Deutschland
Long overdue, but Deutschland will always have a special place in my heart!!
This summer, I was on the “pursuit of personal growth” as recognized by Michelle. Out of my comfort zone, Germany challenged me in ways I never imagined. It became my home, but most importantly, the place where I truly grew into this independent, more spontaneous, and insanely open-minded individual.
With that, it truly was a WHIRLWIND of an adventure/internship/romance in Deutschland that I still can’t believe happened. A LOT OF NEW AND UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES THIS SUMMER. And it wasn’t perfect. I had my fair share of good, bad, and shitty experiences, but I truly had a taste of what the world has to offer.
I became “comfortable with the uncomfortable” because of the many people who luckily entered my life and made me feel at home in this foreign country. One of my greatest takeaways is that no matter how far or close to home I travel, there is always more to see and experience with the unconditional support from family and BOTH old and new friends. These are the people who are my foundation!!
So here’s a final toast to the many people who had a part in making Germany my home for the summer.
To my flatmates, Chris, Julia, Johannes, and Lisa, who made me feel welcomed and at home in Giessen. To be honest, before I arrived, I was a bit skeptical about the age difference and being able to relate or connect with them. Looking back, I don’t think I could’ve been any luckier with my flat situation and I’m really thankful for being a part of their community.
To Anja, my supervisor, who also became my mentor and friend. The number of times I messed up on an experiment is ridiculous. Yet, she was always so patient with me and always prioritized my learning.
To all of my coworkers, whom each has their unique personalities and made it enjoyable to spend 40 hours a week in the laboratory.
To all of my German friends, such as Helga, Abi, and others, who instantaneously made me feel included with beer breaks to house parties.
To Lana, who’s one of the most talkative people I know. What a small world it is that we live a few blocks away back in the suburbs of Seattle and I think it was destiny for us to connect. I don’t think I would’ve had such a comfortable and enjoyable time in Deutschland if it wasn’t for her!
To Dan, who was my first friend in Giessen and unknowingly made acclimating much easier! It was reassuring to talk to someone going through a similar situation and could understand my discomfort when my expectations were far off from reality.
To all the dope RISE interns, such as Harry, Denzel, Isaac, Victor, Annette, Adrian, etc, I met throughout my time in Europe. It is SO cool meeting other students from all over the world, who all share a passion for science AND value a loving life mentality.
To the many many many random travelers (from Australia, Canada, all over Europe, and people from back home in the states) I encountered in hostels to bars to the most random places. Just from sharing personal experiences, travels, and perspectives, I have learned so much. Here’s to making lifelong friends!
Fee and I met at a summer science camp in 2015, and the next time we reunited would be in Frankfurt, when she took a 2 hour train to spontaneously meet up with me :’)
Random things that made me happy in Giessen:
Discovering my favorite parts of town. (sometimes it’s just the little things!!)
Licher Radlars and QUALITY BEER everywhere you go.
The social and drinking culture in Germany.
How excited Germans got about BBQs and cake.
Cheap and quality eis
Picnic by the Lahn River with low-quality prosecco.
Flunky ball
Summer rolls with the flatmates.
The convenience of walking to Edeka after work to grab fresh and cheap produce.
Being EXTRA with Helga and Abi.
Unlimited coffee at work.
Drinking Pilsners in front of the university on my last day of the internship as I attempted to learn the German way of opening a beer without a bottle opener. (I was not successful)
Receiving an invite to a German wedding lol.
Daily evening runs around town, especially toward the train tracks, river, etc.
BBQ functions!
View of the sunrise and sunset from my room.
Walking across the street in the morning to buy fresh bread from Stef Bakery.
Riding the community ass bike to and from work and around town.
Homemade cakes, cakes, cakes.
the train tracks in Giessen will always be one of my favorite views.
I would not recommend going for a late night dip in the Lahn river.
walking to edeka everyday after work to grab produce for dinner
celebrating the last day of work with biers
When I feel a bit more adventurous, I like to run far north of town, where I discovered a lovely lake and park. It became one of my favorite places to just relax and give space to myself.
last roomie dinner with summer rolls
a German bbq
After our first homemade dinner as an entire flat, my flatmates and I went to town to get ice cream. As we were walking home, Chris made a comment that it’s a tradition for newcomers to Giessen must walk through the water. I called bluff on him and said I would only do it if he did it as well. With that, he grabbed my hand, pulled me through the water, and got soaked. It was a chilly evening, and for myself, I was fine as I was wearing a jacket, while Chris was freezing in his tank. A little bit cheesy, but it was real wholesome and it made me happy.
riding my bike to the lab everyday :’)
Differences found in Deuschland!
I remember when I first arrived, I found a book in my room called “How to be German” by Adam Fletcher. I felt ridiculous for being intrigued by a book instructing on how to be German. However, it surprisingly offered some reassurance when I found acclimating to be a bit more difficult than expected. Quickly, I began to notice the differences between German and American culture and lifestyle. And here’s my list of the many things I noticed in Germany.
Beer is equivalent to water.
All stores are closed on Sundays.
Do absolutely nothing on Sundays.
Germans know their cakes.
Jaywalking is questionable.
Hessen essentials: apfelwein (apple wine) and pfefferminzlikör (peppermint vodka)
At the grocery store, you have to bag your own items. If you take too long, the people behind you get impatient. It can be a stressful experience lol.
German cuisine consists of variations of potato, bread, and sausages.
Sexuality is spoken openly.
Paprika chips are a thing.
Saxony dialect is often roasted.
People have mixed feelings of Berlin.
Germans suck at sarcasm.
Lost count of the number of times I’ve heard someone said genau in one conversation.
Tschüss is actually pronounced tssssschüü-hüssssss.
Bread is taken SERIOUSLY. Very hearty and dense.
Be able to open a beer bottle without a bottle opener.
Summer means endless BBQs!!
Punctuality!!
On your birthday, you’re expected to bring a cake to share with everyone.
People smoke cigarettes a TON.
Bikes are the ideal mode of transportation.
People aren’t as addicted to their phones. “Live in the moment” kind of mindset.
Before a meal, you wish everyone a “Guten apatite”.
Germans are practical!! For example, sometimes beds are set up where there are two small blankets to make up the entire bed.
Choice of music is Schalger, where many have either a love or hate relationship with.
Electronic/techno music is a vibe!!
Cheers in German is “Prost” and you have to make eye contact with EVERYONE.
Proper table manners.
Germans, in general, are reserved and mind their own business.
Takes time to warm up to Germans, but once they feel comfortable with you, they truly welcome and make you feel at home.
People hate small talk.
A lot of (passionate) swearing in English.
Sparkling water > Still/tap water
Germans are very direct. It’s not rude to say negative things.
Germans take things you say seriously, including all the teasing/insults that I’m responsible for saying to my friends back home.
Not prude.
Rules are important to follow!!
Very nationalist. Proud to be German.
Work holidays are a given and taken seriously!!
Windows often have a 2-way function: open completely (similar to a door) or tilt inward — wonderful invention!!
No ice cubes.
Donor Kebabs are EVERYWHERE.
Gotta pay with cash! Card acceptance is limited.
Drinking culture is so so different
Alcohol is dirt cheap.
Hazelnut everything!!
all smiles my dudes!
sometimes it’s just the little things that make me oh so happy.
love you 4ever Deutschland.