Now I would like to reflect on some of the things that I have done since I have been here.
First I want to talk about work. Since starting work I have been able to experience many different things. The biggest thing is working in an office building. For those of you that don't know me, I come from a farm in rural Illinois, and as you can imagine office work isn't typical. Working in an office has been definitely an experience all for the best. My favorite part is working with my boss and Andreas. These two guys make my day enjoyable. While they have a lot going on they still find time to make jokes, poke fun at things happening in the news, and occasionally find some work for me to do. Not only do they help me during work, but they also are able to help me plan some of my weekend trips; where is should go, what I should see there and so on. While working in an office is definitely different, it has been a positive experience thus far.
Secondly is the living situation. Where I live is really close to the BASF location, and not to far from town. As I mentioned in my last post I hate to grocery shop! Anyway things are changing here. Today marks the third day of sun since I have arrived. (we are in a valley and it seems to be hazy and dreary during the winter months) Also this week we lost a member of the Rehutte gang. His internship has ended and he has left BASF. On his last night here we all stayed told stories, made pizza, drank some.... water, and played some good ole' card games. While he will be missed we will be getting at least two or three new interns during my stay.
Third, traveling is one of the best things to do in Europe. I mean Illinois has some sights, but you can only go to Chicago or some small town before it all looks the same. Last weekend I was able to travel to Munich. During this trip I saw famous buildings, local market places, mingled with the locals and travelers, and even got to see the Olympic Stadium. (to bad everything is closed on Sunday) During my time in Munich I got to experience the history something the US doesn't have to the same extent. I also got to eat at a place called 'Haufbrau Haus', I may have mis spelled that. When I got there the place was packed!! There were many people from all of the world here, either seeing Munich or just passing through, it was amazing. When I sat down for dinner I sat with complete strangers! The neat part was no one had any problem starting up the conversation, with the help of the beer of course!! During my meal I was able to eat with 2 Germans, 2 Norwegians, and 3 people from Russia!! As I said when you travel you never know who or what you are going to see.
This weekend I was also suppose to travel, but the weather didn't seem to think I needed to. About Tuesday of this week they were predicting about 12 inches of snow and most coming on the two days I would be traveling. So I decided to stay home and not spend a bunch of money to get stuck on a train somewhere between Mannheim and Berlin. Instead I made my way over to Heidelberg to see some familiar sights, climb some mountains (actually took the trolley), witness a political protest, and got to do a little shopping. The nice thing about being in Europe is the fact that you can get about anywhere by train, and it usually pretty easy to do so.
Overall the first month has come and gone with three more memorable months to come!! This next month should be very exciting! I plan to being skiing in Austria in two weeks, maybe a little bit of Rome, and then my parents will be traveling with me for a week. Where we will be going is still up in the air, but we will figure it out.
Until next time my hand full of followers!
