Germany Day 2

Today marks the second full day in Germany. Thus far, my favorite part of the trip was meeting my IFT partner. I was a bit apprehensive about meeting with my partner because there can be a problem between talking online to discussing the future plans in Germany and generally getting to know each other and actually meeting in person.  Marie was perfect though. We hit it off right away and there was no lull in conversation. From the meeting in HEHOS, several IFT partners and their USF students joined Marie and I. We went to a restaurant in downtown Osnabruck and just talked and got to know each other.  More so than talking online or observing other people, this experience really helped solidify the similarities and differences between German and American culture. We talked about movies, music, and social trends within the US and Germany. It is interesting to see how we are so alike in some senses and yet so far apart in others. For example, TV shows in America are widely watched in Germany but popular music greatly varies between the two countries. The IFT’s then took us to another bar in which the local flavor could be observed. There was a band playing modern German music and it was interesting to listen to the trends and appreciate how different their music was to ours.

Also important to mention was the Nightwatch Tour. The actual tour itself was interesting but the most fascinating part for me was the legend behind each of the places. The idea that nuns would use the tunnels inside the bridge to get to the Church and that the Nightwatch guards would fall asleep in the barns on their shifts instead of doing their jobs is an interesting spin on the classic history learned through a book. Also, the view from the top of the tower was breathtaking. The fact that I could watch the entire city as it prepares for the festival as well as the interesting display of smaller homes and historic sites was an interesting addition to the trip.

If I had to change something about the trip so far, I would have learned more German. Although many Germans do not mind speaking in English, I find that a piece of the culture is lost by not speaking in their native tongue. The German lessons are interesting but challenging due to their difference from both English and Spanish, both of which I am proficient in. The professor is amusing and very nice although it is sometimes hard to follow along when she speaks in only German. Her use of the book, as well as audio, visual, and interactive methods is refreshing and helpful in learning the language. The use of all of these combined really help to solidify the concept in my mind and holds my attention much more than other teaching styles would.

I have spent only two days in this city and from those two days I must admit the idea of staying here in Osnabruck for a summer session has definite appeal.