SARAH WING
Heidelberg Columnist
Stepping out of the stuffy Air France jumbo jet, our weary group of Heidelberg- bound travelers met the 80 degree Paris horizon. Many who travel to Europe say the initial trip there is the least memorable part of the visit.
In our case, some students slept peacefully during most of flight. The majority, however, fancied the interactive video game player and flight tracker in front of each respective seat, a recipe for endless entertainment. Others chatted tirelessly to friends they had not seen all summer.
No matter what activity, after 10 hours each student emerged from the aircraft as a chick views the world after hatching through an egg, wide-eyed, weary and ready to explore.
We chicks, however, were soon to find that our flight from Paris to Frankfurt was cancelled. All but one were able to make it on the same flight, and then the next problem: 21 lost pieces of luggage.
Air France was kind to bestow travel packages to us containing toothpaste, brushes, even a fresh white shirt. Our group is already so well prepared that these packages were not even necessary. Traveling together had been a bonding experience for us all, and lending shampoo and a few clothes were as common as cobblestone streets as we entered Heidelberg, the city of romance and the place we would call home for the next nine months.
It was love at first sight as we passed through the city. Though the sun was setting and our eyes were fighting to stay alert, the scenery took my breath away, and I managed to fight through the overwhelming jetlag. Over the next few days of Heidelberg orientation, I would find enough excitement to supply endless energy.
The people, the places, the lifestyle — the true heart of the city lies in their love for life, and the love of their country. The Germans take life step by step.
Walking down the streets, I see people all over. Their stride is not fast paced — rather, it is more like a stroll. They stop to flip a few coins in a street performer’s hat or buy a scoop of gelato.
And, even when they are not surrounded by others, they appear content with their solitude. They have their own type of fun and enjoyment. As I observe them on their merry way, I notice they seldom acknowledge each other, yet in this culture I find it is not taken as an offense, rather just another way they find happiness: by being self sufficient and capable. I think this is what intrigues me the most — their ability to enjoy being by themselves and sheer reverence for their German homeland.
And, the care with which they show their home astounds me.
I have still yet to find a hint of trash on a street. Even the bathrooms are immaculate. I left a restroom in the Kaufhof, a popular German department store, and was stopped by a lady in custodial attire. She gave me a strange look and nodded her head towards a glass plate with several coins in it.
“Oh, I see” I suddenly realized. “She wants me to pay.” No wonder the restrooms are sparkling.
Cleanliness is not an option — it is a relevant part of their lifestyle. They are perfectionists who desire consistency and security.
Having been here only a few days, I have seen only a set of officers and only very well- behaved inhabitants. Before leaving America, I was encouraged to purchase a money belt. After half of the first day in Heidelberg, intense watch for pick-pockets, and late summer heat, I removed the belt and it converted into a very obvious fanny pack. I have not been using it as I initially planned, but it has been useful nonetheless.
Nothing is how I thought it would be. It is better, more comfortable, and so much more beautiful. It’s impossible to deny the splendor of a sunset from Schloss Castle, unique taste of a German pretzel roll or the delightful surprise of finding chocolate bits in Kellogg’s Special K.
Each time I enter the house I reflect upon how lucky I am to be here.
To live in such a beautiful house overlooking one of the most spectacular cities in the world and to spend eight months with people whom I know I will soon become close friends, I find myself extremely blessed. I already feel like a part of Germany — I feel welcome and content.
09-14-2006
