Camden Slinger Germany 2018

Getting Acclimated

Arriving in Frankfurt, I walked through the airport, dazed and confused, trying to find the baggage claim. After finally finding my bag and wandering through the terminals some more, I came across my exchange partner, Leander. He introduced me to him, his father, and his sister, as we walked to his father's Audi. During the short drive to Wiesbaden, Leander was playing German music which was hard to understand, yet interesting. We arrived at their apartment and I settled into my room. I unpacked some of my things, gave the family my gift, and changed clothes. Then Leander came up with the idea that we could go to the pool, Opalbad, and meet some of his friends and their exchange partners. As I was introduced to some Germans, talked to some of the exchange students from other Nashville schools, and took a dip in the seemingly freezing water, I knew I would be enjoying my trip in Deutschland.

Apartment where I stayed 

Wiesbaden

Living in Wiesbaden for three weeks was fun and a great cultural experience. From going to school, traveling to the nearby towns and cities, and hanging with the German kids, it seemed like I was never bored. I enjoyed going to school and trying to understand each class and all of the things the teacher was saying to the students. The students were all very kind and accommodating to me and the other Americans. The first weekend was amazing as there was the annual "Wilhemstrassenfest" in Wiesbaden. It was a great celebration with food, loud music, and carnival rides. It reminded me of a state fair in the United States. Throughout the second week, We traveled in the surrounding towns into Mainz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt. Seeing the historical sights, beautiful architecture, and eating German street food, I greatly enjoyed this week of traveling. I remember reading signs and inscriptions on statues in order to understand the culture of each area. In the final week I stayed in Wiesbaden, I spent a lot of time with the German students, whom I had begun to know closely. After school I would go out with Leander and his friends to their homes or throughout the city. As the week came to a close I said goodbye to my new German friends and awaited the next part of the trip.

           
 My German friends and I       

                                                                                                View in the square in Frankfurt

  Munich

The train ride to Munich went by pretty fast and I was full of excitement to visit the capital of Bayern. Munich was my favorite city of the trip as it seemed the most innately German. It was full of old architecture and people wearing Lederhosen. Although we only spent around three days in Munich, I had a great time. We were given a lot of free time to walk around and explore the city and sights. We got to experience true authentic German food at some great famous restaurants. We were treated to Haxenfleisch, Doner, and other treats. Being a soccer fan, the opportunity to visit Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munchen, and to witness Germany playing in the World Cup was a great opportunity. Watching Germany beat Sweden win on a last minute free kick was ecstatic. We were watching the game on a street corner and I remember a man picking me up in excitement! I also got to visit the BMW museum, full of very neat-looking cars, and walk through Olympia park. We were also able to visit Dachau, a site of a concentration camp from World War II, which was a very eye-opening experience.

         

 A car in the BMW Museum   

                                   

                                      Inside Allianz Arena                                      

Vienna

The train ride to Vienna was long but included a view of the Alps from the window of the train, which was quite the site. Vienna was a very pretty city and the area which we stayed near, Stefansplatz, seemed very touristy. We spent a lot of time visited the palaces and buildings of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as Schonbrunn, Hofburg, and Belvedere Palace. They were very well up kept an were gorgeous on the inside. I also go to see some beautiful artwork done by Gustav Klimt, including the famous "The Kiss." We were also given a lot of free time to explore the city, in which I walked into the business area of Vienna and saw the Danube running through the city. I also spent some time playing soccer in a park in the city. On the final day, we went to Prater, an amusement park in Vienna, which was full of great rides and fun.

Belvedere Palace

MBA boys and I in front of a church

Danke

I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity to go to Germany and to further my knowledge of the language and culture of the country. To be able to go to a foreign country almost free of charge is truly a gift. Thank you so much for me allowing to spend a month in one of what is now my favorite countries. I know that I will never forget this trip for the rest of my life and I hope to keep in contact with the many new friends that I have created.