€60 or €20? My Journey Through The Airport
When I stepped off my plane, I could not bask in the new environment, the amenities of Frankfurt airport, or the fact that my airplane meals were actually quite good (thank you, United). I had to make it through customs, retrieve my belongings from baggage claim, and find the Fernbahnhof, or the long-distance train station, to catch a train at 7:51 AM. I landed at 6:30 AM.
From my prior research, I had about a 50% chance of making it in time, and if I didn’t, I would have to spend €60 on the next train ticket, as opposed to just €20 on the early train ticket. My first hurdle was the lack of mobile data in a foreign country and the horrible, god-foresaken Frankfurt Airport Wifi that was not very fond of me and my desire to catch the cheapest train that morning. After getting lost for about 20 minutes, I found customs, and I stepped up to the “All Other Passports” counter (curse you, EU passport holders).
“...Hello.”
“Hallo.”
“...Do I just hand this to you?” I show him my very first, fresh, never-before-stamped passport.
“Was?” I knew this meant “What?” in German, but not much more than that, so I just repeated my question, hoping he knew English.
Thankfully, Mr. Customs Man did know English.
“Where are you going?”
“Freiburg.”
“For what?”
“...Study abroad?” I figured honesty was the best policy here.
His friend chuckled and said something to Mr. Customs Man in German. I was a little offended, but I was also in a hurry, so I did not have time to dwell on this. After my passport received its first stamp, I swiftly made my way to the Fernbahnhof. Against all odds, I caught my €20 train on time for my two-hour trip to my aforementioned final destination: Freiburg, Germany.
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Navigating...
...The City
After my quiet train ride (much unlike the SoCal Metrolink train…), I made it to Freiburg in one piece. I grew up in the not-so-exciting suburbs of Oklahoma City, so any populated area is going to feel different to me, but Freiburg really is something special. After the gorgeous architecture, numerous restaurants, and phenomenal public transportation (and walkability), I’ve come to notice how lively the city is, especially since it’s so young. I go to school in Claremont, California, which I love, but my biggest complaint is its older population; I just love being around people my age who are living their lives to the fullest in such an active city. I walk by the University Library and see so many students sitting on the steps, with a jazz performance just 100 feet away from that, and a dance performance 100 feet away from that! If you love being around others, Freiburg is truly your city.
...The People
In Germany, it’s normal for people to always keep their windows open, have a beer at any time of the day, and … stare at people? I have not seen that last one in action, but if I do, I will be sure to stare back, harder (joking). That being said, I tend to find that German people are quite funny, unintentionally. One time, someone in my study abroad program (who knows German quite well) ordered a few beers in perfect German, to which the waitress responded, in English, with, “Ok, big or small beers?” Years of learning German down the drain, all because the waitress knew all too well that it would be easier for them both to speak English. I have also found that the younger people are quite nice! My flatmates have all been very welcoming, despite the fact that I don’t know how to correctly sort my German trash, work the German oven, or use the German stove, among other things.
...The Language
I really applaud anyone who has ever traveled to a country without knowing the native language of that country. Although many people here know English, that cannot save me from the lack of English on some signs, labels, and appliances/hardware. Have you ever tried to shop for groceries with everything being in a language you cannot read, with no Google Translate to help you? This was my reality on my first day, since I had no mobile data. Long story short, I almost bought sour cream for my breakfast, thinking that it was yogurt, among other suspiciously similar-looking dairy products. Thankfully, I’m learning a little more German every day, although I can only confidently say “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” and “Do you speak English?”
Being Myself Around Others
My biggest worry before traveling abroad for the first time was making new connections within my study abroad program, because people truly do make your surroundings more special. After being here around non-Claremont people, I’ve realized how unique Claremont and SoCal in general really are. I’m not originally from SoCal, but my time there has truly changed me and the way I interact with others (for the better), so coming here and meeting the 70+ other people in my study abroad program from completely different parts of the country was shocking. In the first couple of weeks, I have gotten along with many people, but I felt like I was always a little on edge, watching what I said and observing how others responded to me, as if they could drop me any second, especially since I did not see many obvious similarities between me and the people around me.
However, after a bit of time and reflection, I realized something: even if I don’t see myself as similar to the people around me, aren’t we all here for similar reasons? Aren’t we all interested in exploring a new place, stepping out of our comfort zone, and straying away from the familiar, just for a few months? I should bask in the unknown, get used to people who aren’t like me, and be myself instead of conforming to what others would want to see. Thankfully, the people in my program have been nothing but nice and welcoming to me, and I truly look forward to spending the rest of my time in Europe with such lively, smart, and genuine people.
"Just be yourself! <3" |
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I’m writing this on the way to our first multi-day trip, Berlin! I have heard many good things about this city from friends, so I can’t wait to share my experience traveling there with you all.
Take care, and bis später!
-- Dana
P.S. I love music so so much, so I want to start adding my favorite song at the time of each blog post. I think from now on I will attach the link to the last photo of the main blog post, but on this post, I will link it here.
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Dana Deloney
Hello! I'm Dana, and I study Public Policy and Economics at Pomona College. In my free time (though, I rarely seem to have it), I love being with friends, whether that be through playing games, watching movies, or even just doing work together. Thanks for checking out my blog!
