Borrowing windows

If you have never lost yourself in staring through a train window in the countryside of Europe, you are surely missing out on a beautiful part of life. The more train windows I lose myself in, the more of myself I actually find. The Regional Trains of your university's state in Germany are included in your semester transportation ticket so I highly recommend jumping on one every few weeks to watch the countryside pass by; this is a spectacular time to process your time abroad, recall fond memories, and lay out the goals of your next months or years as a cultural explorer.

Gena and I at the Regiobahn (Regional Train)
(Bietigheim Bissingen, Germany)

There is by no means a limit to the things that can be accomplished on a train. I carry my computer, books, homework and even sometimes my art supplies so that I can fully benefit from the people and landscape surrounding me. Just a few moments ago, a dog wandered over to me and woke me up with a gentle poke with his nose; I had no idea that there was a dog on board, but he took it upon himself to curl up at my feet and beg for cuddles. The owner, just a seat away, apologized in German and attempted to reclaim her pooch, but he had other ideas. It was only after several moments of petting and cooing that I realized this sweet, gentle dog was maimed and only had one eye remaining. I then thought, how many people refuse him love just as we tend to shy away from those in the same conditions in the streets who approach us for help? This thought then caused me to turn my eyes to the window, my own desk of self-discovery, in order to roll the idea through my figurative fingers. How easily we ignore those in need who are just in front of us! How quickly we judge those who may not be as blessed or tended to as we are! This word, ignore, generally holds a negative connotation.

I often describe the German people as having their own path of concern and they will warm up to you if your path happens to cross theirs, but they rarely stray or break from this patten (as Germans tend to be fairly patterned people). In describing it this way, the negativity seems to break away. However, as I look around the seats surrounding me, I see 10 young people my age or younger, each and every one attached to some sort of electronic device and no socialization is taking place. Granted, it's midday on a Saturday and perhaps Friday took its festive toll on the naïve souls of the young, but I would expect more joy among such blessed adolescents! We have privileges coming out of our ears in Germany; the country, government and citizens have provided for every possible need imaginable except Ranch dressing, yet the people wander with somber or expressionless faces.

Flowering train tracks in the spring
(Hannover, Germany)

Someone on a local bus through the Czech Republic in summer 2011 pointed out to me that “the war wasn't that long ago for some people. If you had a look on your face, a smile, people thought you knew something. You could be put on a 'list' with your family and associates. Hide your thoughts and expressions; it's for safety!” Perhaps this is a similar sentiment for citizens of Germany? Perhaps I'm just accustomed to the sometimes shallow mask of customer service and friendliness that Americans wear (the “Hi! How are you?” without further inquiry)? Perhaps there is a cultural gap in addition to the history of Europe that drives this mystery deeper , but I sure feel like the most expressive person around here. I suppose, though, that I am starting to fit in and learn the values of contemplative silence as I borrow a window wherever I go. 

The Corners and the Cornerstones

After a long day of tidying my apartment, hanging sheets, watching children, and exam preparation, I am finally sitting in my favorite spot: the corner of my bed atop a pile of pillows. The window is opened just wide enough to share the sounds of the night outside while offering me a taste of spring air. It's the end of January and the rain storms have been marching through Cologne all week, but that is no sure sign that winter has been fought off for very long. I am savoring the air, however, because that momentary ambiance of spring brings joy to my senses and my fingers as they write.

Just after midnight!
(Oldenburg, Germany)

January was quite eventful I suppose, looking back. Bjoern and I celebrated our first New Year's Eve together alongside 25 other friends in Oldenburg, Germany. We shot off our own fireworks, despite my personal aversion to the idea, and kissed all the way through the midnight minute as the city around us sparkled and cheered. Since Christmas, the necklace he gave me has not come off my neck; there is a silver airplane charm dangling and constantly reminding me of both my wanderlust and the words he whispered, "the airplane keeps us together and kept us apart." Those machines might make me shaky at takeoff but they connect me to my future, my love, my joys in life; I can never take that for granted!

My birthday dinner from left to right:
Rita, Charlene, Bjoern, Me, Katrin, Ornella, Marta, Sayra, Juan

On January 9^th, I celebrated my 22^nd birthday in Cologne. I invited over several of my closest friends from my time here so far, cooked them my favorite dinner of fettuccine Alfredo and a salad with homemade Ranch dressing from the seasonings sent with love from my mother back home. It was a wonderful time as I chatted with friends from Germany, Mexico, Russia, France, and Poland; opened presents from their own home countries; ate traditional, American recipes; and reveled in the recognition of how truly intercultural my community has become. We danced the night away in a local place near Zulpicher Platz and, sometime at the end of the night, Bjoern took me in his arms, kissed me fondly, and announced: “I am going to kiss you on your birthday for your next 80 birthdays, starting today.”

Tulips, croissants and fresh orange juice.
Welcome to Amsterdam

After a brief visit to me in Cologne, my darling Irish friend Emma and I left on January 17^th for Amsterdam aboard the luxury bullet trains called the ICE (Inter-City Express). We remained in Amsterdam for 4 days and had an absolutely grand time of things, further details of this trip will be provided in a location bio later on. While alone aboard a regional train to explore some traditional windmills, I helped two exchange students find their way and we ended up spending the next few hours together eating mustard soup, tasting cheese, walking across frozen canals and chatting about our own cultures and experiences abroad. Chi and Tony, from Taiwan and Spain respectively, shared with me about their current program in the Netherlands and how they are teaching languages while focusing on international studies. I am constantly left in awe of the people in my surroundings; not a dull moment exists once you open your eyes and introduce yourself to someone new.

Currently, final examinations at the Fachhochschule are dominating both my schedule and mental capacity. At the same time, though, I am somehow finding time to write letters; file my taxes; conduct research for my internship; indulge in a bit of painting; coordinate rent agreements for next year; read Rich Dad, Poor Dad; research the stock market and add some new investments to my portfolio. I suppose there is never a moment when I don't have an idea or something to do, but I don't feel overwhelmed in the least. On the contrary, I feel finally able to open up, relax and embrace the opportunities that lie around every corner. Trust me, Europe and Cologne alone have quite a few corners. What will I find next?