Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Home Sweet Home
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!
Monday, June 1, 2009
fo' free
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.
*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.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Reality Check
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
BONUS DAYS
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?
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?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Soo..I guess I'm famous in Germany
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!)
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?
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)