Church bells chimed in the distance, a sound I now associate with Europe. The birds sang, even the pigeons called out. The sun shone brightly that late morning as I basked in its rays in my host family’s backyard. The three cherry trees planted for each of their children, the yarrow enhanced by the brightness of the day made me smile. The herbs, raspberry bushes and vegetables gave a sense of plenty and the air had a slight smell of what had come to make me think of Germany … a mix of bread and sausages. It was the most welcoming Garten with a view that blanketed vast rolling fields as I contemplated the previous week. I had seen and experienced so much already.
Our first Sunday, Heinrich and Beate took us to Herkules, a famous monument built between 1701 and 1716, with a large man-made water system, which is dependent on natural pressure from reservoirs and opened at various points to turn on this large water feature. There are 200 steps leading to the top where the water begins. We followed these steps down as the water began to make its way past various water baths with their own fountains. There are pathways through the gardens to see cascades of the water under bridges or from rocks as if they are natural springs. We followed to the end in front of Schloss (Castle) Wilhemshöhe to the largest fountain where it rises in the air to 164 feet and dazzled us with its magnificent coolness.
Classes began Monday after a brief introduction. This first week was a good week for exploration and getting to know some of the other students as the seminars I chose began in my second week, with my only class being German language first thing in the morning. I was free to explore Kassel, spend time in the library, try new foods, walk through the tunnels under the streets which I found most fascinating. I also tried new foods, or shall I say, new foods to me, at my host family’s home. I have not been one to eat currywurst or bratwurst, but I found that they are actually good. Trying foods I would not normally eat was part of the beauty of going on a study abroad trip.
The Universität Kassel (University of Kassel) is a beautiful campus with a mixture of old and new buildings. According to one of the coordinators only one of the two surviving buildings in Kassel from War World II is on the campus. Some of the campus was once an old ironworks. The library is beautiful with brick courtyards and roofs that reminded me of a German fairytale—which fit because Kassel is the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm.
We also had a scavenger hunt which my team won despite my level of physical ability. The public transportation was confusing at first, but clean and newer than that in Boston. There are trams, trains and buses. I find the Ampelmännchen (little traffic light men) adorable. They were introduced in the 1960s in East Berlin and can be seen here in parts of Kassel.
The people were so kind. They would see us trying to figure out where to go or which tram to take and stop to offer us guidance with a friendly smile on their face. The Irish pub and a couple of places we had gone to eat had been exceptionally nice showing a genuine interest in us and why we are here. Another interesting fact is many public restrooms require you to pay usually around €0.50. I kept the receipt ticket for a souvenir.
The first week was full of adventure, learning, seeing, and so much more that I have only hit on the surface of the amazement of it all. Just in the first week I had been to Herkules, explored the city of Kassel, tried karaoke at an Irish pub, went to a swimming pool, and toured a castle along a bike riding tour. My host family was wonderful! Studying abroad is an experience I feel every student should try if possible—and if I can make it possible then anyone can.
