Planes, Trains, and… Snacks?

I would say this morning was a bit of a rocky start. I accidentally put coffee in my tea bag instead of hot water, and the group got lost on our way to the University. However, after some morning exercise, we found it and were greeted warmly by our hosts, Ms. Ingrid Wheatherall and Prof. Jutta Abulawi. Ms. Wheatherall talked to us about the specifics of studying abroad for a semester in Hamburg at HAW. I was surprised to learn that the study abroad program here is very affordable, and it can lead to lots of networking and connections to the industries here. The University of Applied Sciences offers engineering disciplines that are more rare in the US, like aeronautical and automotive engineering, and I think lots of us were interested in their focus on airline cabin systems. After learning about the classes and programs offered here in Hamburg, Prof. Abulawi talked to us more about aeronautical engineering and her involvement within it. It was interesting that she noted that the professors at the University of Applied Sciences must have worked for at least 5 years in the industry before they could teach. She also talked to us about the hands on learning they do here, and how connected the University, faculty, and students are to the surrounding industries.

After lunch on campus we headed to Deutsche Bahn, a German railway company, for a tour. The entire tour was in German, but thankfully Meyers translated for us! One of my favorite parts of the day was my, Sophie, and Grace’s evening adventure. We took the U-Bahn at rush hour and I was actually scared we were never going to be able to get off! It was jam-packed. We rode it to the Central Station, or Hauptbahnhof, to look for something yummy, and we found it! Grace and I found delicious snacks. Mine consisted of two sausages topped with cheese and wrapped in a pretzel bun, and Grace had bread topped with cheese and vegetables. I couldn’t resist, so I topped it off with a delicious dessert. The people behind the counter could only laugh at my try at pronouncing the food I wanted and my wide eyes as they handed me something I had been craving all day. I love

experiencing cities in their hustle and bustle to see what it is like in the locals’ everyday worlds.