I’m beginning to hope I may be one of the few lucky enough to not be strongly effected by culture shock.  I’m not exactly sure how common it is, but according to a German informational book I’m currently reading (thanks Jessica!) I know that immunity to culture shock does exist.  

My conclusion is based on the fact that I’ve experienced both major facets of culture shock, recognized them for what they were, and immediately moved on.  In addition, I’ve always prided myself on being open-minded.  At the risk of sounding pretentious, I like to think that I respect others for their differences in values and opinions more than the average guy.  This has helped me tremendously in adjusting to my new environment.  The German culture is not strange or incomprehensible to me; it’s only different.  And while I’m not scared or confused, neither am I naively enthralled by my surroundings.  I appreciate the new experiences that I’m having and try to learn as much as I can from them, but I also know, for example, when a particular social situation isn’t right for me, or that while the melding of architectural styles in Darmstadt can be fascinating, it can also be a little strange.     

Left:  The Darmstadtium, a conference center named after the heavy element that was discovered here. 

Right:  The Schlossgarten (castle garden) located in the center of the city.  You literally only have to cross a street to get to the Darmstadtium.  

I’ll stop with the deep thoughts and share a bit of culture now.  Last night, I went on a trip with one of my flat mates, Tobi, in his new used Mercedes.  (Check out that oxymoron!)  We were both excited about the car and didn’t even know where we were going when we left.  We just wanted to drive.  Or rather, he wanted to drive, and I wanted the experience.  We wound up at an old castle on top of a mountain, quite obviously centuries, maybe even millennia old.  I’m not familiar enough with the local geography to remember where we were, but as soon as I make it back during the daytime I’ll be sure to post pictures.  It wasn’t by any means a sprawling castle, but it was certainly practical.  The location and design made it very obvious that it was wasn’t meant to do more than defend against men wielding swords and bows.  It was fascinating to me that not much work had been done on restoration.  Maybe the small size and out-of-the-way location has led to people in the area not paying much attention to it, but I think a better hypothesis is that Germans are just used to structures that are that old.  I’m currently under the impression that small, fortified structures dot the countryside, untouched by recent wars because their fortifications and/or locations weren’t useful.  

Camera

I've decided that I need to buy a camera ASAP.  The little camera on my iPhone just doesn't do the sights I'm seeing justice.

I went on a run today to Rosenhöhe Park and Mathildenhöhe, an artists' guild that is one of the few really cool cultural things Darmstadt can brag about.  I didn't go into the Mathildenhöhe, as I was sweaty and disheveled from my run, but I definitely plan on going back to learn more about its history.

A picture from within the central dome in Rosenhöhe.  For those familiar with the Arboretum at UIUC, this park is bigger, has more trails, and is also complete with historical houses, mausoleums, and other monuments. 

 Here we have a picture of the Mathildenhöhe.  Also present, but not included in the picture, are gardens and a decorative pool.

While at Mathildenhöhe, I noticed some people playing an interesting game that involves tossing softball-sized metal balls in a fashion similar to how people throw horseshoes.  After some research, I realized it was Bocce, a game I'm actually familiar with.  Apparently it is much more common in Europe than in the states.  

Another interesting observation (to me, at least) is how much gravel is used here.  In the states, parks are generally expected to have paved paths.  Here, it seems as if the expectation is that they should be gravel.  I almost prefer the gravel look to pavement.  After it's had time to become compacted, it is as firm as pavement, doesn't shed water like pavement, and it doesn't show cracks and flaws like pavement.  But more importantly, it demonstrates the European (German?) mentality of building WITH nature, not dominating it.  The same idea is demonstrated with the prevalence of potted plants and roof gardens.  Almost every balcony is dotted with plants, and there are roof gardens on most buildings in Darmstadt. 

I had an interesting taste (literally) of Darmstadt culture last night in the form of a Laternchen (LAT-ern-shen).  Apparently, the drink is only served in TWO bars in Darmstadt.  Initially, the limited number of locations to order a Laternchen made me think it might be a drink made primarily for TUD students, but a little time spent on the wonderful World Wide Web convinced me otherwise.

A Laternchen is a fairly simple drink, consisting of cherry liquor and apple wine.  You place a small wine glass in the middle of a liter mug, fill the wine glass with cherry liquor, and then fill the mug with apple wine.  I know that Laternchen means "little lantern," but I don't know much of the history of the drink beyond that.  I'm sure there's a good story behind it, so I'll be sure to ask around.  I also don't know the exact alcohol content of the drink, but I will say that two Laternchens in one night would probably be my limit.  

While drinking our Laternchens, another student I was with observed that only Germans would serve wine and liquor in liter mugs.  I can't say I agree or disagree, but I will say that other cultures definitely have much to learn from Germans about drinking.  I know I do.

Also, apologies for forgetting a pic about Rome!  Here's one overlooking the forum (kind of like a central square meant for trading, public addresses, and other activities).  Notice the Colosseum in the background.