool, but I know that the emotions that well up inside of me would do the same in her. But, I have to say, I did go to Prague and I passed up the Medieval Torture Museum, which is something Laura would never do.
Also as we continue traveling, we are constantly surprising people about the fact that we're American. Apparently, Americans are known worldwide for never traveling, which I never really thought was the case. We've been told by multiple groups that 12% of Americans even own a passport, which absolutely horrifies people. I just kind of smile blankly, tilt my head, and keep my mouth shut. I don't know what's true or not, but I can't say I'm surprised.
We have also let everyone know that we voted for Kerry and if the Bible Belt were to be sold to Mexico, we would be elated. This usually buy us some smiles.
At our last hostel we had two male roommates from a program studying abroad in Rome, who were nice enough, but rubbed Stephanie and I the wrong way. They wondered why we would ever learn German, kept making comments about their English speaking program and their one "stupid Italian class", and proudly talked about ending up in the hospital after Oktoberfest. Now, I applaud them for even coming to Europe at all, but that's hardly doing it right. I realize most people are happy in a little bubble of America, and that works out well for most of my friends and family. But how dare you judge us for doing the opposite. I have no idea which continent I'll eventually end up in, but it's types like that that immediately repel me and make me want to stay here. Yes, we are lucky to be a part of a culture that we love so much and are so eager to dive into, but I don't see how it'd be possible to ignore the rest of this world.
I had almost forgotten how Americans recoil in disgust when I let them know I'm learning German. Here, I'm commended for it. I am met with shocked faces which quickly melt into smiles. It is a warm and welcoming feeling, and each time I feel that Germans are flattered that I have taken such an interest in their language and culture. For example, our waiter tonight. Even though people my age are required to take English here, my studies in German have been my choice. I am so, so happy that I made that choice, back when I was 15. I suppose I have to thank my grandpa for that, though.
Ok this entry was originally supposed to be short and sweet, but my temper interfered. Today Julia asked me how many split personalities I had, 2 or 3, and I told her to hold on, I had to consult with the others inside my head.
I should be out exploring Vienna but it's dark and cold outside, and it's been a long day. Some people next to me are arguing loudly in French. It's amusing and slightly frustrating, since I've only caught about 4 whole words. Maybe it's Senegalese or something...or maybe I just suck at French.
This city also feels a little like it's been waiting for me and my reaction. I know that both of my parents have been here since the birth of me and I also know that Vienna was witness to a very crucial turning point in their marriage. I can't say it's upsetting, though. Almost the opposite, in fact. Granted, I don't know the whole story, and I probably never will, but that's alright. They have both come very, very far since that time and I suppose that's why I feel Vienna has been waiting like a sleeping giant for me, seeing what I'll do, how I'll react, what I'll think of...
I'm sure in these next few days I'll think about it more than once, but not painfully.
Things happened for a reason. I am happy about where I am, and I'm almost positive that my parents are happy where they are. At least for the most part, emotionally.
Off to trash my room some more.
Right now I'm sitting at a computer station in our hostel in Vienna, which is absolutely spectacular. We just arrived here a few hours ago and were very pleased to find that we have a 4 bed room to ourselves in a brand new hostel. Apparently the shower is also perfection, though I have yet to try it. I paid 48 Euro for 3 nights, so not too bad. I'm also getting better at mastering the art of packing my backpack and figuring out how to wear it comfortably.
Prague was absolutely beyond words. I felt like I was in the middle of a fairy tale, and our first night there I yelled that it was like Disney World for adults. We did A LOT in 5 days and I feel that we left our mark on the city. Highlights included: a fashion show in the Municipal Building, arriving home at 7 AM after a night in the biggest night club in Middle Europe, falling madly in love with a Czech bartender and terrorizing our poor Australian roommate, Alan. The only major downside was that our mattresses at the Old Prague Hostel were basically a set of springs with a sheet over them, but most nights I was so exhausted it didn't matter. This was also a field daz compared to camping in sub-zero temperatures in Yellowstone. I also bonded with my bed in a weird twisted way. Overall our hostel was good and the location was amazing. I'll get back to Prague someday.
Anyway, much much more about that later, when I have a familiar keyboard to work with.
We somehow dragged ourselves out of bed at 7:30 today and caught a 10:01 train to WIEN. This was an old Czech train which was interesting...The toilets were basically a hole onto the tracks and the seats were upholstered sometime before communism. But we all drifted off into Ipod land (we have 6 among the 4 of us, which I realize is really sad) and dozed off. I put on Loreena Mckennitt and had a moment with the Czech countryside. The customs guys laughed at us because we all got so excited about getting new stamps on our passports. Thus far I have collected 4 new ones and I have two whole pages taken up with my city registration for Freiburg. Oh. Ah. Look at me GO.
We were all very, very excited to get back into a country where we could understand the language. Even on the train Stephanie was pointing and shouting out the city names as they sped bz. Granted, none of us are entirely fluent in German, but even pronouncing Czech was a major issue. I kept giving major roads nicknames, like K-rizzy for some street that was Kristgokavosnsiksa...or something like that. Maryia, thankfully, understood a little and got by with some weird mixture of Slavic nonsense when we had to harass taxi drivers. Most everyone in the city spoke English though, so we didn't have any major problems. But it's a lot more comforting to get back to someplace German speaking, even if it is a violently different dialect. I know here that I can immediately get my point across and be understood, even if the grammar isn't perfect and my accent is foreign.
It's great to know that the German language has become something that's safe for me. Tonight at the restaurant the waiter stopped by with an English menu, which we all scoffed at and ignored. At first he was slightly rude to us, but he eventually warmed up and told us to come back on Friday. I think the knowing German helped with this.
My travel companions are wonderful and are continuing to put up with me, even when I'm a huge pain in the ass. We are all doing some hard-core bonding and have had a lot of laughs along the way. We all feel slightly guilty for being so far from our families. Julia's mother had ear surgery the other day. My daddy's birthday is tomorrow. Stephanie is calling home every other day just to keep her mom from freaking out. It's nice to know that my peers are concerned about similar things, because we all wish we could be two places at once sometimes.
I also have noticed that after something wonderful happens, the first person I think of sharing that sight or experience with is my sister. Obviously my other closest loved ones are considered, but I'm starting to realize how Laura's eyes are probably the most similar to my own. Maybe it's how close we are in age, maybe it's the thousands of experiences that she and I have shared together, or maybe it's the fact that we were created out of the same genepool, but I know that the emotions that well up inside of me would do the same in her. But, I have to say, I did go to Prague and I passed up the Medieval Torture Museum, which is something Laura would never do.
Also as we continue traveling, we are constantly surprising people about the fact that we're American. Apparently, Americans are known worldwide for never traveling, which I never really thought was the case. We've been told by multiple groups that 12% of Americans even own a passport, which absolutely horrifies people. I just kind of smile blankly, tilt my head, and keep my mouth shut. I don't know what's true or not, but I can't say I'm surprised.
We have also let everyone know that we voted for Kerry and if the Bible Belt were to be sold to Mexico, we would be elated. This usually buy us some smiles.
At our last hostel we had two male roommates from a program studying abroad in Rome, who were nice enough, but rubbed Stephanie and I the wrong way. They wondered why we would ever learn German, kept making comments about their English speaking program and their one "stupid Italian class", and proudly talked about ending up in the hospital after Oktoberfest. Now, I applaud them for even coming to Europe at all, but that's hardly doing it right. I realize most people are happy in a little bubble of America, and that works out well for most of my friends and family. But how dare you judge us for doing the opposite. I have no idea which continent I'll eventually end up in, but it's types like that that immediately repel me and make me want to stay here. Yes, we are lucky to be a part of a culture that we love so much and are so eager to dive into, but I don't see how it'd be possible to ignore the rest of this world.
I had almost forgotten how Americans recoil in disgust when I let them know I'm learning German. Here, I'm commended for it. I am met with shocked faces which quickly melt into smiles. It is a warm and welcoming feeling, and each time I feel that Germans are flattered that I have taken such an interest in their language and culture. For example, our waiter tonight. Even though people my age are required to take English here, my studies in German have been my choice. I am so, so happy that I made that choice, back when I was 15. I suppose I have to thank my grandpa for that, though.
Ok this entry was originally supposed to be short and sweet, but my temper interfered. Today Julia asked me how many split personalities I had, 2 or 3, and I told her to hold on, I had to consult with the others inside my head.
I should be out exploring Vienna but it's dark and cold outside, and it's been a long day. Some people next to me are arguing loudly in French. It's amusing and slightly frustrating, since I've only caught about 4 whole words. Maybe it's Senegalese or something...or maybe I just suck at French.
This city also feels a little like it's been waiting for me and my reaction. I know that both of my parents have been here since the birth of me and I also know that Vienna was witness to a very crucial turning point in their marriage. I can't say it's upsetting, though. Almost the opposite, in fact. Granted, I don't know the whole story, and I probably never will, but that's alright. They have both come very, very far since that time and I suppose that's why I feel Vienna has been waiting like a sleeping giant for me, seeing what I'll do, how I'll react, what I'll think of...
I'm sure in these next few days I'll think about it more than once, but not painfully.
Things happened for a reason. I am happy about where I am, and I'm almost positive that my parents are happy where they are. At least for the most part, emotionally.
Off to trash my room some more.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Ferrell and Freud
Ahh! To feud with one's ex-boyfriend at 3 AM over the Internet is truly an exciting experience.
I'm a horrible ex-girlfriend.
Craig, after asking me numerous times if it was ok, booked a plane ticket to come visit me over Christmas. Now, this plan sounded wonderful. I'd have someone I was comfortable with over the holidays, someone to travel with, someone to protect me from creepy dudes in southern Europe...
But then, for once, I started listening to my father, who used the word "closure" several times and then reminded me (for the 500th time) that what guys say and what guys mean are two very different complex things. Our relationship ended when I flew across the ocean, but what I didn't make clear to Craig was that it would have ended regardless. And, I should have. I shouldn't have agreed to have him come here, hope to rekindle things, etc. I was trying to be nice and vague, which is unlike me...Odd.
So, I started thinking about it, and I thought about it a lot. I went back and reread snippets from my journal and I thought about what I want to be doing in December. And I decided that if you sincerely think a guy still has feelings for you and you don't reciprocate those feelings, dragging him around Europe with you over the holidays is not a good idea. I also have no idea what my relationship status will be over Christmas. Probably single, but I never know when Mr. Wonderful European will come crashing in, assuming he eventually does. Yes, I do want to be friends with Craig, but it's too soon and much to dramatic to spend 2 weeks inseparable with each other in a foreign country. Maybe when I get back home we can go grab lunch together, but this is too much.
He argued that he's find with being friends, being easygoing, not letting things affect him...but it's so easy to say that from a couple thousand miles away. Weird, unpredictable things happen when people who use to be close are back together with each other. I hope to avoid that so as not to make the both of us miserable. I just feel like his being here could go wrong very quickly, and I don't want him to waste that much time or money. I just wish my timing hadn't been so off, because I'm really screwing him over big time. But, this is what I think is for the best.
So, Craig, as you are reading this, I hope you realize that I am sorry. I really am. I hope you understand why I'm doing this.
Bah. I feel like a fool.
Anyway, planning my short term future has been the theme as of late. That and wandering aimlessly. Yesterday Alex and I took off to take tourist pics of Freiburg, since the weather was absolutely perfect. He's been in Europe since early June and leaves to go home to visit his family tomorrow, so his mother asked him to take home some pics of F-burg. He invited me along to explore and gloated about getting to go eat sushi when he's home. I am doing my best not to hold this against him.
We decided to climb up Schlossberg, which wasn't terribly difficult but was wonderfully refreshing. At the top there's this big, scary, only-slightly-sturdy-looking tower that I braved. I hate heights and now know how to say "I'm scared of heights" two different ways in German. I figure that makes it legitimate.
Anyway, the view was spectacular and once at the top, I relaxed a bit and enjoyed the breeze. We leaned on the railing, stared out at the city below us, and talked a bit about our goals and reasons for being here. He's such an easy-going guy. It's hard to be stressed out around him.
We rewarded ourselves with ice cream in the Muensterplatz after. I am becoming lovingly devoted to Stracciatella. Bliss.
I couldn't imagine going home right now. I mean, obviously I miss my family and my closest friends like crazy, but I don't feel like being immersed again into American culture is a good plan right now. Even though I get so frustrated so often, I have made amazing advances in my German skills. Going home would ruin all of that. I've started saying really odd things in English, which is so exciting for me. German is also starting to flow more quickly, even though my accent is still atrocious.
As Julia said "I want my English to suck when I go home!"
And, yes, it's different over here, but it's not so different. There's nothing I'm dying without. The things which I miss the most are foods that are terrible for me and hip-hop music. So, really, things that I'm better off without.
Then again, I'm not even 2 months in. We'll see how my mind changes.
Today I spent all day with Stephanie and Wolf, wandering around bookstores in Freiburg. First we got Chinese food, which was probably more amazing and healthier than the same food in the US. Impossible, you say? Then come visit, and we will enjoy some Onkel Wok.
Thus far, I have kept myself out of bookstores, given that I have been too busy to do the amount of reading I do in the States. But it was time to get my fix, and I did. By the 4th bookstore, we found a whole section for books in English. I swear, the heavens opened up and angels came down, too. Right there in Buchhandlung Romach.
After making Wolf and Stephanie wait for me to go through every book there, I finally decided on 'Everything Is Illuminated' and 'White Teeth'. Afterward I lovingly took off the sticker, pre-creased them, and wrote my name in them. I have issues when it comes to book buying, but I figure it's better than drug addiction.
I spent the rest of the night in Stephanie's living room/kitchen. I successfully made potatoes in a pan, which was another small victory for me in the kitchen. Stephanie also shared some of her espresso with me, which was a bad plan that led to a lot of bad dancing to bad techno. Daniel came home from studying and quizzed our German a bit more. He'd just take a dictionary and say random words in English and wait for an answer from us. He's really easy to talk to in German and is fun to joke with. We tried, in vain, to describe to him the genius of Will Ferrell, but I think he refused to take us seriously because we were watching Sex & the City. Hey. Fair enough.
Tomorrow I go in at 2 to talk to Frau Mittman and schedule my classes. I've sort of picked out a few...I'm not that concerned. Anything I take here counts for my major and I plan on staying on the simple side of things. I also probably won't have any Friday classes, which will be spectacular. I am apprehensive about these classes, but I don't think I'm over my head.
We've also now bought train tickets to Prague and reserved 3 beds in an 8 Bed Mixed Dorm in a hostel for 5 nights. I also might add that I am in charge of these tickets since we only got one printed ticket for me, Stephanie, and Maryia. And I made the reservations, which was another new experience for me. I have also made a list of places I want to go and have researched the times and days in which they are open. For students, the Sigmund Freud museum in Vienna is only 5 Euro!
I feel like a travel agent and/or a huge nerd. More the latter. I was originally just going with Stephanie and Maryia, but Julia found out today that her dad's not visiting anymore, so she'll be with us as well.
We leave for Prague at 10:57 on Wednesday and will be on trains for 9 and a half hours. This, my friends, is why I am loading up on literature, since my friends will undoubtedly get bored with me after 3 hours. Probably less.
Alright it's time to go climb up into my loft and pass out into my Ikea bedspread.
I'm a horrible ex-girlfriend.
Craig, after asking me numerous times if it was ok, booked a plane ticket to come visit me over Christmas. Now, this plan sounded wonderful. I'd have someone I was comfortable with over the holidays, someone to travel with, someone to protect me from creepy dudes in southern Europe...
But then, for once, I started listening to my father, who used the word "closure" several times and then reminded me (for the 500th time) that what guys say and what guys mean are two very different complex things. Our relationship ended when I flew across the ocean, but what I didn't make clear to Craig was that it would have ended regardless. And, I should have. I shouldn't have agreed to have him come here, hope to rekindle things, etc. I was trying to be nice and vague, which is unlike me...Odd.
So, I started thinking about it, and I thought about it a lot. I went back and reread snippets from my journal and I thought about what I want to be doing in December. And I decided that if you sincerely think a guy still has feelings for you and you don't reciprocate those feelings, dragging him around Europe with you over the holidays is not a good idea. I also have no idea what my relationship status will be over Christmas. Probably single, but I never know when Mr. Wonderful European will come crashing in, assuming he eventually does. Yes, I do want to be friends with Craig, but it's too soon and much to dramatic to spend 2 weeks inseparable with each other in a foreign country. Maybe when I get back home we can go grab lunch together, but this is too much.
He argued that he's find with being friends, being easygoing, not letting things affect him...but it's so easy to say that from a couple thousand miles away. Weird, unpredictable things happen when people who use to be close are back together with each other. I hope to avoid that so as not to make the both of us miserable. I just feel like his being here could go wrong very quickly, and I don't want him to waste that much time or money. I just wish my timing hadn't been so off, because I'm really screwing him over big time. But, this is what I think is for the best.
So, Craig, as you are reading this, I hope you realize that I am sorry. I really am. I hope you understand why I'm doing this.
Bah. I feel like a fool.
Anyway, planning my short term future has been the theme as of late. That and wandering aimlessly. Yesterday Alex and I took off to take tourist pics of Freiburg, since the weather was absolutely perfect. He's been in Europe since early June and leaves to go home to visit his family tomorrow, so his mother asked him to take home some pics of F-burg. He invited me along to explore and gloated about getting to go eat sushi when he's home. I am doing my best not to hold this against him.
We decided to climb up Schlossberg, which wasn't terribly difficult but was wonderfully refreshing. At the top there's this big, scary, only-slightly-sturdy-looking tower that I braved. I hate heights and now know how to say "I'm scared of heights" two different ways in German. I figure that makes it legitimate.
Anyway, the view was spectacular and once at the top, I relaxed a bit and enjoyed the breeze. We leaned on the railing, stared out at the city below us, and talked a bit about our goals and reasons for being here. He's such an easy-going guy. It's hard to be stressed out around him.
We rewarded ourselves with ice cream in the Muensterplatz after. I am becoming lovingly devoted to Stracciatella. Bliss.
I couldn't imagine going home right now. I mean, obviously I miss my family and my closest friends like crazy, but I don't feel like being immersed again into American culture is a good plan right now. Even though I get so frustrated so often, I have made amazing advances in my German skills. Going home would ruin all of that. I've started saying really odd things in English, which is so exciting for me. German is also starting to flow more quickly, even though my accent is still atrocious.
As Julia said "I want my English to suck when I go home!"
And, yes, it's different over here, but it's not so different. There's nothing I'm dying without. The things which I miss the most are foods that are terrible for me and hip-hop music. So, really, things that I'm better off without.
Then again, I'm not even 2 months in. We'll see how my mind changes.
Today I spent all day with Stephanie and Wolf, wandering around bookstores in Freiburg. First we got Chinese food, which was probably more amazing and healthier than the same food in the US. Impossible, you say? Then come visit, and we will enjoy some Onkel Wok.
Thus far, I have kept myself out of bookstores, given that I have been too busy to do the amount of reading I do in the States. But it was time to get my fix, and I did. By the 4th bookstore, we found a whole section for books in English. I swear, the heavens opened up and angels came down, too. Right there in Buchhandlung Romach.
After making Wolf and Stephanie wait for me to go through every book there, I finally decided on 'Everything Is Illuminated' and 'White Teeth'. Afterward I lovingly took off the sticker, pre-creased them, and wrote my name in them. I have issues when it comes to book buying, but I figure it's better than drug addiction.
I spent the rest of the night in Stephanie's living room/kitchen. I successfully made potatoes in a pan, which was another small victory for me in the kitchen. Stephanie also shared some of her espresso with me, which was a bad plan that led to a lot of bad dancing to bad techno. Daniel came home from studying and quizzed our German a bit more. He'd just take a dictionary and say random words in English and wait for an answer from us. He's really easy to talk to in German and is fun to joke with. We tried, in vain, to describe to him the genius of Will Ferrell, but I think he refused to take us seriously because we were watching Sex & the City. Hey. Fair enough.
Tomorrow I go in at 2 to talk to Frau Mittman and schedule my classes. I've sort of picked out a few...I'm not that concerned. Anything I take here counts for my major and I plan on staying on the simple side of things. I also probably won't have any Friday classes, which will be spectacular. I am apprehensive about these classes, but I don't think I'm over my head.
We've also now bought train tickets to Prague and reserved 3 beds in an 8 Bed Mixed Dorm in a hostel for 5 nights. I also might add that I am in charge of these tickets since we only got one printed ticket for me, Stephanie, and Maryia. And I made the reservations, which was another new experience for me. I have also made a list of places I want to go and have researched the times and days in which they are open. For students, the Sigmund Freud museum in Vienna is only 5 Euro!
I feel like a travel agent and/or a huge nerd. More the latter. I was originally just going with Stephanie and Maryia, but Julia found out today that her dad's not visiting anymore, so she'll be with us as well.
We leave for Prague at 10:57 on Wednesday and will be on trains for 9 and a half hours. This, my friends, is why I am loading up on literature, since my friends will undoubtedly get bored with me after 3 hours. Probably less.
Alright it's time to go climb up into my loft and pass out into my Ikea bedspread.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
intimidating and emulating
I hate the feeling that things are moving forward without me. Or, not even forward. Even if I feel like things are moving in an opposite direction, it frustrates me. In general, I just enjoy it when people are on my level. And I feel like this makes me a horrible person.
For example, I hate feeling inadequate or as if I am in any way unable to keep up with the current flow of things. Then again, I suppose that's everyone. But at the same time, watching someone else flounder while I continue to pursue something also angers me. I think I get unnecessarily annoyed when I have to repeat myself several times or if someone doesn't understand something that I find mundane and simple. My first instinct is to ignore them. Now, if I feel that someone is legitimately trying or that they have the intellectual capacity to handle something and simply can't for some other reason, then I don't get upset. I enjoy helping people, actually. I genuinely enjoy feeling like I'm of use. Giving really is a wonderful feeling.
I have also noticed that I give off a horrible first impression. I often come off as close-minded, snobby, shallow, stuck-up, etc. I've often been told that I'm "intimidating", which I find ridiculous because I'm usually running into things or picking my nose. Even my closest friends have agreed with me about this, but they tell me that once someone gets to know me, they find out who I really am. I mean, I do have my moments where I am a horrible brat, but who doesn't believe that they're a worthwhile person to get to know? Yes, I am definitely not all smiles, small talk and giggles...which is odd because my sister and mother are filled with all of that. I'm the odd one out in the family, I guess. I'm the cold one.
I wish I could be the type to immediately come off as a warm, giving person. I wish I could also give people the benefit of the doubt and accept them and their flaws as readily as others do. Hopefully this will come with maturing and I won't judge people so harshly. It's incredibly limiting. Think about how many opportunities I'm missing out on. I'm missing out on inside jokes, stories, random phone calls, surprises, and connecting with another human being, which I find to be absolutely magical. But then, how am I not adhering to my own philosophy? To be honest, I think it's me being insecure. Very insecure. And covering it up in some weird, twisted, snotty way. I am such a headcase.
The greatest people I know are also the warmest and most accepting. They are never quick to judge, boast, or elevate themselves above another person. I think Jesus said something about this, about how lowering yourself below another person is also the most fulfilling?
Jesus. Now THERE'S someone who knew how to be warm and giving.
Note to self: emulate Jesus
Being abroad is really giving me an opportunity to look at my flaws under that good ol' proverbial microscope. I am not surrounded with people who are quick to accept me and love me regardless of all the stupid things I do. And, yes, I am incredibly thankful for them, but being here is so good for me. Even though at times I want to run off, crawl into bed, and curse myself for leaving The Land of Comfort and Kraft Mac & Cheese, I am happy here. I am elated that this is a challenge for me and my people skills. I love people and the millions of things they have to offer. Now, I need to start acting like it.
These past few days have been...ehhh...We finished up our 4 week class, which was exciting. Now we're in the process of picking out our classes, which won't be too difficult. Since we really have had no obligations, this has led to a lot of running around Freiburg wildly. Today Julia and I sat in my kitchen for basically the entire afternoon eating bread, fishsticks, Haribo gummi bears, peaches, french fries, coffee....The point of this story is that we were just horribly bored and continued to eat for no reason really. So, it's a Saturday night, and the only place I will have gone to today and will go to will be Neukauf. Right now Julia's up in her room with Ben and Alex watching the U of M vs. MSU game on the Internet. I've never been one for football. I have better things to be doing with my time than watching a bunch of sweaty gorillas running into each other. I realize that there is a certain amount of skill involved, but it's not a skill that I care to study. You can take a certain chunk of my tuition, boys. That will be my contribution.
My only regret is that I am not in Ann Arbor to sell my tickets and then go shopping with the proceeds. Last year for the OSU game I made $200, got to sleep in, and then we lost. That was nice for me, even though 99.9% of the student population and my little brother were heartbroken. Shucks.
Alright, since I am in a cynical, weird mood, I'll cut this entry short. I apologize for all of this boring junk as I try to figure myself out. This blog is partially for entertainment, but on the other hand, I'm also using it as an outlet to vent about life here. And hey, this does have a lot to do with how I'm functioning in Europe.
But now, please, go eat some mac & cheese and read some scripture, for my sake.
For example, I hate feeling inadequate or as if I am in any way unable to keep up with the current flow of things. Then again, I suppose that's everyone. But at the same time, watching someone else flounder while I continue to pursue something also angers me. I think I get unnecessarily annoyed when I have to repeat myself several times or if someone doesn't understand something that I find mundane and simple. My first instinct is to ignore them. Now, if I feel that someone is legitimately trying or that they have the intellectual capacity to handle something and simply can't for some other reason, then I don't get upset. I enjoy helping people, actually. I genuinely enjoy feeling like I'm of use. Giving really is a wonderful feeling.
I have also noticed that I give off a horrible first impression. I often come off as close-minded, snobby, shallow, stuck-up, etc. I've often been told that I'm "intimidating", which I find ridiculous because I'm usually running into things or picking my nose. Even my closest friends have agreed with me about this, but they tell me that once someone gets to know me, they find out who I really am. I mean, I do have my moments where I am a horrible brat, but who doesn't believe that they're a worthwhile person to get to know? Yes, I am definitely not all smiles, small talk and giggles...which is odd because my sister and mother are filled with all of that. I'm the odd one out in the family, I guess. I'm the cold one.
I wish I could be the type to immediately come off as a warm, giving person. I wish I could also give people the benefit of the doubt and accept them and their flaws as readily as others do. Hopefully this will come with maturing and I won't judge people so harshly. It's incredibly limiting. Think about how many opportunities I'm missing out on. I'm missing out on inside jokes, stories, random phone calls, surprises, and connecting with another human being, which I find to be absolutely magical. But then, how am I not adhering to my own philosophy? To be honest, I think it's me being insecure. Very insecure. And covering it up in some weird, twisted, snotty way. I am such a headcase.
The greatest people I know are also the warmest and most accepting. They are never quick to judge, boast, or elevate themselves above another person. I think Jesus said something about this, about how lowering yourself below another person is also the most fulfilling?
Jesus. Now THERE'S someone who knew how to be warm and giving.
Note to self: emulate Jesus
Being abroad is really giving me an opportunity to look at my flaws under that good ol' proverbial microscope. I am not surrounded with people who are quick to accept me and love me regardless of all the stupid things I do. And, yes, I am incredibly thankful for them, but being here is so good for me. Even though at times I want to run off, crawl into bed, and curse myself for leaving The Land of Comfort and Kraft Mac & Cheese, I am happy here. I am elated that this is a challenge for me and my people skills. I love people and the millions of things they have to offer. Now, I need to start acting like it.
These past few days have been...ehhh...We finished up our 4 week class, which was exciting. Now we're in the process of picking out our classes, which won't be too difficult. Since we really have had no obligations, this has led to a lot of running around Freiburg wildly. Today Julia and I sat in my kitchen for basically the entire afternoon eating bread, fishsticks, Haribo gummi bears, peaches, french fries, coffee....The point of this story is that we were just horribly bored and continued to eat for no reason really. So, it's a Saturday night, and the only place I will have gone to today and will go to will be Neukauf. Right now Julia's up in her room with Ben and Alex watching the U of M vs. MSU game on the Internet. I've never been one for football. I have better things to be doing with my time than watching a bunch of sweaty gorillas running into each other. I realize that there is a certain amount of skill involved, but it's not a skill that I care to study. You can take a certain chunk of my tuition, boys. That will be my contribution.
My only regret is that I am not in Ann Arbor to sell my tickets and then go shopping with the proceeds. Last year for the OSU game I made $200, got to sleep in, and then we lost. That was nice for me, even though 99.9% of the student population and my little brother were heartbroken. Shucks.
Alright, since I am in a cynical, weird mood, I'll cut this entry short. I apologize for all of this boring junk as I try to figure myself out. This blog is partially for entertainment, but on the other hand, I'm also using it as an outlet to vent about life here. And hey, this does have a lot to do with how I'm functioning in Europe.
But now, please, go eat some mac & cheese and read some scripture, for my sake.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
welcome to Bavaria
These past 5 days really can't very well be put into words, but I'll do my best. What a trip.
I just locked myself in Maryia's kitchen for 6 hours to study for my final exam in Konversation tomorrow. I also wrote an essay and drank about 20 cups of coffee, so I doubt I will be getting any sleep tonight...or for the next 4 days. I apologize in advance for the abundance of typos that are about to assault you. And for the ridiculous events of my life.
Today was Tag der deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity) so we didn't have class and nothing was open. The weather was also absolutely amazing and horrible. Incredibly windy and rainy. Mid-study session Julia decided to go for a run but I opted out, given that a person would have to have been insane to do so. Anyway, onto the main event. Get ready. This will be fast because I don't want to hog the whole Internet.
BECCA AND JULIA'S WEEKEND OF CRAZY
TAG EINS (Day 1)
This all began after class on Friday, or probably even 15 minutes before class ended, when I put my backpack on and started giving my teacher a death glare. Julia and I shot out of the International House, figured out the ticket machine at the train station, and were on board an ICE going northeast at 150 kph. The ICE trains are the "sexy, fast ones", according to Julia. We couldn't find a seat, so instead we hung out on the floor by the 1st class bathroom, which really wasn't so bad. We had to switch trains twice and found seats on the other ones, even though during our last leg (from Stuttgart to Ulm) we had to sit in 2nd class smoking. I'm going to start wearing a gas mask around, because I absolutely cannot stand how much smoke there is in this continent. The problem is, I'm a minority here. Bah. Some girl by us smoked two in a row and Julia and I were glaring at her the entire time.
We somehow made it to Ulm where Tom met us. Such a cutie, with wonderful English and even wearing a Michigan tee! We climbed into his Volkswagen Lupo (officially the smallest car I've ever been in) and were off to Laupheim, which is a small little place near Ulm.
He showed us his house, which was big and very German. After showing us to our room, he offered us mineral water and homemade cake. It was so nice to be in an actual home with a couch and a dishwasher...It's amazing the things I miss.
Quickly Tom whisked us off to Schluessel, which literally means 'key', where we met up with a group of his friends having a little going-away shindig for a French friend of theres. Christoph, the French guy, is leaving for a trip around the world in November (he was leaving Laupheim the next day, however) and will be doing it all on his bike. Something like 17 thousand Kilometers...wow.
Anyway, at first I was incredibly intimidated by this group, but they quickly warmed up to us, asked me ton of questions, and began offering us shots of something called "sambuko". This was a clear liquid served with 3 coffee beans and first had to be lit on fire. It was awful. You think the fact that it's flammable would have alerted me to this fact. But they told me it was a specialty around the region, so I figured I'd give it a go.
After Schluessel we went to some other place where I sat down and had a heated conversation with Christoph over some Cape Town wine. I asked him if he'd ever been to America and he quickly said "No and I have no interest to do so." Now, contrary to many things I write in here, I do love my country and in many ways I'm proud of it. So this statement immediately took me aback, but I proceeded with caution and I think I handled it well. I talked with him about what I personally didn't like about America and we agreed that the ignorance is probably the worst. But I assured him that it's a worthy place to visit and I gave him some cool cities he should visit, like Boston, Chicago, or San Fransisco. Who knows if I made any sort of impression but I hope he changes his mind. After this conversation we took out a present he had just gotten, called an OhneWoerterbuch (dictionary without words). This was a cool little book that only had pictures of things that would be useful for a traveler, so that in a foreign land, one could just walk up to someone and point at the book if they needed anything. Christoph started pointing at things and making me say them in French. I got yelled at, loudly and in French, for mixing up jambon and poisson, but at the end of the night he gave me his business card and told me to definitely e-mail him if I plan on being in Paris in the next two months. He promised to show me the best places, and not the ones filled with tourists.
I just love collecting European connections.
That night I curled up in a real German feather bed.
TAG ZWEI
I got to sleep in (which I personally think is one of the best things in life) and awoke to a sunny German afternoon. For lunch we had coffee and Broetchen (little breads) with all kinds of jam, cream cheese, butter, etc. His mom also brought in wurst, cheese and walnuts from their backyard. I was in heaven.
After feasting, we packed up the car and took off to Ulm to wander around for an hour or two. I got to see the world's tallest church, which was pretty impressive. We also wandered around the older part of town for a bit and enjoyed walking by the Donau (Danube). I, however, was most impressed with the parking lot. There are places called Frauenparkplaetze, which are spots near the front reserved for women driving alone, so they don't have to walk far at night. HOW COOL IS THAT? I mean, yes, I understand spots reserved for the handicapped, and pregnant women, but finally someone realizes how creepy parking lots are for women walking alone. Finally.
We took off for Muenchen (Munich) after we got our fill of Ulm. I curled up in the backseat with my Ipod and my journal for most of the trip. Antisocial, but necessary. As I get older I'm becoming more introverted.
We got into Muenchen sometime that night and got wonderfully lost. Tom was on the phone with various people, Julia was on the phone with her half-sister that lives in Muenchen, and I was just staring in awe at yet another place in the world that I had never been. We drove by the actual Oktoberfest which looked absolutely insane. Basically Cedar Point on a busy day plus copious amounts of beer, so you can imagine the havoc. Actually, I take that back. You really can't. It was that intense. I was ready to jump out and immediately partake.
We eventually made it to where we were staying, which was a FRAT HOUSE. Now, in the US, I would run from a frat house like killer bees were chasing me, but here I really didn't have a choice. It was a place, and it was free, and I was about to go to Oktoberfest.
That night we went to meet up with our host, Nico, whom Tom knew from Laupheim. I got forwarned about Nico, whom was described to me as "good-looking", "well-dressed", and a guy picky that only went for "10's". This, of course, piqued my interest. I always enjoy a challenge. And, hey, I am a 10. (Dad, stop rolling your eyes)
So, we went to meet up with Nico and his friends and I quickly came to find that Tom was absolutely telling the truth. I was elated and quickly switched into "Becca when she's interested in a boy" mode. Nico was basically the German equivalent of my type, which is basically tall, preppy, and intelligent. Just like my Dad. Oh Lord. He also invented a bottle opener which has a patent on it, and he gets money for every one sold. That's CRAZY. He studies something that has to do with designing things or making furniture. I figured this out by snooping through his homework. Shh.
This was also the first guy that I've even remotely been interested in during my time here. So, take that, all who think I am boy crazy. I made it exactly a month. And he gave me butterflies, which is something I haven't felt in a long time.
That night we ran around Muenchen. We spent most of our time in some crazy Irish bar, singing U2 songs and jumping around. I found some hilarious Irish guys who refused to believe I was American, which was confusing, because they wouldn't tell me why. After dancing circles around each other for a bit it finally became clear to me that Nico liked me back. What a happy, happy moment. He later told me he really liked how confident I was, and my eyes. He was also really gentlemanly about it. Very unlike guys in the US, but then again it's not like American boys treat me horribly. It was just different. But I think it's partially cuz he's just that kind of guy. He was very polished and European. A nice change.
That night I crashed on a mattress in the main room of a frat house in Muenchen. Somehow, I never thought I'd say that.
TAG DREI
I was the first one to wake up the next day, which was very much out of character. Tom yelled at me to let him sleep but I wasn't listening. We took off for the Wiesen (what all the Germans called the festival, which literally means 'fields') shortly thereafter. The closer we got to the fields, the more people we saw in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen, and the more excited I got. Once there, we wandered around the main part of it for a bit, which basically just looks like an amusement park. I told Tom I wanted to get into a beer tent, which he laughed at. But no, I was a woman on a mission. If I was going to do Oktoberfest, I was going to do it right. I was getting a spot.
We wandered around a few tents, which were gigantic and filled to the brim with people. Each tent was decorated differently but each had a live band in the center playing German drinking songs. People were standing on tables dancing and everyone was singing along. Hundreds of waitresses were running back and forth carrying impossibly amounts of beer in their arms. There were absolutely no free places and the people milling around were aggressive and ready to pounce on any. After getting somewhat discouraged, we decided just to wait in one corner of the Augustiner tent and see if anything happened.
About 5 minutes later, a waitress came up to us and started speaking to Tom in very hurried German that I understood about a word of. He turned to me and said "She's kicking the people out at that table over there. They've been there an hour." So, Maria, our new favorite person, went over and freed us up a table. About 2 seconds after the people left, some very shady looking guys swooped in and stole it, but Maria quickly went over and started yelling at them that it was our spot. And I mean yelling. It was amazing.
So, we had a table. We ordered beer, which came in this huge 1 Liter glass called a Mass. And we partook in the world's largest festival. After an hour Maria came back to kick us out for the next group, but the guys waiting to take over our table insisted that we come back and join them. So, Julia and I sat back down with Stefan, Rainer, Rudolph, Steffi, and Jan, who were all clad in traditional clothing. After I finished my first Mass there appeared another one in front of me, which was purchased by this rowdy crew. My third was also a gift from them. These hospitable Germans are dangerous, I tell you. They also are continually yelling "Prost!" (cheers) so there's no chance to let up on the drinking.
Needless to say, I was feeling good. They did their best to teach us the words to all the songs. I did the "link arms and sway back and forth" thing, which I learned the verb for but totally forgot. I got up on the table and clapped and jumped around. Julia and I ate a chicken with our hands because "only tourists do it with silverware". We laughed. We danced. We threw pretzels at each other. A random piece of gum even landed on our table but I didn't care because I was too busy singing about being Bavarian while wearing a traditional sweater that Rainer's sister knit.
Around 7 PM, after spending however many hours trapped in this chaos, Julia and I realized that we were not making it back to Freiburg that night. No way at all. But, we needed to get out of there before we died. So, we did. And, don't ask me how we did. That place is like a vortex. It happened simultaneously and I think we were holding hands very tightly when we walked out of there. After all, we are Americans and that was no Budweiser.
Later we found out we were in the tent that only brews beer in old wooden barrels, so therefore, it's the strongest beer at the festival. Of COURSE that's the one we randomly pick.
Back at the frat we just hung out there for the rest of the night. I danced around with Nico and Julia and had countless conversations 'auf Deutsch' with various people from around the world. Julia stayed up til 7:30 having a serious conversation about life with some Croatian guy named Darko who just got back from a vacation where he went harpooning. We ran into 2 German guys who just happened to be from Freiburg and after chatting with them a bit, they asked us if we'd like a ride home the next day. They seemed trustworthy. We said sure. Carpe diem.
That night I slept very well.
TAG VIER
Julia and I both woke up absolutely ready to shoot the hell out of Muenchen. We walked into the kitchen and found a group of guys sitting around, chain smoking and drinking. Literally 10 minutes after waking up, I was offered another beer. I, of course, declined, and began harassing Juergen and Christian to take us home. Juergen, our driver, was very reserved, polite, and sober. Christian was absolutely insane and didn't let us leave for a long time because he had to sit around and help drink all the beer. When we finally did leave, I exchanged numbers with Nico, who looked very sad. He says he'll be in the Schwarzwald in November, so hopefully I can show him around my city then. He was mesmerizing.
About ten minutes into our trip in Juergen's mom's beautiful new Benz, Christian made Juergen stop so he could pick up a 6-pack of Becks. After this, he was all about screaming out the window at elderly German women and offering them beers. For the most part they ignored him. When we got on the Autobahn he held out a beer to some random guy, who began nodding his head eagerly and switched lanes to be closer to us. Julia and I were cracking up. Would you ever see someone holding out an open beer on the highway in the US?
The boys were listening to a mixture of Guns & Roses, horrible German music, and some 80's. Juergen was also getting up to about 220 kph (about 135 mph) which was very exciting. They were fascinated when we bought chips at the gas station, which I guess was very odd to bring into the car. I told him that's what you do on road trips. Christian was also very interested in reading our journals when we brought those out to write in. I had to write 'CHRISTIAN GEH WEG!' (Christian go away!) in mine because he insisted on peeking back to look. He also stole my book and tried to read it aloud. It sounded nothing like English. At all.
We made good time back to Freiburg and had a lot of fun in the process. It was a wonderful chance to practice our German, as Juergen refused to speak English and Christian's was so bad he accidentally called himself a girl at one point.
Once back in Freiburg we tried to throw 20 Euro at Juergen but he absolutely refused. So, we got a free ride home, and didn't get killed. They also let us stop to pee and basically delivered us to our front doorstep. I just love German boys.
THE END
Well, if you made it this far, I have to congratulate you. I don't know how one could get through all of that without thinking I am absolutely insane and giving up. But then again, this was Oktoberfest. And I went and I did it right and am glad. Even though Julia and I had to miss class on Monday and I missed turning in an essay, I have to say it was worth it. Normally I would never do that, but there is a time and a place for studies and then there is a time and a place for taking part in a gigantic party with Germans.
And this was just one of those times.
I just locked myself in Maryia's kitchen for 6 hours to study for my final exam in Konversation tomorrow. I also wrote an essay and drank about 20 cups of coffee, so I doubt I will be getting any sleep tonight...or for the next 4 days. I apologize in advance for the abundance of typos that are about to assault you. And for the ridiculous events of my life.
Today was Tag der deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity) so we didn't have class and nothing was open. The weather was also absolutely amazing and horrible. Incredibly windy and rainy. Mid-study session Julia decided to go for a run but I opted out, given that a person would have to have been insane to do so. Anyway, onto the main event. Get ready. This will be fast because I don't want to hog the whole Internet.
BECCA AND JULIA'S WEEKEND OF CRAZY
TAG EINS (Day 1)
This all began after class on Friday, or probably even 15 minutes before class ended, when I put my backpack on and started giving my teacher a death glare. Julia and I shot out of the International House, figured out the ticket machine at the train station, and were on board an ICE going northeast at 150 kph. The ICE trains are the "sexy, fast ones", according to Julia. We couldn't find a seat, so instead we hung out on the floor by the 1st class bathroom, which really wasn't so bad. We had to switch trains twice and found seats on the other ones, even though during our last leg (from Stuttgart to Ulm) we had to sit in 2nd class smoking. I'm going to start wearing a gas mask around, because I absolutely cannot stand how much smoke there is in this continent. The problem is, I'm a minority here. Bah. Some girl by us smoked two in a row and Julia and I were glaring at her the entire time.
We somehow made it to Ulm where Tom met us. Such a cutie, with wonderful English and even wearing a Michigan tee! We climbed into his Volkswagen Lupo (officially the smallest car I've ever been in) and were off to Laupheim, which is a small little place near Ulm.
He showed us his house, which was big and very German. After showing us to our room, he offered us mineral water and homemade cake. It was so nice to be in an actual home with a couch and a dishwasher...It's amazing the things I miss.
Quickly Tom whisked us off to Schluessel, which literally means 'key', where we met up with a group of his friends having a little going-away shindig for a French friend of theres. Christoph, the French guy, is leaving for a trip around the world in November (he was leaving Laupheim the next day, however) and will be doing it all on his bike. Something like 17 thousand Kilometers...wow.
Anyway, at first I was incredibly intimidated by this group, but they quickly warmed up to us, asked me ton of questions, and began offering us shots of something called "sambuko". This was a clear liquid served with 3 coffee beans and first had to be lit on fire. It was awful. You think the fact that it's flammable would have alerted me to this fact. But they told me it was a specialty around the region, so I figured I'd give it a go.
After Schluessel we went to some other place where I sat down and had a heated conversation with Christoph over some Cape Town wine. I asked him if he'd ever been to America and he quickly said "No and I have no interest to do so." Now, contrary to many things I write in here, I do love my country and in many ways I'm proud of it. So this statement immediately took me aback, but I proceeded with caution and I think I handled it well. I talked with him about what I personally didn't like about America and we agreed that the ignorance is probably the worst. But I assured him that it's a worthy place to visit and I gave him some cool cities he should visit, like Boston, Chicago, or San Fransisco. Who knows if I made any sort of impression but I hope he changes his mind. After this conversation we took out a present he had just gotten, called an OhneWoerterbuch (dictionary without words). This was a cool little book that only had pictures of things that would be useful for a traveler, so that in a foreign land, one could just walk up to someone and point at the book if they needed anything. Christoph started pointing at things and making me say them in French. I got yelled at, loudly and in French, for mixing up jambon and poisson, but at the end of the night he gave me his business card and told me to definitely e-mail him if I plan on being in Paris in the next two months. He promised to show me the best places, and not the ones filled with tourists.
I just love collecting European connections.
That night I curled up in a real German feather bed.
TAG ZWEI
I got to sleep in (which I personally think is one of the best things in life) and awoke to a sunny German afternoon. For lunch we had coffee and Broetchen (little breads) with all kinds of jam, cream cheese, butter, etc. His mom also brought in wurst, cheese and walnuts from their backyard. I was in heaven.
After feasting, we packed up the car and took off to Ulm to wander around for an hour or two. I got to see the world's tallest church, which was pretty impressive. We also wandered around the older part of town for a bit and enjoyed walking by the Donau (Danube). I, however, was most impressed with the parking lot. There are places called Frauenparkplaetze, which are spots near the front reserved for women driving alone, so they don't have to walk far at night. HOW COOL IS THAT? I mean, yes, I understand spots reserved for the handicapped, and pregnant women, but finally someone realizes how creepy parking lots are for women walking alone. Finally.
We took off for Muenchen (Munich) after we got our fill of Ulm. I curled up in the backseat with my Ipod and my journal for most of the trip. Antisocial, but necessary. As I get older I'm becoming more introverted.
We got into Muenchen sometime that night and got wonderfully lost. Tom was on the phone with various people, Julia was on the phone with her half-sister that lives in Muenchen, and I was just staring in awe at yet another place in the world that I had never been. We drove by the actual Oktoberfest which looked absolutely insane. Basically Cedar Point on a busy day plus copious amounts of beer, so you can imagine the havoc. Actually, I take that back. You really can't. It was that intense. I was ready to jump out and immediately partake.
We eventually made it to where we were staying, which was a FRAT HOUSE. Now, in the US, I would run from a frat house like killer bees were chasing me, but here I really didn't have a choice. It was a place, and it was free, and I was about to go to Oktoberfest.
That night we went to meet up with our host, Nico, whom Tom knew from Laupheim. I got forwarned about Nico, whom was described to me as "good-looking", "well-dressed", and a guy picky that only went for "10's". This, of course, piqued my interest. I always enjoy a challenge. And, hey, I am a 10. (Dad, stop rolling your eyes)
So, we went to meet up with Nico and his friends and I quickly came to find that Tom was absolutely telling the truth. I was elated and quickly switched into "Becca when she's interested in a boy" mode. Nico was basically the German equivalent of my type, which is basically tall, preppy, and intelligent. Just like my Dad. Oh Lord. He also invented a bottle opener which has a patent on it, and he gets money for every one sold. That's CRAZY. He studies something that has to do with designing things or making furniture. I figured this out by snooping through his homework. Shh.
This was also the first guy that I've even remotely been interested in during my time here. So, take that, all who think I am boy crazy. I made it exactly a month. And he gave me butterflies, which is something I haven't felt in a long time.
That night we ran around Muenchen. We spent most of our time in some crazy Irish bar, singing U2 songs and jumping around. I found some hilarious Irish guys who refused to believe I was American, which was confusing, because they wouldn't tell me why. After dancing circles around each other for a bit it finally became clear to me that Nico liked me back. What a happy, happy moment. He later told me he really liked how confident I was, and my eyes. He was also really gentlemanly about it. Very unlike guys in the US, but then again it's not like American boys treat me horribly. It was just different. But I think it's partially cuz he's just that kind of guy. He was very polished and European. A nice change.
That night I crashed on a mattress in the main room of a frat house in Muenchen. Somehow, I never thought I'd say that.
TAG DREI
I was the first one to wake up the next day, which was very much out of character. Tom yelled at me to let him sleep but I wasn't listening. We took off for the Wiesen (what all the Germans called the festival, which literally means 'fields') shortly thereafter. The closer we got to the fields, the more people we saw in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen, and the more excited I got. Once there, we wandered around the main part of it for a bit, which basically just looks like an amusement park. I told Tom I wanted to get into a beer tent, which he laughed at. But no, I was a woman on a mission. If I was going to do Oktoberfest, I was going to do it right. I was getting a spot.
We wandered around a few tents, which were gigantic and filled to the brim with people. Each tent was decorated differently but each had a live band in the center playing German drinking songs. People were standing on tables dancing and everyone was singing along. Hundreds of waitresses were running back and forth carrying impossibly amounts of beer in their arms. There were absolutely no free places and the people milling around were aggressive and ready to pounce on any. After getting somewhat discouraged, we decided just to wait in one corner of the Augustiner tent and see if anything happened.
About 5 minutes later, a waitress came up to us and started speaking to Tom in very hurried German that I understood about a word of. He turned to me and said "She's kicking the people out at that table over there. They've been there an hour." So, Maria, our new favorite person, went over and freed us up a table. About 2 seconds after the people left, some very shady looking guys swooped in and stole it, but Maria quickly went over and started yelling at them that it was our spot. And I mean yelling. It was amazing.
So, we had a table. We ordered beer, which came in this huge 1 Liter glass called a Mass. And we partook in the world's largest festival. After an hour Maria came back to kick us out for the next group, but the guys waiting to take over our table insisted that we come back and join them. So, Julia and I sat back down with Stefan, Rainer, Rudolph, Steffi, and Jan, who were all clad in traditional clothing. After I finished my first Mass there appeared another one in front of me, which was purchased by this rowdy crew. My third was also a gift from them. These hospitable Germans are dangerous, I tell you. They also are continually yelling "Prost!" (cheers) so there's no chance to let up on the drinking.
Needless to say, I was feeling good. They did their best to teach us the words to all the songs. I did the "link arms and sway back and forth" thing, which I learned the verb for but totally forgot. I got up on the table and clapped and jumped around. Julia and I ate a chicken with our hands because "only tourists do it with silverware". We laughed. We danced. We threw pretzels at each other. A random piece of gum even landed on our table but I didn't care because I was too busy singing about being Bavarian while wearing a traditional sweater that Rainer's sister knit.
Around 7 PM, after spending however many hours trapped in this chaos, Julia and I realized that we were not making it back to Freiburg that night. No way at all. But, we needed to get out of there before we died. So, we did. And, don't ask me how we did. That place is like a vortex. It happened simultaneously and I think we were holding hands very tightly when we walked out of there. After all, we are Americans and that was no Budweiser.
Later we found out we were in the tent that only brews beer in old wooden barrels, so therefore, it's the strongest beer at the festival. Of COURSE that's the one we randomly pick.
Back at the frat we just hung out there for the rest of the night. I danced around with Nico and Julia and had countless conversations 'auf Deutsch' with various people from around the world. Julia stayed up til 7:30 having a serious conversation about life with some Croatian guy named Darko who just got back from a vacation where he went harpooning. We ran into 2 German guys who just happened to be from Freiburg and after chatting with them a bit, they asked us if we'd like a ride home the next day. They seemed trustworthy. We said sure. Carpe diem.
That night I slept very well.
TAG VIER
Julia and I both woke up absolutely ready to shoot the hell out of Muenchen. We walked into the kitchen and found a group of guys sitting around, chain smoking and drinking. Literally 10 minutes after waking up, I was offered another beer. I, of course, declined, and began harassing Juergen and Christian to take us home. Juergen, our driver, was very reserved, polite, and sober. Christian was absolutely insane and didn't let us leave for a long time because he had to sit around and help drink all the beer. When we finally did leave, I exchanged numbers with Nico, who looked very sad. He says he'll be in the Schwarzwald in November, so hopefully I can show him around my city then. He was mesmerizing.
About ten minutes into our trip in Juergen's mom's beautiful new Benz, Christian made Juergen stop so he could pick up a 6-pack of Becks. After this, he was all about screaming out the window at elderly German women and offering them beers. For the most part they ignored him. When we got on the Autobahn he held out a beer to some random guy, who began nodding his head eagerly and switched lanes to be closer to us. Julia and I were cracking up. Would you ever see someone holding out an open beer on the highway in the US?
The boys were listening to a mixture of Guns & Roses, horrible German music, and some 80's. Juergen was also getting up to about 220 kph (about 135 mph) which was very exciting. They were fascinated when we bought chips at the gas station, which I guess was very odd to bring into the car. I told him that's what you do on road trips. Christian was also very interested in reading our journals when we brought those out to write in. I had to write 'CHRISTIAN GEH WEG!' (Christian go away!) in mine because he insisted on peeking back to look. He also stole my book and tried to read it aloud. It sounded nothing like English. At all.
We made good time back to Freiburg and had a lot of fun in the process. It was a wonderful chance to practice our German, as Juergen refused to speak English and Christian's was so bad he accidentally called himself a girl at one point.
Once back in Freiburg we tried to throw 20 Euro at Juergen but he absolutely refused. So, we got a free ride home, and didn't get killed. They also let us stop to pee and basically delivered us to our front doorstep. I just love German boys.
THE END
Well, if you made it this far, I have to congratulate you. I don't know how one could get through all of that without thinking I am absolutely insane and giving up. But then again, this was Oktoberfest. And I went and I did it right and am glad. Even though Julia and I had to miss class on Monday and I missed turning in an essay, I have to say it was worth it. Normally I would never do that, but there is a time and a place for studies and then there is a time and a place for taking part in a gigantic party with Germans.
And this was just one of those times.
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