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.

Day 7: 1st Day of Language Courses

   It's hard to believe I've already been in Europe for a week.  Thus far, my time has been completely occupied by entirely new sights and experiences.  I'm just now getting to the point where I can attach familiarity to things, such as certain streets, my apartment, or the grocery store I'll do most of my shopping at.  

   The extended period of adjustment can be blamed entirely on my 5-day foray to Rome.  I met Emily there, and hung out with some mutual friends of ours (many thanks to Meredith and Christine for hosting us).  The city is absolutely amazing.  History is so prevalent there you have to develop a certain immunity to it to get anything done.  There are literally historical monuments, statues, and ruins on almost every block.  I had never thought about what life in a c. 2500 year-old city would be like, and now I know.  I had just enough time to pack in all the typical touristy things while still getting over my jet lag.  We saw the Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steppes, the Jewish Ghetto, the Borghese Gardens, ate plenty of gelato and had lots of pasta.  

   On my bus back to the Ciampino Airport, I realized that I'm becoming used to the unfamiliar.  Or, said another way, I'm learning how to find familiarity in unfamiliar things.  For example, despite the fact that I couldn't speak a lick of Italian before being in Rome, I found that basic communication is still not that hard.  Once you learn how to say "hello," "please," and "thank you," it's fairly easy to make your intentions clear when you combine those words with simple gestures.  I also realized that no matter how different a language or culture might be from my own, every person on this planet still has similar desires. Everyone enjoys laughing, a good meal, the feeling of being appreciated, etc.  There are more, obviously, but I'll save the philosophical specifics for another time.  The take-home point here is that my fear of other cultures, of any culture, has been totally erased.  I feel like I could travel the world and be completely in my element.  

   It's currently 8:40, and the welcome breakfast for my program starts at 10:00.  I can't wait to learn more about the university I'm going to spend the next 5-6 months studying at.  Auf Wiedersehen!  

Day 1: Arrival

It is currently 11:10 AM German time, and I'm eager to explore.  I'll try to keep this post short.  

My flatmates are awesome!  Tobi and Julian picked me up from the airport at 8 o'clock, complete with boisterous enthusiasm and, interestingly, a splash of nervous energy.  I thought at the time the nervousness could be due to meeting their first true American flatmate, as I was feeling fairly nervous myself.  However, on the drive from the airport back to the flat, they explained to me that the bright blue-and-red sign they had written my name on was, in fact, a no-parking sign, and that they were energetic and nervous mostly because they didn't know what would happen if airport security saw them with it.  They made it clear that they were eager to get to know me, too.  Needless to say, it was an exciting welcome and a favorable first impression.  

While waiting for my flatmates, an obviously drunk young German man (yes, at 7 AM) took a seat at the same table as me and proceeded to mumble to his demons, while struggling to hold his torso upright.  I asked the man if I could help him, he apologized, and stumbled off.  A few minutes later, I realized he had left his cell phone.  I obviously wanted to return it to him, as he seemed to be in need of help, but I was wary as well.  After all, I'd only been in Germany for an hour.  I toyed with the idea that the man was setting a ruse, but decided I'd just be careful.  I knew I'd always wonder what happened to the man if I didn't try to return his phone, so try I did.  I found him just outside the gate.  He was very appreciative to have his phone back, or at least as appreciative as someone who is having trouble speaking can be.  

I also bought a coffee without speaking English!

So, in my first few hours in Germany, I contributed to the local economy, held a brief conversation in German, performed a charitable act, and witnessed the result of some mischievous vandalism.  I feel almost assimilated!  Just kidding.  But in any case, I certainly haven't had time to feel nervous, and I really like that.  Hopefully that feeling will continue.  

Preface:

I'd like to start with a few words regarding the purpose of this blog.  The first reason, of course, will be to allow family and friends who are interested in keeping up with my experiences to do so.  The second, slightly more selfish reason will be for me to keep a visual history of my time here in Darmstadt.  To accomplish this second goal, I plan to post at least one picture pertaining to the subject(s) of the entry every time I make an entry.  Hopefully this will prove to be interesting to anyone reading this, as well.