The First Full Day

Yesterday morning we arrived from our flight in Munich, and within our first few minutes in our new home due the next two weeks, we could tell we we no longer in the United States. After grabbing some snacks at a grocery store that had aisles upon aisles of alcohols and candies, we headed for Augsburg in the shuttles.

We drove through a green, scenic countryside that actually looked somewhat similar to home, other than one thing: every couple of miles there would be a little town with almost all white houses with red-tiled roofs. It was a very neat thing to see. After dropping off our luggage at the hotel (and taking a quick nap) we took a guided tour of Augsburg. In the words of our guide, "We learned the two-thousand year history of Augsburg in two hours."

This tour was very eye opening. From its Roman roots, to the industrial revolution, to defeating the Hungarians, to devastation in World War Two, we learned a large amount, but that can be read in a history book. I was amazed by just how much the feel and look of Augsburg was so much like I imagined it! With old-European style buildings, tons of little shops and stores everywhere, and cobblestone streets, it was very neat. We even saw a room containing three kilograms of gold! It was very modern as well, with a cable-car running from the hotel to the city center.

After this tour we had dinner at a restaurant underneath the city hall. I had a schnitzel because I felt my trip to Germany would be incomplete without it, and it was delicious. Then, we all went and crashed at the hotel.

Today, we got up early, took the tram to the University of Augsburg,  and listened to a lecture from Dr. Feick on course topics. Then, we got lunch at the cafeteria at the university. It was somewhat similar to our cafeterias, only perhaps healthier and a different selection of foods (I had pizza).

We then toured the University. It is smaller than Pitt, and very much has a college atmosphere. I was amazed at how the grass was untrimmed and FULL of dandelions. I know that lawn would drive my parents crazy, but it seems to be normal here!

After the tour, we did a scavenger hunt around the city, looking for odd facts about different things in the city. In the process, we got a beautiful view of the city from a 261-step high bell tower and saw the inside of a stunning church. We then ate dinner at Mr. Onion's, where I had the "American" burger.

All in all, it has been a great start, I love the city, and I can't wait to so some site visits, spend more time with our Augsburg hosts, and see more of Germany!