There are a couple of things I've found out
since I arrived in Regensburg. First of all, get rid of the stereotype that
Germans are punctual. Especially those I came across certainly aren't for I've
done quite a lot of waiting...just to wait some more...
Secondly, are they really that well-organized?
Okay, to some extend yes. They are really into lists and info sheets. However,
I don't want to be too harsh on them and let's be honest, Bavaria is kinda
different from the rest of Germany. And that's what I like about it.
There is space to express yourself and bring in
a bit of your own culture. As the mayor himself stressed: only when Regensburg
is international it functions properly. Apparently, we should rather
stay and keep it up!
Time flies like an arrow: I've just realised
it's been 6 weeks since I left my hometown. Thinking back of the first days
really makes me laugh. It sometimes felt like: what the hell?! what am I...? I
don't even...No, I'm not Czech. Slovakia is not Slovenia. Yes, indeed we are a
member of the EU! Do I need to...? Who am I supposed to ask? etc. After finding
the way to the International Office and being told I'm staying in the same dorm
like last year I was doing my happy dance! After climbing four floors and finding
a huge and extremely messy pigeon party taking place on my balcony my smile
froze...Endless thanks to you, mum and dad, for your moral and technical support
and for being professional pigeon bouncers! Anyways, the pigeons are gone and
so far my anti-pigeon barrier works, so talk to my hand, dear feathered
friends.
Apart from waiting and warring
against pigeons I've been doing a lot of walking. It always helps me to
clear my mind but also enjoy the environment I'm in, which I quite frankly often
forget to do at home. Autumn has been very generous so far offering beautiful
sceneries, colourful leaves, and calming mists. We'll see what winter is
preparing for us.
Meeting new people is another exciting part of
being away. Technically speaking "you could be anybody". They have no
idea about your past, about who you are. But I personally always end up being
myself (unable to put on a mask just to have a bigger "fan club" or
something) and I think that's the way it should be.
To sum up my Erasmus stay so far: numerous
interesting people met, many new words and expressions learnt, one marriage
proposal (repeated a few times) rejected, impressive places and sights visited,
fun nights spent outside, dozens of photos taken, lazy afternoons tucked in
bed, gratefulness for such an opportunity expressed...The train keeps rolling
and there is more to come :-).jpg)
Last but not least, I can finally repay the
hospitality I was blessed with lately! So any traveller or adventurer is
welcome in my cosy and absolutely pigeon-free room. Actually have you seen my
party balcony?
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