Thursday, January 14, 2016

Ich spreche kein deutsch- My first experience out of North America

Don't get me wrong, 



I have absolutely loved my experience so far on this trip. Coming off a 30 hour travel day, exiting the train station, and entering Leipzig was one of the most mystical experiences of my life. It was like being transported back in time hundreds of years. Pictures cannot adequately capture the grandeur of this city, unfortunately. It's one thing to look at a picture of some old area, and it's another to actually stand in a place from a totally different century, from a time before my grandfathers grandfather.

The food is incredible. Their version of a "shitty hotel breakfast" is freshly baked bread (baked in house), 5 different jams along with a chocolate-hazelnut spread and honey, assorted meats and cheeses (so many!), and fresh fruits and vegetables. Oh, and some seriously amazing coffee. It seems like everywhere we go for lunch and dinner we are served something truly special. To be honest, I hated beer before this trip. Now, I'm having it with practically every meal. 

I have had a great time exploring this great city with my friends. From exploring Bach's church to venturing up the 29th floor of the tallest building in the city to have a full view of the city, I feel like I've grown stronger bonds with all of my friends on this trip. I have already made so many new memories on this trip, and we're only in the first city!

But, 


I can't help but feel like a complete ass-hat whenever I go to any restaurant or shop. Any time someone speaks German to me (which is all the time, who would have guessed?) I freeze like a deer in headlights until they eventually realize I don't speak a lick of German and repeat whatever they were saying in English. Of course most everyone here speaks English very well, and we can understand each other perfectly, but I can't help but feel guilty for coming into a country and expecting everyone to cater to my language. I began learning German over the summer and stopped, and I really regret that decision. 

Photos


View from the 29th floor of the City-Hochhaus, the tallest building in Leipzig 




Dinner from our go-to place, the Irish pub around the corner


                                        

From the Bach Museum

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