Yes, I did it. I started my international traveling blog with a total cliche. But I promise it is here for a reason! As I am learning continuously, the teacher in me is shouting out "Knowledge is power!". Learning how to travel and learning about German culture and the language and everyday life is empowering and my world is already expanding. This idea of "having the whole world in my hands" genuinely embodies my feelings at the moment. However, that does not mean there have not been bumps along the way thus far.
Traveling is a funny thing. It is absolutely amazing; do not get me wrong. But crowded airports, combined with sourpuss security, and two frantic, slightly inexperienced travelers, does not make a good combination. On my journey, from the US to Hamburg, Taylor Moore and I, traveled through 4 different airports, sprinted through the London airport,missed 1 flight, and ended up with 2 lost pieces of luggage. Not the best case scenario.
Traveling is a funny thing. It is absolutely amazing; do not get me wrong. But crowded airports, combined with sourpuss security, and two frantic, slightly inexperienced travelers, does not make a good combination. On my journey, from the US to Hamburg, Taylor Moore and I, traveled through 4 different airports, sprinted through the London airport,missed 1 flight, and ended up with 2 lost pieces of luggage. Not the best case scenario.
Yet all of the challenges and negativity we encountered cannot compare to the brilliant rays of sunshine we met along the way. British Airways customer service was efficient, helpful, and just plain nice amidst the pandemonium. We got the chance to stop at a darling airport cafe and enjoy a delicious lunch. And finally once I arrived in Hamburg I was greeted by my host family who had waited for a LONG time at the airport because of my missed flight, and were nothing but kind and welcoming.
The beginning of my own personal Student Teaching in Hamburg Survival Guide
Notes to self:
#1: When you do not know, ask. There are no stupid questions, ever. Especially when you are visiting a new country where everything is very different from what you know.
#2: Be Flexible: Surprisingly, Jimmy Dean said it best, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
#3: Laugh and Smile. A lot: Laughter and smiles are forms of communication that everyone knows. At times due to language and cultural differences, it may get awkward, maybe even unbearably awkward where you want to fly back to the USA as quickly as possible, smile it out and I promise things should work out.
The beginning of my own personal Student Teaching in Hamburg Survival Guide
Notes to self:
#1: When you do not know, ask. There are no stupid questions, ever. Especially when you are visiting a new country where everything is very different from what you know.
#2: Be Flexible: Surprisingly, Jimmy Dean said it best, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
#3: Laugh and Smile. A lot: Laughter and smiles are forms of communication that everyone knows. At times due to language and cultural differences, it may get awkward, maybe even unbearably awkward where you want to fly back to the USA as quickly as possible, smile it out and I promise things should work out.