WeLcOmE tO GeRmAnY!!!

Thursday, September 4th

First day in Germany. We spent the majority of the day driving to Munich from Frankfurt. On the way there, we saw tons of fields of hops, that were as prevalent here as corn is in the Midwest. I guess it makes sense since Germany is the beer capitol of the world… It is this tall cylindrical plant that looks really crazy. I don’t really know how to describe it. Think of it as a vineyard in the shape of a really tall cylinder, in multiple rows, across a vast field… ok, bad description. Moral of the story: it was really crazy lookin’ and it fascinated me.

Never really had jet lag, but I guess we never really had time for it. Slept a few hours on the plane, and then was just kinda good to go.

We got to the hostel in the evening and tried to cram 3 girls, plus our luggage into a tiny little elevator… it was entertaining to say the least. After we threw our stuff in our rooms, we walked as a group to a restaurant a ways away for our first authentic German meal. It was a bit of a challenge because apparently we had our meal already paid for and reserved, and no one spoke a bit of English. We told them we were with the Wisconsin group, which they must have understood because they brought us to a table and started bringing out all of this catered food. After some sort of pork, some delectable mushroom soup, a jelloish desert, and of course, my first taste of authentic German beer, we walked back to the hostel and decided to do some socializing in the bar downstairs.

A group of us went downstairs and stared playing cards and from there we just ordered a few drinks, despite some offers from some German boys, and started talking to the locals and getting to know the others on the trip with us. What I am loving so much about these youth hostels is that everyone is there for the same reason- obviously to see the city, but it is great socializing with so many people your age, and seeing their culture and perspectives on things. I also find it interesting how so many other countries know so much about the U.S., from current events and politics, to entertainment and pop culture. It just goes to show you how much of an impact the US really has on the rest of the world. I know little to nothing about most other countries, and for that I feel incredibly ignorant. It is only the first day, and I am being opened to so many new experiences already!

Becca- just for you- there was a WOMBAT hostel right next door to the one that we stayed in… thought you may enjoy that. :)