JMC Study Abroad: Germany 09

20 Years Later, Berlin Wall Fences in Just Memories

2009-06-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

here it is team... sorry that took awhile just copy and paste!

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12422966

Career Advice

2009-06-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

It’s been exactly one week since our return home from Germany. Even though I’m pinching my pennies, I would like to say that this trip was well worth it.

Not only have I taken a lot of great photos and memories, but information and life experiences that not everyone gets to have. I wanted to go to Germany the previous summer and almost didn’t go this year, because I knew I couldn’t afford to go. And if you’re a journalism student contemplating whether to study abroad, I suggest take the opportunity and run with it.

Honestly before we left I wanted to go simply because I wanted to experience something new. But I never realized the knowledge I would walk away with.

At every media appointment we asked, “What would you say to a journalism student aspiring to work for you?” And a response that stuck with me is if you have the chance, travel and experience different cultures. There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom about a foreign language. Get out and apply that knowledge.

For many of the media professionals I realized that they have a very different mind set on future plans. It seems like there’s no rush to find a job right after graduation, but it’s more important to work on becoming a well rounded journalist. Having the knowledge of what works in other countries is going to set a journalist apart from the rest.

For me it’s always been pick a career, have a set plan, go after it and basically follow the course. But after visiting Germany I feel the best thing to do is take as many opportunities as I can now, I have the rest of my life to get settled into a job. The trip has made me more open minded and aware of career options that I might have overlooked in my life.

Would our campaigns have worked?

2009-06-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

This one might a little more relevant after our day at Scholz and Friends. (Last one I promise)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8084685.stm

Check it out.

2009-06-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

I realize that since we were in Germany for two weeks I will be noticing more about Germany in the news. That's the goal right? Well, here is an article I found on bbc.com today:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8084352.stm

May 24-in the Denver Post...

2009-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

While we were waiting to get on the plane to travel from Berlin to Munich, an article was published in the Denver Post titled, "20 years later, Berlin Wall fences in just memories". The article is all about how much things have changed within just 20 years time. The author, David G. Molyneaux, was in Berlin about the same time we were and rode around in Trabi car, just like the one we saw in the DDR Museum! I just thought it was cool how there was an article about the culture and history that we just experienced. If anyone wants to see the article let me know! Its a 2-pager!

Last stop...Amsterdam!

2009-06-02T20:33:00.002-07:00

Well, Amsterdam was a little bit of a surprise I guess you could say, but a good one over all. I will admit that I wasn’t too thrilled about the idea of having to stay over night in Amsterdam in the beginning. I already had the mindset of going home and this wasn’t part of the plan. I guess not everything is part of the plan and you just have to take it as it comes, whether it may be bad…or good. It was meant to be.

So once we got to the hotel and rested up, a few of us decided to venture out and check out Amsterdam and the famous Red Light District. I’ve always heard about the Red Light District, but I never thought I would actually get to see it in person. It was definitely an experience on its own. My favorite part about Amsterdam was the canals between the sidewalks and the buildings. It had a very close-knit feel, which I liked a lot. Another bonus of having our flight delayed was all the free stuff we received such as – hotel, food, and $250 free flight. After all that, it’s hard to still be bitter about the whole ordeal. I would like to go back some day…maybe a bike ride around the city?

The Castle in the Alps

2009-06-02T20:33:00.001-07:00

For our last day in Munich, the group and I spent the day hiking in the Alps and exploring Neuschwanstein Castle. I thought this was a great way to end our two-week tour of Germany. This particular castle was owned by King Ludwig of Bavaria. He had a huge imagination and was obsessed with fairy tales. It just so happens that the Disney castle is a replica of Neuschwanstein. Sadly, all construction came to a halt once King Ludwig died mysteriously. The castle was never finished. His mysterious death was very intriguing. I can see why people are so interested by the history.

The castle is placed alongside a giant cliff. From down below, it looks small but very ornate in detail. It is without doubt an eye catcher and can’t be missed. The hike itself to the castle was just as breathtaking. After finally reaching the top of the castle, I was a little out of breath, but it was worth it! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have officially been home for almost two days now and I think my body is confused. The past two mornings I woke up at 5:30am...and I NEVER wake up that early without an alarm. I also feel very lazy and bored; I'm attributing this to my lack of walking all day and no more packed itinerary. I miss having places to go and things to do every day. I thought that I would enjoy doing absolutely nothing once I got home but the truth is that I feel slightly lost. This will all change soon as I start two classes in the first five week session but for now I miss the hustle and bustle of Germany. I miss my new friends in the group, cafes, awesome sights, new experiences, and Euros. I know that because I had such a great time in Europe I will be going back someday...hopefully soon...but for now all I can do is reminisce with photos and souvenirs. Being home has its benefits but this new life style will take some getting used to again. Until we meet for our grand reunion I say danke for the memories and tschuss!

fo' free

2009-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

I did want to go home on Saturday and I think being anxious to get back to Lincoln outweighed the want to stay in Germany. But when we got off the plane in Amsterdam and realized our flight was delayed until 8 a.m. the next morning, all I really could do was laugh. Then all I could do was accept all of the free things NWA gave to us. Those free things included:

*A night’s stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel
*10 Euros for an airport lunch (aka-Starbucks)
*Dinner at the hotel
*A drink at the hotel bar
*Breakfast at the hotel
*Transportation
*An over-night package
*50 Euros toward my next NWA flight

Those were the things we received before the flight. Getting off the flight in Minneapolis we were given another packet of free things.

*10 dollars for another airport lunch (less than 10 Euros, but still)
*200 dollars toward another NWA flight

So even though I got home 20 hours after my original time, I would like to thank NWA for hooking me up with Starbucks muffins, a sweet bed and 250 dollars off my next flight. Thank you.

Reality Check

2009-05-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

The flight back to the States from Munich went very smoothly for Jackie, Mike and I however I wish I could have been with the group in the Crown Plaza; AF. Unpacking everything and putting my entire suitcase into the washer was a very good feeling along with the nice cool breeze of air-conditioning as I walked into my house. But for some reason I feel like I miss German and a part of me really enjoyed their lifestyle and culture. I thought the first bite of my chicken number seven from Taco Bell would be the best thing ever, I was wrong. My body rejected the grease-filled tortilla and I missed the doner or the freshness of a deli.

I feel like the experience in Germany really made me feel part of their culture as I used their mass transit systems, ate the local grub, drank the best tasting beer and conversed with other locals, so coming back to the States was kind of a letdown. I feel compelled to live a greener lifestyle here in Lincoln and try to eat as healthy as I can. I want to ride my bike more as opposed to driving to limit gas usage, I want to make my own food and use the least amount of electricity as possible.

Also I don’t really know what to do with my days yet. My job starts on the seventh and I’m so use to attending media appointments that an open/free day feels like forever. Overall I really enjoyed Germany and there is no doubt in my mind I will head back to Europe as soon as the cash flow starts running again. I want to experience all other cultures in different countries and learn how they operate because as most of the agencies said, you must understand others cultures in order to appeal to them.

Berlin vs. Munich, Reflection

2009-05-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

Berlin and Munich may only be one hour away from each other via plane, but they are extremely different cities. I witnessed these differences firsthand during our walking tour. Munich architecture is much more uniform; Berlin had several different types and eras clashing, sometimes on the same street. Berlin also seems to embrace its past more than Munich. In Berlin, there were memorials and signs everywhere for important places and events from the last 100 years. In Munich, the memorials are often not marked and are there only for those that want to see them.

People in Munich seem to be less pushy and friendlier. The city is busy and the streets are full of people, but the pace is not as fast here. Munich seems more leisurely. It is also prettier; there is less litter, less graffiti, and more trees. Berlin was a very industrial city.

Looking back on the trip as a whole, it was an incredible eye-opening experience. I learned so much about a country and about my profession. I had never been to Europe, so it was great to see the German lifestyle. One of the things that struck me was how quiet and “plain” the cities were; there were no neon signs or loud music playing, like in Tokyo or New York City.

The best parts of the trip were the meetings with the advertising agencies. The variation in the companies really made it worthwhile; the difference between McCann Erickson (with 24,000 employees worldwide and a 6 story building) and Fritzsch and Mackat (18 employees and one floor) were staggering. I got the impression from both of these visits, as well as from Scholz and Friends, that the number of people does not matter. The things that matter in advertising are research, dedication and passion. This is what I will take away from my experience in Germany. I have a new understanding of the ad world and the real world.

BONUS DAYS

2009-05-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

After awaking early to begin the long journey back to the United States a portion of the group were shocked to realize we had another day coming in the European Union. Today was a day where most of us went from sadness over the trip ending, to excitement to getting retell our stories to loved ones. However, in the end of the emotional roller coaster, we were left with a feeling of acceptance and understanding.

After leaving Munich and saying our goodbyes to friends both old and new, a group of eight of us were left, stranded in Amsterdam. We arrived in the Netherlands airport to realize our flight is leaving the next day at eight in the morning.

Some were angry, some were shocked but everyone was slightly lost. We made our arrangements (provided by the airline for the inconvenience) to stay in a nearby hotel and provided meal vouchers.

After letting the new opportunity to discover (a little bit) of a new country, some of our rag tag bunch set out to discover the city that is Amsterdam.

With time running short, we all decided to hop on a train and head to the only place we had all heard of about Amsterdam:

The Red Light District.

This was an interesting experience as both marijuana and prostitution are illegal in the United States, but are common place here.

It still strikes me as weird to see women offering themselves for a price. It just seems so strange that someone would subject themselves to that, but I understand that it is their choice to do it. However, it does leave me with many questions that I would like to ask these women, the most prominent one being: how did you get into this job?

Soo..I guess I'm famous in Germany

2009-05-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

So as you all may know…I’m famous in Germany. For those of you who didn’t, well…let me tell you why.

First off – my last name is Mosel. In the Southwest region of Germany, you can find the Mosel River and the Mosel Valley where they make Mosel wine. If you look on almost any German wine bottle, you will discover my “famous” last name stamped across the lower back. I have seen my “famous” last name at the grocery stores and on restaurant menus. Of course, it was exciting to see my last name everywhere. It’s also a little reminder of my family tree and the connection I have with Germany.

So....if you haven’t already figured it out – I’m not famous…(not yet anyway! Ha-ha!)

How high did I get?

2009-05-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Adrenaline ruled me today as I entered the Alps. Snow capped mountain tops, majestic architecture and one high flying experience. Tijgan was his name. A short rather bulky man who has been Para-sailing for 21 years now decides he doesn’t have enough time for a wife and kids in between his soaring sessions. That was my instructor slash pilot for my trip 8,000 plus feet high in the bitter cold Alps.

Strapped in, ready to set flight, reality sunk in as I stood looking over the edge of a mountain. Knowing that one slight slip up of the take off could serious cause some damage (no offensive to my other flying mate, much love). You ready? Those were the words I heard before taking the leap of faith. Two steps forward followed by a jolt back as the sail shot to life then catapulting off the edge into one experience I will never forget.

My first thoughts were oh great I’m going to die as we raised altitude at an alarming rate. A constant beeping noise assured me we were getting higher. The horizon was endless and the views were breathtaking, I knew right then it was worth it. Leaning right and leaning left we were able to direct ourselves soaking in all the landscape from a bird’s eye view. The feeling of no boundaries, controlling the wind and experiencing life is all components to a risk-seeking junky.

Today was a day I will never forget and the experience of Para-sailing through the Alps was an amazing opportunity only one could dream of. My trip to the Alps exceeding all my expectations and gave me a lifelong story.

Good Thing I Can Only Say ‘thanks bye’ in German

2009-05-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

As Kayla and I sat in the U-Bahn riding along to our next destination we were rudely confronted by a large German man. At first we were caught a little off guard due to the fact that we were just simply sitting there and spacing out. He kept pointing at the floor, then at the seat and then at us. He was speaking strictly German, which is totally acceptable considering we were in his, what I would assume, home country. More people began to notice what was going on and the tension was building. Others from our group were looking at us just as confused as we were. As the man went on for about 3 minutes as Kayla and I just sat there, not saying anything. After awhile we caught onto what this man was so distraught about: Kayla’s shoes touching the seat for a mere 30 seconds.

Although we knew that this was a bad thing to do, it wasn’t on purpose and in no way did it deserve a German scolding. Not only did we not understand what he was saying but his attitude about the whole thing was completely unnecessary. He definitely belittled us and I personally hate that feeling. Not only was it not fair, but also super confusing. We appreciate the German culture but not the verbal embarrassment.

"Work Brings Freedom" - Dachau

2009-05-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

This past semester, I had the opportunity to take a course about the history of the Holocaust. In grade school, I was always told the so-called basics of what happened during WWII, never all the details. This particular course did just that. I was deeply moved and saddened what my professor had told me. How could people be so cruel? Question after questions filled my head.

Once I had decided to go to Germany, I thought it would be a perfect way to get to visit a concentration camp, preferably Dachau located right out of Munich. It wasn’t until a survivor came to speak with my class that I knew I HAD to visit one no matter what. He explained to us in perfect detail about his time before, during, and after the war. I could envision everything he said clearly. The last thing he said to us was, “I want you all to realize that you are the last generation to hear a survivor from the Holocaust.” I knew after this I had to make the visit a priority.

Unfortunately, we were not able to get to Dachau till about 5:00pm (which was when it closed). We were all a little upset but decided to make the most of it anyway and walk around to see as much as we could. The words, “Work Brings Freedom,” are above me as I walk through the main gate into Dachau. I instantly get chills and begin to think of the people that walked through the same exact gate and never had the chance to walk back out. My emotions were real and something that is hard to explain. I am extremely glad that I got to travel to Dachau while my stay in Germany. It will forever be with me.

Tour Guides

2009-05-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of tour guides on this trip, but three of the most interesting people accompanied us to the castle today. The first and most “colorful” was a man named Tex. This name is apt, as he is a stereotypical Texan man. Tex was tall, brash and wore a vest with cigar pockets and Cubans. He liked to make inappropriate comments, but he was a good herder of people and he got us to the right train.

Amber is a barely 5 foot tall girl from Dallas, TX. It was great to have her lead the bike tour; she had a lot of knowledge about Ludwig, the castle grounds and Fussen in general. I have really been impressed by all of our guides; they know so much about this fascinating country and they are able to repeat it easily to us. Amber had a lot of fun cracking jokes and talking too, making the long day go by fast.

Brad proved my theory that everyone from South Africa is cool. He was a laidback guy that goes para-sailing every free day and had been skydiving and bungee jumping as well. I think a small town like Fussen is perfect for people that like to spend time outdoors. The view of the lake is phenomenal and the beautiful trees that lined the Alps Mountains make the city even better. I now understand why Ludwig would want a huge castle here.

The castle itself was magnificent and sprawling, even though Ludwig died when only 16 of the 60 planned rooms were built. The story of Ludwig was very interesting and only adds to the colorful history of Germany (and especially Bavaria). The ornate decoration inside each of the rooms was likewise fantastic. I was especially intrigued by the intricately hand-carved wooden bed in Ludwig’s room. This visit was the perfect capper to a great trip in Berlin and Munich.

Stairs Are Not My Friend

2009-05-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

As a grand finale to our two week excursion to Germany we spent the day at Neuschwanstein Castle. As yet another castle belonging to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein has to be his most most impressive and beautiful.

This castle was constructed in 1869 and was never completed due to Ludwig's death in 1886. However, even though the castle has never been (and likely never will be) finished, it is one of the most awe-inspiring locations to visit.

The castle itself is located on a cliff showing of it's majestic design. The beautiful backdrop of the Alps makes the secluded location a spectacle to see. The castle was also Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle.

After an agonizing hike up at least 700 steps (I stopped counting at 147). We reached the front gate and began a tour beginning in Ludwig's throne-less Throne Room.

Only sixteen rooms were completed out of the planned 60, however the work in them was a remarkable site. Giant murals and intricate woodwork allow the mind sink into a fantasy world created from Wagner's operas.

Overall, I feel another visit to this castle will be necessary sometime during my life. My first visit was awe-inspiring and unforgettable, however a second visit (with more time to view the castle and it's surroundings) would allow me to truly realize the spectacle that is Neuschwanstein Castle.

These boots weren't made for walking.

2009-05-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Only let down of the whole trip: not finding black leather boots.

My wallet definitely will protest that comment and say, “It’s totally fine you didn’t buy ANOTHER pair of shoes. And you have to pay rent on Sunday.” Good thing I didn’t find any, otherwise my wallet would have been super mad at me.

In Berlin Rosemary, Brett and I shoe shopped for a good hour and a half. It’s not that we couldn’t find any cheap boots it’s that we couldn’t find any boots. But I wasn’t worried yet, because I knew Munich would come through and have the perfect pair for me. Soon after arriving in Munich I began to worry. Rosemary and I searched again throughout numerous shoe stores, but none could be found. We did get a little closer to our goal because here they had the boots, just not our size (or price range). I realize this is a silly thing to be upset about, but the thing that truly upsets me is that every other girl in Germany has a pair, so why not me?

Reality has set in now as I begin to pack my 16 kilo suitcase without my 1 kilo dream boots. But I will look on the positive side and say there is a pair of Steve Maddens waiting for me to purchase them back in the states.

Headband sunburn line across my forhead.

2009-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day in Bavaria. We traveled to Fussen to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. Our two hour train ride was obviously long, but three-fourths of the way through we got to see the Alps for the first time.

On the coolest bikes I have ever seen (sea foam green, beach cruiser type) we got to travel through the forests surrounding the castle. Everything was so green there! It was the real grass green that people usually don’t notice; but with all of the blooming foliage around it was hard to miss. Some of us were able to jump into the original Swan Lake, while others opted to just dip their feet.

Our trail guide, Brad (hello, Brad!), who also could be recognized as a professional photographer after our group got done, led us up the mountain to see the castle. The hike was just as beautiful as the bike ride. So many waterfalls and boulders made up the landscape I truly felt like I was in a fairy tale. After a quick tour of the castle a few of us continued our hike up a little more to see Neuschwanstein from Mary’s bridge. This was definitely the best part of the tour. Even though the backside of the castle was covered with scaffolding the scenery was breathtaking.

A brief stop for a killer "jumping" picture and we were back on the subway headed toward our last night in Germany.

'Cause You're Bittersweet

2009-05-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day in Germany. We visited King Ludwig's castle. It was so amazing. We went on a bike ride through the Alps countryside to Swan Lake. I even took a little bit of a dip into the water. It was so cold, but very much worth it. His castle itself was a very beautiful. However, I do not like how they've gutted it out and turned it into a tourist trap. I understand that he owed them money and they took his castle for that reason, but I find it disrespectful.

I hate to leave Germany, but I am ready to see my family and fiance again. This is a bittersweet day, but I will manage. I want to thank Frauke, Ali and the J school for giving me this opportunity.

Take note America

2009-05-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

From our time in Germany I’ve found this country strives to have an eco-friendly environment.

In our hotel in Berlin I realized that the hallways were always dark. It wasn’t until I found a switch on the wall that I realized the lights must have been on a timer. It surprised me to find out that the hotel was conserving energy. Any hotels I’ve stayed at in the U.S. have hallway lights on 24 hours a day.

After arriving in Munich, we noticed that our closet doesn’t have any light switch. Instead the closet has a sensor that automatically turns the light off when you go to shut the door.

Also while in Germany, many of us have already noticed the recycling bins that are all over Berlin and Munich. This was very different for me, because the only thing I recycle at home are cans.

People who recycle cans in Lincoln can take them to a recycling place to get money back. One thing different about Germany is that many places often will have self-serve machines where you can take your plastic bottles, aluminum cans, etc. and get a little spare change. We found one of these at a grocery store in Berlin, which I think is very convenient.

Not only are people in Germany saving money by doing this, but they are taking a step in the right direction in today’s world. I would definitely like to see as many recycling bins in Lincoln as I do here in Germany.

Pure Madness

2009-05-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

It goes up and it goes down. Sometimes it is working other times it is not. If you walk in the opposite direction it is going you might struggle a bit getting to where you need to go. It has an industrial feel with many little ridges on the steps. Don’t get caught standing on the wrong side because that side is usually for the walkers. The right side is the side to relax and give your legs a rest after a long day of walking. If you haven’t already guessed it, I’m talking about an escalator. The escalators in Munich are the exact same anywhere else, such as the States but different rules apply. If you stand on the left side you may be subjected to a bump or a few swift words. The left side is reserved for those who are running late or need a little exercise. The right side is designed for the stander which usually is formed in a single file. However, having such a big group we tend to forget these simple rules and take up any and every step possible. I have learned to be more cautious of others because they have lived in this specific escalator culture. Everything seems to be on point in this city, along with Germany, when dealing with deadlines and organization. People follow these simple rules to make their lives easier and I’m sure us Americans are nothing but distractions to their strictly routine days. So next time you hop on an escalator remember these few rules to avoid an unnecessary confrontation.

Better late than never, yeah?

2009-05-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the Volkswagen Autostadt. It was crazy! When you walk in the “theme park” there is a huge globe made up of the latitude and longitude lines hanging from the ceiling. Below that, in the floor there are approximately 50 smaller globes; each display a different message that the architect thought was/is important. For example: time zones, fault lines, global warming rates, places with the worst drivers and aids epidemic rates. It was uber cool to look at all of the things he thought were important ten years ago and realize how important they still are now.

We talked to Nicholas who is the director of International Media. He was a very interesting guy to speak with and had so many ideas that I am interested in. The Autostadt was in the processing of creating and opening an environmental awareness wing to the main building. Nicholas said they thought it was very important to teach children and young adults the importance of the environment and what we can do to protect it. He also said VW holds seminars for teachers so they can take what they learn at the Autostadt out into the community and raise awareness to the people who are not lucky enough to travel there. Overall, it sounded like VW is doing a lot of things to help the world and not just simply selling “environmentally friendly” cars, but teaching and exposing people.

I'm Ready For My Close Up

2009-05-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

In a single day I’ve scurried through a submarine, rode a dragon like dog creature and starred in a short film. These were my adventures at the Bavarian Film Studio. This is where several films have been made. It has become a theme park now. The first thing we did was create our own mini-movie. I played a crew member on a spaceship. It is fun to be able to make a fool of yourself and it be totally acceptable. Afterwards we roamed through several sets to movies, these included Das Boot and The Never Ending Story. It’s amazing to have images you saw on your television become tangible. Our finally was to watch a stunt show. I was floored! If I attempted anything similar to that I would probably break about 17 of my bones and puncture several vital organs. Overall today was a great experience, next time I won’t eat the McDonald’s. It was pretty raunchy.

Sansouci

2009-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today could not have been more beautiful. I only have one word to describe it – BREATHTAKING! If I lived in Potsdam, the Sansouci Palace and vineyard would be a place I would go to relax everyday. I have always wondered what it would be like to live in a palace and over look a vineyard with fountains and statues placed throughout. When I walked inside Sansouci Palace, I was speechless. How could anyone design something so ornate? The moment I walked into each room, my eyes were glued to the ceiling. I could not look away because I was astonished of how gorgeous it was. Yes, at times it got to be a little much but this was real Rococo art to the max.

One of the reasons I loved this palace so much was because it’s still the same as it was when it was first built. I love to think of how Friedrich the Great walked down the very same halls I got to walk down or how I was able to stand in the entrance of the grand ballroom where many royals stood before entering the ball. These are just a few reasons why I appreciate moments like these.

The Past Few Days at a Glance

2009-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Munich walking tour was amazing and so insightful. I knew there was history in Munich, but not to this extent. History aside, I would have to say my favorite stop of the entire walk was at the chicken display, part of the advertising campaign for the European elections put on by Scholz & Friends, the advertising agency we visited in Berlin last week. I am so glad we got to see it. It accomplished its mission with us as we all gathered around to take photographs and further disseminate their campaign.

That night, a few of us went to the Hofbräuhaus. Originally built for Wilhelm V., Duke of Bavaria and his royal court, it is now the quintessential German pub visited by tourists and locals alike. There was music and dancing, quite the atmosphere!

Wednesday, we went to Dachau Concentration Camp. Even though we were there only under an hour, it was still powerful. After taking one u-bauns too many, we ended up arriving at the memorial after closing time and therefore were not allowed into the museum or crematory areas. Armed with no audio tape and too late for a guide, we made the most of the experience and resorted to reading the plaques and exploring on our own. I definitely think the trip, regardless of how it is done, is an important one to experience. There was an eerie feel to the place, and I was almost a surreal feeling to stand in the place where so much tragedy has transpired.

Fritzsch and Mackat Advertising Agency in Berlin by Michaela and Emma

2009-05-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Fritzsch and Mackat is a local Berlin advertising agency founded in 1993 that specializes in East and West advertising in Germany. Our speaker was Mr. Mackat, the CEO of the agency. Fritzsch and Mackat currently employs eighteen people and they see each other as a close family instead of a large corporation but are interested in future growth. Our speaker showed us a slide show called “The Secret of Eastern and Western Germany.” The object was for brands to be equally successful in each region of Germany. To determine how to proceed with this challenge the agency used quantitative surveys and research studies on East and West Germany to see how to steer their advertising campaigns toward the correct audiences in these two areas.

Mr. Mackat described the Eastern Germans as not liking advertising, being more critical, and responding more to messages based on trust and community. The Western Germans were more liberal, enjoyed adventure, and prided themselves on being unique individuals. Even though the wall fell twenty years ago, that does not erase the fact that it still stood solid for forty years. Because of this, the Eastern and Western Germans still see themselves as being very different. In fact, only 1.4% of all marriages in Germany are comprised of an East and West union.

Through their research, the agency found that most Germans responded better to advertisements geared towards the East German qualities of family, values, and compassion instead of the Western values of individuality, the high life, and abstractness. The agency said they would never tell West Germans this because they would take offense and deny it. Therefore, the mix of values in West Germans allowed the East German advertisements to be successful all over the country. That thesis led to a “balance of me and we” in advertising for Germans.

When asked, “what would you recommend to aspiring advertising students?” Mr. Mackat said to, “use your brain. Don’t forget your brain. Never give up fighting for the right thing and never believe too quickly.” The visit to Fritzsch and Mackat Advertising Agency gave our class a view into the smaller scale side of advertising but also inspired us to reach out and find new niches to specialize in and explore.

A Ride on Falkor

2009-05-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

After a recent trip to Orlando, where I visited the Disney Parks as well as Universal Studios, I was reminded of two parks from the area specifically while visiting the Bavaria Film Studios.

Immediately as we began to approach the sign at the front of the Bavaria Studios gate, my mind returned me to the trek up to both Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) as well us Universal Studio's studio (the studio lot). Within those two parks there are many attractions to see and rides to be ridden. The Bavaria Film Studios, while similar in many aspects, was also very different.

The Bavaria Studios begin with an entrance area with a gift shop and food, however once you enter, there are not as many things to do, but rather to see previous films produced at the site. I found this to be very interesting as well as entertaining. It was like taking a trip through the movies themselves.

Overall the tour was an excellent glimpse into how a studio is run in another country. We got to see clips as well as receive information on how shots were done and how the picture was made.

Das Boot and The Never Ending Story were among films to be made there, and while taking the tour throughout the lot we visited the sets and studios used to make these movies. Essentially we were placed inside the movies, the atmosphere was there and for a brief moment it felt like you were in those movies.

Dachau

2009-05-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we traveled to Dachau Concentration Camp. Unfortunately we got lost on the way there, so we made it to the memorial site only ten minutes before all tours ended and buildings closed. We were still able to walk through the camp for about an hour though. There not many people there at this point, which made the camp seem even more eerie.

A lot of the trip has been focused on what is important in our career. I have thought a lot about the things I need to do in the future to be successful and how learning about other cultures will help me advance professionally. The visit to Dachau was instead about what is important in life. One of the first memorials inside the camp reads “May the example of those who were exterminated here between 1933-1945 because they resisted Nazism help to unite the living for the defense of peace and freedom and in respect for their fellow men.”

This statement struck me deeply. After studying the Holocaust this past semester, I learned not only about Hitler’s Final Solution, but also about other genocides occurring in the world today. A mass genocide must have three parts – victims, perpetrators and bystanders. In the genocides of today (Darfur, Bosnia, etc.) I am a bystander. I hear about these events often, but I have yet to take action. The above quote was an inspiration to “unite” and do something. It is truly is up to us to keep this world peaceful. In a world that is growing constantly, there will always be evil. Those who have strong morals must portray them without fear and most work to keep what is right above all else.

Another memorial at the camp displays the quote “Never Again.” After WWII so many people thought that the world had finally learned its lesson. Many countries said there will never be another Holocaust and vowed to act sooner in such events leading up to one. Today, however innocent people are still persecuted for their beliefs and backgrounds. Being at the camp really made me think about what I have done to prevent another genocide from happening.

Hitler’s anger was fueled by the treatment he received from this father and his rejection to art school. I personally believe that he suffered from many psychological problems, of which were worsened by such rejections. Although it is a small task, I try to make others feel valued. I do think that there is a place for all backgrounds and people on this Earth. Although I cannot assure everyone that they are important, I do my best to illustrate how they can contribute to the greater good. Someday, I hope to do much more.

For now, visiting Dachau and learning more about the Holocaust has been extremely informational. The concentration camp felt so real. The emotions one has while there are truly indescribable. We were not able to enter the crematoriums, but there was a great sense of loss and emptiness. No matter how much I learn about my career on this trip, I will always remember the acts that were carried out on the very grounds I stood today. It is for those victims that I will continue to study the Holocaust and work for equality and liberty, no matter what job I may end up with.

McCann Erickson

2009-05-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

McCann Erickson is a household name in the advertising world. They have been around for over 100 years and have developed a reputation that has turned them into a powerhouse when it comes to global brands. Of their 205 offices in 130 different countries, the office in Munich is new, as it opened in 2004. Today we got to speak Frank Riedel, the Managing Director and his colleague, Sebastian. Frank spoke about the company as a whole and the 22-24,000 employees throughout the agency. Although this seems like a large company, Frank said that his team in Munich is just a small fraction. The reason the office in Munich was created was for their main client, Microsoft. Microsoft is only located a few miles away from the Munich office so it worked out well for both companies.

Frank spent a great deal of time talking about global brands, and how McCann Erickson creates these powerful brands. He began by saying that each campaign is looked at in both a local and global market. To make sure that something can be global, it has to be able to work locally too. For example, MasterCard ads were acceptable globally because people understood the emotion of "priceless". Other ads such as Red Bull's "Gives you wings to fly" could be translated differently making the overall point of the campaign suffer. He said his company always pushes the one concept that can work in the most countries.

This main point of concept he continued to repeat throughout the meeting. The concept deals a lot with the culture of a person; their lifestyles, how they use social media, and even religions. Every little thing plays an overall role which could make or break a campaign. Frank gave the example of social media and the difference between Germany and America. Instruments like Facebook and Twitter are not as big of an advertising outlet in Germany as they are in the States. This statement shocked me, but as he went on to explain, Germans do not use Facebook and Twitter to communicate full conservations like Americans. They use it more for the networking business area, whereas, Americans use it more as the private sharing of relationships.

Frank and Sebastian also took time to share with all of us about advice for the future. Frank encouraged all of us to take time away from work and learn from traveling experiences. I would love to do that, and hope to possibly do something next year to extend my studies abroad, but I was just so confused by his advice. In America we are constantly told to work hard while we are young and make it big fast by being the better employee. Here in Europe I got the message of relax and take your time, your experiences will pave a career path for you. I am loving the European response, but need to make sure I have a retirement plan started soon! Sebastian also gave great advice telling us to question everything. Make sure to question things and prove why your idea could possibly be better. I love this advice because it is telling me never to settle and believe in my work. I hope to start a career with this confidence some day soon. Overall, I truly enjoyed McCann Erickson and really appreciate having a contact in Germany. Who knows, maybe I will find my way back to Munich in the future!!

McCann Erickson

2009-05-27T11:18:00.001-07:00

Global brands only work if the companies understand localization. This is the core belief I walked away with after a three hour meeting with McCann Erickson. Both Frank and Sebastien stressed the importance of not simply taking an ad and translating it, but understanding the local audience and then writing to them at an emotional level.

Frank spoke about MasterCard, one of McCann’s biggest clients. They have an enormously successful “priceless” campaign; however, there are obstacles to transporting this campaign across the globe. In America, people use credit cards on items like gum at the gas station. Someone in Russia would never dream of doing this, so having this little moment as part of a TV spot would not connect with consumers. This is where research in advertising plays a huge role. Finding out what the audience can connect with is key.

I was very interested to hear about how McCann operates on a global scale. The story about the email that unintentionally was sent to 8000 employees was funny, but also enlightening; people who never talked to each other inside this huge company were instantly connected across countries and continents.

Frank’s views on a giant company like Microsoft were also appealing. He stated they were trying to defend themselves against Apple rather than act like the market leaders they are. By trying to be “funny” Microsoft was betraying its company identity. I learned so much about thinking globally during our meeting with Frank and Sebastien.

Frank the Tank

2009-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Visited McCann Munich was different. Frank gave us a very informative briefing of the company along with how to cope when working with global branding. Frank seemed to know all and then only time I was distracted was when the uber cool automatic blinds would go up and down, nerdy I know. However, one thing definitely resonated with me during his speech when he talked about why he got into the business. I feel that if you aren’t passionate about your profession there is no point in pursuing it.
He mentioned that he enjoyed competing first off and that is something I have been doing my entire life. I love to win even if the win is something small like a class assignment. I feel having a new client is more or less an opportunity to win. I remember looking back on previous class projects I worked on and when I “lost” (which rarely happens) it hurts. I always strive to have the best team with the best campaign. I want to prove to myself, team and client that our time spent was not a waste of time and wanted to make sure we can seal the deal.
He also talked about communication when dealing the company and client side. You really have to be a good presenter to ah your audience by making them believe in your approach and selecting your camping. Also I want to have that “job well done” feeling when you do get selected. It proves to your team and company you are worth something valuable and each member brings a separate attitude but as long as they are going for the same goal you will be okay.
Also something I mentioned, was not knowing what the next day will bring. As I’m sure most of you have already found out, I’m pretty off the wall and enjoy joking around being spontaneous. I think this profession is fun, always changing and excited which is why I chose it. I am up for slamming eight Red Bulls, pushing curfew and still presenting an award winning presentation if that’s what it takes.
To sum up I thought what Frank had to say when dealing with why he chose this profession were the exact same thoughts going through my head and that gives me some sort of assures me that maybe I can do this and be good at it.

Heavy Air

2009-05-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

Dachau was quite the experience. We arrived late so we weren’t able to go into the museum or in certain areas, but walking around the barracks was enough. The second I walked in my throat closed. The air felt heavy. It was like you could just feel those that suffered in the concentration camp. As I walked around the once crowded camp, imprisoning thousands of people, the feeling was overall sadness for those that passed away in the camp and those who survived and witnessed so much. I may not have a direct family history to the Holocaust but I am human and I do understand what happened. It seems so unreal and distant but the truth remains: lives were lost, families destroyed and that dark part of Germany’s history will not be forgotten.

Changes from Berlin to Munich

2009-05-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

When we first left Berlin I was a bit nervous to go to a new city because I had become so comfortable in Berlin. I knew how to get around, how the people acted and where the cheap food was. Getting off the plane in Munich I was in for a whole new experience. However, the subway riders were no different than the ones in Berlin, as we still got stared at for being loud. Once off the train we walked onto an almost empty street. It was around 11:30 in the evening when we were walking to our hotel and the streets were empty, there were maybe two or three people on each block. This was much different than Berlin where there seemed to always be a large amount of people wandering the streets at all hours of the night. Another big difference I saw was when a few of us explored the night life. In Berlin, the Germans never came up and talked to me or asked me where I was from, I always had to approach people. In Munich, I felt like I was meeting new people left and right. This plays true at restaurants to, as when I was at the beer house in Munich a couple needed a place to sit and we had room at our table so they joined us. I have never seen that done at a restaurant before, but it was like everyone was doing it so others could experience the great beer house. I would have never thought that would happen in Berlin. Overall in my opinion, the people just seem more nice and open to tourist rather than in Berlin.

Another large difference between Berlin and Munich is the entire setup of the city. Munich is filled with churches all over the city and roads that only service cars can drive on, even the streets seem narrower. Berlin is filled with wider streets, car lanes and trash. In a prior post I discussed how dirty the beautiful city of Berlin was, which is the exact opposite of Munich. Munich has almost no graffiti and even the beer gardens are clean for the amount of people eating and drinking there. Although there are many differences each city has its own characteristics that make it what it is. For now I will just keep continuing to compare.....

A change from Berlin

2009-05-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

After arriving in Munich last night, I noticed right away slight differences from Berlin.

First there’s hardly any graffiti. It surprised me when I noticed there were no sign of spray paint art within the U-bahn. In Berlin graffiti was something that became more familiar everyday. You can’t walk or get in any transportation system without seeing graffiti.

Also after arriving late in Munich, I was surprised to see a lack of people riding the U-bahn and walking the streets. This definitely is a major difference than Berlin, because no matter what time of day there are always people roaming the city. It only confirmed the city is much more conservative than Berlin.

This is also partly because the U-bahn and S-bahn do not run 24 hours like in Berlin. So if you’re going to a bar or club at night, make sure you find another mode of transportation.

So far, one thing I like about Munich is that the town square has no thru-traffic for vehicles. This makes Munich much more enjoyable to go shopping, and I think makes it a lot easier. Like many other students I’ve noticed a much more homey feeling being in Munich.

It’s bitter sweet that our trip is almost coming to an end, but for now I’m going to learn as much as I can from Munich.

I'll stick with Jimmy Choo, thanks.

2009-05-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today was our first official day in Munich. The Bavarian town is beautiful. The day was super hot and humid, so our three hour walking tour was trying but worth it. Although the sun gave me pink shoulders I was so happy for the heat; it definitely made it feel like summer.

Munich seems so much more crowded than Berlin. The subways are always packed and it takes strategic movements to get through the crowds on the sidewalks. But everyone seems to have a mellow attitude toward life here. It isn’t like Berlin where everyone seems too serious for their own good. The people in Munich feel more inviting. I see people in shorts, colored clothing, and talking and laughing with one another. The Marienplatz is busy with tourists awaiting the Glockenspiel and locals trying to enjoy their lunch. We walked down Maximilianstraße, which is where Valentino, Jimmy Choo and Channel all reside. On this street they can also charge 12 Euros for a single cup of coffee (no big deal).

Overall, my first impression of Munich is a positive one. It is definitely a city that has such an immense history I can’t help but be consumed in the fairy-tale lifestyle.

V-Dubs for LIfe

2009-05-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was really impressed with Autostadt in Wolfsberg aka Volkswagen epicenter of brilliance. Car buyers or those interested in Volkswagen have a lot to see and do, everything from test driving courses to designing your very own car.

In the approximate 4 mile amusement park there are four different pavilions that you can visit: Volkswagen production and development, Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini, Audi and SEAT. Each pavilion has something different to offer its visitors. One of the most fun options is their test drive course for off-road Volkswagens. It was so much fun being able to test drive a car, especially for me since I can’t test drive cars in the states yet! You had to drive over rail road tracks, on the side on tunnels and even up stairs. Another thing that I thought was very cool was the way the incorporated children with the Volkswagen experience. There was a place where young children could learn about road safety and take a test to get their very own license. Once they took their picture for their license (since everyone passes), they were able to go outside and test out their knowledge of road safety in small electric cars that are made to look like Volkswagen Beetles. Very cute.

Volkswagen is definitely ahead of the curve in all that they do. Just experiencing Autostadt and talking with employees that are just as excited about the cars as you are makes Volkswagen an extremely appealing company. I just might have to get myself a Tiguan so I can be apart of VW family... and drive up sets of stairs.

It's a Secret

2009-05-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Berlin was a sad day. It was a place that we had called home for ten days and we had to get on yet another plane to head to Munich. Even though it was a sad day it turned out to be a real eye opener when we visited the advertising agency Fritzsch Mackat.

For those of you reading this blog that might not know much about East and West Germany, here is a simple explanation about their consumption possibilities. In the East they were socialists, which meant that you couldn't just buy whatever you wanted. Most items where rationed out so you only got so many apples for instance. Another example of the East was you could walk by a clothing store and see something that you wanted to buy but when you went in there to buy it they didn't even sell it.This was different from the West where they could buy whatever they wanted.

Fritzsch Mackat has worked with many studies to find out how advertising works on East and West Germans. Believe it or not people in Germany still consider them self either Eastern or Western after all these years. The fascinating thing to me about this agency is how they focus a lot on this fact for their clients in order to reach a larger consumer audience. What a great way to help their clients. Even though the East and the West purchase different brands their studies at this advertising agency found that by incorporating the more traditional Eastern ideas into their ads, the Westerners tend to like the ads as well. Mackat said that if you actually told an Easterner or a Westerner this they would not believe it. I just really liked this agency approach to marketing. I think it's important for an agency to be as proficient as possible and produce quality for it's clients and that is what this agency does. But shhh don't tell an Easterner or Westerner that they might not be so different after all.

Some Times You Feel Like a Nut, Sometimes You Don't

2009-05-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's a bittersweet experience leaving Berlin behind and moving on to Munich. You notice some very distinct differences between Munich and Berlin. Munich seems a lot cleaner to me. It is a very large city so undoubtedly there will be litter, but far less then in Berlin. Also people seem to be more reserved here, where as in Berlin there would be rambunctious folks running the streets at all hours. In a way I prefer the cozier atmosphere of Munich. But on the other hand I like to wreak havoc on occasion. Perhaps if Munich and Berlin conjoined to become one super city I would find a place that would be perfectly befitting to me.

Berlin vs. Munich

2009-05-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today was our first real day in Munich. I already love this city. It's quite a bit different than Berlin in so many ways.

Berlin is such a big city with so many people. The streets are crowded day and night with people shopping, drinking and in a hurry to get to who knows where. The people in Berlin were friendly for the most part and of course like any big city you run into the people that are just plain rude. I felt that Berlin could be a little overwhelming just because I came from such a small town, where I was used to people saying excuse me or I'm sorry when they run into you. I've found that this is not the case really in Berlin. I also heard that Berlin is a lot like New York in that aspect. I've never been to New York so I've never encountered this problem before. I was blown away by this just because people in Nebraska are generally polite.

Munich on the other hand has been a totally different story so far. The people have been generally really nice. In fact, on the S-Bahn and U-Bahn today I heard almost everyone that wanted to pass you say entschuldigung ("excuse me" in English). That was a good feeling. Another thing that I really liked about Munich so far is that it's cleaner than Berlin for the most part. Berlin has graffiti on just about everything, where as here in Munich I haven't really seen any. Overall, I just think that Munich is a beautiful city.

Don't get me wrong Berlin is a great city and a must visit city for any travel lover. We had so many good times there. I just like Munich the best so far. Maybe it's because it is so much smaller. Both cities have so much to offer as far as history and architecture. They are truly places that everyone needs to experience.

Oessie, Oessie, Oessie

2009-05-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

I will admit I did not know much about the differences between East and West Germany before this trip. Sure, I knew about communism vs. capitalism, but I incorrectly assumed that both cultures had similar values. I found out that easterners and westerners have started to assimilate, but there are still core differences. Fritzsch and Mackat laid out these differences effectively.

East Germans have more “traditional” values like the importance of family, safety and concern for the common good; Westerners value individuality and freedom. However, over the past 20 years both cultures have adopted values from each other. Today, Germans are family and self-centered, adventurous and safety obsessed, freedom-loving and dutiful.

The most interesting part of the presentation was the finding that East Germans have influenced West Germans more. Therefore, an effective campaign is a campaign that uses East German values, because these values resonate more with both groups. We were given multiple examples of why this is true.

The trip to F and M was a great learning experience. I was surprised because I thought Westerners would have influenced Easterners, as they had more purchasing power initially. Mr. Mackat showed the importance of research over presumptions in advertising.

Munich's Subway (not the resturant)

2009-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day in Munich in which a group of us were left to figure out the subway structure. Back in Berlin you could hop on and off each subway without bothering too many people minus when we talk loud. The trains would be there pretty much every five minutes without any confusion. Here in Munich the system is run a little bit differently. First off there are like 3 levels in the subway all with different symbols such as S or U. In Berlin you either took the S or the U but they were separated more define by up and down. Here you simply have to take an elevator or stairs to find your train. Those through me off a bit because when looking for the S trains I wanted to go outside and search. Secondly, you can pretty much get connected to anywhere in the city by using five or so main stops and conveniently all the rails go through those stops then disperse off towards other outlets. Back in Berlin if there were open seats I would gladly give my seat up for someone else because standing really wasn’t an issue but in Munich if you find a seat you better take it. The entry/exit isles in the train are so packed and congested it makes one frustrated and scanning the train for an open seat. I have learned to just take the seat if it is open to avoid the awkwardness of maneuvering around the oncoming passengers. Also the trains seem to be louder and there is a bigger mix of individuals, meaning the location of our place is home to many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Munich seems to have a more laid back atmosphere along with a more artistic feel. I am very excited to see what else Munich has in store for us and hope the people enjoy our company as much as I enjoy all of theirs.

Munich: The Experience

2009-05-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Our first full day in Munich came with an extremely informative and fun tour through the capital of Bavaria.

We took our second city tour of the two week excursion to Germany in Munich. The three hour tour (cue Gilligan's Island) started in Marienplatz, dead center of the city. From there we made our way to the Frauenkirche or "Church of the Lady." This is a reference to the Virgin Mary, whom the entire square is named after.

We learned the church was one of the only buildings to survive World War II as it served as a land mark for Allied forces. After that we made our way back to the front of the New Town hall, which is actually older than the old town hall due to destruction and damage from the war. On the New Town Hall is the world famous Glockenspiel, which we watched part of, because, just as the tour guide told us, it got boring and is highly overrated.

Skipping ahead we reached another point to learn about the Beer Hall Putsch. We stood on the very spot where Hitler's life was in serious jeopardy from German police in the 1920's. At this point, Hitler's bodyguard took eleven bullets to protect the future leader of the Nazi party.

After learning more facts about Hitler's life, such as assassination attempts and various actions taken by him, it is amazing to thing how history would have been effected if any of these attempts or plans would have turned out differently.

But even after spending three hours touring the city, I feel there is a lot more to know. I wish we had more time to explore Munich and learn more about its history during the Third Reich.

Last Day in Berlin

2009-05-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Fritzsch and Mackat ad agency in East Berlin. On our jaunt to the building, we saw graffiti everywhere. Supposedly graffiti is illegal now, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone. This particular neighborhood was very diverse, one of the most I have ever seen. I heard someone in a bus there talking about how he had just been eating a restaurant where the 7 people surrounding him were all different nationalities. This rich culture is because of all of the Turks and other immigrants that came over originally as just a short-term job opportunity for Germany as they needed workers. However, the workers ended up bringing over their families eventually and the population of immigrants rose.

Fritzch and Mackat really seem ahead of the game as they are considering the idea that both East and West Berliners still differ to this day. The statistic I found most intriguing was that “1.4% of all marriages in Germany are east-west German pairs.” Before the presentation, I also didn’t know that East Berliners were stereotypically shorter, fatter and more critical than those in the West. However, despite all of the differences mentioned in regards to the East and West Berliners, it was found that mixing both modern and traditional values was the best advertising strategy for both segments. More specifically, East Berlin advertisements worked the best for both Eastern and Western markets.

After leaving the agency, we were off to Munich. A bus, plane and s-baun trip later, we arrived.

Vee Double YOu

2009-05-24T15:25:00.001-07:00

The trip to the Volkswagen Autostadt is one I will soon not forget. The grounds were so big and so interactive for visitors it is easy to see why it is a destination for all travelers. My favorite part was the test drive of the Volkswagen Tiguan. At first when I saw the instructor bring everyone through the course I thought for sure that was all we were going to do but when I saw the other group members jump into the driver seat I knew it was going to be tight. The course was not designed for practical driving conditions rather it pushed the limits and allowed the driver to experience alternative routes to overcome. As the instructor took us through the course I thought to myself, yeah right I’m can’t do that I will for sure tip, ruin, or get the car stuck. However, the Tiguan was able to tackle any challenge it was presented. The best was when I was able to drive the car up the steps because to me that was the most radical. With the seat belts locking every step and the accelerator firmly pressed I felt on top of the world. The dance recital during the night time was different, interesting and hot. I don’t mean hot in a weird way, I mean the temperature was hot. The performance embraced this idea of not having an idea and being able to change and mimic certain things. I thought overall the performance was solid but I would need to attend more to appreciate the storyline.

A New Friend...Well, sort of...

2009-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

As Emma and I were at the Literature House today wiriting in our journals, we had a friendly little sparrow visit us. He was not scared of us trying to shoe him away nor was he afraid to eat off my plate. He approached us as if it were no big deal at all. It was actually quite funny to us both. I had ordered the delicious apple strudel and once I was done, I set my plate to the side. There were a few pieces of apple still left on the plate but I never thought I would have to share my dessert. The sparrow flew to the seat right next to me. He sat there for a moment looking around, and before I could shoe him away he took a piece of apple and off he flew. Emma and I sat there with our jaws dropped. We could not believe our eyes. The couple sat next to us laughed and all of a sudden he was back for more. I quickly tried to cover my plate with my napkin but the sparrow was too quick for me. He snatched a tiny piece on the uncovered part of the plate. There was nothing we could do but laugh and go on writing in our journals. It wasn’t even 5 minutes later and our little friend was back again. Only this time he was at the table of the couple next to us lookin around for food. I have never seen such a hungry little sparrow.

I guess birds in Germany aren’t afraid to take food sitting unattended whether you’re in a beer garden or café. It makes you wonder if these birds are finding enough food in Berlin. I highly dout they have any trouble thoug. I hope my new little friend was satisfied. I just wished he had helped me pay for half the bill.

Das Auto

2009-05-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Autostadt was unlike any theme park I’ve ever been to. There were no rollercoasters or bumper cars. But there was a Lamborghini building, a sterling silver Bugatti and two glass towers with 400 cars each. The complex was sprawling and employed 48,000 people.

It was interesting to note how each building was different structurally. The VW building had rotating glass panels, the Bugatti building was a VIP clubhouse and the Lamborghini building was a plain black two story windowless building. I was surprised by this until a man explained that the Lamborghini car was the “star” of the building.

If I were a young child, I would beg my parents to buy a VW so I could visit the Autostadt. Kids could test drive tiny Beatle cars to obtain a license. There was also a car design studio and artificial intelligence characters that would criticize the cars. The Autostadt was a family experience.

In the evening, we were treated to a dance performance from an Israeli troupe. It was modern dance and the interpretive style with music and movements that were not necessarily in sync. Frauke’s connections let us meet and greet the dancers afterward. We have had so many opportunities to meet diverse people; this is one of the reasons why this trip is so great.

I'm Clean, I'm Clean!

2009-05-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

Nine days really doesn’t sound like much, but it is plenty when looking at the pile of dirty clothing you’ve collected. Today was dubbed laundry day. I’ve never used a laundry mat before, not even in the U.S. However, I doubt that they are like the ones we used today. All of the washers were linked to a master control board, no pumping quarters repeatedly into the machine. The machines also seemed to be very energy efficient. Barely any water was used and the dryers were even more impressive. You pat for 12 minutes at a time, this way the clothes aren’t tumbling around for an hour when they were dry in 30 minutes, I am an impatient person when it comes to stuff like washing clothes so I put mine in for 24 minutes and are letting my jeans just air dry in the room. I blended in at least some people were taking full loads of wet clothing with them to dry later. It may have taken us a couple of hours but at least I will no longer be the smelly kid.

Free Day

2009-05-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

The milk was warm this morning, as it is every morning we wake up, but there is more to it than that. Germans rely less on refrigeration and more so on daily (or almost daily) grocery shopping. This way, their fruits are always fresh and as Ali explained, the process of shopping becomes more than just that, it becomes an experience. Germans take pride in their fresh goods. Americans on the other hand stock up and rely heavily on refrigeration to preserve their foods.

Right after breakfast, we headed to a flea market on the outskirts of Berlin. I have never seen such a large and eclectic mix of first and mostly secondhand trinkets. I bartered a bling ring from 25 euros to only 10! I was very proud of myself...until Michaela got hers for 5. There were people everywhere, many had dreads and "hippie" type clothing. I have never seen an event like this, I loved it.

At 6 p.m. we headed to the Berliner Dome, the protestant church in Berlin. To our surprise, only around forty people were in attendance. With such a beautiful church and service, we were all a little curious as to why there was such a small crowd. Ali informed us that ever since the end of World War II, atheists have been in the majority. It is so hard for a people who have seen such tragedies in the name of religion to accept the idea of it again. This is such a sad realization. Religion in America on the other hand has been revitalized.

Today concluded with dinner at an American-style restaurant. While dining, I was surprised to learn today that the mayor of Berlin is a married gay man and that Berlin has had legalized gay marriage as of two years ago.

TECHNO and Party in Germany

2009-05-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

The nightlife in Germany is much different than the nightlife in Lincoln. In Lincoln everything closes at 1am but in Germany young people start to get ready at 10 or 11 pm. The reason for that is that the going out time is midnight and the people party till early in the morning. A lot of Germans start to go home when the sun begins to rise.

The music is also different because Techno and House is a big Music style for European culture. Of course Hip Hop is very popular too, but Techno is very Big. Especially Berlin is known as the heart of Techno and there is one event which brings millions of people to the city “The Loveparade” which is a big Techno parade.

In addition, you can see people drinking in public because in opposite to America you are allowed to drink in public. The drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer and 18 for liquor. It’s pretty crazy for Americans to hear something like that  right?!

VW Autostadt

2009-05-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to VW’s Autostadt which was a big theme park. They had different Pavilions for the different brands which belong to Volkswagen like Audi, Skoda, Lamborghini and Seat. Every Pavilion had some active interactions which made it really fun to go through the Pavilions. Autostadt is the biggest car distribution center in Europe and everyday over 600 people to pick up their cars at Autostadt.

We talked to a PR executive of VW and he said that they expected 1 million visitors, true fact is though that Autostadt is visited by 2 million people each year. As we entered the main building we could see a big globe but no VW sign till we got to the VW Pavilion. Nicholas Ashley Batten the PR executive said that they want that visitors get to know VW’s Autostadt and that they don’t want to brain wash them with Ad’s. I think that is another approach to think about the marketing of their brands. They’re trying to built a connection and good experience to their visitors and offer the people something but doesn’t force it on them.

Another thing that I found was very impressive was the children’s corner where they could build their own little cars which would be moved by solar or electric energy. They try to give children the idea of a green way to move a car. There was also a driving license that children could get if they took a driving course.

It was a very nice experience and definitely something complete different that I ever saw.

Did you see what I saw; did you think what I thought?

2009-05-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Did you see what I saw; did you think what I thought? When you apply these questions to the interpretive dance performance we were fortunate enough to see at the Autostadt factory, the answer would definitely be, "no!"

Our class was treated to a theatrical performance unlike any we had ever seen! The stage was inches deep in white foam balls that were so small they looked like snow. There were also three "dog house" type structures that the dancers used as props and entrance and exit points. Another constant element throughout the performance was the background sound of wind. It was "blowing" through the entire show with other musical melodies playing over and with it.

The dancers wore simple black outfits at first and then changed into full-body hose suits. Their movements were fluid and graceful at times, then sharp and calculatingly accurate at others. The story line was so open to interpretation that each student said they saw something different. Some of the themes we saw were: death, life, love, lust, betrayal, competition, humor, and oddity. All of these emotions and struggles were simple suggestions that the viewer could choose to follow in their idea of the story line.

After the performance we were ushered into a candle-lit bar area where the dancers from Israel soon joined us! As journalists we were quick to ask questions and learn more about these performers. Most had been in the Israeli Dance Company for many years and spent the majority of their work-year traveling around the globe performing in many different countries. They called dancing their passion and their job and used about three months out of the year learning, practicing, and perfecting their show. Lauren and I interviewed a 21 year old girl named Shir who seemed shy and hesitant at times with her English; however, we assured her it was very good and continued to learn that she had spent a year at a performing institute before opting to start her career in dance instead of finishing school. It was odd thinking of a girl, the same age as us, having a career and being on her own in a business that takes her far from her home. Her strength gives me hope that when it is my time to venture into the world of real work, this time next year, I will have the same drive and determination and will hopefully be just as successful.

Der Autostadt And You

2009-05-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Typically when I think of a theme park, I think of places like Disney World and Disneyland. However a recent excursion to Volkswagen's Autostadt has made a new impression on me.

This Autostadt, or car city, is an area in Wolfsburg in which VW has turned an old factory into a tourist attraction of sorts. But this place does not feature roller coasters or thrill rides, but tries to promote its brand and educate people in the advancements in automobile technology.

In one similarity to Disney World, however, VW does feature all of its currently owned brands. These brands showcase their new models as well as their brand objectives all with in one building, similar to Disney's different lands (Adventureland, Tomorrowland, etc.).

We also learned the this location is used to distribute vehicles purchased, which is its primary function. The distribution center delivers about 600 vehicles per day, and people who have purchased a VW vehicle make a trip to Wolfsburg and spend an entire day looking at the pavilions and learning about the different brands of Volkswagen.

The education aspect gives great insight to all age groups. For the children the Autostadt features several locations where kids learn about and create renewable energy vehicles. Another station teaches children all about safe driving and rewards them for learning by giving them a "drivers license" which is then used on a mini driving course.

For the adults, besides seeing new cars that are available there are test tracks for adults to test drive cars on and try all features that are currently available in certain vehicles. The location also features a history museum featuring the development of the automobile.

Overall the place is a great way to personalize the brand with customers (as well as potential customers). One thing I did notice about the place was that there were no major signs promoting any one thing, basically there was no advertising. I thought this was a great idea, they do heavy promotion, but it is subdued and very much a more interactive and involving process for the customers. It allows the customers to view what they wish and skip what they don't. A very innovative place, and they are always looking for ways to improve themselves.

Time, teeth and nudity

2009-05-24T01:05:00.000-07:00

A few differences that struck out to me today are as follows:

First of all, I have noticed that almost everywhere we go, the people we meet have not had orthodontic care or possibly ever even seen a dentist. Is dentistry uncommon for Germans? I thought maybe the discoloration could possibly be due to the teatime everyday? Although, a lot of Americans also drink coffee religiously and do not have the discoloration.

Also, today especially, I noticed that Germans are a lot more particular when it comes to time. Americans are much more informal about it, and showing up a few minutes late is neither rude nor uncommon. In Germany however, it seems that being on time is a must. They become very irritated if you are even five minutes behind.

Lastly, upon looking at a front page of a Berlin paper today I saw a nude photo of a man and women. I was shocked. Even the advertisements I noticed throughout the paper were full of nudity. At breakfast, I made the remark that photos like that would never fly in America. Frauke then enlightened me and made a good point. She said that here, nudity sells, while in America, violence sells. Neither is better, just different.

Having fun while also building relationships

2009-05-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Volkswagen corporate headquarters. When we got off the train and walked into the building I only knew it was Volkswagen because Frauke told us that. The main entrance has no symbols, advertisements or even cars marketing their product. The main entrance is a place open to anyone, avoiding all intimidating marketing schemes. I thought this was brilliant in the sense that people know that they do not have to be looking to buy a Volkswagen, but just open for a day to have fun and explore. This same theme is repeated throughout the entire park. The only time I saw cars with sale prices on them was from the building where the purchasing and delivering of cars was taking place. After spending the day there, I felt it was time for me to not necessarily invest in a Volkswagen, but be aware of the brand the next time I am looking to purchase a vehicle.

This theme park was any car lover's heaven. I thought the masterminds of the place did a great job gaining a rush out of the viewer. My favorite was probably the Lamborghini exhibit. It starts with the heart beats pumping. Next comes the lights and the engine getting louder and louder, flash backs back to heart beats, smoke and then wow! Your mind feels as if it just went 0 to 60mph within seconds. I'm not the biggest car fan, but that made me leave dreaming of owning a very fast vehicle someday. If you did not get the opportunity to see it, Jess recorded it, so check it out.

Do you speak English?

2009-05-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

What I’ve found after being in Berlin for a week is it’s really not that hard to get by speaking just English. There is the occasional awkwardness when you sit down at a restaurant and can’t read the menu. But still, you can always just point to something on the menu and say “this one”— hoping that whatever it is it’s tasty.

Same with bakeries, except you have the opportunity to see what you’re purchasing. And it does help to be on this trip with a few people who speak German and can direct me in the right direction if need be.

However, after an encounter with a German woman while paying to use the bathroom, I realized how annoyed someone can get if you don’t speak the language. I’ve already become familiar with paying to use the bathroom since we’ve been here, but at this particular bathroom I didn’t know how much it cost.

After realizing she didn’t speak English I ruffled through my purse—still speaking English, but now to my purse— when I found some change and put it on the small plate hoping it was enough.

Also traveling can become a major problem if you don’t know the language or are not familiar with the transportation systems. Some people can be very unhelpful when asking for directions in Germany.

We found this out today when Frauke asked two different bus drivers how to get where we were going. The first had his door shut and continued to ignore her when she knocked on the window. A second bus driver was very annoyed when she asked for help and was ignored once again.

All in all, it’s not that difficult for an English speaking person to get by in Germany. However, if you don’t know where you’re going or what you want to eat it may be a little difficult.

Sorry About That

2009-05-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Exploring through a museum dedicated to the history of former East Germany was an odd experience for me. It's depressing to think of how the citizens were unable to make many purchases due to their emphasis in exporting goods. Also the fact that the Stasi spied on the people boggles my mind. I've noticed myself having a difficult time paying attention in these museums. This probably a result of my ignorance to German history. I feel as though I don't appreciate these types of outings as much as I would like to. Perhaps this roots back to the fact that in my high school we learned absolutely nothing about Germany. Except we did briefly cover WWI and WWII with extensive coverage of Hitler. He seems to be the only topic we'd discuss because his actions were so outrageous. I shouldn't blame my lack of knowledge in German history on anyone but myself. However, I believe that my stay here is helping me expand my mind.

MaryHelen

Birthday Wishes, Captain Morgan and The DDR Museum

2009-05-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

I would first like to say Happy Birthday to our wonderful teacher Ali Moeller. I'm so glad you're on this trip with us because you're so fun and knowledgeable about Germany.

You might think the Captain Morgen and the birthday go together. You guessed wrong this time. Actually, Captain Morgan was the name of our tour boat on The Spree. It was a wonderful and relaxing way to get a different look at a few buildings we already saw and a few new ones. It was even better to take a load off of our feet. :)

We also visited the DDR Museum. The interactive museum was a hands on informative way to learn about East Germany. It provided information about everything from their cars to nude beaches, to music and overall general life for the East. The tour guide really surprised me today when she told us about how the Berlin Wall was set up. I had this idea in my head that it was just a wall but in fact, even if you had gotten over the wall to East Berlin there was still yet a death zone that you had to pass. The death zone consisted of two more fences so it was extremely hard to cross. If you did you could have been shot. It's still mind boggling that this all happened not that long ago. This whole experience still doesn't seem real to me. It's such an amazing experience.

One day in DDR

2009-05-22T13:46:00.001-07:00

Today we went to the DDR museum which was very interesting because we saw how people lived in the DDR. We saw the car they used at that time the “Trabi” which weighs 615kg. The Trabi is so light because it is build out of plastic because DDR didn’t want to import from the West.

The museum had also an imitation of a DDR living room. Our tour guide said that people married really early so they could get an apartment or flat. This reminded me on what my parents said about how it was in Czechoslovakia. They married really young which made it able for them to buy an apartment.

After the museum tour we made a boat ride on the River Spree which was really beautiful. The sun started to shine and we sailed on the Spree River away. We went around the museum island which made it even prettier because all the old looking building was around us. I got a Cappuccino which I really enjoyed in the sun and in my porcelain cup. After that we went on a shopping trip where we spent a lot of money  but yea European cloths is just the best .

Already Missing Germany

2009-05-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

As the days go by “living” in Berlin I have come to realize that the lifestyle here is one that I could definitely adopt and will surely miss when I return home to the United States.

One of the main things I will miss when the time comes to pack up and return home is being able to go to any street corner and pick out a delicious bakery item or fresh made sandwich. And by fresh made, I mean fresh made. No preservatives in meats, bread baked daily in the shops. It is slightly saddening to think that we, as Americans, don’t have this kind of system anymore (i.e. 1950’s milk, butchers).

Another thing that I will miss when I leave is the ability to never be anymore than a short walk away from a “kaufhaus” or, in other words, a place to make purchases. It always seems I can take a hop, skip or a jump to the store. Whether it is for a grocery item or an electronic device. The accessibility of this city is incredible, and all the stores have a neighborhood or “mom and pop” shop feel to them.

Fashion 101

2009-05-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

So have you ever seen what not to wear? Because I feel like every German/European person is giving me a check-up on my wardrobe. I have learned some ins-and-outs in European fashion. First off, flip flops are a thing of the past and should only be worn when in the privacy of your own home or shower. Secondly, never ever ware a pair of sweatpants because people might think you are hiding something in there which upsets me because I enjoy comfort over social status.

Also, try not to smile. I hear the cool thing in Germany is to be serious and keep your head forward as if no one else exists. Another thing is try to wear as much black as possible, here black goes with anything and is more serious. Okay that would be the last person I would bring home to my family, one who constantly wears black and never smiles, perfect.

Women, if you can avoid it don’t wear shorts but if you do, opt for some fun leggings underneath. Men, take a look around and see if you can see yourself fitting into those extremely tight pants or better yet try the mullet look it could be rewarding. I really feel the European style is one of maximum individualistic expression. Overall the fashion fits the culture and I am still getting used to all the crazy, over-the-top styles I see on the streets. From here I’ll leave you with a quote, “if you can’t do you who can you do.”

Fashion 101

2009-05-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

So have you ever seen what not to wear? Because I feel like every German/European person is giving me a check-up on my wardrobe. I have learned some ins-and-outs in European fashion.

First off, flip flops are a thing of the past and should only be worn when in the privacy of your own home or shower. Secondly, never ever ware a pair of sweatpants because people might think you are hiding something in there which upsets me because I enjoy comfort over social status. Also, try not to smile. I hear the cool thing in Germany is to be serious and keep your head forward as if no one else exists. Another thing is try to wear as much black as possible, here black goes with anything and is more serious. Okay that would be the last person I would bring home to my family, one who constantly wears black and never smiles, perfect.

Women, if you can avoid it don’t wear shorts but if you do, opt for some fun leggings underneath. Men, take a look around and see if you can see yourself fitting into those extremely tight pants or better yet try the mullet look it could be rewarding. I really feel the European style is one of maximum individualistic expression. Overall the fashion fits the culture and I am still getting used to all the crazy, over-the-top styles I see on the streets. From here I’ll leave you with a quote, “if you can’t do you who can you do.”

It's raining in Berlin but we still love it :)

2009-05-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

It was raining in Berlin today. So we took of and decided to visit the museum island of Berlin. We were a group of ten people and even though nobody of us has ever been to Berlin we quickly found our way to our museum. We asked a couple people for the fastest way to get there and actually we found really nice people who helped us.

As we got to the museum island we decided to visit the “Altes Museum” which had a collection of Classical Antiquities and an Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection. It was so fantastic to see all these old artifacts. It also impressed me to see what they could build at that time already.

One thing that I thought was really funny were the Mummy Flip Flop. I thought it’s crazy that they had flip flop’s at that time and even crazier that they didn’t look much different to the once we have today.

Friday

2009-05-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

So does everyone smoke here? It seems like the people here run on pasta, bakeries, and their smokes. I miss pork chops and rice but am starting to wonder how I am going to do without my daily croissants and coffee that have become second nature to me here already.

Today I saw three snipers and felt like I was in a movie. The lady at the GDR museum seemed like it was no big deal, but I was uneasy. It turns out security was heightened because the chancellor and other members of parliament were celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic. The snipers were clad in all black, had pretty large guns, and wore black facemasks. I pointed up at them only to find them grab their binoculars and proceed to watch me. Maybe I was wrong and they weren’t actually watching me, either way, I was unsettled.

The GDR museum was quite interesting. I did not know cars were made of plastic during these times, or that people went to schools specifically for athletics. Nude beaches were also popular as East Berliners wanted to be free of the uncomfortable clothing and free of control. I really appreciate how this museum, and a couple other we have been to, are so interactive. It really drives a message home if you are able to interact with and touch artifacts from another time and place.

Saving the Planet One Cup of Coffee at a Time

2009-05-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

We could learn a lot from German culture. Don’t get me wrong, I love America. I love cheeseburgers, free still water and being loud in public. But there is something to be said for Germany’s ways with saving energy. They may think that being serious is cool, but at least they are serious about minimizing their carbon foot print.

So far in Berlin, I have noticed that restaurants don’t use any plastic. Dishes and silverware are washed and reused, not just thrown away to build up the garbage heaps. If you purchase water bottles, you can take them back and get a refund. Air conditioning is a rare sight, most places open up the windows during the night and let the air cool circulate for the next day. Cafes have the option of “to stay orders” or “to go orders”, plastic to take and reusable glass to stay. Toilets use a significantly less amount of water than the toilet’s in the states. Even in our hotel the hallway lights are always turned off and when you do turn it on, it shuts off on it’s own.

These small changes in day to day life could really help make a difference in America since we contribute the most in polluting the atmosphere. But then again, they do just smash glass bottles everywhere at night, so maybe just some differences are good.

sun, wind, rain, repeat

2009-05-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

You can ask any of my friends, when it comes to the weather I like to be in the know. The one who watches the Weather Channel just to watch it, yeah that’s me. This being said, Berlin weather is throwing me for a loop. Not only can I not watch to see how warm it is going to be (which I can deal with, sort of), but the weather changes faster here than it does in Nebraska. Today we went on a boat ride down the Spree River. Getting on the boat it was sunny and warm; perfect weather to sit on the top of the boat. Yet, ten minutes into our ride the wind picks up and clouds blow over the lovely sun. All right, I can handle that, just like Lincoln, yeah?

The remainder of the day the weather went back to its’ original state of sunshine. Some of us decided to go on a hunt for shoes (which I will probably post about later). While walking toward the door at H&M we notice the small tsunami outside. We decided to wait it out inside of the doors, but finally thought we could suck it up and get a little wet. While walking to the next shoe store the rain stopped and the sun came out again. But, thirty minutes later another shower came down on us.

I think the sun is currently out, but I can be content spending the rest of the evening indoors. Just in case.

AF

2009-05-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am a very loud person. I like to yell, especially when I get excited and I have a point to make. I also like to laugh and to make people laugh. These traits help me stick out in Berlin like a sore thumb.

Berlin is the quietest large city I’ve ever been to. New York is the city that never sleeps and Tokyo is so loud you have to yell to the person next to you. I try not to be rude here, but it is hard to control my shout instincts. This is hard on the subway when we are all tightly packed and no one else is talking.

The culture here is much more staid as a whole than America. People in restaurants are not in a hurry to get their check and people on the street wait patiently for the signs to change. This is not a good or bad thing, but it is very noticeable. I have never walked down such busy, silent streets. I’ll try to change my ways while I’m here, but I don’t expect that to carry over the Atlantic Ocean.

So Little Time, So Much To See

2009-05-22T07:26:00.001-07:00

It's amazing to think that I actually thought I would run out of things to do and see in Berlin. You know that feeling you get when you go on a trip. You feel like you've been there and done that, or have already seen something similar. So far this trip, there have not been enough hours in the day. I wish I wouldn't have to sleep!

During Thursday's free day a group of people and myself took it upon ourselves to work our way over to Museum Island. Once we got there we took advantage of an excellent deal offered on Thursdays: Free Entry to Museums.

We went into the Altes Museum. I have never seen such a collection of incredible artifacts all in one location. The museum featured artifacts from the classical era and the Ancient Egyptians. This was a great time to come, due to the fact they are renovating several of the museums and had several items from multiple museums in one place.

But the one piece that was absolutely incredible to see was the sculpture of Nefertiti. The incredible thing about the artifact was how great it looked after such a long time and how skilled the Egyptians were at creating sculptures and figures with the tools of the time frame.

And as cool as the "Altes Museum" was, I really bummed to see the Berliner Dom closed for the evening. I feel like a walk through that place would be an incredible memory to have.

Back in Time

2009-05-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day as we got off the bus to the Potsdam Castle of Friedrich der Grosse. The Sun was shining and the birds were singing and in the middle of that our little group enters the Sansoucci Castle. I was amazed about the construction of the building and the Rococo Style Frederick the Great emphasized in his rooms. Rococo Style means that every room has a theme. Frederick loved France and especially the Versailles Castle which he also took as an example for his castle.

After our tour through the castle we took a tour through his big garden which is built symmetrical and gives you an experience of infinity as you look through the maze. It was so beautiful and it gives you the feeling of being in a different time period. As we walked though it, it seemed like a labyrinth. The garden was filled with so many statues at random places. It was gorgeous.

We also went into his summer house. In this house he had all the dancing rooms like the “Marmor” Room which is a copy of the Mirror Room in Versailles. These Rooms consist of mirrors which reflect the garden which is seen from the windows and bring it back into the room. It reminded me so much on Versailles just in a smaller version. I loved it and it brings you back in time which is so wonderful. Sometimes I wish I could have lived at these days, but in the end I don’t think I could do it without our technology now a days .

It was a great day and a lot of walking but we all had fun and we all were dead tired as we got home … however, some of us still had the energy to go out!!!muhahaha

Berlin so far...

2009-05-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most unique cities that I’ve experienced in m life. The streets are alive from dawn to dusk. There are bakeries, restaurants, and boutiques lining the streets. People seem to primarily travel by subway or bus but the people that do have cars drive BMW’s, VW’s, and Smart Cars. Some of the cars are so cute. They look like little clown cars in a way.

The food is so fresh, but unfortunately I think the pop isn’t as good as America’s. The thing about that is is that people drink more water here which is cool because it’s helping me lose a little weight. Can’t complain there. We also do so much walking that if you’re not wearing comfortable shoes you’re going to feel it the next day.

Everything has been life changing so far because it is so different from the states. I never thought that I would be able to experience something like this in my entire life! But I’m here and I’m doing it! I think everyone should get the chance to travel internationally. Wish you were here!

When it's raining on a Thursday

2009-05-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Museum day! Unfortunately it was raining today in Berlin. So, some of s woke up and enjoyed having a few hours to get ready and eat lunch. Mary, Kika and I are roommates so we also finally had a chance to pick up our extremely messy room. When I say messy room I mean it was a little hard to walk through it. That’s putting it lightly. Once the whether cleared up we headed to Museum Island to learn some history.

Museum Island is cool because it is actually surrounded by water. The Altes Museum was my favorite because it houses the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. It was exquisite. In fact, it was amazing to see all of the Egyptian artifacts that they’ve found. Visiting Egypt is at the top of my places to visit list now that I’ve officially become an international traveler.

Scholz and Friends

2009-05-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

Our first advertising agency on the agenda was Scholz and Friends. They work with hundred of clients all over the world and have a unique way of addressing every clients specific needs with something they call the orchestra of ideas.

The orchestra consists of starting with a conducting idea and then targeting such things like PR, sales promotions and direct marketing. One of their latest clients was the European Parliament. They conducted a campaign for them to get the people of Europe to vote for parliament. They said that the voter turn out here is really really low. So, in order to grab their audience’s attention they used gorilla marketing by placing large structures on main streets in the different states. They also used TV commercials, radio messages and viral videos. All of which were so creative They kept it simple by addressing major issues that Europeans are facing by giving them a choice from each side of the issue to think about.

We were given an assignment based on this campaign before they showed us their idea. We had to help the same client and come up with a campaign in 25 minutes. It was a tuff feet but we did it! My groups conducting idea was separate but the same. We incorporated water (a symbol of what everyone needs) to unify our project. Great job team!

Imagine

2009-05-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

Imagine getting the chance to stroll through an 18^th century palace with a luxurious garden full of statues and flowers. Well we were lucky enough to do this. We traveled to Potsdam and visited Fredrick the Great’s Sansoucci Castle.

It was unbelievable. The rooms were rococo which means they were extremely detailed. Every nook and cranny has detail, including the ceilings. I’ve never see anything like it. Fredrick the Great was in love with bringing the outside indoors, which he incorporated in every room. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take pictures inside the palace but I got so many pictures of the outside. It was magnificent.

We also went to a beer garden. My first one! I had a currywurst and a rodler. Currywurst is a bratwurst with a curry sauce. Rodler is a lighter beer with Sprite. Makayla had her hot dog stolen by a hawk when she sat her plate down. It was the funniest thing I ever saw J. Just another eventful day in Deutschland.

Wink, Wave and Nod

2009-05-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Where are the smiles? Coming from a tiny “hickalicious” town in Nebraska you are accustom to every passerby waving and smiling. There is a major difference here. People are very noninvasive. From my observations I’ve seen that people here do not smile at strangers. I am use to not only smiling, but also striking up an exchange of pleasantries. I hope it doesn’t sound like I am bashing on the culture here, I am just not use to it.

I’ve heard that some other cultures find us Americans to be phony. Well, some are. However, some of us genuinely want to brighten someone’s day with a friendly gesture. Just keep in mine: never frown; you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.

Scholtz & Friends soo Amazing

2009-05-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago we went to Scholz & Friends which is an international Advertising Agency. I think I speak of everyone when I say that I was already impressed by the building Scholz & Friends were in. I think it's a great working environment because the building consists of glass which gives every office a very good lighting situation. It also seemed very welcoming and friendly.

We had a presentation about the strategic concept of Scholz & Friends and it was very interesting how they approach every job they get. They built an orchestra of ideas which is different for every client. It gives you an idea where the Ads should be placed and if PR or Gorilla advertising should be used rather than bought advertising. In addition, they try to work with a low budget and as efficient as possible. We also got to see some examples of their work. There was an advertisement for Germany during the Soccer World Cup in 2006. They wanted to show that Germany changed since the wars. So, they posted big objects in the downtown areas of big cities where soccer matches took place. Giant soccer shoes, the E=mc2 and more ensured free advertising through PR. People took pictures and posted it in blogs or newspapers talked about it. I think it's crazy to see how it works without actually buying Ad time. I think we should definitely think about ways like that to advertise products.

Later on we got 25 minutes to develop our own campaign for the European Parliament elections which are coming up in June 2009. We got together in groups of 5 and tried to figure out a great concept, so we could make people aware of the importance of voting. Since the European Parliament tries to reach 27 countries with the same message which is "to vote," it wasn't that easy to develop a concept in 25 minutes. We also had to think about the 25 different languages which were involved. Every team had to present their campaign afterwards and I was very impressed about the great campaigns everybody had. It was so much fun and I think everybody enjoyed it a lot.

After our presentations we got some feedback and it was great to hear that everybody did really well. However, yeah nothing to Scholz & Friend's campaign which was just Aaaamazing. They had great ideas and made even little film clips which were especially aimed at a younger target audience. They also used again giant displays of their ad campaign which gave them again free PR. Their concept is so well structured and he talked about it with so much passion. It gives you the feeling " Oh yeah I want to do something like that too!" and that’s just so great.

Culture Shock

2009-05-21T13:37:00.003-07:00

Last night was my first time out at a German disco that played solely a techno style of music called electrico. To my surprise, Germans danced a lot differently than I would have expected. Everything seemed to be revolved around small movements and is kind of hard to explain. However Martin, a German boy I met there, said he thinks it is the Americans that look funny when they dance. He tried imitating us and it was priceless.

The disco, Watergate, was a beautiful upscale scene. Manila made sure we walked in small groups to insure our chances of getting in. One of the things that stood out the most in my mind was the range of ages of the people inside. Ali said this is because in Germany, people of different ages socialize together more and put less of a negative stigma on old age than we do in the United States. In the United States, we put such a strong emphasis on being young.

Today was a holiday for fathers in Germany. Most shops and restaurants were closed while fathers spent the day drinking and spending time with their family. This holiday behavior was evident and almost like a culture shock to me as we rode the tram to the hunting cabin where the Potsdam Agreement was signed. Public drinking is acceptable in Germany, and the boys on our particular tram took full advantage of this and were belligerently drunk. I was surprised that they were able to get away with their behavior.

Potsdam Agreement and more......

2009-05-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a museum day where we could go to museums around Berlin. I chose to go with Frauke, Ali and others on a boat ride through the suburbs of the city. The boat ride was nice, however it was a pretty rainy morning so we spent the majority of the ride on the lower level of the boat. After the boat ride we decided to go to the castle (hunting cabin) where the Potsdam Agreement was signed.

The Potsdam Agreement was signed in 1945 after the end of the Potsdam Conference which took place from July 17 to August 2, 1945. This agreement was drafted and deliberated upon by the three major powers at the time; Soviet Union, Britain and America. The agreement was about how to handle Germany after WWII. They decided that the division of the country into four areas, the disarming of the country, the introduction of a democratic government and the idea to fix the judicial and educational authorities of the Nazi Germany would best suit Germany. The castle where the conference took place, first belonged to the crowned Prince and Princess of Prussia. At the site we toured ten rooms. The tour was directed through audio phones which gave information on each room during the time it was occupied by the Prince and Princess and during the conference.

During the conference there was one room for each of the "Big Three" leaders; Stalin, Roosevelt/Truman and Churchill. Each room was decorated in the taste of the leader. For example, in Churchill's room there was a picture of a dog because he had a love for dogs. The best part of the tour was the room in which the agreement was signed. The chairs, table and flags were set up in the exact order of the day that it was signed. I'm a huge history person and it was the highlight of my trip to be in the same room where this life-changing document was signed. An interesting fact that I found out during the tour was that Stalin was the only leader who was at every meeting within the conference. (There were meetings to deliberate new ideas throughout the months at the castle.) This was shocking, but also understandable as Stalin gained a bit of control during his time alone. This control could have been some motivation that led into the Cold War.

Cafe's & Bakeries

2009-05-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

Café’s and bakeries in Berlin are on every corner. I’m not quite sure how people in Berlin manage to stay so fit, but they do. I am sure I have already gained 5 pounds alone on all the sweets like raspberry tart and rhubarb strudel. Since rhubarb is in season, I have been trying to eat it as much as I can. Hopefully all the walking and biking we have been doing will help not to gain anymore. I think America, especially Lincoln, need to open more café’s. I can’t think of any that are even close to UNL.

Since we have been in Berlin, I have found my favorite café. In English, it is called the “Literature House.” Ali and Frauke told me that there are different types of café’s in Europe. This particular café is a great place to relax with a good book and some coffee and cake. I went there today and wrote in me journal. It was nice to relax for a bit. I’m not quite sure how to say it German but this cafe is great. My favorite part about it is the location. It’s off the main street and is covered with trees and a surrounded by a garden. I have already gone there three times and I plan to go at least once or twice more while we are here. I don’t know if Ill ever be back to Germany so I thought I should make the most of it and go as much as I can ☺

Note to Self: Don’t where flip flops in Berlin unless you want to get stared at.

Another Day, Another Experience

2009-05-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Potsdam is a state located to the north of the German capitol of Berlin. However, in Germany’s past Potsdam was the real locale for politics during the 18th and 19th centuries. During these times German politics were run under the hierarchy of Frederick the Great.

For today’s activity In Germany, our group traveled to Potsdam and toured the grounds and castles of this great Prussian leader. While the exact history of Frederick the Great is quite long it is his contribution to the arts that most German people remember him for.

Throughout the grounds of Frederick’s former land and dwelling you will find countless examples of artistic sculptures, paintings, architecture; the list goes on for quite a bit. However while we toured the castles I came across so many artistic designs and themes that I had never seen or even imagined would adorn the walls, ceilings, doors, and pretty much anything else you could imagine.

My favorite locations I saw on the location today were both rooms inside the “Nues Palais” or New Palace, and these rooms were right on top of each other. The room I was first introduced too, immediately after entering the palace was a “Grotto Room.” Everything in this room was related to the ocean. From floor to ceiling and fixture to décor everything seemed to feature real seashells or incorporated them into it. The floors were marble and the room overall was colored blue.

As nice as the “Grotto Room” was, the room located directly above it was incredible. This room was the central ballroom for the palace and included a two-story ceiling, marble floors and intricate designs in the walls with moldings and plaster. While on the tour we were not able to walk into the room, but could only glimpse at it through the doorway. However, still marveling in its beauty one can only be left to wonder how the room looked when it originally was constructed and used.

After learning about the castle and everything about how and when it was used it still amazes me to think of the kind of work and planning that went into providing for workers and royalty living during the time.

Berlin, Check it Out

2009-05-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

So Berlin is different. The green lifestyle is one that should be adopted in more countries, for example the states. I am so used to having lights on in my crib while watching T.V while having the water run as I brush my teeth. I am learning to cut back on the “luxuries” in the States and become more environmentally friendly. I am realizing how private the European culture is and how they really mind their own business. On the subway I swear we are the only people talking and everyone gets a kick out of watching us act like fools, I find it entertaining as well. I always enjoy filling up time when talking to people because where I come from you don’t have gaps in a conversation. Here they really keep their personal life to minimal. The lack of cell phone use is refreshing because in the States people are constantly either talking or texting on their “handy” which sometimes comes across as rude. I want to embrace more of this European lifestyle when I head back to L-Town because it will have lasting effects down the road. The more time I spend out on the streets, restaurants along with daily activities the more I understand their culture. Germany is a country with a rich history but a young culture. It is tough to imagine just 20 years ago the city was completely divided and to have such progress within that short of time looks promising to Berlin’s future. I’m stoked I made it on the blog. Much love for one love.

1st Day and yeah it's late

2009-05-21T06:20:00.001-07:00

It seems so surreal that I am actually in Europe let alone Berlin. I got in around nine in the morning and decided to take full advantage of the day. I started to sightsee and found some good spots for shopping. My favorite part of the day was the nightlife. I wanted to start the trip off with a bang so I did what I knew best, going out. After asking the door man here at the hotel I received some good suggestions to go for people our age. Mike, Jess, Emma and I decided to go to the most American place possible, The Hard Rock Café because we knew it would be a safe bet. We sat down at the bar and right away I was bombarded by some man who was in town for the big soccer match the next day. Every time he said something to me all I could do was smile and give him as many high fives as possible. After getting an invitation to the game I turned my attention to Lucas, a man who confronted us wanting to smoke a cig. While talking to him I got a better insight of how he thinks about Americans and once his friends came into the picture I got the full effect. Leaving the Hard Rock we went to another place to continue our festivities and got into a debate with Lucas as to why cell phones, or what he called hand phones, do not have international service. Also another thing I noticed is how the Europeans knew their English pretty well but mastered the cuss words. On the way back from the bar I thought how perfect my first night in Berlin was and knew that there was going to be a lot in store for me in Germany.

Story of Berlin

2009-05-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

During the tour of the museum I really focused on a couple of things. I really enjoyed the Berlin wall portion, Hitler’s reign, and the nuclear bunker. I was intrigues by the Berlin wall because I have heard about it and learned about it but never knew the dimensions of it. The museum really made the tourist take a second look at everything and paid much attention to detail. After reading the history of the wall I was able to appreciate the differences between West and East Berlin and how difficult it must have been depending on which side you were on along with your friends and family. The Hitler’s reign portion was very mind-blowing especially the book burning and Kristallnacht. The Kristallnacht section was very interesting because it had a strobe light along with the sound of breaking glass. I just felt the overall feel of the section was thought through and effective. I have taking a number of classes about the Holocaust but there is always something new to learn and try to comprehend the reality of the situation. My favorite part of the tour was the nuclear bunker and how we were physically able to be where the possible 3600 people would be in case of an emergency. It was really hard to put my head around having the entire population of Berlin racing to get a spot at one of these bunkers; it would have been utter chaos. Without any reservations I believe the people would lose all sense of humanity and act in a barbaric manner. I don’t even know if I would want to be in that bunker with 90 percent humidity at 90 degrees with no cleaning in the bathrooms. I could not even think about the smell running through that place. I did agree with our tour guide as she said the bunkers were mostly intended to calm to people down and let them know the government is doing something to treat the panic. It seemed like they just rushed into the project because it looked disproportioned such as the kitchen and medical facilities. Overall the tour was very informative and gave me a better understanding on the history of Berlin.

ZDF Television Station

2009-05-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

The T.V. morning show was one of the best times I have had. I knew that we were going to be in the audience watching but I didn’t actually know that we would be on set let alone aired. It all happened so fast as they ushered us to our seats then provided drinks and before I knew it the show was starting. I really hope the camera got my good side when they were filming. I thought that the anchors did a really nice job communicating to the audience and tried to get them involved as much as possible. I was nervous for sure as the camera kept creeping by me, so much in fact that I spilled the orange juice when going for a refill. Something that surprised me was how nice all the workers were towards us Americans and even gave us a shout out in the beginning of the show, perfect. It was interesting to learn that ratings don’t mean any and they don’t mind losing viewers when they air certain programs because in the U.S. we are all about getting the most viewers. I could definitely see myself doing improve as the lead anchor mentioned and how you never know what you are going to say. I enjoyed Mr. 71 perform because it was in English so I could actually understand it. However being said that he was 71, I’m not quite sure what kind of comeback will happen but I tip my hat off to the man. The studio itself was beautiful and I enjoyed all the natural light from the windows. The pros and cons of that job is the early morning wake up but being done with work before ten must be really nice. Overall it was a very humbling experience, yeah I said humbling.

Scholz & Friends

2009-05-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Like most of you know Scholz & Friends, Berlin has a lot going for them. Between their numerous awards and strategic platform by which they orchestrate their projects they are able to pump out brilliant work. Scholz & Friends are the largest communication agency in Europe specifically in Germany and are a full service agency who strive for creativity above all else. They really strive on grabbing the consumer’s attention and establish their brand. They have around 80 million consumers and they aim to create added value in brands, “The leader in efficiency.”

They had four success factors of orchestration, strategic competence, creative excellence, and worldwide network. Their conducting idea was extremely smart, simple and effective. You must have everyone on the same page in order to accomplish your common goal. I really feel like they have it down and their clientele is evidence of this. I thought that everyone did a very good job of creating a creative brief being that we only had 25 min and Scholz & Friends had six months. However, I’m still trying to figure out how my group’s idea of water and convergence of voice somehow turned into a 3^rd world country but hey whatever you say Scholz & Friends.

Something useful is their diagram of an orchestra and the different tactics to implementing ideas when dealing with a certain company as it forms a solid blue print for all future projects. The challenge was to make sure that everyone is playing the same tune and understand the purpose of the campaign. If one person is off, they will ruin the entire “performance.”

They focused a lot on the effectiveness of PR and how you must engage your audience’s minds to create a change. The larger than life advertisements were some of the most innovative ideas I have ever seen. I must say one advantage they have over their competition is budget. Being one of the top five agencies in the world they are able to go above and beyond and really make the people view a product in a whole different like. One must remember that simply buying ad space and having a billboard even though my reach a wide audience it isn’t efficient and that’s what you must do in order to be success, you must find the balance. I thought the tour was very informative and provided us Ad majors with something new to think about when going on with our future projects. Also they used a lot of endorsements to cut the cost of the ads and provide brand awareness and equity. They did a really good job of incorporating a celebrity into the World Cup Land of Ideas campaigns.

My only criticism of the place was the lack of air conditioning. I never knew on e could get so hot and sweaty by simply writing words on a piece of paper.

A German Tradition

2009-05-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I’m not quite sure where to begin but there is one thing I would like to say, “I am in love with BERLIN!” From the moment I have gotten here I have been fascinated with this magnificent city. I still can’t believe we are finally here. One of the first things I noticed in Berlin was while we were walking down the street to our hotel – the flower shops. They are everywhere you go and I constantly see people carrying large bouquet of beautiful flowers. Frauke told me that buying flowers on a regular basis was a German tradition. I wish this was a tradition in America. Who knows, maybe I can start a new tradition. I’m not quite sure how my budget would allow it though because flowers can be pricy.

Today was also the NEW Berlin Bike tour. It was a nice change to ride a bike for a couple hours than walking everywhere. It definitely made me feel like a kid again. Our tour guide was from Scotland. I was obsessed with her Scotish accent! One of the interesting things that she told us were most of the buildings that we saw were actually built not too long ago. They were just made to look a lot older then they really were. If she had never told us, I would have thought they had been there for decades.

A Breath of Fresh Air

2009-05-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

You wouldn’t think being outside in a city comparable to New York would be enjoyable; but here in Berlin it’s amazing. Not only can you walk around without the stench of trash or sewage (ok, sometimes you get a whiff of sewage), you can actually eat outside in almost all areas. In other cities I have been to it is hard to enjoy a nice salad or pasta bowl when eating outside. Here, there are very few bugs and the weather is perfect for doing such a thing. We have eaten at several different outdoor restaurants in the past five days. Some are simply chairs on the sidewalks and others are tables set up in lawns. Either way it is nice to have fresh air and a changing scenery while eating.

Another thing, a few of us pointed out at dinner, is that people here live very environmentally friendly lives, and it seems like there isn’t that much effort put into it. There is no air conditioning anywhere, but I never seem to be uncomfortably hot. You can recycle all of your glass bottles and get money back. Cyclists have more power than most drivers and all pedestrians. And finally, you get to control how much water to use when flushing the toilet! It definitely seems like whatever the German people are doing to help the environment is working. I mean at least I get to eat outside, right?

Castle Day

2009-05-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today was amazing.

I loved visiting Frederick the Great’s Sansoucci Castle in Potsdam today. I think what surprised me the most was the fact that the kings did not sleep with their wives; instead they gave them completely separate castles, or at least different rooms. I could not believe how many paintings adorned the wall; they were absolutely exquisite.

After the castle visit, on our way back to the hotel, some of us stopped for food. I went to a McDonald’s and was sad to find out that no one knew what a twist cone was. I tried for a few minutes to get my point across, but ended up with a sundae.

Once back on the u-baun, I again realized how much I appreciate American’s take on cleanliness. A German stood above me while I sat and really exuded a sweaty, dirty smell. I didn’t realize that Germans don’t wash as often or care as much to use deodorant.

After getting off, I walked into a store, not realizing it was after hours, and a saleswomen attempted to barter with me on a necklace, something I would never expect to occur in Nebraska.

Birds and Wieners

2009-05-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Imagine, if you will, that you are in Potsdam, Germany and you just ordered two wieners that are connected and french fries. Then, let’s say you sit your food down at an empty table and walk away to grab a fork close by. You then turn around, only to see a giant crow-like bird rising up off your table with your two wieners dangling from its beak. This was my experience at lunch today at the Biergarten...

I just stood there, shocked, with my mouth hanging open as every single German person at the beer garden laughed and laughed and laughed as I stood there in the middle of everything gaping. I did not know what to do, I rushed over to the table entirely too late as the bird flew to a nearby patio and began to feast on my lunch. I had no choice but to pick up my remaining food, return to the food stand, and plead my case. Free food, however, is not an option no matter what your misfortune, so I once more paid my 2.70 Euros and received more wieners. From then on I, and everyone around, was more careful about their food and NO ONE left theirs alone because that very same bird was soon back, sitting up on the branches of a tree, just waiting for another careless patron to give it an opportunity.

Biergarten

2009-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today after visiting the "summer castle" of Frederick the Great we made our way to my first German biergarten. Honestly, it was not what I expected at all. Most beer gardens in America have a tent with beer and a band playing outside. The American people are there mostly to socialize with others. When we walked up to the one today, I remember thinking this is it. It was very chill, just a stand and picnic tables surrounding a fenced in area. To me I felt once again the relaxation and ease of the Germans. When eating no one was rushing, everyone drank their beer slowly to make sure to enjoy it. I remember drinking mine fast and Kika told me I need to slow down and really take my time. It all goes back the fast paced lifestyle of Americans and the "living in the moment" style of Germany. Does anyone agree with that??
I can say for sure that I can't wait for the next biergarten in Munich!!

I Should Have Been a Princess

2009-05-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Today we toured Friederick the Great's castles. Oh my golly, they were the most beautiful pieces of architecture I have ever seen. The gardens were a labyrinth of ornate statues, flowers and shrubbery. I could have wandered throughout it for hours marveling at its many sites.

The castles struck me with awe and a pang of jealousy. Not to be a traitor to my generation, but I was born in the wrong time period. I will admit that I am the holder of several tiaras that I like to wear around (they make me feel beautiful). I could have total dealt with wearing corsets, heels and wigs while entertaining my “guests”. Perhaps in a former life I was a princess, waltzing around the ballroom, champagne in one hand and a paper fan in the other. Princess or not, I am very pleased that I was able to visit this miraculous place.

Corrigibly yours,
Princess MaryHelen

Scholz and Friends

2009-05-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Impeccable architecture. Glass panels everywhere. Wide open spaces. It was obvious from the beginning that Scholz and Friends was a unique endeavor, and it came as no surprise when Frauke mentioned that they also integrate architecture into their services.

The people at Scholz strive for a "conducting idea"; this is a central theme that is reinforced in all aspects of a campaign. The various platforms (ie: advertising, PR) are then used as instruments; some are louder, some are softer, and some are not part of the campaign "orchestra". By using a basic metaphor the folks at Scholz can immediately imprint their vision to a client.

The architecture background also came out in the campaigns we were shown. Both the Germany "Land of Ideas" and Euro Parliment campaigns utilized gigantic items like a package of chicken or shoe. Furthermore, these items allowed Scholz to overcome budget constraints by getting newspapers and online sources to print (free) stories and pictures. Another inexpensive media, viral video, was used with the Euro Parliament campaign. Again they received free publicity through word of mouth and free YouTube hits.

The impression I came away with was the people thought smarter, they didn't just throw money at a campaign. Innovative strategies and campaigns won them many awards and respect on the continent and worldwide. Scholz and Friends inspired me to think about my problems in a new way and to use all possible instruments to get a message across.

Plan for everything, even leisure

2009-05-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Germans value proper time management.

I'd read in our guide book that Germans are strictly punctual, and I've seen evidence of it in Berlin over the last few days.

Buses and trains leave on the dot. People get annoyed if you dilly-dally. People walk briskly with a sense of purpose.

Yesterday, I decided to read a bit more about German etiquette and stumbled upon this Web site. It mentioned that Germans value planning their time wisely. There's a time for everything: A time to work, a time to play, a time to eat and even a time to while away the afternoon at the cafe.

Ah, now it all makes sense. Could this be why I seldom see Germans walking and eating?

I've often wondered whether Germans think it's rude to eat while walking. It's not in Malaysia, and it seems perfectly normal in the U.S. where people are always "on the go."

In Berlin, I've noticed that people often sit down (or stand at tables at an imbiss) to eat. I haven't seen people rushing somewhere while munching on a sandwich or something quick, because it seems they set aside time to sit down to a proper meal.

The fact that Germans separate work and leisure could might also be why I haven't seen free wireless internet or laptops at cafes.

If Germans think work is for the work place, then a cafe is a place to get away from that. I admire the way Germans sit with their coffee, tea or beer, and observe people going by. They take time to appreciate their surroundings during their leisure time.

This is different from what I've seen in the U.S., where people try to check their e-mail or surf the Web while drinking their coffee.

It just goes to show that if you plan your day well and stick to the plan, you will still have time to sit by the sidewalk and watch the world go by.

Tuesday

2009-05-19T14:09:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to Morgen Magazin and I loved it! I had no idea we were going to be part of the live audience. The “talking masters” as they called them were so open and gracious and even mentioned our presence on air. After the five minutes of fame, we got to see the studio. It was here we discussed the differences between German and American broadcasts. German public broadcast stations are funded by the fees of those who own televisions while American public broadcast stations rely on commercial money. We then are consumer driven which is a very different concept. Germany can rid itself of the worry of ratings and instead focus on what they think the public needs rather than wants to know. Morgen Magazin heavily covers politics while America instead is cutting down on overseas bureaus and settling for popular entertainment. Both ways of doing business have their perks and downfalls.

Completely separate idea: The German Language

I find it interesting that Germans use so many English words. Professor Moeller said this is a striking contrast from the French language who detest using English words. In the u-ban today a poster written in German included the words, “mit Assessment & Learning.”

Lastly, the restaurant we went tonight was amazing, though I have to admit I like American chocolate malts more than German ones which seem to lack ice cream and instead taste more like chocolate milk. I tried a pasta salmon rap for the first time here as well and I was very proud of myself for swallowing it. Hummus was another new food for me, but surprisingly, I liked it.

Mosaic Heaven

2009-05-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today, a small group of girls and I had some free time and made our way to the "Hallow Tooth." It is an old church that was bombed during WWII and not much is left now. The outside, despite being scarred with destruction, is still utterly beautiful. The inside is awash with glorious mosaics in all colors, sculptures, and carved bas reliefs on the walls. It was like stepping back in history and seeing the art and architecture that decorated many buildings in Europe. The remains are now a symbol of peace for Berlin and Germany and a metal "tree" of candles symbolizes those who remember and pray for the continued peace of the city and church. I added to that blaze of hope with my own lighted candle.

One of my concentrations is art history and I have always been fascinated by it so this visit was very special for me. I will treasure my photos and memories of the place forever. It might possibly be my favorite building in Berlin because, no matter how much adversity and damage it has seen, it still stands as a symbol of peace and resilience.

Day 5

2009-05-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the best days here so far. The "Good Morning Berlin" was very cool and the fact that we all got on TV was pretty spectacular. Watching the whole behind the cameras action was interesting. I still think it is so strange that there are no commercials. Being an advertising major and learning from American commercials it just seems that they have a huge impact on the buyer behavior. However, after going to our second appointment at Scholz & Friends, I learned what real creativity was. The campaign for European Union that they came up with was amazing. I am still trying to figure out how they came up with some of those ideas. My favorite ideas was the viral videos on YouTube and the interactive van. The technology of taking a potential voters opinion and posting them on the side of a van was so new to me. I also loved their use of structures and their type of guerrilla marketing in a sense. I learned a lot and gained new ideas for my projects in the future. I would love to be an AE for a company like Scholz & Friends in the future!

Das Morgenmagazin bei ZDF - Krystal, Kika, Justin

2009-05-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Imagine Nebraska Cornhuskers featured on a German morning show, equivalent to NBC's Today show and ABC's Good Morning America, and you've pictured our study abroad group. We visited the second largest TV broadcasting station in Germany. We arrived and sat in the cafe audience for the final half hour of their broadcast featuring a Israeli born, but German famous musician and news information.

To begin we'll start with a brief history of the station and the show. Zweites Deutches Fernsehen or ZDF, is a German public station that began broadcasting in 1963. The station features content from the sixteen capital cities of Germany. It houses 3600 employees as well as an equal number of freelance journalists.

The production we witnessed featured primarily news stories and packages, but also includes some entertainment pieces. This includes live performances and interviews with stars, but the show focuses heavily on political and government topics.

The station itself wants to provide a top product. Unlike American television, however, a top product is not catered to what the people wish to see, but what the station believes is important and of the highest quality of journalistic reporting.

Ratings in this country are not used in the same way as in the United States. They do not share information to advertisers in order to make a profit from product advertisements. Their revenue is generated from fees collected from every household owning a television. The goal of public television in Germany is to offer information so the people are well informed and can make rational decisions based on the information given by media outlets. Keep in mind, this is public television, which is different than cable networks and other private stations.

Following the show the lead male anchor led us on a brief tour through the studio. He showed us the actual set used for "Das Morgenmagazin" and the control room. Both were very similar to their American counterparts. However, one thing that was especially interesting to us production majors was that the shows are recorded, but are not recoded to a solid location. All of their recordings are saved to a hard drive, and as far as we can tell there were no other backups to this system. He informed us also that the entire system is run by computer, so if the computer fails, the people working on the show must work around the difficulties.

At the end of the tour a member of our group asked for advice about breaking into the journalism field. Our guide mentioned that he started in America and told us to "never accept no as an answer, and to start small."

From this we gathered that you can always dream big, but always begin where you can learn the most and become the most involved with the job.

Rundfunk Berlin and Brandenburg

2009-05-19T02:47:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Die Welt and RBB. RBB (Rundfunk Berlin Brandenburg) was interesting to me because I’m a broadcast production major. RBB is a public broadcast station for Berlin and Brandenburg and it also contributes to Das Erste. Das Erste is broadcast all over Germany and receives its content from the regional broadcast stations. Its kind of confusing how German television works because it is so different from the states.

RBB houses both a television station and radio stations. I thought this was really cool because the television and radio stations that I’ve been to in the States are always in separate buildings. They are also not run by an FCC but instead by a Board of Governors. This board usually consists of educators and religious organizations to name a few. They basically want to make sure that their broadcasts contain good quality.

Some really cool facts that we learned about the RBB was that RBB was built in 1931. During the Nazis reign they used it for political propaganda. When the Soviets took over Berlin they claimed the building so that they could produce communist’s shows. The continued to have control of it even when Berlin was divided and it was in the west. They didn’t give it up easily to the Allies, but they eventually did.

A Journalist in Today's World

2009-05-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

For the past couple years journalists have realized the bar has risen for those seeking to get into the field or stay in it. And we as journalism students have constantly been told we need to develop multiple skills to make it in this profession today. After our first media appointment at the Axel Springer AG company, I’ve become more aware of what is expected of me as a future journalist.

One is that journalists need multi-media skills. Internet and mobile phones are huge. Technology is constantly changing, and we must change with it. This will make us more marketable when applying for jobs.

What surprised me on this visit is that Axel Springer’s news room has just 500 people, but it produces four different newspapers. To me this really highlights just how much the journalism field has changed. Several years ago I could walk into a newsroom solely wanting to report and write. But with several newspaper layoffs in the U.S. it makes perfect sense to keep journalists who can do several jobs as opposed to one.

Another thing that helps a journalist stand out is knowledge of a foreign language and culture. Nearly 80-90 percent of the journalists in the Axel Springer's news room speaks English. It wasn’t until today that I felt like kicking myself for never continuing a foreign language when I entered college. I’m seriously considering on adding on to my major, because I now feel a foreign language is a necessity for a journalist in today’s world.

Cultural Differences

2009-05-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

After arriving in Berlin only four days ago I’ve begun to feel like I’ve been here forever. All of us are familiar with the streets and with transportation. But there are so many new things to learn in this city, and everyday I’m constantly soaking in everything going on around me.

One thing I’ve observed is Americans tend to talk a LOT louder than the average German. While riding the U-bahn, I went silent for a moment and took in all the sights and sounds. I could hear every American conversation around me, but couldn’t hear any other conversation. All I got from peoples faces was, “yeah they’re Americans.”

What also struck me as interesting is that no one was using a cell phone, which I find is something I would never see someone without in the U.S. And what I’ve learned before coming on this trip is that Germans tend to keep their conversations a little more quiet in public—not broadcasting them to the whole world. I, being a naturally loud talker, have gotten a lot of stares while in Berlin.

Another cultural difference I’ve learned is Germans don’t tip their waiters like people in the U.S. do. In Germany you just round your bill to the closest dollar. For example if your bill was 2.50 Euros you would pay 3 Euros. It works out great for a poor college student, especially one travelling to Europe with a limited amount of money. Although waiters here make more an hour than do in the U.S., I still feel I’m always jipping the waiter.