A Trip to Remember

Since last Saturday, I have woken up at ridiculously early times. Like 4am or 5am. Saturday I had my first meal with my host parents, i.e. Breakfast. A typical German breakfast includes a large variety of breads, jams, spreads, cheeses, maybe some deli meat and that's it.. Such as ham, turkey, salami, etc.

I found out that my host mom has an amazing garden and she grows her own grapes, peppers, apples, blackberries, and raspberries. Also she makes her own jams and marmalade. A typical breakfast for me back in the U.S. is usually a stack of pancakes, some pan-seared sausage, maybe some fruit, or just greek yogurt with granola. I tend to eat like a bird these days (giving up my fat guy ways). Filling up on bread is the ideal way of eating though with a side of green tea or coffee of course. There are soooo many types of bread too, it's almost overwhelming deciding on just ONE.

All of this is besides the point. During my breakfast on Sunday morning I discussed different topics with my host parents. Politics, economy, and the surrounding countries near the Southern part of Germany. My host mom mentioned that Switzerland is fairly close (like a 15 minute drive) and that it was a really nice (but expensive) place to visit. We finished breakfast, I helped clear the table, and then went upstairs to watch random videos on YouTube.

15 minutes later my host parents called me from downstairs, "Kwasi we're ready!!" of course I was super lost because... I had no clue what was going on. Ready for what?? What's going on? Where we going? How long are we going to be gone?

Long story short, they snatched me up and we went on a road-trip to Switzerland! Switzerland is indeed magnificent but ridiculously expensive....

Random road signs, en route to Switzerland!

really neat flower shop

just a short clip of the paintings in the market area in Switzerland

Switzerland (getting back to the parking lot lol)

After a about an hour in Switzerland we got back in the car and were on our way back to Bankholzen (or so i thought....) When we stopped for gas, I was curious why we were taking the scenic route through Switzerland and going in the opposite direction heading even further AWAY from Germany. Once we gassed up, everything was made clear to me... "Kwasi, we're taking you to Leichtenstein". Now of course I thought I was delirious at first. Leichtenstein (pronounced "leck-ten-stine) is at least 2-3 hours away from where we were at the present time. Surely they weren't willing to drive all that far just for me were they?.....
                              
I fell asleep most of the way and woke up just in time to catch the most glorious sight I've ever seen. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the very small country that is Leichtenstein, it is fairly small and proud to be one of the only few countries that doesn't have ANY cities. It is composed of towns and villages. It lies in the center of 3 bordering countries: Germany, Switzerland, & Austria. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW BEAUTIFUL THIS PLACE IS. IT IS SINGLE-HANDEDLY THE MOST SPECTACULAR, AMAZINGLY BREATHTAKING PLACE I'VE EVER BEEN. THE PICTURES BELOW ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO HOW AMAZING IT IS IN PERSON!!!!

This map is in Deutsch. Countries shown above are Schweiz (Switzerland), Leichtenstein,  Deutschland (Germany),  Italien (Italy).

Back on the road! to Leichtenstein! 

You may not be able to see in some of the pictures because of the clouds, but the mountains are REALLY high. Like... enormously high. touch the sky high. so high... high above me..

enter: Leichtenstein

Vaduz Castle, the original palace and residence of Prince Hans-Adam II, the entrance gate was locked. Probably because the heir is still alive and the current prince may still be living there lol, but nonetheless it was really cool.

Leaving Leichtenstein

So I was sitting down eating with my host parents in Liechtenstein earlier that day and told them about how a certain really close friend of mine had made some delicious "Käsespätzle" the night before his wedding some months ago. My host parents said I had to try the real thing straight from the source. 

One hour later... we were in Bregenz, Austria and before i knew it, I had a giant plate of it sitting in front of me. IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!! :')

While eating, we discussed different things like other interesting areas. At one point they talked about going to Italy "since we're already out and have a little time left".... I literally look them with astonishment, like...

Unfortunately we decided it was best not to go to Italy (right now at least) since they both had to work and I start language school the following morning. The fact that THAT was the only valid reason for us not going kind of made my jaw drop.  Back home I can barely make it from Huntsville, AL to Memphis, TN without being like.. "Nah, better hold that off until tomorrow". And that's just from one state to another, but crossing over 3 COUNTRIES just because? Are my host parents Beyoncé & Jay Z in clever disguises? Seriously. I need to know.

Leaving Leichtenstein, en route to Bregenz, Austria!

my Käsespätzle (a cheese dumpling combo with grilled onions on top and delicious salad on the side. The Wirthaus am See restaurant was outside facing the sea, and the breeze really felt great.

my mini expresso, it was pretty STRONG.

Two kids learning to play Chess at a park in Austria

Beautiful street art at the train station in Bregenz, Austria.

Leaving Austria, entering back to Germany there's literally HUNDREDS of miles of grapes being grown for making wine. The rows are endless.

The trip to Austria was really unexpected, and the fact that we kept eating wherever we went was even more surprising. When I asked why? My host parents simply replied, "we promised you 3 countries and that's what we're giving you". I was really appreciative of the whole experience and the fact that they took time out of their day to take me to such extravagantly beautiful places. We finished the trip by heading back to Radolfzell, Germany and getting some ice-cream at a local shop. By the time it was 9pm but still pretty bright out. I was able to order a scoop of "Stracciatella und Cookie" (chocolate chip and cookie) ice-cream on a waffle cone without making a complete fool of myself. Still looked a little brainless though. After some of that delicious ice-cream, it was time to head back home to Bankholzen and reflect back on my day....

Did I mention that all of this occurred within a DAY? I think this trip needs a well-deserved "Around the world and BACK" snap. 

Auf wiedersehen!

D.C. Adventures

It's been quite an eventful week for not only me but the 74 CBYX'ers as well! On Monday morning I woke up with an intense feeling of shock. The time had come where I would be spending my last morning in Alabama or with my mom for at least a year. That trip to the airport was emotional. I guess it's true what they say that, "Airports see more sincere kisses and hugs than wedding halls. The walls of hospitals have heard more prayers than the walls of churches.” 

Nevertheless I was ready to break free and venture off into the unknown. I flew from Birmingham to D.C. and after an hour or so of waiting for a shuttle, I was finally on my way to Georgetown University where I would be. It was my first time on Georgetown's campus, and I have to say it was NICE. REAALLLLL NICE! 

This building was important in particular because all of our meals took place here lol

Haley Hall, if I remember correctly.

We had our introductions over dinner which was an assortment of BBQ chicken, grilled burgers, German potato salad, hot-dogs, and wonderful tray of brownies and cookies for dessert.

After a few hours of icebreakers, Q&A with Alumni and this past year's participants, as well as endless "where are you from? what's your major? and Sprichen sie Deutsch?" questions, we went to this nice bar near the school's campus and sat and chatted with each other about our expectations for the program this year. I won't bore you with the details, but it was really fun getting to know so many people from all aspects of life. There are people in this program from ALL over the country with level of the German language ranging from anywhere between expert, novice, and my favorite phrase "ich weiß nicht" (which is German for "I don't know").

To document Day 2: I have decided to hence forth do videos, detailing my adventures as well as a separate language videos to do as I go about the learning process. Similar to what a former participant Mickey Mangan did when he was in the program.

This is what it looks like to learn a language in one year. from Mickey Mangan on Vimeo.

You can check out my first video below that documents my adventures in D.C. This is the first of many, so stay tuned. 

Auf Wiedersehen 

Packing for Deutschland

Can you believe it? Exactly 2 weeks from today I will be landing in Germany! LIKE IS THIS REAL LIFE OR JUST A FANTASEA? 

I started my packing weeks ago and have been slowly filling up my suitcase/carry-ons as time goes by. I honestly don't think anyone can plan to pack for an entire year within a day let alone a week. So if you're waiting until the VERY last minute to pack... RECONSIDER.

You wouldn't BELIEVE how many times I've had to go back and take some stuff out and repack with the idea of "Needs vs. Wants" such as Do I really need 6 sweaters, 5 pairs of shoes, 4 hoodies and a partridge in a pair tree? Hell NO. I don't. 

 If you ever decide to take an extended trip to another country (and are flying Lufthansa) there's a ONE FREE checked bag max. So try your best to deal with it and prioritize. Because more than likely you'll end up buying more stuff over there as the year progresses but then what will you do at the end of your trip when it's time to come home and you've accumulated more crap than your average hoarder?

That's right. You're looking SICK once you realize you have to pay $200+ in additional baggage fees (or you could always send it home from Germany via DHL :D). This experience has already taught me how to prioritize and planning plays a big part in everything you do and we haven't even left the country yet!

Below is my comprehensive list of items I have packed and will be taking abroad. This is pretty much my final list as far as packing goes. I may or may not add/remove something prior to leaving for orientation in D.C. 

Travel Checklist 

• 2 pair of Wool Socks 
• 1 pair of insulated thermal gloves (yayy warm hands!)
• 7 pairs of socks 

• 1 pair of Dress shoes
• 3 pairs of dress socks 

• Enough underwear to the point people are like "Kwasi, can I borrow a pair?" 
• 1 thick WARM wool Peacoat (minus the peas)
• Insulated & Waterproof winter boots 

• Running shoes (to be used in the event I actually get off my but and exercise. Or encounter a bear and need to run swiftly, whichever comes first) 
• Nike's for everyday wear/activities 
• 1 pair of TOMS for everyday wear until late Autumn 
• 1 bar deodorant 
• Body Wash/Bar Soap 
• Clippers/Trimmers (for cutting hair) 
• Disposable razors  
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush 
• Floss (travel size) 
• 2 Eco-friendly bags (for shopping at Markets and other stuff) 
• Cough medicine (DayQuil/NightQuil, Halls Defense, etc) for those sick days 
• Cologne (the fragrance, not the city located in West Germany with the same name ) 
• a GIANT jar of Peanut butter 
• Cinnamon & a couple other spices for cooking 
• Travel size Hand sanitizer (eww germs) 
• Travel wipes (again, eww germs) 
• 2 pairs of Sweat Pants 
• AE Rucksack (used for traveling to smaller areas, diff countries, etc.)
• 5 pairs of jeans 
• 1 small jar of all  organic shea butter

• 1 Unlocked iPhone (for international calling/usage)
• Macbook & Windows tablet/notebook (I can't live without either) 
• 2 belts (1 for dressy occasions, the other for laid back functions) 
• 1 sweatshirt
• 2 pairs of dress Pants/Hosen 
• Thermal Longjohns

• 1 Fashionable suit jacket/sports coat 

• 1 sweater (that can be worn in both Autumn and Spring)

• 3 tank tops 

• fav Pac Man shirt 
• A&M Bulldog shirt 

• blue checkered shirt 
• london shirt 
• plaid shirt 
• maroon collared shirt 
• ピンク·フロイド (Pink Floyd in Japanese T-shirt) 

• Pajamas 
• 2 ties (pre-tied) 
• Euro plug outlet converter/adapter 
• Inflatable travel pillow 
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 1 pack of AA & AAA batteries
• LED flashlight

• 1 flexible bicycle lock (to use for bikes as well as locking up my stuff while in Hostels. Homie don't play that) 
• 2800mAh travel charger for mobile devices
• 4GB flashdrive
• Phone charger cord(s)

• Documents 

• Student ID 
• Drivers License 
• International Driver's License 
• Passport (also a scanned copy of passport saved to DropBox, Google Drive, & SkyDrive) 
• Insurance 
• Letters of recommendation (in pdf form) 

• transcripts 
• Finished Lebenslauf (Resume) 
• 6 additional passport photos for administration stuff (still gotta get those :( )
• A hard copy of "English Grammar for Students of German"
• A digital copy of "Deutsch Heute"
• copy of high school diploma
• Portfolio to organize all these documents in

• Money  

• Debit card (charles schwab bank)
• International toll-free number for if (or when) I lose debit card and need to get it replaced.
• at least 100 euros in cash before departure to Deutschland

I know this list is prettttyyyy long but believe it or not all of my stuff fits perfectly and still meets up with the luggage restrictions (although truth be told I may be using the peacoat as a pillow and the boots may be worn at check-in lol).

Auf Wiedersehen!