This last Monday was a travel day just like all the others so far.
After arriving in Munich, all the students made their way to a hotel
where we stayed for two nights and had a group dinner. With just about
everyone suffering from jetlag, it was an early night. There are eleven
students from KU, seven from UA and two from Michigan. I knew all but
one of the UA students and we have all (from every uni) become good
friends over the last couple of days. The days have taken on a bit of a pattern: waking up obnoxiously early (breakfast is at 7:30), heading out for the day around 9:00, and then having classes/lessons/cultural outings until 4:00. After being dismissed each day we have free time. I think it’s the best part of the day—we can finally slow down and take our time getting between places and relax.
Wednesday was our first group travel day. We took a train to Köln, which took most of the day. Of course, we had to visit the local brewery (or two) to have a German beer. Around Köln, the famous beer is Kolsch. We also visited the cathedral, a couple museums and our professor led us on a walking tour. Each day our professors wear us out.
I have been learning a ton, even though I have already been most of the places before. It’s nice to hear more about the history of the area and from a different perspective. It has been helping keep the trip interesting.
I’m not sure why, but I feel like my jetlag has finally hit me. Or maybe I am using my brain more. But every day, I feel like I am continuously exhausted even when I wake up. Hopefully, that feeling will go away soon. In the evenings, we (the students) have been exploring on our own. Since we are right on the Rhine, we have been sitting by the Rhine and people watching in our free time. We are very glad to have several decks of cards…
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Follow Claire on her travels to Germany at https://nutzedentagdot.wordpress.com
Read more about studying German with the University of Arkansas
