Going on exchange and living abroad have been some of the biggest life-changing decisions I've made in my life. My experiences there have impacted me in so many ways. While each trip was amazing and I am truly appreciative of the opportunities I've had, it seems important to mention there is a downside.
Germany has become like a second home to me. I'm just as comfortable there as I am here. Knowing my place in the world just isn't as simple as it used to be. I'm kind of stuck in the middle. In a perfect world, I would take all the parts of each country that makes them "home", and piece them together to form whole new land. Everything I could ever miss would be there. However, the world isn't perfect.
The things I miss most aren't really things, to be honest. What makes me long to be in the other country, regardless of where I am, are people. Family, friends, and everyone in between. There are people in both countries whom I love dearly, and want in my life. But, I could never ask them - any of them - to uproot and follow me. That would be selfish. Deciding between the two, picking one over the other, sounds way too hard. I don't want to have to make that choice. And so, I will forever have to travel back and forth, never truly being able to settle down anywhere.
And that, my friends, is the worst part about living abroad. You run the risk of falling in love with the place, the people, the culture, the lifestyle. You may no longer know where you belong, not truly lost, but not really found, either.
It's a risky life the traveller leads. But the risk is well worth it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Friday, August 22, 2014
My Latest Airport-Related (Mis)adventure
As I mentioned in my last post, I've had some less-than-fun times while traveling by air. Individually, each of these scenarios wouldn't have been too traumatizing. However, the fact that they all happened during the same trip and snowballed into a fairly massive cluster-F, kind of put a damper on things...
Well, here goes! (Abridged edition to be found at the bottom.)
The day started innocently enough. I got up, got ready and ate breakfast with the family for the final time. We said our good-byes - fighting tears the whole time, I might add - and off they went to work and school. Then, I had a bit of time to check every drawer and cabinet one last time before my friends arrived to bring me to the airport.
Our drive also went smoothly. We never got lot and experienced only minor traffic. Finding a parking spot was also no biggie. We made our way inside, and stood in line to check in my bags. Though the line was massive, we didn't have any problems until we actually got to the counter.
My first two flights were with the same airline. As such, I was supposed to receive my first two boarding passes in Hamburg. However, there was some kind of technical difficulty that only let the lady at the counter print out one. I would have to get my next boarding pass at the next airport during my layover. Fine. I could handle that. But then the lady made it her personal mission to figure out what the problem was. This problem, of course, had no easy answer, and her determination not only held up the line, but also forced me to stand at the counter needlessly an extra 10 minutes.
Going through security and finding my gate didn't take long. Taking off did. Because of an apparent lack of staff, we weren't able to take off for 30 minutes. Which significantly cut my layover time. I found the service desk pretty quickly (with the help of airport staff), but because of the delayed flight - and because the people in front of me in line took for-freaking-ever - I had to hustle to my gate. I made it in time, but I could have done without the stress.
The transatlantic flight was quite nice. I would almost go so far as to say it was fun. I was seated between to very nice ladies. I got caught up on some TV and movies I'd been meaning to see. I also purchased my last beers for a few months (they weren't all too tasty, but I wasn't in any position to be picky). Although, I have to say, it was a little strange having to purchase my food in-flight. All in all, I enjoyed that flight.
I landed in Boston with plenty of time, nearly two hours. Going through passport security was a breeze. Because I needed to transfer my checked bags, I made my way to the baggage carousel and arrived just as my first checked bag came onto the belt. Excited and relieved, I practically leapt at it and pulled it off the belt, and waited for my second one to arrive. As all the other passengers found their bags and moved on, I waited. And waited. And waited. My second bag never showed up.
Taking the advice of one of the security workers - seeing as my airline had zero representatives there who could help me - I just took the bag I had to the transfer desk. He said the people there would help me. Well, they didn't. Or at least not right away. The guy at the desk was new to the position, and didn't know what to tell me. He requested backup, but his co-worker took ages to show up. By the time he finally got there, I only had 10 minutes until my next flight departed. Seeing as they close the gates 10 minutes before departure, it goes without saying that I missed my flight.
I was frustrated, annoyed, sad, angry, distraught. So, with tears in my eyes, I made my way to my connecting airline's check-in desk and explained my situation. Because it was the airline's fault, the woman at the desk suggested I go the other airline's desk and ask for a hotel voucher. It was either that, or spend the night, alone, in the airport. After my stressful misadventure, I wanted to be able to get at least some sleep. So, I took my re-booked boarding passes, and went back to the other terminal.
After that, everything was a breeze. Getting through security didn't take long at all. I found my gate easily. My seat was on the aisle, so I could quickly get up and get out. My next flight was similar. I was on the aisle again, and my seat was in the first row behind first class. I even got a little nap in.
I cannot even begin to describe how excited I was to be back on my home turf. I practically danced through the terminal. Seeing cheeseheads for the first time in over a year was magical. I cried when I hugged my parents. Everything was right in the world! ... Or so I thought.
We went down to the baggage carousel only to find that now neither of my bags were to be found. We even waited 20 minutes for the next flight's luggage to arrive. Nothing. So, I filled out a missing bag claim, and we left.
We met up with my brothers and ate lunch. Then, I was off to a music festival. When I got home from that - sometime around midnight - I received a call from a strange number. Apparently, my baggage had turned up, and someone was trying to deliver it, but couldn't read my house's street address. So, I ran outside to see a guy in a car with my baggage! Let me clarify. He had one bag. The other was still missing. That one wouldn't yet be delivered for another week. However, everything was there and intact. At least there was that.
tl;dr: Due to my bags getting lost and no one being around who could tell me what to do in a timely fashion, at 17-hour trip turned into a 35-hour one. A giant bar of German chocolate was the only thing keeping me sane through it all.
I kind of wish I had taken more pictures along the way... Oh, well... Hindsight is always 20/20, they say.
Bis dann!
Well, here goes! (Abridged edition to be found at the bottom.)
The day started innocently enough. I got up, got ready and ate breakfast with the family for the final time. We said our good-byes - fighting tears the whole time, I might add - and off they went to work and school. Then, I had a bit of time to check every drawer and cabinet one last time before my friends arrived to bring me to the airport.
Our drive also went smoothly. We never got lot and experienced only minor traffic. Finding a parking spot was also no biggie. We made our way inside, and stood in line to check in my bags. Though the line was massive, we didn't have any problems until we actually got to the counter.
My first two flights were with the same airline. As such, I was supposed to receive my first two boarding passes in Hamburg. However, there was some kind of technical difficulty that only let the lady at the counter print out one. I would have to get my next boarding pass at the next airport during my layover. Fine. I could handle that. But then the lady made it her personal mission to figure out what the problem was. This problem, of course, had no easy answer, and her determination not only held up the line, but also forced me to stand at the counter needlessly an extra 10 minutes.
 |
| Icelandic Beer |
The transatlantic flight was quite nice. I would almost go so far as to say it was fun. I was seated between to very nice ladies. I got caught up on some TV and movies I'd been meaning to see. I also purchased my last beers for a few months (they weren't all too tasty, but I wasn't in any position to be picky). Although, I have to say, it was a little strange having to purchase my food in-flight. All in all, I enjoyed that flight.
I landed in Boston with plenty of time, nearly two hours. Going through passport security was a breeze. Because I needed to transfer my checked bags, I made my way to the baggage carousel and arrived just as my first checked bag came onto the belt. Excited and relieved, I practically leapt at it and pulled it off the belt, and waited for my second one to arrive. As all the other passengers found their bags and moved on, I waited. And waited. And waited. My second bag never showed up.
Taking the advice of one of the security workers - seeing as my airline had zero representatives there who could help me - I just took the bag I had to the transfer desk. He said the people there would help me. Well, they didn't. Or at least not right away. The guy at the desk was new to the position, and didn't know what to tell me. He requested backup, but his co-worker took ages to show up. By the time he finally got there, I only had 10 minutes until my next flight departed. Seeing as they close the gates 10 minutes before departure, it goes without saying that I missed my flight.
I was frustrated, annoyed, sad, angry, distraught. So, with tears in my eyes, I made my way to my connecting airline's check-in desk and explained my situation. Because it was the airline's fault, the woman at the desk suggested I go the other airline's desk and ask for a hotel voucher. It was either that, or spend the night, alone, in the airport. After my stressful misadventure, I wanted to be able to get at least some sleep. So, I took my re-booked boarding passes, and went back to the other terminal.
 |
| Almost too big for one person. Almost. |
Fortunately, the girl at the check-in desk was really nice and willing to help me (my tearing up again probably didn't hurt, either). I had to wait around a bit for her supervisor to come, but I eventually did receive my hotel voucher - with $15 for room service, I might add. I made my way outside and waited for the hotel's shuttle to arrive.
 |
| Mmmmh... Mac'n'Cheese... |
When I finally got to the hotel, it was just as they stopped offering room service for the night. However, they were nice enough to make me a kid's meal of macaroni and cheese - my first real meal in nearly 15 hours. I barely slept, because I was so aufgeregt (nervous, excited, anxious, agitated all in one).
My flight left at 6:10. I wanted to be there at 5:45, at the very latest. However, the continental breakfast wasn't served until 5:30. Fortunately, when I checked out at 5:00, they were already setting up for breakfast. I was allowed to grab (and toast!) a bagel as well as a packet of cream cheese. I even made it to the shuttle and was at the airport by 5:30.
After that, everything was a breeze. Getting through security didn't take long at all. I found my gate easily. My seat was on the aisle, so I could quickly get up and get out. My next flight was similar. I was on the aisle again, and my seat was in the first row behind first class. I even got a little nap in.
I cannot even begin to describe how excited I was to be back on my home turf. I practically danced through the terminal. Seeing cheeseheads for the first time in over a year was magical. I cried when I hugged my parents. Everything was right in the world! ... Or so I thought.
We went down to the baggage carousel only to find that now neither of my bags were to be found. We even waited 20 minutes for the next flight's luggage to arrive. Nothing. So, I filled out a missing bag claim, and we left.
We met up with my brothers and ate lunch. Then, I was off to a music festival. When I got home from that - sometime around midnight - I received a call from a strange number. Apparently, my baggage had turned up, and someone was trying to deliver it, but couldn't read my house's street address. So, I ran outside to see a guy in a car with my baggage! Let me clarify. He had one bag. The other was still missing. That one wouldn't yet be delivered for another week. However, everything was there and intact. At least there was that.
tl;dr: Due to my bags getting lost and no one being around who could tell me what to do in a timely fashion, at 17-hour trip turned into a 35-hour one. A giant bar of German chocolate was the only thing keeping me sane through it all.
I kind of wish I had taken more pictures along the way... Oh, well... Hindsight is always 20/20, they say.
Bis dann!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
My Traveling Tips and Tricks
While I may not be the most experienced traveler, after having flown to and from Germany three times in the past three years (with nearly countless layovers along the way), I'd say I've learned a thing or two. Here are a few pieces of advice:
When in Doubt, Ask!
Traveling is awesome, but flying can be a pain. Unfortunately, it's pretty much mandatory (for those of us in the US who wish they weren't, at any rate). Hopefully, my tips, combined with conventional wisdom (keeping your itinerary on-hand, signing up for delay notification texts, dressing comfortably, etc.), will help things run more smoothly for you!
Bis bald!
When in Doubt, Ask!
- Airports can be big and confusing. If you're not sure where your next gate is, it's usually best to just ask. Find someone who works for an airline or even just the airport itself. There is usually someone sitting at the desk just outside of the jet way when you land. Sure, there are signs and electronic boards that can show you the way, but when time's short, I've found it best to just ask someone to show or tell me the way.
- International flights with a ton of layovers can be stressful, especially if you have multiple (checked) bags. In some international airports, you have to collect your checked baggage and bring it to a transfer desk. In some, your bag will be automatically transferred. (From my experience, it seems to only be international airports in the US that do this.) Typically, there will be an announcement made about what you are supposed to do depending on whether or not you have a connecting flight. If you somehow miss this announcement, don't worry! Just ask airport staff, and they will tell you where you need to be!
- If you happen to be at one such airport where you have to transfer your checked bags, and one or more of your bags happens to not show up on the baggage claim carousel, don't make the same mistake I did. If this happens to you, transfer whichever bags do show up, and carry on. If you are not at your final destination, there really isn't anything you can do. You will have to file a lost baggage report with your destination airport. (I do have a story to go along with this, but I will save it for another post. It's a doozie!) Basically, if a bag gets lost along the way, don't worry about it. There's nothing that can be done until you arrive at your final airport.
- Most people have some cash in their wallets, which is a good idea. However, when traveling internationally, it's probably even more of a good idea to have some cash in your destination's currency. If you're going anywhere in Europe (or even have a (long) layover there), it would behoove you to have 20 to 50 Euros on hand. Most banks will be able to exchange money for their costumers (be sure to do it plenty ahead of time, though!). You never know what they on-flight food will be like, and you might need to get something from an airport kiosk to tide you over.
- This one ties in to the one about losing your bags. If you're flying with multiple pieces of luggage, it would be a good idea to have a mix of clothing in each bag. Don't put all your shoes in one bag. Wear something comfortable, and put something practical or something that goes with everything in your carry on. Divvy up the rest in the other bags. Same thing goes for long and short sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses. Things you may need in the first week or so should go in your carry on. The rest should be divided up among the other bags. That way, if one goes missing, you won't be SOL.
- When booking your flights, take advantage of being able to reserve seats. Is having a view of the clouds and land or sea below important to you? Or do you want to sleep as much as you can on your long, international flight? Then, the window seat might be for you (I don't recommend it to those with small bladders, though). Are you the kind of person who likes to be able to get out of your seat as soon as the plane lands? Then, go for the isle. Do you like being talking to people and don't mind having to (maybe) get out of your seat now and then during flight? The middle seat might be for you. As for me, I like taking the window seat on long flights (the views are amazing!) and the isle for short ones.
- You might not always have time during your layovers to buy something to eat. The food on the plane might not be enough or just not to your taste. Dealing with delays and layovers and lost baggage and security checks can be stressful, especially if you're traveling alone. My tip to alleviate some of this stress is to pack a tasty snack! Chocolate and other sweets have worked for me in the past.
Traveling is awesome, but flying can be a pain. Unfortunately, it's pretty much mandatory (for those of us in the US who wish they weren't, at any rate). Hopefully, my tips, combined with conventional wisdom (keeping your itinerary on-hand, signing up for delay notification texts, dressing comfortably, etc.), will help things run more smoothly for you!
Bis bald!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
My Hopes and Dreams
Well, that title might be a little melodramatic... But it got your attention, didn't it?
During my (second) adventure in Germany, I realized what I would like to do with my life career-wise. Working with and learning languages has always been fun for me. It's like putting together a complex, multi-dimensional puzzle. As someone who has enjoyed a good puzzling session or two in her life, that's right up my alley!
In Germany, there are a number of schools belonging to the Euro Akademie organisation. They aren't typical universities. I would equate them to a career college. At these schools, there are a number of programs to become a certified something. Many programs have something to do with international relations (European Management Assistant, Hotel and Tourism Assistant, International Administration Manager, etc.) or foreign languages (Foreign Language Correspondent, Foreign Language Secretary, Translator and Interpreter, etc.). Others are for those less interested in languages and foreign relations (Marketing Assistant, Personal Management Assistant, Sports Management Assistant, etc.). Some studies can be furthered at partnering European universities, if desired. If you've paid attention, I'm sure you can guess what I want to do!
The translator/interpreter program is a three-year program, which is much more affordable than any program I've found in the US. Depending on which program, it can cost up to about $16800 (by today's exchange rate) in total. Considering I put myself into about one fourth of that amount into debt after just one semester of college, that sounds pretty good to me!
However, that's not chump change. And since the German government requires foreigners to be able to prove they have upwards of $9000 either on a German bank account or through scholarships (or through parental support, in some cases) in order to be granted a student visa, I've got my work cut out.
As such, my plan for the next four to five years looks like this:
Year 1/Years 1 & 2: Get two or more part-time jobs and save, save, save!
Years 2-4/Years 3-5: Return to Germany and attend the Euro Akademie; Become a certified translator!
I haven't yet decided what I will do after that. My skills will probably be more in-demand here in the US, but no one can tell for sure what will happen in the next years. All I know is I have my goal, and as long as I have that, I can handle whatever life throws at me!
Bis dann!
Jaymee
During my (second) adventure in Germany, I realized what I would like to do with my life career-wise. Working with and learning languages has always been fun for me. It's like putting together a complex, multi-dimensional puzzle. As someone who has enjoyed a good puzzling session or two in her life, that's right up my alley!
In Germany, there are a number of schools belonging to the Euro Akademie organisation. They aren't typical universities. I would equate them to a career college. At these schools, there are a number of programs to become a certified something. Many programs have something to do with international relations (European Management Assistant, Hotel and Tourism Assistant, International Administration Manager, etc.) or foreign languages (Foreign Language Correspondent, Foreign Language Secretary, Translator and Interpreter, etc.). Others are for those less interested in languages and foreign relations (Marketing Assistant, Personal Management Assistant, Sports Management Assistant, etc.). Some studies can be furthered at partnering European universities, if desired. If you've paid attention, I'm sure you can guess what I want to do!
The translator/interpreter program is a three-year program, which is much more affordable than any program I've found in the US. Depending on which program, it can cost up to about $16800 (by today's exchange rate) in total. Considering I put myself into about one fourth of that amount into debt after just one semester of college, that sounds pretty good to me!
However, that's not chump change. And since the German government requires foreigners to be able to prove they have upwards of $9000 either on a German bank account or through scholarships (or through parental support, in some cases) in order to be granted a student visa, I've got my work cut out.
As such, my plan for the next four to five years looks like this:
Year 1/Years 1 & 2: Get two or more part-time jobs and save, save, save!
Years 2-4/Years 3-5: Return to Germany and attend the Euro Akademie; Become a certified translator!
I haven't yet decided what I will do after that. My skills will probably be more in-demand here in the US, but no one can tell for sure what will happen in the next years. All I know is I have my goal, and as long as I have that, I can handle whatever life throws at me!
Bis dann!
Jaymee
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