I came to Germany knowing it would be different. I expected to miss certain things about the United States — I knew I would miss my home, my family and my girlfriend.
I have been in Germany for about six weeks and the things I have started to miss have really surprised me. I miss small things, like Taco Bell. For the past several days, I have had a real craving for tacos. Sadly, tacos are nowhere to be found on the streets of Germany! Turkish and Chinese restaurants, on the other hand, are plentiful.
I have also missed U.S. transportation. I began my German adventure in Munich and was spoiled by its train system. Then I moved to Braunschweig to begin my classes. Although the city has a wide network of trams and buses, the schedules are not consistent. The schedule is heavy during the busiest hours of the day, but stops become less frequent in the evening and stop altogether by 8 p.m. Because of this I have become a bike rider, something I never expected for my time in Germany. At least my bike only cost €50!
Interesting things sneak up on you when you are living abroad. I have found myself searching for familiar items and reminders of home. Sometimes these items are not what they seem. If you have developed a taste for Orange Fanta or Mountain Dew, do not, and I repeat, do not try it abroad. These sodas may look just like the U.S. versions, but they are radically different.
The language also snuck up on me. I took German classes before coming to Braunschweig. I even enrolled in a language immersion program for a month when I first arrived. I thought I was prepared for the shock of a new language, and with day-to-day interactions maybe I was. But I had no idea how much we depend upon our language for higher order mathematics. I have attended a few classes using more complicated mathematics and while the math was familiar, I could not follow what I was supposed to be doing.
Language, transportation and food have all presented some challenges, but other things have been great. For example, I joined a peer-student program that matched me with a local student, which has been enormously helpful. My mentor student has helped me with paperwork, shown me around Braunschweigh, told me where to buy my bike, and most importantly, been a great friend in a new place.
Extracurricular activities also have been fun. Everything from rock climbing to yoga and archery are offered to students here. Last Thursday I found my way to the Karate group. It was a great physical outlet. I got to work on my German in a new setting and I met new people and practice one of my favorite hobbies.
Germany has been full of surprises, but it has been a great adventure! Das ist alles. Gute Nacht.
