My Experiences in Germany

Since I failed to contribute while in Berlin, I figured better late than never. So this will be my best shot at recalling some of the best parts of the trip I experienced.

The Sony Center was massive and I have never seen anything in my life that shared the same type covering design that was used for the Sony Center.

The Reichstag was sensational in that it really showed it's age from the exterior, but once entering the world-renowned structure, you'd only have known how old it was by some of the remodeling that included original pieces from before the remodel.  I found the building very interesting, but left a bit disappointed having not been able to go up into the dome.

The two days spent in Hamburg were arguably my favorite of the trip.  Maybe this was due to my preconceived notion of Germany that much of the country shared the same characteristics.  Always being quite close to the water was really refreshing.  While in Hamburg, a few of us were fortunate enough to go up into the spire of St. Michael's Church.  Being able to see over much of Hamburg was brilliant.

In one of the last days in Berlin, we were able to see the Olympiastadion.  Not really a shock that I enjoyed seeing the stadium.  Such a massive structure with a coliseum-esque feel to it.  I've been to many different stadiums in America and nothing compares.  It was a bit unfortunate that the only day Hertha Berlin had a match there, while we were in Germany, was the day we were in Hamburg.

This doesn't qualify as one of the "best parts of the trip", but an interesting experience indeed. McDonald's.  To order a decent sized meal, I usually came out 10 euros lighter. For the most part the food tasted the same, but the menu did not share the same variety that an American McDonald's would have.  Also, this McDonald's, which I believe was in a shopping mall, had a very odd placed pillar. When ordering, the pillar restricted you from seeing the whole menu. Very odd.  German engineering?

I shared a flat with two excellent dudes in Tyler and Konstantinov.  We were able to share some incredible experiences while in Germany that I'm sure we'll all remember for the rest of our lives.

Two Weeks Later

I really can't believe that two weeks ago today I was making my way back to Tech. I live relatively close to the airport, so my parents picked me up and I crashed at home before coming back to Tech the next day. It seems like the trip happened so long ago with all the things happening at Tech now (with finals on the way before we know it) but at the same time it also feels like it was yesterday. I keep catching myself comparing Cookeville to Berlin at times. And I've bought a fair amount of croissants to make up for my lack of bakeries around. But some of the ingredients we used in Berlin are not to be found at Walmart, so I think I'm going to have to search around.
I guess I had to make up for my lack of jet lag on the way there with a really bad case of it when I got back. I kept waking up at 5 am unaided for about a week, and the first day I slept until my alarm was cause for celebration.
My parents loved their souvenirs - I got my mother a nativity Christmas ornament and my father a copy of the New Testament with Psalms in German. My siblings got matching Berlin shirts. I didn't really have room to bring my souvenirs to my apartment, but I definitely would have if I did. I might make a picture book of my favorite bits to show to my family (you can do that at Walgreens or through Shutterfly, I think, if anyone wants to know.)
This was definitely the trip of a lifetime, and I can't wait to go back. I might have to make a graduation present to myself to go back and visit some places we didn't get to go and revisit others. It was so great to travel with all of you!

~Elizabeth S.