This week went a little slow but I definitely got my workout. Monday as I walked into school I was pulled aside by the Sport Unterricht (gym) teacher. She informed me that they needed a proctor for the boys that day, and that I was suppose to help her out. So we went over to the Gym and set up. The guys had an option to either play Basketball or Fussbal. I worked between the two groups, for the two hour class. I was surprised and how well I kept up with these guys, lord knows I was never a sports player and I was surprised I could even get the ball close to where I wanted it.
Wednesday was a wonderful day, I was so happy to see the sun. Here in Münster we usually have grey skies and fog to look forward to. However Wednesday the sun was out and shining and it was definitely well needed. I hadn't really noticed what the dreary weather had done to me until I had the Sun for comparison. I was suddenly filled with energy and ready to get out to a park. So after grabbing my book and picking up a cigar I was on my way. A sunny bench never felt so good to me before, and I was content to sit and bake in it.Another first for me also occurred that day; I had my first haircut in Germany. Not really a Giant step, but something that I really was debating on just doing myself instead of paying for. I had Andreas tell me where to find a good Frisor(Barber) and was in the chair before I knew it. Well as I walked in I completely forgot how to say "hair cut"and they realized I was an english speaker. Usually in Germany this means that your chance of German conversation is over. Thankfully, the two women who where in the shop continued in German. I was beyond happy. She asked what I wanted and told her to "Mackt was Sie Wollen ("do what you will.")Her friend and her snickered a bit but I was hopeful that Ï wouldn't come out with these ridiculous soccer player haircuts. Being the only one in the shop they where both having conversations with me, We discussed cultural differences and the idea of typical american and germans. The haircut was nice, typically what I get in the US kind. Basically a healthy trim and a shave. I will definitely be returning to this shop though!!
Thursday evening I headed out to meet with Johanna at a local cafe. Sadly Anika couldn't join us as she was sick. Either way we had a good conversation in German for the most part. We discussed a lot on what my career ideas are and the US system compared to the German system.
Friday being one of my short days I was out of class by 9:50a. I had made plans to head down to Münich for the weekend and was traveling via bus. I got to the train station and waited for MienFernBus to show up, 11 hours later I stepped out into Münich. I got lucky and one of the other PPPler's, Ryan, took me in for the weekend.
When we awoke on Saturday we had no plans of what to do, as we walked towards the bahnhof Ryan mentioned in passing wanting to see Dachou: A concentration camp from WWII. I mentioned that I was interested to see one before leaving Germany. Thus we decided our plans for the morning.
Walking into this place there where informational signs about the old town, but it wasn't until I passed through this that the dark uneasy feeling started.
The Gatehouse, road and train station for Dachau
Work makes you Free.
The feelings of solemness grew as we walked into the Crematorium. Then through the shower rooms, I was never so uneasy in my life. Its hard to express any more in words, but I'll give you the pictures.
Crematorium, each oven was capable of 3 bodies at a time.
Clothes where Deposited In these for Decontamination.
Sleeping Quarters
But the real fun came on Sunday, when we all 4 headed to the Alps. I was excited to do some hiking again, I mean Münsters flatter than most paper. I sadly lost the name of the specific Mountain we did, but after all said and done we did between 2500-3000 ft asent.
Jamie and Laura
My treach tor the day
It wasn't a terribly hard asent while we had a pretty nice trail going over halfway up. Then the trail started to zigzag back and forth and the snow got about 3 ft deep. I envy Jamie, her light weight barely left a mark in the snow when she walked outside of Ryans tracks, While I was at least up to my knee and a good bit to my waist with every step. You forget that your actually walking on trees that are covered with snow until you break through the branches. It turned out to be a good bit more difficult than I had originally thought it would be, but I persevered and made it. The trip back down was when I truely realized the branches underneath. I blazed the trail down, and managed to catch my foot on some branches along the way. 4-5 times I ended up throwing myself sideways covering my head and rolling the next 5 feet. Praying the whole time not to fall down the steep embankments.This trip nearly exhausted me, I debated turning back early I don't know how many times. Tho I persevered and topped that mountain, So now I have officially topped the Alps, Hoora!!! My legs where freezing by the end and I had snow packed into my pants leg halfway up my caves, but it was well worth it.
Side note of the weekend I get to cross two books off my reading list!!!! I finished A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on the bus down and The adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain on the train back.
Oh I completely forgot the best news I received Yesterday!!! I GOT ACCEPTED TO INTERN WITH THE POLICE!!!! I got the letter late Friday but didn't actually see it until yesterday. It was such a relief to see this. Per my last blog I detailed my feelings of despair towards the silence of the department, and was becoming quite doubtful over the whole ordeal. This is the sigh of relief I needed, and maybe a bit of an Oh this is really happening moment. I'm the first participant ever to be given such a position. It's a lot to live up to..... But Bring it On! I'm Ready!!
With Sore Muscles and Great Pride,
Cody A. Glick
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