Hallo, from Ulm! It has been an exciting month here, especially while celebrating Schwörmontag, an annual tradition dating back to 1345. The weeklong festival commenced on Saturday night with the enchanting Lichterserenade (Serenade of Lights), during which more than 8,000 lanterns were set afloat on the Danube River. Then, on Monday, the mayor addressed the city, providing an update on past accomplishments and outlining goals for the year ahead. The mayor also recites an oath, swearing to continue making decisions on behalf of all Ulm citizens. The oath ceremony was accompanied by great pomp and circumstance, featuring an orchestra, decorations, and the traditional folk-dance performance, the Bindertanz.

Following the ceremony, the much-anticipated Nabada begins, attracting hundreds of people to the Danube. They use boats, rafts, inflatable inner tubes, or any other makeshift floating devices they can find. Costumes and themed boats are encouraged. Nabada’ers equip themselves with squirt guns and buckets, attempting to sink other rafts. The event draws plenty of spectators both on the Danube and along its banks, creating a lively parade on the river. I joined a few friends on an inflatable raft, and it was a thrilling experience, being fully immersed in both the Danube and the city’s traditions.

Soon, I will say goodbye to my host family, friends, and coworkers in Ulm and fly back to Minnesota. It’s a bittersweet feeling – I’m undeniably excited to return home but know that I will miss the adventure in Germany. Among the many memorable experiences I have had this summer, I especially enjoyed trying new things every day. Exploring unfamiliar cities and towns, learning more German words in each conversation, and having my morning commute to work lined with historic landmarks and scenery, each day brought new challenges and opportunities.

I am sincerely grateful to have been a representative for the Hans Joohs Exchange Program. I would like to thank the Sister Cities Commission for their unwavering dedication in connecting the two cities and sponsoring this remarkable program. Special thanks to Lisa Pelzel for all her behind-the-scenes efforts, which have been greatly appreciated by Hans Joohs participants throughout the years. Additionally, I am grateful as well to my host family and supervisors in Ulm for their generosity and gemütlichkeit. Furthermore, I would like to express my appreciation for my family in New Ulm, especially my mom, who noticed the Hans Joohs application announcement in The Journal and encouraged me to apply. This program is truly special, as the Hans Joohs Exchange Program not only enriches the lives of the participants, including myself, but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation between the cities. I am excited for the continuation of this program and encourage those interested to apply!

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Bridget Grathwohl