Hallo from Germany!

This is, without a doubt, the fastest summer I have ever had. Having surpassed the halfway mark of my time in Ulm, I have been reflecting on all the new experiences I have had and the places I have visited. Last weekend, for example, I traveled to Berlin, Germany’s federal capital. Berlin is known for its complex political history, vibrant street art, and alternative culture. The drink of choice in Berlin is a Berliner Weisse, a sour beer sweetened with raspberry syrup, and the go-to snack is currywurst, fried sausage with curry ketchup. Both of which are readily available on every block. I studied Political Science in college, so I wanted to see the sites that shaped world history. Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery along the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate were all at the top of my list. Experiencing these iconic landmarks in person, rather than through photos in a textbook or stories on the news felt surreal. This has been one of my favorite parts of my summer in Germany–seeing these great places with my own eyes instead of through a screen.

In addition to exploring German cities, I have also traveled to neighboring countries such as Switzerland and France. Germany’s convenient and efficient public transportation system has made it easy for me to hop on a high-speed train and visit entirely new countries within just a few hours. In Switzerland, I was at the foothills of the Alps while staying in Zürich, where my meals consisted mostly of chocolate and cheese, which I balanced out with a bike ride along Lake Zürich. While visiting Strasbourg, France, a picturesque town in the Alsace region, known for its canals, half-timbered houses, and the grand Gothic Cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, I loved how the entire city seemed to jump straight out of a postcard.

A few weeks ago, Ratiopharm Ulm, Ulm’s professional basketball team, won the German league championships. It was an exciting moment as this was the team’s first-ever championship title. The day after the final game against Bonn, fans gathered at the Münsterplatz to celebrate and meet the players and coaches. Earlier in the summer, I was able to attend a Ratiopharm Ulm game with my host family and cheer on the home team. What a great summer to join the Ratiopharm Ulm bandwagon!

One difference I have noticed while living in Germany during summer is the rarity of air conditioning. Most German homes do not have it and only certain places like banks, government offices, and larger stores offer cool relief from the summer humidity. Germans often cite reasons such as electricity costs, environmental concerns, and ascetics for preferring air-conditioning-free homes. Fortunately, there is a lake just a five-minute bike ride from my host family’s home, so I often escape the heat with a swim after work.

Soon, I will begin my third and final internship placement at the City of Ulm’s legal department. As a current law student, I am particularly excited about this opportunity and believe it will be a fantastic way to conclude my summer in Germany.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen (kind regards),

Bridget Grathwohl