RACHEL
MAGEE
Germany
Cities Visited: Stuttgart, Buch, Eibsee, Marbach, Munich, Weimar, Dessau, Berlin
Highlights so far: visiting the Bauhaus, walking the history-rich streets of Berlin, Oktoberfest, Lake Eibsee, the Vitra Campus, hiking in the Black Forest
I began my German experience by visiting my friend's tiny hometown of Buch. Then, I settled in Stuttgart for my studies. For the last month, I spent a lot more time on school work and in Stuttgart. I am blessed that I have been to many of my must-see places in Germany.
Stuttgart
Highlights: Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart (Public Library)
Stuttgart was my home for 4 months. I studied interior architecture, but also just soaked in everything that happened daily there. In some ways, it is similar to the midwest in the US: the rolling hills, the cost of living, and soccer is popular. There is also much that is different: almost everything is closed on Sunday... even most grocery stores.
I took a German language course in addition to my interior architecture courses. Ich spreche ein bisshen Deutsch (I speak a little German). I was able to survive speaking English, but tried to use what little German I do know. Only a couple people got annoyed in the grocery store check-out with my lack of German....
Berlin
Highlights: Liebeskind's Jewish Museum, the East Wall Memorial
I was in Berlin for about 24 hours. A group of friends and I enjoyed walking around to see some historic architecture and places from the era of a divided Germany. We walked around in the evening and loved seeing Berlin lit up, especially the Reichstag Building (Congress Building) and Brandenburg Gate.
During the day, we walked along the East Wall Gallery and saw much of the art on the largest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall. The history behind the wall at Bernauer Strasse was so cool to learn about as well. This portion of the wall was controversial as it collided with houses. Some people were able to escape through houses - out of windows or by digging tunnels. I still cannot fathom a time like this.
The highlight of the trip was Liebeskind's Jewish Museum. Most of the exhibit was not open, but WOW. The architecture of the building is INCREDIBLE. Empty rooms allowed the building to tell the story itself. Some artifacts and family heirlooms were present and helped explain the personal impacts of the Nazi regime in Germany. I left the museum with so many emotions. The actual building made me feel so much - conflict, sorrow, pain, tension, emptiness.
Berlin has such a rich history that still has lasting effects. It was amazing to have even a short time in the city to better understand the craziness of this world.
Buch
Highlights: the local food, my lack of German language skills... I called myself a dachsund wrapped in bacon.
Oh my gosh! Buch will forever have a place in my heart!!! My friend's hometown is a village of about 300 people close to the Swiss/German border. I had such a wonderful time here. I got to practice my German, eat home-cooked German food, and experience a more sustainable way of living first-hand.
Most of the food I ate came from the farm next door, someone's aunt, and fresh baked bread from my friend's father.
Architecture Nerd Moment: The family home was so well constructed and used passive energy techniques. The walls are so thick, there is no need for A/C. Their living room has a bench that could be heated by a wood-burning stove for a cozy seat in the winter. Additionally, a water catchment system provided the toilets with water and a nearby spring is used for most of the tap water. Wow! What good use of existing resources!
Anyway... I truly feel that I have a German family in Buch after spending a few days there. Until next time...