When a New Change is in the Works We Should Reflect the Past

As I speed along, to my next placement, through the Black Forest I am compelled to think back on my two months in Radolfzell. It is a shock almost to think that two months ago I got off a bus outside the Carls Duisburg Center, I spoke no German, had never met any of the other participants, had no idea my living situation, and had never been this far from home.

Now my German has improved vastly I can form sentences that make sense to native speakers.  Have had many conversations by this point all auf Deutsch, ranging from simple directions to politics. I am amazed at how quickly I was able to pick up German, the immersion idea defiantly worked. I learned so much in class from one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had, Herr Wieland. He even rivals Senora Martin, and The RISSELER. 

From long lists of words to spoken German

 This man was quite the character, he was extremely animated when it came to explaining words we didn’t understand. It was like watching vocal charades and it really worked well. One of his other techniques was to teach us songs in German. I don’t think it will be possible to forget “Komm gib mi diene hand” oder “marmor, stein, und eisen bricht.” I learned a lot in class, I could never deny that, but I would say that 50% or more of my German ability came from the conversations outside of class. With the random people that I met. I still would like to know where they got that Germans are coconuts, because I have yet to meet a mean German.

So what are the memories I will never forget….

The adventures here, I did so much traveling in two months. I would honestly say that I traveled more in two months abroad than I have in the past 2 years at least. From castles to cars to clocks and more. I saw everything that Baden-Württemberg and beyond had to offer.

From some of the worst planing I had ever done, to the most walking in a day.
It was all worth it in the end.

The people that I met at the CDC, from all over the world. There are so many new contacts that I have I now have friends from every populated continent. The conversations we had about the differences in culture and life between us.  I can’t believe honestly how many people I met.

The group that went to Munich for Oktoberfest

The group of 16 that came here with me. We may have had some ups and downs as a group but I still have heart for them. After some of the adventures we went through together, there just are not words for. From the late night swim at the Mindelsee to sleeping in a bus stop, to having one of the best travel partners.

The group in the middle would be us.

The guy in white was herr Wieland

The landscape. I believe the beauty of Baden-Württemberg  will forever be engraved in my head. The old buildings, the sea, the black forest, and the people.

My hope for the next 10 months in Munster is that I can continue and improve this adventure. That I will enjoy my internship and find a satisfaction with my work. That I can continue to meet amazing people and keep in touch with old friends.

Till next time,

Cody A Glick