Reisen by Ariel Mull

Love of a Small German Town

The Truth about School in Germany

Passover MANventure

World Cup Whirlwind

Reisen

a semester abroad in Germany

Reisen

a semester abroad in Germany

by: Kelsee Evans, Joel Mann, Ariel Mull, Beth Post

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” — Miriam Beard

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 Bios

06 Trier

38 School

Travel 70

Social

110

Thanks 144

Meet the Team The few, the brave, the Kansans

Joel Mann Tenth Time Abroad 2 Roomates

Joel Mann was borned and raised in Overland Park, Kansas.

“I expected that the hardest part of this trip as to keep Kosher. I was right, but I loved what I learned from it more than most things I’ve done.”

He lived being afraid of the unknown. Now he is his own mann and he travel the world with a new, positive outlook, looking for the unknown and claiming its adventures as his own.

Beth Post Ninth Time Abroad 2 Roomates

Beth Post is an avid traveler, appreciative of learning about other cultures. After visiting ten countries throughout this semester, she has grown to further love the differences within people and their unique stories. In fact, studying abroad has certainly changed her outlook on life, creating new goals and approaches for her future.

“Waking nearly each morning to the neighboring church bells made for a pleasant and inviting morning alarm, of sorts.”

Ariel Mull Second Time Abroad 5 Roomates

Ariel Mull loves sports, photography, good design and great

“Sharing such a small fridge with four people, not as a bad as I thought. It made me go shopping for fresh food more often.”

coffee, bier and wine. She is a slight workaholic who has a passion for traveling and meeting new people. After ive onths abroad she plans to visit many more places around the world.

Kelsee Evans Fourth Time Abroad 0 Roomates

Kelsee Evans loves to travel, and it has been one of her life long goals to live and study in another country. By train was by far her favorite way to travel around Europe. And living in the dorms in Germany opened her eyes to a lot of different cultures, and how we’re all different but also how we’re all the same.

“I was surprisingly ok with the amount of walking I had to do. I even found that I didn’t miss driving as much as I thought I would.”

Trier

edited by Beth Post

Willkommen bei Trier Walking into the unknown, Trier was a city, where each of the students from the University of Kansas, quickly found roots to call to call the city home. The following four articles share the diverse stories of each of our unique viewpoints on experiences within the city of Trier and its culture.

One Pot, One Pan, Two Cutting Boards, Three Knives

Dorm Life in Trier

Love of a Small German Town

Living as the Resident Jew in the Group

The Pros and Cons

A Tale of Love At First Sight

NeustraĂ&#x;e 22 A Relationship Across Borders

Trier, Germany Mural of the main sites of Trier, painted upon the walls of the Trier Hauptbahnhof.

One Pot, One Pan, Two Cutting Boards, Three Knives Living as the Resident Jew in the Group by Joel Mann

Being one of the only religious Jews in my friend group is not a new situation to me. Before putting myself in these situations, I plan and prepare. This situation though, was unlike any other. Let me put it in perspective. Before Trier, I was living with my friend Michael Lebovitz or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leboâ&#x20AC;?. We were the two religious Jewish students on campus. We were the only two students that kept Shabbat and kosher very strictly. Our home was a second home to many people on Shabbat and during the week.

The picturesque european city with tons of charecter. And a wonderful jewish life.

Challah in Europe My new home of Trier had me living with non-

only Jew in Trier on Shabbat (day of rest from

While in Germany, challah was

Jews and being the only Jewish person in the

sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) is quite

not as easy to come by. The

group. I was in for a wild journey. Two challenges

a lonesome experience. My thought was, I would

irst weekend in Germany, I

were kosher and Shabbat, so let me break it

just travel most weekends and spend Shabbat

down for you.

in a Jewish community around Europe. At the end of my semester in Germany, I realized that I

spent Shabbat at the Chabad family in Luxembourg City. I

KOSHER

had only shared six Shabbats from my temporary

was able to buy homemade

Kosher is the set of Jewish dietary laws. With-

home of Trier. I must confess that I had some of

Challahs from them to enjoy

out going into too much detail, I knew that the

the loneliest and hardest moments while in Trier,

for future meals. Nothing beats

easiest thing to do was to adhere to a more

yet those were the moments that really changed

the challah from home, but it

vegan lifestyle, with the exception of consum-

me. All that time to myself made me realize how

ing eggs. That meant no cheese or meat. Those

was nice to have. Unfortunate-

important having time to myself was. I was able

restrictions cut out almost all processed foods.

to meditate, focus on myself and truly relax.

I bought myself one pot, one pan, two cutting

ly, it was not as good as fresh homemade, but to have it dur-

boards and three knives. With the addition of

HOSTING

ing Shabbat was special. When

Tupperware, that was my kitchen and those were

Now, I was not truly alone during Shabbat in

I did not have challahs, I went

my tools. I learned new recipes and experiment-

Trier. Back home, I enjoy hospitality and event

to the local vegan bakery to get

ed all the time. The idea was to make my meals

planning, so I continued that passion in Europe. I

rolls. Challah is a big ordeal to

cheap, easy and healthy as much as possible so

hosted many lunches breakfasts and Friday night

I could splurge when traveling to cities with tons

make, so I now greatly appre-

dinners. Since I could not eat other’s food due to

of kosher options. For the better or worse, I did

the kosher restrictions, I taught my close friends

ind some cookies and other junk food options

the rules and we made meals together multiple

that I could eat on the ly. These inds quickly

times a week. Oftentimes, I would carry along a

ing it fresh and kosher from a

became a nice treat.

prepared meal so as to have the opportunity to

local bakery in Kansas City.

join friends for lunch or dinner within their own

Thank you Hen house.

SHABBAT

lat. Sharing meals with friends often made for an

Shabbat was the biggest challenge. Being the

excellent break in the day.

Home at Last

so much better being with my solid

After being home, what’s different? I

friends and family at home instead of

would say that being a part of a Jew-

traveling alone and staying at strang-

ish community is the biggest luxury I

ers’ homes. I’m excited to see how the

missed. I still love Shabbat. It’s still

new changes continue in the months

the highlight of my week and it’s

and years to come.

ciate when I get it at home, or even the great pleasure of buy-

TRAVEL

become friends with one of the long term staff

Traveling was hard, but the experiences I had

members. Of course this meant delicious perks

were the most enjoyable parts of my Euro-

and inexpensive (and sometimes free) desserts.

pean adventure. Early in my semester abroad,

The BioMarkt is the organic marketplace

I bought a knife, cutting board and pan. These

that has tons of vegan ingredients from quinoa

three items traveled with me as I went across

to vegan sausages to breads. Located directly

Europe. With these culinary items, I was able

across the street from my flat, I made sure to be

to host kosher meals all around Europe: Venice

a loyal customer.

breakfast, Prague Shabbat dinner, Florence Italian meals, etc. Other times, I made a point to travel by myself often, in order to spend time in Jewish communities. This made for some great times, new experiences and amazing new friends along the way.

A JEW AMONG NON-JEWS The last piece of the puzzle was just the idea that I was the only Jew in my friend group. When we traveled, when we eat together, when we did anything, I was the only Jew. That was hard. People did not and could not share the same

VEGAN

experiences, excitement and challenges as I

When I felt compelled to venture out to restau-

did. However, the best part was that the people

rant dining, I realized the only option I had was

around me were my new family. The times I was

to find cuisine in strictly vegan restaurants. How-

alone, these were the times that I was able to

ever, in these situations, I only felt comfortable

define myself independently.

after speaking with the chef or owner regarding

Each of these aforementioned parts have

food preparedness. After some brief conversa-

their challenges, but the best part were my

tions, I had found myself some special treats in

friends who all made it that much easier. My

a few local places serving vegan food. My fre-

friends are the ones who, although are not Jew-

quent visits where at a nearby vegan chocolatier

ish, took interest and had the willing and positive

and cafĂŠ and the vegetable-based kebab joint.

attitude to make it a easy transition.

Both of these restaurants were great options for both quick meals or snacks.

I learned a tremendous amount from my time in Germany and I am stronger and more

The Chocolatier is the only vegan cafĂŠ in

confident that I ever have been. If anyone tries to

Trier. As such, I quickly became a regular. In fact,

do what I did, contact me and I will help as best

I visited so often, that I even had the chance to

I can. JoelMann08@gmail.com

Top left: Who would have thought, the best falafel in my life would be consumed in the heart of Paris, France. Top right: Homemade gnocchi and celebrations at Joel’s lat on Saarstraße. Middle: Preparation of Shabbat dinner at Beth’s lat on Brückenstraße. Dinner consisting of zucchini latkes, pasta with homemade sauce, and avocado and garlic hummus (see below). Bottom: Joel and Trier resident, Harry Hellerich, preparing the avocado and garlic hummus for the Shabbat dinner at Beth’s lat.

“My friends are the ones who took interest and had the willing and positive attitude to make it an easy transition.”

Left: A warm cup of tea to subside the cool spring air. Center: Chocolate vegan milkshake from Trier’s only vegan restaurant and chocolatier. Located on Neustraße, this restaurant quickly became a frequent spot for Joel to grab a bite or a milkshake, due to the standard vegan methods of food preparation and ingredients. Right: The Kadtler Kosher bakery located in Berlin. Bottom: Exterior view and outdoor seating for Trier’s vegan chocolatier.

A view from the top of the city overlooking the Mosel River.

Dorm Life in Trier The Pros and Cons by Kelsee Evans

If for whatever reason, sharing an apartment with others isn’t your thing, there’s always the option of getting a dorm in Trier. The rooms are offered at a first come first serve basis. I suggest you contact Justine or Berndt Werner as soon as you can. Make sure you ask for the Martinskloster dorm because the Petrisberg is near the university and that’s really far away from the Hochshule where you’ll be studying.

House Rules There are usually about two types of rooms the

a wash and a euro ifty for a dryer. There’s a vend-

Things not to do in the dorms or

single room or the double room where each per-

ing machine next to the mail room with everything

incur the Hausmeister’s wrath:

son gets their own room and then they have a

from Coca Cola to Bitburger Bier. A warning, the

• Leave behind a dirty kitchen. If

shared living room area. With the single room

Hausmeister doesn’t really speak much English.

option the kitchen, bathroom and showers are shared with the loor.

A great beneit to living in close quarters with other international students were the impromptu

it goes on for too long without anyone cleaning up, the kitchen will be locked for a period of time to be

The coolest thing about living in the dorms

movie nights and get-togethers. The student from

is the wide range of people you meet. Living in

Finland had not seen very many Disney, so more

determined by the Hausmeister.

an apartment, typically, you are sharing it with a

often than not, we would all meet and share in a

• Throw wads of toilet paper into

few other German locals. In the dorms you are

classic Disney ilm.

the men’s urinal. He will shut down

living with Germans, but also a lot of the other

Aside from movie nights, we often would

Erasmus students, some even from other coun-

meet up after class or on the weekends to cook

tries. Which means you get to meet people from

dinner or go shopping. Having friends so closeby

all over the world. My “neighbors” were from

allowed for us to always participate in a buddy

Portugal, Finland, and France. There are all kinds

system, so each of us was always safe!

the whole bathroom, women’s side included, for the weekend. • Leave a mess out in the courtyard. Barbecue keys may be withheld and nasty notes in German will appear

of parties that take place in the courtyard, and

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed our time to-

as soon as summer gets rolling, there is almost

gether, as I have made lasting friendships with

in the hallways.

always a barbecue going on.

people from all over the world. Next stop: Finland!

• Use all of the paper towels in the

You get twenty gigabyte of Internet usage

bathroom at a ridiculously fast rate.

a month. Which actually goes a pretty long way if

The dispenser will never get reilled.

you’re not constantly streaming movies or Skyp-

• Run down the hallways, talking

ing with family and friends. The washers and

loudly at three in the morning on

dryers are in the newer building, but you need to get your student ID and load it with money

a weeknight. Because it’s rude and

before you can use them. It costs two euros for

the hallways echo like crazy.

Getting Around Netto is the closest grocery store is about a ten

at the Paulusplatz. The Irminenfreihof is

minute walk away. It’s located in a mini mall just

just as close as well. And if you need to

a block away from the centrum. The nearest bus

go to the school on the hill the bus stop

stop is across the street right next to the bridge.

is right next to you. If you need to pick

It’s called Zurlaubener Ufer. Once you get your

up a package, the post office is right

student ID riding the bus is free for students.

next door to the Haubtbahnhof, about

The school itself is just a five minute walk away

a thirty minute walk away.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The coolest thing about living in the dorms is the wide range of people you meet. â&#x20AC;?

Top: Martinskloster dormitory courtyard, decorated for the 2014 World Cup. Middle: (Dormitory interior shot) Bottom: A view of the Martinskloster dormitory from the Mosel River.

Top: (Dormitory interior shot) Middle: (Dormitory interior shot) Bottom: (Dormitory interior shot)v

So many entertaining things for visitors and residents of Trier, such as the Farbrausch Festival in the West side of the city.

Quintessential German architecture is what allowed me to fall in love with Trier so quickly. Picture from the Hauptmarkt.

LOVE OF A SMALL GERMAN TOWN A Tale of Love at First Sight Traveling headlong into an unknown territory, one where the language is worlds apart from my own, I see a glimmer of hope, of longing, and of love. I have found myself in a place I was to call home for the next ive months: Trier, Germany. Stepping off the train and onto the cold, soot-covered platform, I start to walk this new path in my life. Almost instantly, I have fallen in love. This was not planned or even anticipated, rather this is a tale of an unexpected love between a girl and a German city: Trier. Anything new can easily instill a certain level of fear or anxiety, but for me, I stepped off that platform and was greeted with a beautiful sun that lit the street of Saarstrasse. Taking in all the sites of the unique storefronts, bakeries, and Kebab houses, I joined my fellow student traveler Joel and his new latmate Jeanne. As we continued down this street, we chatted about things to see and do in Trier, further instilling the excitement of my new home.

Whatever your interests are, whether it’s a fun night out with friends, viewing a small theatrical production, or shopping (until you drop), Trier can fulfill them. What truly makes Trier so special is the university-town atmosphere transplanted in a medieval German landscape. The iconic Germanic architecture paired with a palace, Basilica, and authentic Roman amphitheatre, Trier is quite the unique European city. Just to clear the air: yes, the KU group of students were in Trier to study, but for us to gain the cultural insight and understanding of the benefits of actually studying abroad, it was nec-

“What truly makes Trier so

essary for us to explore everything that Trier has to offer. Each of us had unique experiences, so

special is the university-town

this particular entry is one that may or may not be

atmosphere transplanted in a

as it may, let me share my many experiences and

medieval German landscape.”

Trier offers several touristic opportunities, so

biased in favor of my own experiences. Be that

overwhelming love that I have for this city.

when I walked out of my flat for the first time, I was nearly bombarded with tourists snapping photos and selfies of the Karl Marx Haus. This was a new experience for me, one that I was all too thrilled to say as much prior to my arrival in Trier. However, living directly across from a major tourist attraction left much to be desired. I found myself fighting with the cacophony of excited tourists almost daily and especially early on Sundays. With everything closed Sundays, save for tourists sites, it was nearly impossible to catch up on sleep from the week. Regardless, this put me in the center of the city, the center of all goings on. Nearly adjacent to my flat was the Viehmarkt, which was littered with a string of bars and restaurants, an expo center or performance hall, and genuine remains of an ancient Roman bath. This set up allowed for a quick jump over to Simplicissimus, or “Simple” for short (read: zimple).

Top: What may be unknown to many is Trier’s long history. Since 17 B.C., Trier has been an urban city, home to one of the original seats of the Roman Empire and several Roman sites (many in original condition). Pictured is the often used Amphitheatre from the 2nd century. Bottom: A view of Trier as seen from the Porta Nigra.

Top: City of Trier and the Mosel River as seen from the Schneidershof, Trier University of Applied Sciences. Bottom: The tree-lined path alongside the palace gardens of Constantineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace. The adjacent gardens were a popular spot for soaking in the sun or relaxing after a long day.

Top: Trier’s Kornmarkt is home to St. George’s baroque fountain (from 1750), Trier’s largest book retailers Mayersche, the newly opened Dunkin’ Donuts, and the only American cuisine-inspired restaurant, Louise’s. Bottom: The Porta Nigra, Trier’s sole remaining Roman gate from the Roman Empire (approx. 180 A.D.). The Porta Nigra, or the “black gate” is situated at the end of the tourist run and cobblestone path of Simeonstraße.

These are some photos from the Amphithater in Trier (left). the Kaufhaus Shop is the shop that Ariel lives above, (top right). Justin at Zapotex one of our irst nights in Trier, (bottom right).

This was the home to all future meetings of

or more speciically in Trier, clubs illed your body

occur during a short break from our studies, but

friends, visiting family, and Tischkicker. Living in

with music and the desire to dance. Staying

even a 30 minute break would mentally stimulate

Germany over the 2014 World Cup, with Ger-

within your original unit of friends, you would hit

us back into studying.

many as the champion, it was almost required to

the dance loor with the unexplainable need to

Of course we always welcomed the oppor-

understand Tischkicker. In German, Tischkicker

dance for hours. The music would be your muse

tunity to take breaks. When not traveling outside

means foosball. Yes, we would spend late nights

for the night. And at an undisclosed hour, every-

of Trier, spending time in the city was quite an

at Simple playing Tischkicker and partaking in

one would decide that the need to sleep was

enjoyable experience. The activity that all of the

the delicacies of Germany: Bier.

more powerful than the need to dance. These

KU students can agree upon is geocaching.

I would be lying if I said I did not share in the

nights were certainly not exclusive to the reac-

This was one activity that familiarized us with the

lavors of German beer. Trier is situated in such

tions to drinking, rather everything was taken as

city when we irst arrived, and continued to give

a prime location that beers from the neighbor-

a social experience shared with close friends.

us fun exploratory opportunities long after that

ing cities, such as Cologne and Munich, would

Other Trierer experiences easily includ-

(and out into other cities and countries). If you

iniltrate the Supermarkt shelves and eventual

ed the Roman sites that are quite prominent

are not familiar with geocaching, the easiest way

shopping bags. Drinking beer in Trier is certainly

throughout the city. Trier was founded in 16 B.C.,

to explain it is as a real-life treasure hunt. Trea-

a social agenda. Friends would irst gather at

so there are sites quintessential to the way of

sure that is found is not actual treasure, though

someone’s lat for hours at a time, telling stories

life to early Romans, even sites that are being

it can be a registered and tracked coin or but-

or watching Fussball games. After two or three

uncovered today! As such, there are activities

ton. Oftentimes, when we could solve the riddle

hours ticked by, we would often ind ourselves

that anyone could enjoy that are easily “family-

to reveal the location of the treasure, we would

venturing off to the site of our irst bar. Similar

friendly” and more historical. My favorite activity

discover that all that was required of us was to

festivities would ensue, but at a higher price for

was easily setting up a picnic in the Palace Gar-

record our date of discovery and name. Regard-

a mug. Another hour or so would pass before we

dens in the shadows of Constantine’s Palace.

less, this was a great bonding experience with

all agree to move on to our next locale, though

These gardens were great for soaking in the sun,

one another, as well as the city of Trier.

this time at a club. Clubs in Germany are a dif-

barbequing, and even simply throwing a Frisbee.

ferent breed than clubs in the US. In Germany,

Usually these instances in the Gardens would

So what exactly is it about Trier that made me fall in love with it? There were numerous

activities to fill our free time, excellent cuisine to tantalize our palates, and unlimited opportunities to socialize with friends, all were unique in their own way. For me, what truly made me fall head-over-heels for Trier was the interaction with its people. I met an unbelievable number of people that made both my initial and overall experience memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed staying awake well into the morning chatting and dancing with them, or wasting time in the Palace Gardens reading a book and laying out in the sun. Trier has so much to offer, that anyone interested in filling their day (or night) with fun activities with friends, can certainly find something that tickles their fancy. I guess this means I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t simply pinpoint one particular reason for swooning over Trier, rather all of these are viable reasons to be mad for this small German town and my newfound friends.

by Beth Post

Making Change

“A favorite activity was easily setting up a picnic in the Palace Gardens in the shadows of Constantine’s Palace. ”

Living in a country where no one outwardly speaks your language, it becomes a bit intimidating to add the nuance of trying desperately to make sense of all of your cents! It especially becomes trying when you reach the cashier and there is a string of people standing in line waiting for you to igure out what coin you need to pay your transaction. What ended up happening was an accumulation of change, requiring each of us to sit down and decipher what the face value is for each coin. What a lesson! It’s always smart to do this task early, otherwise, your purse or pocket will become quite heavy!

The Viehmarkt in Trier was often transformed for festivals and markets.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Are your clothes dirty, then?

nein! ja!

LET’S GO CUT A RUG!

ja! GET ON IT, THEN!

ASK TO BORROW SOMETHING!

ja!

Do you have time to clean your clothes?

GO DUST OFF THOSE BINOCULARS!

nein!

ja!

Do you have a friend who wears your size?

Would you rather “people watch?”

Are you opposed to rewearing something from earlier?

ja!

nein!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT!

nein!

FRESHEN UP YOUR DEODORANT AND LET’S GO!

Do you have a bit of money to spare?

ja!

nein!

Are you a shy person?

ja!

nein!

Did you know that half the fun of going out is meeting new people?

And you think you can afford to go out?

PUT ON THOSE PARTY SHOES, ‘CAUSE WE’RE GOIN’ SHOPPING!

ja!

DO IT NOW SO WE CAN GO OUT!

ja!

Can you get online and search “national animal of Scotland?”

LET’S CLAIM THOSE SPECIALS! nein!

nein!

GRAB THOSE PUNCHLINES, WE’RE HEADING OUT!

Would you believe me if I said it was?

ja! nein!

Do you have a smart phone, at least?

Are you saying all of Scotland is a liar?

nein!

Do you think unicorns are real?

nein! ja!

GOOGLE SEARCH “NATIONAL ANIMAL OF SCOTLAND” AND THEN LET’S GO!

Do you have friends with a smart phone?

ja!

EXCELLENT! NOW LET’S GO!

ASK POLITELY TO BORROW THEIR PHONE, THEN WE’RE LEAVING!

TIME TO GET READY TO GO OUT!

nein!

Did you know if you go out, you can meet people with a smart phone?

ja! nein!

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD AND LET’S GO!

But don’t you love to dance!?

ja!

Do you realize your soulmate could be out there waiting for you?

nein!

LET’S GO! nein! ja!

WHY ARE YOU STILL SITTING? PEOPLE ARE WAITING!

Are you interested in meeting new people?

ja!

Should I go out tonight?

nein!

START HERE

OUT TONIGHT?

nein!

ja!

Do you realize what this means?

You’ll have your friends, you know?

ja!

Can you think of a better topic as an ice breaker?

How about asking a complete stranger to list three unlikely things they did today?

nein!

nein! ja! Do you realize what a great ice breaker the topic of Scotland could be?

ja!

BECAUSE OF THAT, YOU’RE GOING OUT TO MAKE AMAZING FRIENDS!

nein!

YOU SHOULD GO OUT TONIGHT!

Do social outings frighten you a bit?

YOU’RE DEFINITELY READY TO GO OUT!

LET’S GET OUT THERE AND BREAK SOME ICE!

YOU SHOULD GO OUT TONIGHT!

nein!

GRAB YOUR SHOES AND MONEY, WE’RE LEAVING!

NeustraĂ&#x;e 22 Relationships Across Borders by Ariel Mull

After deciding to study abroad, I had to begin my search for a place to live. The process of the dorms was the easiest, but I decided that I wanted to live with locals, in hopes of getting to know some people and maybe picking up a bit of German along the way. However, the process of sending random emails to people that you found on a website was a bit nervewracking to me because it did not guarantee me a place to live. Because this was something that I wanted to do I decided to send out my emails and hope that no one was a serial killer.

The winding staircase of NeustraĂ&#x;e 22, which was frequented many times.

Common Space The irst week of January, I sent out around thirty emails through a latshare website called

display window? Since the Kaufpop Shop is be-

A great majority of time was

low the lat, I guess it made sense.

often spent in the communal

wg-gesucht.de. Over the course of the next

Finally, after 32 hours of travel, my wits

few days I inally heard back from a few people.

were not about me. When I arrived at my new lat,

Some told me that the rooms were already full,

my latmates were all waiting to greet me with

and others said that they were looking for more

dinner and a warm home. This was the best way

of a long-term person to rent the room. I eventu-

to kick off my semester abroad.

living space of Neustraße 22. When the time arose, the ilms and television that was enjoyed, included:

ally received a few requests for a Skype inter-

As for our living arrangements we live in

view, so that I could see the place and get to

a four-bedroom lat with one toilet, one shower,

Movies:

know my potential latmates a bit more. After

one wash machine, a kitchen, living room (which

• Edward Sissorhands

a few weeks of interview, a girl named Maria

is very unique to most of the places that I looked

selected me to live in her room while she was

at in Trier). Somehow we managed to share “das

away in Portugal. I was beyond relieved to have

Bad” quite well considering there were four peo-

a place to stay.

ple on similar schedules. As well as the washer,

• Sandlot • Ferris Bueler’s Day Of • Frozen

When I arrived in Luxembourg, Yara, our

it always seemed to work out that it was open

• Breakfast at Tifany’s

student ambassador who helped organize our

when one of us needed it. That, or we just did a

• Back to the Future

original travel plans from Luxembourg airport

good job of communication, which is a possibility

• Law Abiding Citizen

into Trier, met me at the airport. However, be-

as well. In our kitchen, we had a smaller than av-

• Old School

cause I was the only student who lew in that

erage refrigerator, with one shelf designated for

day, she was able to drive me to Trier, instead of

each resident. In the kitchen, I was even given a

having to take the train and bus like we had origi-

drawer to store my dry goods. However, being

nally planned. Upon our arrival to Trier, we were

from the States I was not used to these small

dropped off at the corner of Neustraße. Yara and

accommodations, but thankfully, Aldi was only a

• New Girl

I spent time searching for building number 22.

ive minute walk from my place. It was easy for

• Archer

However, once we found the building, we could

me to go there a couple of times each week for

not ind the front door. Who would have ever

groceries. Regardless, we always managed to

thought that the front door would be part of a

Sharing a flat with four people also

a wreath that was meant to hold the

But there was one day I was cook-

means sharing the kitchen and Eu-

eggs. We also ventured to the Asian

ing breakfast and Harry asked me

ropean size fridge with those peo-

market and purchased everything to

if I could cook “American” pan-

ple as well. So with a lack of space,

make sushi at home and when we

cakes sometime. So the morning

we often ended up making meals

did it was quite the production. Pots

after Beth’s birthday parry I made

with each other. On Easter the four

and pans everywhere but we ended

pancakes for the flat, this however

of us made brunch with special

up making a variety of delicious sushi

was not the last time that would

holiday bread that was shaped like

that we were able to enjoy for days.

make pancakes for everyone.

Series: • Game of Thrones Season 4 • How I Met your Mother

cook way too much food for one meal, so we

could talk with upstairs. These will forever be in

often shared meals with each other in hopes of

my recollection of my time in Trier.

not having too much left over food in the fridge.

However, everyone’s experience is always

But I think the most unique thing in my flat

different because we see things in different

was the upstairs living room. This is where many

ways, as for me, I feel like I am so lucky to have

of our nights would start before we would head

lived with all of my amazing flatmates. Harry is

out for the night. Our group would sometimes be

not only an amazing friend, but a lifesaver. Almut

close to 20 people that we would cram upstairs

made it possible for Beth and I to take a coveted

in some way or another so we would all gather

packaging class. Isabelle always has a unique

in conversation. In my time there, countless mov-

perspective on a topic. Fabrice was never on

ies, YouTube videos and series were watched

time, but you always knew when he was home.

when we just wanted to have a relaxing night

And Lisa is the most adventurous person I have

in. But there were also countless card games,

met. All of these people had an impact on my

as well as games that involved taking the door

stay in Trier and they helped to not only make in

off of the hinges (I’m referring to a game of beer

memorable, but exciting.

pong). Some of my favorite nights were Beth’s

Thank you to the ever-changing living dynam-

birthday celebration; the night Harry passed his

ic at Neustraße 22. Many great memories were

first exam; our Game of Thrones watch parties;

had there and I can’t thank you enough for those.

and the nights when we had more people than I

Bottom center: Ariel’s room situated just below the stairs and adjacent to the front entry. Top center: The communal kitchen, complete with shared utensils, pots and pans, and snacks. Top right: The front entry way is rather spacious for a lat. Bottom right: The frequently used common space, located on the rare second loor.

“Once we found the building, we couldn’t ind the front door!”

Trier, Germany: Traditional German architecture lines the Hauptmarkt in Trierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city center.

School

edited by Kelsee Evans

Hochschule Trier, Germany How to get ready for the German school year, what to expect, our expierances with classes, our thoughts on the whole â&#x20AC;&#x153;studyâ&#x20AC;? part of study abroad.

The Truth about School in Germany No, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in...

Live Like a German, Study Like a German When in Germany...

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Why Trier Became...

Handpressen Type

From Creation to Production

Paulusplatz This is the main building that almost all the design classes will take place in.

Live Like a German, Study Like a German When in Germany... by Joel Mann When I filled out the application for study abroad, I didn’t realize that it was more of an abroad with some study; lots of is emphasis on the “some.” The most subtle and hardest part is learning how to handle school, when school is a minor part of your life. Here in Trier, school has some similarities and many differences. The difference that I found most incredible, what the personalization of process and projects.

Audio/Visual class introduced us to working and rendering efects with greenscreen footage.

Glyphs, Glyphs, and more Glyphs The differences range from language, to class

The solution is a typeface that is clean and

When I think of a designer, I

times/days, attendance and more. The irst day

modern, sleek and fun, simple and legible. I cre-

think suave. I think, different. I

of classes the teacher gave an introduction to

ated a sma ll rebrand for the Kaufman Center of

think…. typefaces. Germany was

the semester, in German of course, and gave us

Performing Arts to show how it could be used.

that chance. I am now a design-

a list of 10 projects. I assumed that mean we

There are so many facets of designing a

er. I made a typeface and made

were either doing 10 projects, or could choose

type from how people read it to what context it

it… type-able. I learned to use

3-4 projects for the semester. No. We had to

is used and even the width of the strokes that

Glyphs, a program for designers

choose one. 1. Uno. ONE. One project. One se-

create huge success or failures. This project was

to design letterform and what-

mester. I will say that some classes had a small

amazing. I learned how to design letters, create

not. It was a great experience. It

intro project, but it was one project focused. So

forms, from sketch to computer. I am proud to

was quite challenging and time

choosing a project to work on for an entire se-

say that I now have a typeface that is download-

consuming with fine tuning the

mester was quite a task.

able and type-able for any computer and any pro-

kerning and spacing. But alas! a

gram that I designed myself.

typeface all to myself, but I’ll share.

ALPHABET DESIGN

Thanks Glyphs.

TASK: Create typeface based off anything.

DESIGN TYPOGRAPHY

As I was thinking of a person, place or thing to

TASK: Choose one of 10 projects

design a typeface based off of, I had a lot of trou-

These 10 project choices ranged from rebrand-

ble. I knew that I wanted it to be something of

ing to making a letterpress alphabet to design-

importance. Something inluential. I realized, that

ing a year. I always enjoy having a large and

I am a designer from Kansas and if I could mix

complete project to show off a range of applica-

that with something that I was passionate about,

tions, so branding seemed like a project for me.

and then I could ind my solution.

I chose to redesign the Sail Training Association

The Kauffman Foundation is a non-proit

of Germany. I chose it because I wanted to do

entrepreneur educational organization that plans

a project for an industry I knew nothing about

events, lectures, classes and helps Kansas City

and because I like to make travel focused designs.

grow in its starts ups. They have a center for per-

This project has been an amazing experi-

forming arts which hosts lecture series, shows

ence. I had one on one interviews with the orga-

and plays, and many events. This is an organiza-

nizers and still had the chance to design it how I

tion that promotes quality education for free to

wanted. I am very happy with how it turned out.

better a community. I found my inspiration.

I think it is a very convincing design for them to

Below: Milla and Kelsee posing for a photo for 52 Frames project for the subject of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forced Perspective.â&#x20AC;? Top left: Joel and Kelsee working on Astra project in the park. Top right: Final poster for Astra campaign project.

use and something that captures their brand.

the strategy and the verbiage. All within a com-

As I presented it to the clients, they loved it yet

pany’s look and feel. It wasn’t as much creative

had one issue that made it unusable. That les-

freedom since we had to keep to a speciic look,

son will last with me forever. Know your client

but it was a real company and a real project. I

well. They said that since they were a non-proit

think we all came up with great work.

organization that they could not always have/af-

I was very happy that we could create/de-

ford the high quality photographs that my design

sign the strategy behind the campaign ourselves.

required. It was an unfortunate truth, but a valu-

This game us the opportunity to have a solid

able experience.

concept. My team’s focus was to increase target audience participation. We wanted to make a

AUDIO VISUAL MEDIA

comprehensive campaign with easy to use apps,

TASK: Recreate Scene from Movie / Make

websites and voting for our technologically chal-

Demo Reel Intro

lenged target audience. Our teacher mentioned

This class was the only one with two projects,

that although there were funnier campaigns pre-

but let me tell you, I learned so much from both of

sented, our team’s had the concept that best got

them. The irst one was to create, from scratch,

the audience to interact with the brand.

a scene from a movie on his list. That means we had to do ilming and editing of green screen footage, create visual and audio effects, matte painting, lighting… everything. Luckily it was in a group, but everyone was out of their comfort zone and we learned so much. The demo reel was a fantastic chance to learn a lot about anything, and I chose to learn about after effects. I have gained this new interest in motion graphics and video production, so this was my chance. I created a motion graphics heavy countdown. The teacher was mainly there to help and I learned a lot on my own and from him.

ADVERTISING TASK: Create “lite” beer print and digital campaign for Astra. This was a very cool chance to build out an entire advertising campaign. We designed posters, apps, websites and more. We came up with

“I was very happy that we could create/design the strategy behind the campaign ourselves. ”

Below: Behind the scenes of working on the Astra campaign promotional video.

View of the second loor of the Paulusplatz.

rls

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Why Trier Became My Home at Heart by Beth Post

Although certain circumstances have changed the outcome of this article’s topic, Germany is still

an excellent place for an international student to call home. About three months into my Erasmus semester, I made the decision to speak with my professors about staying on in Trier to finish my bachelor’s thesis. Why had I decided this? Germany felt like home to me. It gave me a feeling that I cannot quite describe. Perhaps it was the open learning environment, the beautiful architecture of the city, or the overall culture Germany has to offer. Then again, maybe it was a

u rk genug? join us 6 August 18.00

“Project X” Skatehalle

combination of all of the above.

Although circumstances have changed, and I cannot remain in Trier to inish my studies, I have made strides in my decision to return upon graduation from the University of Kansas. Studying abroad has changed my outlook on what I desire to gain out of life (and school). University life, especially in Trier, is very open and allows the student to ind their path. This is a process that meshes well with my equally non-traditional expectations. Is this something of which universities from other cities and countries adhere? This is the question I have been repeatedly asking myself since attending the hochschule in Trier.

These are only some of the reasons I

Above: Astra Beer Campaign

So what exactly have I gained from my ex-

yearned to stay behind in Germany to ind my

preliminary sketches. Far left:

perience abroad? I seem to be more conident

voice as a designer. I longed to make something

Final poster using Neu Gotic-

as a designer. While at the hochschule, Profes-

of myself rather than set myself next to another

sors were there only to guide you, but it was ulti-

student in judgment. Yes, living and studying in

mately up to the designer to set their own sched-

Germany had some hurdles, but the language

ule, make their own path (illed with mistakes and

barrier certainly was not one of them. Rather, it

redos along the way), and to ine-tune their inal

was getting outside of my â&#x20AC;&#x153;boxâ&#x20AC;? of learning ide-

outcome in a professional presentation. Sure,

als and pushing myself to explore and develop

KU offers some of these factors, but in the end,

new and innovative ways of thinking. In the end,

the hochschule catered more to the individual

I think I managed to create projects showcas-

designer inding their own way. At KU, Profes-

ing my best work. I would certainly revisit some

sors set your schedule, pick your topic, and de-

of these topics and projects in favor of going

velop the foundation for your project. Yes, there

further and making more. But in the end, I am

is freedom, but your ability to fund you project is

pleased with my relationship with my experience

the limit. At the hochschule, everything is digital,

with the hochschule. I would not change this ex-

so the sky becomes the limit.

perience for anything.

type design by Beth Post.

Purchase your reusable and collapsible bottle today in Hauptmarkt. With your FONTUS bottle, you can refill your bottle at any public drinking fountain throughout Trier... for FREE!

Upper left: Examples of works in progress for Fontus. Bottom left: Sample of Nue Gotic font design. Right: Final poster concept for Packaging class.

BUSES, PLANES, & TRAINS The amount of travel via bus, train, and planes, done by the group from Kansas as a whole for the five month period.

S N AI

PLANES BU S

KELSEE

ES Travel via bus, train, and planes, done by each individual for the months March through July.

bus train plane

55 Ariel

The amount of total travel via bus, train, and planes,

Joel

Beth

Kelsee

done by each individual for the entire ive month period.

BUSES

TRAINS

PLANES

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

20 The total amount of travel via bus, train, and planes,

bus

train

plane

bus train plane

ARIEL

bus train plane

BETH

JOEL

done during the months March through July, as a group.

bus train plane

Floor signage to direct you where to go right in front of the front door at the Paulusplatz

THE TRUTH ABOUT SCHOOL IN GERMANY No, You’re Not in Kansas Anymore So you’ve spent a couple years in the University of Kansas’ design program. You’ve gotten a pretty good idea of what the work load is like. You basically say goodbye to your pillow at the beginning of the semester and you sleep like the dead after inals week. Class meets an average of two to three times a week, and you have an average of three to four projects per semester. Then you decide to try out studying abroad in Trier, Germany for a semester. School is school, and why not see a little bit of Europe while you’re at it. The irst thing you’ll discover is that Trier has summer and winter semesters rather than spring and fall semester. This basically means you’re going to get a really long winter break, and absolutely no summer break. But you agree anyway, pack up your bags for the ive months you’re going to be away, and head out at the beginning of March. Leaving early was probably the best idea you could have had. Because even though the school semester doesn’t start until the very end of March, it’ll take about three weeks to get all the oficial stuff completed.

Above: Students working in the second loor hallway. Middle left: Student workroom. Middle right: Ariel and Beth getting ready to work on projects. Bottom: Work on display in the second loor hallway. Upper right page: Beth climbing the staircase to the second loor.

About a week before lectures start, you’re going to have to pick which classes you want to be in. There are two that you have to be in to get credit for the semester you’re missing back

“Then Hogan gives you a tour around the school, and

in Kansas, and that means the other two are completely up to you. Most classes only meet

you quickly wish you never

once a week, and if you work your schedule right you’ll only have to go to class two or three days a week. And on the irst day of classes you show up bright and early to talk to Professor Hogan about what’s going to be expected of you for the semester. Behold, you are given a freshly printed sheet of seventeen different projects, and you only have to pick one to have inished by the end of the semester. Ask for clariication, but yes, you only have to pick one. And the projects range anywhere from branding, to logo design, to creating your own letterpress typeface. The second class is a little more structured, and will require you to design your own working typeface by the end, and is still only one project. Then Hogan gives you a tour around the school, and you quickly wish you never have to

have to go back to Kansas.”

Top left: Joel playing the piano. Middle left: View of the second loor Paulusplatz. Bottom left: The kitchen at the Paulusplatz. Right: View of the church across the street from the Paulusplatz.

go back to Kansas. Where the design depart back home is in the basement, in a concrete building that inspires absolutely no creativity, in Trier, design gets a whole building, called the Paulusplatz. It’s a three story building with giant windows that let is some of the most amazing natural lighting. It even has a kitchen on the second (irst if you’re talking to a German) loor. And if you had any doubt that you were studying in Germany, just take a look at the vending machines. They sell beer. And there are shot glasses in the cabinet as well as wine in the fridge. The cafeteria is actually about a block away in the fashion design building, also called the Irminenfreihof. But unlike in cafeteria’s back home, the food is actually pretty decent, with a full meal, or vegetarian and vegan options for a little over two euros. The rest of the Hochshule is up on the hill to the west, or farther east. You’ll quickly ind out that the teachers aren’t all that concerned if you miss class (for travel), that as long as you get work done by the end of the semester. And if you take into account the number of breaks and holidays that crop up throughout the semester, it never really feels like you’re going to school. This can both be really awesome, and really suck when the end of the semester inally does come around. The irst two months continue on a pretty laid back and easy going schedule. And then suddenly July is upon you and everything is due. Luckily, Hogan is a pretty laid back guy and is lexible about presentation dates. The irst week of July is the last week of lectures, but odds are you won’t have to give the presentation of your project until somewhere around the 17th of July, but it really depends on what you work out with your professors. Then everything is wrapped up. Make sure you talk to your professors and get your grades written down on your transcript. You’ll have to take that back to KU to get credit for the semester. Then pack it all up, and head out on one last great adventure around Europe before you have to head back home.

by Kelsee Evans

An old piano that sits in the main hall of the second loor of Paulusplatz.

Handpressen Type From Conception to Production by Ariel Mull

In my studies I have always been fascinated with the arts and what they have to offer. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until last fall semester that I became really interested in bookbinding and letterpress. I was able to print on a friends table top press before leaving for Germany and I instantly fell in love with the process and how you can create one of a kind pieces of work in just a matter of minuets. Setting each letter by hand and produce something that turns out just how you envisioned is very rewarding. But being able to make wood or metal type look as good as it would on screen with my hand being the tool that set it instead of a few clicks of a mouse is more than gratifying.

Once I decided that I wanted to work on the

ent types of wood that the school had available

Handpressentype project for Professor Hogan I

so I could see with would have less of a reaction

had to narrow down what type of font I wanted

with water in hopes of my type not expanding.

to design. It started off with me wanting to make

In doing this I was able to cut a few of my let-

a bolder headline font with a retro inluence. But

ters to see what size they would be produced at

as I continued on it became more reined and

and how long it would take to cut them out indi-

balanced and I ended up with a font that was a

vidually with the laser cutter. This process took

semi bold, semi condensed, slab serif that could

a lot of time and effort because I was working

potentially be used as a headline font. Hogan

with students and the woodshop teacher whom

and I spent a lot of time trying to get my cross

I had never spoken to before and some of my

bars in the correct places so that it would bal-

description as for what I wanted to do got lost in

ance out the font with out there being too much

translation. But after two weeks, two cleanings

white space in the negative space. Once I had

of the laser, ive sheets of wood, three people

my alphabet designed I had to set every letter in

and of trying to get my font physically produced

a program called Glyphs in hopes of getting the

we were inally able to get the sheets of wood

kerning correct between all of the uppercase let-

to cut properly so that I could assemble them by

ters as well as some of the punctuation and spe-

hand later. As for assembling my font by hand, it prob-

cial characters. After my font was in Glyphs I was able to

ably wasn’t the most accurate way to do this but

determine how much space I needed on each

because of time I really had no other option, be-

side of the letter so I could make the correct size

cause burning away the negative space on the

block for the letter. This was so I could print with

block for each letter would have not only taken

it without having to kern my words every time I

forever but it would have been too expensive for

set type. I then experimented with a few differ-

me to produce. So after having the blocks and

History of Letterpress With Gutenburg’s design of the printing press in the mid ifteenth century it allowed for things to be produced quickly. For more than 500 years it was the primary

Above: Poster concept with Acer font in use. Left: After prodcution and construction of Acer Slab Regular.

method of publishing and print-

quality of it because the letters

to posters, letterpress still has a

ing books and posters. However,

did not print with clarity, so that is

niche market to cater towards and

over time it became more of an

when Gutenburg started working

there are plenty of people who are

art process, with lithography and

with metal type. But the imperfec-

still trying their hand at this form of

offset printing. As for woodblock

tions in woodblock type are what

relief printing.

type, it was used in the beginning

fascinate a lot of people and it is

because it was easy to fabricate,

a quality that makes it desirable

but Gutenburg didn’t care for the

to some. From business cards

Top and bottom left: Finished product of Acer Slap Regular. Right: Acer being cut from wood.

the letters cut I measured out each block as to where I needed to set each letter then I used a wood adhesive and set each character by hand and measured as accurately as I could in hopes of having my type as straight as possible. Because of this I am very excited to print with it to see just how accurate of a job I did. From having to over come the language barrier to dealing with wood that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to cut and a laser that needed to be cleaned I feel that I made the most out of this project. I was able to produce something that I love and am very excited to print with, but also a piece that can be used in my portfolio. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more happy with the way that this project turned out and I am so glad that I took on this challenge.

Travel

Venice, Italy One of the most picturesque places in the world. Every turn has boats, canals, colorful and vibrant facades that perfectly compliment the mix of modern and antique architecture. A top choice for history, romance, photography and a good time.

edited by Joel Mann

Paris in May

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Go!!

Birthday Oreo

The Lone Traveler

Kansans, Germans and the French

The 9 Day Italian Adventure

Never Stop Celebrating

The Passover Journey

The Wonders of European Travel Warning: The following pages include stories and adventures. These stories account for the study abroad traveling of four designers out on their own. Sometime they traveled alone and sometimes together. No matter what, the memories will last forever.

Paris In May Birthday Edition: May 8-11, 2014 by Ariel Mull

Shortly after we arrived in Trier, Beth was planning on visiting Paris at the beginning of May. After finding out the travel dates I decided that I wanted to go as well because they aligning with Alex Lucas’s 21st birthday. After mentioning this to my flat mates, Harry decided that he wanted to join our adventure of Paris. However, he waited a little bit to long to book his tickets so Beth and I rode the Deutsche Bahn ICE train into Paris, and Harry would join us the following day after traveling overnight.

Paris is the “City of Love” and everyone, loves a view of the Eifel Tower twinkling at night.

Fun Facts Once we arrived Beth and I split up be-

just breathtakingly beautiful. The building along

Day 1: 14 hours of walking, 9

cause she was to spend the irst few days with

with the windows are an architectural feat for a

metro rides, 25.4 total miles, 3

a friend, so Alex got them pointed in the right

building that was built in the 13th century. Next

museums attempted to see, 10

direction and he and I were of on our own ad-

we met up with the guy from Couch Suring that

venture for the irst day. We then proceeded with

I was supposed to stay with, his lat was a block

purchasing my day passes for the Paris Metro

away from Alex’s place so it worked out well. But

and then I was able to drop off my bags at his

I came to ind out that I was going to have to stay

homestay for the day since I wasn’t meeting up

out at his Aunts place which was about a 45 min-

exploring the city, 5 sites seen

with the person from Couch Suring for a couple

ute commute into the Paris city center. I decided

3 espresso drank and 8 maca-

of hours. From there we decided to grab a cup

that I would try to spend one night there and with

roons eaten.

of Parisian coffee at Marais, and I can say that

that Alex and I left my backpack there so that we

Parisian espresso is quite delicious. From there

could continue our day.

sites seen, 2 crepes eaten.

Day 2: 5 metro rides, 13 hours

Day 3: 6 metro rides, 2 RER

we went to the Saint Paul Saint Louis Church

We made our way to the Louvre and walked

and to the Hotel de Ville. From there we made

down the Tularies until we got to the Orangerie.

our way over to Notre Dame where we took a

We wanted to spend some time relaxing inside

little walk through and got to see the architec-

because it was still raining, but sadly it was

ture from the inside. If we hadn’t walked enough

closed so we decided to walk to the Petite Pal-

already we made our way down to Saint-Michele

ais but there were closed as well. For it being a

Day 4: 2 metro rides, 1 site

square to grab crepes from Creperie Gina. I

Thursday we were slightly confused as to why all

seen, 3lbs of fresh fruit pur-

have to say 5 for a meal crepe, dessert crepe

of the museums were closed but as we made our

and a drink is the cheapest, most illing meal that

way down the Champs-Elise we saw the Arch de

I had while I was in Paris.

Triumph and it had a French lag hanging from

After lunch we went and visited Saint-Cha-

the middle and Alex then remembered that it was

pelle and the Q wasn’t very long but we still had

a public holiday. Leaving the intersection of the

to wait outside in the wind and rain for about

Arch de Triumph we set out for the Eiffel Tower

ifteen minuets before we went inside, but it was

where we viewed it from Tracedo Palais

more than worth it. The stained glass work was

Visit No. Two

artwork. Needless to say I was able to entertain my self for four hours. An in-

While in Paris, I got ot bike for a second time

teresting fact that I later learned was if

in June. With some of the major sites already

you spent one minuet with each piece

checked off my list, I was able to visit some

of artwork on display at the Louver it

new places. On my first day back in Paris, I

would take two months straight to see

spent four hours at the Louver exploring by my-

every piece of artwork and this is with-

self and taking photos with famous pieces of

out any interruptions.

rides, 1 site seen, 1 crepe, one panini eaten and 4 boxes of crack cookies purchased.

chased, and one high speed train ride home.

so it was a great place for taking pictures from

to the Louvre in hopes of spending our morning

farther way. After my necessary tourist photo-op

in there, but they wanted to charge us so we opt-

of the Eiffel Tower we made our way closer and

ed out. Instead, we slowly made our way across

walked under the massive radio tower to Point

the city to the Pompidou where we sat for awhile

Alexander III. Which is one of the most ornate

on the side just enjoying the Paris scene.

and extravagant bridges in the city, but it is also

Harry and I then met up with Alex and we

a tourist hotspot because it was the first steel

picked up lunch to go and we ate lunch in the

bridge to span the Seine. We then jumped on a

Archives. After lunch we stopped in and I bought

metro to Pink Flamingo Pizza in the Marais, fol-

some very bright macaroons before we walked

lowed by a walk back to Alex’s place along the

to Luxembourg Gardens where we had so sit

Quai of the Sine. Until we arrived at a pop up

on chairs because in a French style garden no

bar where we grabbed a drink while we waited

one is allowed on the grass. From there we went

for the Couch Surfing guy to pick me up to go

to the Invalides and visited Napoleon’s tomb.

home and go to bed.

L’Hôtel national des Invalides was used as a

As day two begins I decided that I needed

home for retired war veterans, and the Chapel of

to get a room at a hostel because the place I

Saint-Louis-des-Invalides is where Napoleon’s

was staying was too far out of the city center

tomb is located and this building is decorated

and it was not convenient. So I packed my bags

in a French Baroque style, very ornate and very

and went to meet Harry at the hostel that he was

gold. After leaving the Incalides we made our

staying at. This was my first encounter of how

way to Mount Paraness where we grabbed a

much it sucks to not have data on your phone in

drink and relaxed for a bit giving our feet a break,

a foreign county because most metro stops have

we then proceeded towards Alex’s place where

two exits and I choose the wrong one so I spent

we grabbed a beer and got ourselves ready for

a half hour walking in circles around the metro

the events of the evening.

stop trying to find the correct hostel. Once I fi-

As dinnertime was quickly approaching we

nally fount it I was able to check into the hostel

decided that we would get food from the food

and drop my things off before we headed out to

trucks and share a bottle of wine sitting down

find breakfast. We grabbed coffee and breakfast

by the Seine. (Side note: the packaging that

at a sidewalk café and enjoyed our meal outside

my food came in was molded balsa wood with

Center: Arch de Triumph had the flag

in the morning sun. We then made our way back

bamboo chopstick like things and it was bril-

hung from the center for a national holiday. Bottom Right: Harry and I at the Louvre. Bottom Left: A view of the Les Invalides which was used as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans.

liant)*. After we inished dinner we went to the Wall, but walking from the metro stop to the bar was like climbing Mount Oread, but on an awful cobblestone street in the middle of Paris. As our night came to a close we managed to get on the last two metro rides home for the evening. We dropped Alex off and then Harry and I went back to our hostel where we managed to get a good nights sleep. We woke up the next morning to a free breakfast from the hostel before we met up with Alex and Beth at the train station where Beth had seen her friend off to the airport. After we talking for a bit we decided that we were going to that the RER to Versailles and spend our morning out at the palace and the gardens. The Q at Versailles was so long it snaked around the front entrance ive times and it was raining so the boys, Harry and Alex, went to purchase tickets for Harry and Beth because they were over 26 years old so they were not able to get in for free. So Beth and I stood in the rain holding our place in line. After about 1.5 hours we got to the front and they tried to tell me that my student ID was

“make our way to the gazebo up from a Swiss school and I could not get in for free since Switzerland is not part of the European Union. But after much discussion Alex was

the hill where we finished

able to get me in for free as well with my German school ID. With Alex as our tour guide we were

our picnic”

The next morning Alex, Beth, Harry and myself met up at Rambateau where we went shopping for his birthday breakfast picnic in the park. I bought birthday breakfast wine and we made mimosas to go along with our cheeses and ba-

able to learn as much as we would have on a

guette we had also

regular tour. But as we finished our walk around

purchased for break-

the palace we discovered that they were charg-

fast. As for the picnic

ing extra that day for the gardens since they

itself

were having a private event there later that day.

with a balance in the

Since it was raining we opted out of paying the

weather, one minute

extra money to visit the gardens, but they were

the sun would be out

still green and beautiful from what I could see.

and it would be quite

struggled

After leaving Versailles we all ate lunch to-

nice and then the next

gether at a Pho place and then we decided to

it would be raining on

go home and change since we were all soaking

us. So for a while we

wet from standing in the rain at Versailles so we

kept our umbrellas close so that we could stay

split up until dinner time where we met back at

sitting with our umbrellas over our shoulder while

Gina’s Crepere and this time I got the Panini and

we continued to enjoy our picnic. As the storm

a dessert crepe which was just as delicious and

rolled in we decided to make our way to the ga-

cheap as the first time. Then the four of us went

zebo up the hill where we finished our picnic be-

to meet Alex’s friend Ellie at Mazer Bar, where

fore making our way to the train station.

we sat and watched fútball for a while before

Alex saw the three of us off to the train sta-

deciding to show Beth the wonders of The Wall,

tion as we wished him a final happy birthday and

the small, cheap bar from the night before.

we made our way back on the high-speed train back to Trier.

Top: Alex, Ariel, Beth and Harry at Verailles Palace, waiting in the Q for hours in the rain. Bottom: After visiting Notre Dame, Alex wanted to show me the beautiful stained glass at Saint-Chapelle.

EXPLORE EXPERIENCE E V O LV E NEW BACKPACKS TO STAY ORGANIZED AND TRAVEL SMARTER

Let’s A Go!! The 9-day Italian Adventure by Kelsee Evans

Almost five months ago, myself and three of my fellow Kansans set out on this great adventure that has been our study abroad in Germany. We made lists of things we wanted to do and see. Over time, plans changed, last minute things cropped up and everyone had their own individual travel experiences. But in the five months that we’ve been studying here, all four of us have never taken a trip together, and stayed together the who time. So we set out on a Tuesday and completed the now routine song and dance that is getting to Frankfurt Hahn airport. The bus was predictably ten minutes late, but luckily we’ve learned from past experience and had plenty of time before our flight departed. The plane didn’t get into Venice until 10pm,

The unbelievable facade of the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

Venice and after both a bus and taxi ride, we arrived at

That night we met some great friends from

All of the gondola rides are 80

the campground where we’d be staying. Only to

Australia and Barcelona over the Netherlands vs

euros for half an hour. If you

ind that we’d booked for the days we’d be in

Argentina game. In the morning they’d join us

don’t have six people this can

Rome and not Venice. It worked out, mostly for

for breakfast in our cabin before we had to clear

be pretty expensive. We found

the better, because we ended up in a four per-

out and move to a much smaller cabin and tent.

son cabin, complete with kitchen, fridge, and it’s

Once we’d all made it to the island we did some

own bathroom. We dropped our bags and ran

geocaching before hopping on a boat tour of the

to the community area of the campsite to inish

three islands around Venice: Morano, Torcello,

it visited three islands (Mora-

watching Germany beat Brazil World Cup game.

and Borano. On Morano, we were giving a short

no, Torcello, Borano). In Mo-

For the irst day, we made full use of our

glass blowing demonstration and then time to

rano, there was a glass blowing

kitchen and ixed a illing breakfast before catch-

explore the mostly empty streets of the smaller

demonstration and in Borono

ing the bus and heading over the the island of

island. Torcello appeared to be more of a park

there was a lace demonstra-

Venice. We were immediately taken in by the

like island, with not much to offer besides some

city. The streets were winding mazes and you

historical building. Borano was the clear winner

never knew what you were going to run into just

in the beauty contest. Every building was painted

around the corner, but there was a 90% chance

a different bright color. Apparently this was origi-

been. Overall, we found this to

it was photo worthy.

nally done so the isherman coming home could

be a much better deal than the

Between the canals, signature gondolas,

spot their house easily in the dark, and it is now

gondola rides.

and the beautiful views across the water, the

illegal to paint your house a different color from

whole city felt like a living post card. We spent

what it originally was. After our boat tour we went

the majority of the day running around, cameras

out to eat at a local kosher restaurant, and by

ready to aim, and just exploring the crazy and

the end of our meal the sidewalk we’d used was

beautiful island. By evening, the clouds had

underwater. We managed to get catch the last

rolled back in and we were chased back to the

bus leaving the island.

campsite by the rain.

Camping

in Venice is a amazing. Don’t expect for great internet or amenities, but rather to meet great

We had such a fun time staying a campsite

people, live within nature and to pay very little.

on the mainland of Venice. We made friends,

The cost for a tent is around $13 a night. We

watched world cup games, and just had a

had upgraded our room to a cabin which meant

unique experience. If you are someone who is

we had our own shower, kitchen, and enough

okey with roughing it a little bit, then camping

beds for all four of us. Definitely a memorable experience.

4.5 hour a boat ride four 20 euros a piece. In those 4.5 hours,

tion. These were the most picturesque places we have ever

The next morning, after some false starts trying to find a way to Florence, we managed to find the right train that took us to the bus station. We ran into a group of students who had been studying in the Netherlands were making the same trip from Venice, to Florence and on to Rome as we were. Finally the bus arrived, we were able to buy tickets from the driver and were on our way to Florence.

Left: A beautiful overview of the city of Venice, Italy From Saint Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral. Top: The

Florence: The City to Live In. After a rocky start, trying to track down the place that the Venice to Florence bus left from, we were on our way south.

beautiful Island of Borono of the Island of Venity, Italy. Right: Of the many attractions and views in Venice, Italy, the gondolas are some of the top. Bottom: Cars in Europe are all smaller

We made a quick stop in Bologna, and about five hours af-

and more eicient. Here is a truck made for the

ter the start of our trip, we arrived... somewhere. Unlike all the

alleys and side streets of Florence.

other stops weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d seen, the Florence stop on the side of a highway, next to a fruit stand, and about six kilometers from the actual city of Florence. Us Kansans and about eleven other strangers marched down the side of the highway before we

found a city bus stop that would hopefully take us into the city. Once the bus arrived, we discovered he had no tickets to sell and we were told to buy them at the next stop. Only to ind that there was nowhere to buy tickets there either. Not for the irst time Joel’s phone came in handy and we managed to ind a bus schedule. Two other girls, who were traveling around Europe, tagged along with us on our adventure to get to where we needed to go. And after a really long, and stressful day of traveling and getting lost, we inally found the apartment we’d be staying in. We quickly settled in for the rest of the day, and made our plans for the next day. The next morning, as Joel headed off to Shabbat service, us girls took off to explore the city. We hit the Duomo and found the Gates of Paradise half under scaffolding, before walking through the leather goods market. The market was cool, but there were really only three or four different kinds of stalls and all the others were variations there of, and countless Italian vendors offering “Special price! Just for you!” and “Beautiful prices

“we decided it was a good idea to jump in some for beautiful ladies.” Yeah. They weren’t subtle at all. We had a picnic next to the Santa Maria Novella church. Then after seeing the Ponta Veccio

rain puddles and dance on

where they were showing the game. Despite the ground seating, we finally got to see Germany beat Argentina and won the World Cup.

and some more wandering around the city, we met back up with Joel and went of a free walk-

in, we had a couple of Italians show us to a park

the way home!”

Rome: The City of History and Food

ing tour of Florence, which pretty much took us around to see all the things we’d seen that day.

Our departure from

We also discovered that the Sandeman’s tours

Florence was by far

spoiled us as far as free tours go. Afterwards, we

much more orga-

stopped to get some gelato before checking out

nized. And before

a library lounge area that had a beautiful view of

too long we were on

the Duomo. That night, after meeting some guys

a train headed for

from Norway at a bar called the Lion’s Fountain,

Rome. Once in the

we had a good time at a club not far away. We

historic city we made

briefly lost Beth, then we decided it was a good

a very long, muggy

idea to jump in some rain puddles and dance on

walk to the place where we’d be staying. It

the way home. We arrived at four in the morning.

wasn’t exactly what we expected upon arrival,

Joel and I spent the morning using the hair

but the bed & breakfast had a nice rooftop patio

dryer to dry out our soaked shoes (Note to Self:

that made up for most of it. The rest of the day

Don’t jump in puddles with shoes on that you

was spent making plans for the following days

want to wear the next day). We managed to

and watching Gladiators, because when in

make it out of the apartment by noon, and head-

Rome... We spent some time talking the owner

ed back into the city. We took a look at the fake

of the bed & breakfast, who seemed extremely

David outside the Uffizi Museum before head-

bored. We discovered that the city had been try-

ing across the river to try and find a vegan res-

ing to expand their currently inadequate metro

taurant. After a brilliant question posed by Beth

lines to a third line, but ran into Roman ruins and

concerning whether the place was even open,

had to stop. Go figure.

we ended up turning around and finding a differ-

Bright and early the next morning we were

ent cafe to go to. After lunch we headed across

headed out to see the Colosseum. After wading

the river, and up the hill to see the look over Flor-

through more tourists than we’d run into at any

ence. Another fake David greeted us and we got

other site previously, we were directed to the Ro-

some amazing photos of the city. That night we

man Forum to pick up our tickets. The weather

failed to find a bar to watch the World Cup game Top: San Marco Plaza, Venice, Italy Bottom: At Campsite Hostile, Joel enjoys pasta and tomatoes out of his Kosher pans.

Top-Right: Jewish Synagogue of Rome. Bottom-Right: Oldest original alley way of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. Dating back to the late 1800s. Bottom-Left: The crew just hanging out over a canal in Torcello of the islands of Venice, Italy.

had decided to clear up, but what we were left

We got gelato, fried artichokes, fries with a doz-

have bars and parties all week long. After some

with was extremely hot, intense sun. But Joel

en different sauces to dip them in. As we tried to

searching, and almost giving up, we managed to

managed to ind a guy selling bottles of ice that

head home, we discovered why the Roman bus

ind the place which was basically a long line of

helped us beat the heat. Our touring continued

system was not highly recommended. We were

back to back open air bars. But seeing as the

back to the Colosseum. The night before we’d

packed in like sardines to the point that most of

menus were pricey and we were nearing the end

downloaded a free walking tour of the Colos-

us didn’t even need to hold onto a support bar

of our trip we didn’t stay for more than a drink.

seum and decided to listen to that instead of

to stay standing upright, others were using the

And after a failed attempt to ind a club (on a

paying for the guided tours. After we’d explored

support bar to keep themselves from sitting in a

Tuesday night), we headed home.

the place top to bottom, and reenacted select

stranger’s lap. We could not have gotten off of

Wednesday dawned bright and scorching,

scenes from Gladiators, we headed towards the

that bus sooner. That night after taking a break,

and found us at the Vatican City. We visited St.

Jewish part of the city. Joel was like a kid in a

we headed back out in search of a cool area of

Peters Basilica and chilled on the steps to eat

candy store at all the kosher food possibilities.

town we’d heard about that was supposed to

lunch. Afterwards, we walked by Castle Saint

Top: Jewish Synagogue of Rome. Second row right: From the top of Montjuïc, we had a beautiful view of the Magic Fountains in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Second row-left: The Rome public transportation. Second Row: Breakfast party in Venice. Bottom: The crew just hanging out on the town in Rome.

Angelo, before heading back towards Rome proper. We stopped for tiramisu and a canole to share. tThe Spanish Steps was ur next stop, which was meeting site for the free walking tour.. The tour was much better than the one we took in Florence. We visited a church with the world’s largest optical illusion making you think the ceiling was more curved than it was and that an unfinished portion was actually a dome. We visited the Pantheon. Then discovered, to our absolute dismay, that the Trevi Fountain was under restoration and therefore completely covered in scaffolding, and drained of water. Scaffolding. The bane of any traveler’s existence. After our tour, we headed back to the Jewish block for dinner. We each ordered a different entree and dessert so we could share. Everything was absolutely delicious. Before we headed back, we decided to pop back by the Colosseum to get some night photography. Then we were back at the bed & breakfast and packing for our ridiculously early morning departure. At the ungodly hour of four a.m. we managed to get ourselves up and mostly presentable. We caught our metro train to take us to the bus station that would then take us to the airport we’d be leaving from. And so at last, after our wine was confiscated as well as our olive oil, our Italian adventure came to an end as we got on a plane headed back to Germany.

TRAVELOMETER Welcome to the Travelometer. Follow the European adventures of Kelsee, Joel, Beth and Ariel as we measure the places they went during their Study Abroad. This leads us to question how much was actual studying compared to how much abroad. You can be the judge.

14 13

Joel Mann

Kelsee Evans Numberof Cities Visited

Favorite City

Favorite Resturaunt Radost FX, Prague

Cheapest Trip

Dusseldorf

Frankfurt

Most Expensive Trip

Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome)

Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris

Most Cities Visited in One Trip.

Berlin

CatBar

Augustiner Braustuben, Munich

Cheapest Trip

Kaiserslaughten

Munich

Most Expensive Trip

5 City Trip (Berlin, Warsaw, krakow, Warclaw, Prague)

Liverpool

Amsterdam Dusseldorf

Frankfurt Trier

Paris

Favorite Resturaunt

Trier

Utrect Lux

London

Liverpool

Venice, Italy La Boule Rouge (Tunisian Cuisine), Paris

Favorite City

Strausbourg, France

Favorite Resturaunt

Ariel Mull

Beth Post

Favorite City

Berlin Venice Florence

Ošwi cim Trier

Krakow Prague

Trier Rome

Amsterdam Barcelona Berlin Cochem Düsseldorf Florence Kaiserslautern Krakow London Luxembourg Monaco Nice Oświęcim Paris Prague Pula Rome Sarrbrucken Utrecht Venice Warcław Warsaw

Amsterdam Antwerp Barcelona Berlin Brussels Cochem Florence Frankfurt London Luxembourg Paris Prague Rome Strassbourg Venice

Barcelona Berlin Cochem Colonge Dusseldorf Florence Hamburg Luxembourg Paris Prague Pula Rome Venice

Amsterdam Barcelona Bruges Cochem Cologne Dusseldorf Florence Ghent Liverpool London Luxembourg Munich Paris Prague Pula Rome Utrecht Venice

The creative and passion illed artists of Berlin show of thier graphiti skills and lighten up the city.

PASSOVER MANNVENTURE I was a slave and now I am free... roam Europe The date is Friday, April 11th and I am still getting used to this crazy new home called Trier, Germany. The funny thing is, I’ve been here for a month and only been in Trier for one weekend. This is my new life. I travel often, I study on occasion, I relax constantly and my social life is my life. So I am sitting here on a train, one train of many legs of this wild exploration. This is, and will be, the longest trip here in Europe for me. It will encompass three countries, three cities and a total of 18 days. Welcome to the Passover holiday adventure. To start off, here is a quick explanation of the why. For those who don’t know, I am a religious Jew. I take that to mean I take the laws of Holidays, Kosher and Shabbat very seriously, in addition to many other aspects of Judaism. The holiday of Passover is an eight-day holiday that celebrates and recounts the Jewish exodus of Egypt thousands of years ago. Today, that means numerous large and length meals, with lots of meaningful foods and prayers. You may have heard of Matzah, a cardboard like, tasteless cracker sometimes referred to as “the bread of affliction,” and for good reason… it’s taste. Part of the holiday requires us not to work and to go to synagogue and pray. So I am traveling to Jewish communities around Europe to celebrate.

The journey starts out with the Shabbat, day of rest, before Passover, which I am headed to Frankfurt to spend it with friends I’ve met from previous weekends to Frankfurt.

Berlin, Germany Berlin is a wonderful city rich with of cutlure and history. The city is become

Friday, April 11 Hosted by Rav Dovid Once I arrived to Frankfurt, I met up with Mendel (friend from Frankfurt) and Nathaniel (from Saar-

the electronic music capital of the world

brucken) and Walked around Frankfurt. We saw

and one of the top cities in Europe to visit.

some amazing malls, shopping area and saw

They embrace the history and create art

quite entertaining Street performers.

and more culture out of it. For example, the remainder of Berlin wall was used cr`eated artwork. Over 100 artists were commissioned to interpret what commu-

Shabbat started around 7:00pm and I went to the main synagogue for prayers and my first dinner… Ya, I ate multiple dinners that night. Din-

nism ment to them. Its like walking back

ner at the synagogue is always fun and interest-

into history and viewing what it would

ing because of the random group of people who

have been like with freedom of speech.

are there. Maybe around 30 people for dinner, mainly the Chabad families. I then went to “double dip” and have second Shabbat dinner at Rav Dovid’s. Since the kitchen was the only room that wasn’t cleaned for Passover, we squished in to a table in the kitchen. We hung out, ate schnitzel, beef/tomato/cabbage soup, and yummy challah. That dinner started around 11pm and ended around 3am. Always a good time, and always accompanied by some L’chaims (cheers, prost, nastravi… alcohol).

Saturday, April 12 Hosted by Rav Dovid WWI woke up and made it, eventually, to synagogue and met an awesome guy named Dennis. He is studying to be a doctor. He invited me to his home for lunch with his family and it was a very nice meal. Not nice in a fancy sort of way, but that it was very a raw and real family. They just treated me like apart of it and didn’t act any differently, so I got to see their real family. The afternoon was filled with some reading, napping, walking around and eating more food.

Saturday night came around and we walked around Frankfurt. It was definitely a beautiful night to be out and about. We saw the Frankfurt world’s fair building, went to a hookah bar. It just goes to show that you can have an amazing time doing nothing to crazy, as long as the people you are with are quality people.

Left: Germany is a leader in renewable energy, mainly Solar and Wind. Top and Bottom: 5 stories up on top of a mall in Fankfurt, Germany is a host to a playground, large chess set, garden and much more.

Sunday, April 13 Hosted by Chabad of Berlin Frankfurt is not the most exciting city in Europe, but like all cities in Europe, it has history. We went to Jewish Museum, the Jewish cemetery, and dinosaur museum and learned quite a lot from these experiences. As expected, the history was quite bloody and unfortunate, but this is our world and it is our history, whether I was involved or not. After getting some lunch, I got on the train and made my way to Berlin. I will be spending

the whole holiday of Passover in Berlin. I have

I made it to berlin around 9pm, then around

been planning this trip for a while, yet without

11pm to the synagogue. I would like to send

success of any conirmation of my plans. I guess

a special thank you shout out to T-Mobile and

you can say that I will be traveling on faith that

their amazing global plan, which has allowed

everything will work out.

me to use my 2gb of data and GPS all around

Although traveling alone can be quite nerve-

Europe. Without my phone, I would be still be

racking, I like it for the people I meet. I met a cool

lost and confused in Berlin. Thanks to my apps,

girl who studies in berlin, dates a guy in Nether-

I made my way to the synagogue Now, Jews in

lands and was just spent two or three hours just

Europe and especially Germany, are very protec-

talking. We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep in touch or anything, but

tive in terms of safety. Many main synagogues

to have a nice travel companion is wonderful.

have high security, Berlin was no different. 24/7

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Top: The East Side Gallery is one of the last portions of the Berlin Wall left. Over 100 artists were asked to take a portion of the wall and create artwork on it. Second row-Left: German countryside. Second row-Right: Frankfurt central train station. Bottom: One of Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sqauting camps.

armed guard, double locked doors, cameras, metal detector and all. I felt pretty protected. On the other hand, It was creepy being in a synagogue by myself at night, but there were two apartments in the basement. I will say that I’ve been very blessed to stay at homes everywhere I have been, but it was re-

“the government gave us a police escort the entire way home, a 2 hour walk! Two

ally nice to not be a guests of someone, to have my own room, shower, fridge and just a place that is mine for a bit. I met the two guys in the room next to me, showered and went to sleep.

Monday, April 14 Hosted by Chabad of Berlin This day was focused on inding kosher food for myself, walking around the area (a suburb of berlin), getting ready for Passover. The irst Seder (Passover meal) was at a 5 star hotel in the middle of Berlin. Fun fact that I found out pretty late in the game… its a 2 hour walk back! Since Passover is like Shabbat, the irst two day and last two days we can’t drive, or use money, or take the bus or what not (especially since we left the hotel from the Seders at 2am). At the Seder, we went through the normal

cops and a van.”

stuff, 4 cups of wine, reading the story of the exo-

was accompanied by naps and repeat.

dus, eating weird foods together. But this was

I did have the chance to go eat meals at

different. There were around 350 people in this

many amazing families’. One in specific was hav-

room, the Rabbi (who by the way is my Rabbi

ing the second Seder at Rabbi Tiechtels. His

(Rabbi Zalman of KU)’s brother!) Did an amazing

family is so welcoming and warm. And, like his

job running the show in a huge room without a

brother (My Rabbi at KU), he gives everyone his

microphone or anything!

attention and surrounds himself by the most in-

So I was at a table with a bunch of people who don’t speak English and one other guy who,

credible people. Like the first Seder, it was a long and yummy night.

get this, is an American Jew, studying abroad in Germany! We hit it off so quickly and lets just say, we didn’t just drink 4 cups of wine ;). Our table got along so well and even with the language barriers. We used hand motions, lifting of our cups, smiles and other techniques to communicate and it was wonderful! 2 am came around and we were the last table there except Rabbi Yehuda Tiechtell’s family. We got ready to go and started to leave. I then noticed that we were being followed by two big guys and trailed by a police van. I asked someone what was going on. They said “Since Rabbi Tiechtel is an important person in Berlin, the government gave him a police escort the entire way home, 2 hours! Psh, awesome!

Thur-Sat, April 17-19 Hosted by Chabad of Berlin/Bieler Family The two days between the first Yom Tov (two days with the Seders) and Shabbat were focused on myself. I spend one day with my favorite tour company, Sandeman’s New Europe. I have learned a tremendous amount about history of Europe and how each city has been affected by some of the biggest events. Berlin was an important place to take this tour since it was a cornerstone of World War II and Hitler’s regime. I was happy that the tour did not only focus on World War II, but thousands of years of History. My second tour with them was the “alternative Berlin tour,” where I saw the modern, artistic, cultural and darker underbelly of the city.

Top: Just a random mall in Frankfurt, that happened to be stunning. Middle: My roomate, Berni shows of his favorite record shop and their stairs of stickers. Bottom: Some examples of typography and graphiti of the old and new Berlin

I have come up with a theory that you can

Tue/Wed, April 15-16 Hosted by Chabad of Berlin

get a very wide understanding of a city by taking

These two days were great in a different way.

just two tours with the company.

There was lots of relaxing and the usual Passover

Spending Shabbat by the Beiler’s was very

celebrations. That means tons of praying, lots of

unique. Mr. Beiler’s family is and always has been

eating huge meals with lots people. For me, that

living in Germany. As a Jewish family, that is very

unique. I wasn’t too eventful, but rather just a

in Berlin in which every entrance has 5-10 peo-

more appropriate to fly, sometimes to bus and

nice Shabbat with a nice family and in wonderful

ple trying to sell weed. To my understanding, it

sometimes to train. It depends on time, money,

little community in Berlin.

is illegal in Berlin, but the police don’t take it to

availability and convenience. A bus or train from

I met a lot of people who offered to host

seriously. To me drugs and art/grafiti go hand

Berlin to Paris would be 10+ hours and would

me for meals or sleeping. I unfortunately already

in hand. The grafiti culture in Berlin is amazing,

only save 30-40 euros.

booked a hostel, but all places I stayed besides

historic, education and cultural. A must see.

the Hostal, I was unsure of its conirmation until a day or two before I arrived. Oy.

I found out that my friend, Sarah, who was

My last days in Berlin were nice. It was also

my host in Paris, wasn’t going to be home when I

the last day of Passover. So I got to say my good-

got there. I was told that her father and brothers would be. That made me nervous.

Sun-Wed, April 20-23 Hosted by Hostel Today I got the chance to meet up

“Rabbi Teichtel gives ev- What if they don’t speak English? eryone his attention and

with my friend Aaron Gonsher. He is the nephew of a very good family friend and Rabbi of mine back in Kansas. We walked around and talked. I love to do that, if you haven’t

surrounds himself by the

What if they aren’t welcoming or are awkward or rude? Well my fears went away quickly once I arrived and they welcomed me in and we hung out, and had a

most incredible people.”

great time. We ordered kosher burgers and fries and had a guys night

noticed. But I learned about him and what he

byes and eat some non-Passover food, yummy.

likes about Berlin. He is working at a music stu-

But I made some nice friends while in Berlin and

dio helping with booking and organizational parts

I learned a lot about the different communities in

of the business. I saw the East side gallery and

Berlin and traditions that those Jews have.

until Sarah got back. Fun times.

Thursday, April 24 Hosted by Sarah Lacombe

After the holiday ended I went to the air-

Thursday, a wonderful day for tourism. Two tours

I also saw a very interesting side of Berlin:

port and took a light from Berlin to Paris. Every

from Sandemens, met cool people. Sarah was

The drug side. There is a popular park to go to

part of the trip is a little different. Sometimes its

cool enough to join as a tourist even though she

some cool parks and areas around Berlin.

just buy any food I want. Fortu-

especially hard since I was not

Passover Goodies

natly, I got used to buying fruits

with family, so having those foods

During Passover there are so

and veggies. It was actually a treat

really brought me back home to

many rules and restrictions. This

to get some of those traditional

them. I will suggest, in my per-

translates to very interesting, spi-

passover foods. Those treats like

sonal oppinion, the passover pan-

cific and iconic foods. These rules

Israeli pickles and questionably

cakes are delicious.

also means that I cannot go to into

good cookies have a great place

any grocery store or restuarnt and

in my heart. This Passover was

“I was still unsure of its confirmation until a day or two before I arrived. Oy”

Left: In one of the warehouse districts of Berlin, I found this amazing bench.Top: The glass pyramids at the Louvre. Right: The unbelievable Chabad House of Berlin. 24 hours armed security. Ya, don’t mess with them.

lives there. She said that she learned a lot and will now be able to teach others. Notre Dam De Paris, The Lourve, castles, museums, bridges architecture… so beautiful! I will add though, a big part of my tourist experience in Paris is the kosher food. That day I had the best falafel that I’ve ever had, and that’s coming from someone who lived in Israel for a year. That night we also went out and had amazing pizza right down the street from her place. 4 cheese pizza with spicy oil on top, Im hungry just thinking about it.

Fri/ Sat, April 25 & 26 Hosted by Sarah Lacombe We woke up and I had the chance to learn from a Parisian, how to make a French breakfast. Crepes with nutella and baguettes with butter, OMG so amazing. We went around the town, got ready and left to go to her university for a Shabbaton (or a Shabbat weekend planned with events and speakers and catered food). Again, I was nervous about the language barrier and the fact that these students were studying to be doctors and engineers. I’m but a simple designer! But I was pleasantly surprised and made many friends. All the meals were delicious and my new friends taught me new games,

Left row: The beautiful “Oath of The Horatii” by Jacques-Louis David. Personal Favorite Second row: A hilarious watch store. Third Row: Classic German candy booth. Bottom: On top of the hill is the beautiful Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. Right PageThe grey, cold, eary Haulocaust Memorial of Berlin, Germany. a place of confusion, awe, fear, discomfot and memories.

and included me in everything. Wonderful!

sturaunt! OMG SO GOOD! Spicy sausages,

We stayed up until 4am playing board

couscous, beef and sauce for it all oh and a start

games, card games, eating and talking. A won-

of amazing Tunisian fish. Wow. A feast for kings.

derful Shabbat.

There are many things I’ve learned about

Saturday was a simple day. Prey, eat,

traveling by myself for 18 days over holidays, in

games, pool (play, not swim) and repreat. The

stranger’s homes, friend’s couches and Syna-

nice part about Saturday was after Shabbat

gogue apartments. It boils down to a phrase

ended. My new friend Naomi invited everyone to

my father taught me: 10% is what happens to

her home for a party in which I got see everyone

you and 90% is how you react. There are many

in a new way. Not just with some drinks, but in

chances for me to have a terrible time, but It was

the middle of Paris and in partying clothes as op-

an amazing trip which I had a blast and did it

posed to nice Shabbat clothes.

all by myself. I had to learn how to get around, communicate without language, become apart of

Sunday, April 27 Hosted by Sarah Lacombe First off, I’d like to say that its amazing to spend time with someone you barely know (Sarah) and spend 5 days and be able to talk and have a good time, the entire time together! That’s a lot of time to talk and spend with someone. A huge thanks to her for her hospitality. From the moment I got there she had plans, ideas, fun things

families I don’t know and be new in new comminutes. My final lesson and words of advice is this: A trip is as good as the people you are with. If you are by yourself, then you must create those opportunities, find the fun and find the people. The hardest part is to learn to be comfortable and happy by you. It is not for everyone. But those who can hand it have the potential for amazing adventures.

to do and places to go to. My last day consisted of packing, buying baguettes and eating at a Kosher Tunisian Re-

by Joel Mann

Inside of Antoni Gaudiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, can be found some beautiful colors, shapes and architecture, all derived form nature.

Birthday Oreo Never Stop Celebrating by Beth Post

Welcome to the midpoint event of the Erasmus semester in Trier! Joel Mann and Beth Post have come to the realization that they share something not uncommon in general, only unique within the small group of KU students abroad: their birthdays are only two days apart. But what could this possibly mean? International celebrations abound! (Of course.) The only possible solution is the celebrate something called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;birthday oreo.â&#x20AC;? What exactly is a birthday oreo? The definition of the term can only be explained in two ways. First, the general explanation is that of when two birthdays are found to be two days apart (with no reserve as to the distance in years). In this consideration, the oreos represent the birthdays and the cream filling is none other than the day be-

Antoni Gaudi was highly inluencial in the achitecture and landscape of Barcelona. His work can be seen all throught this region of Spain.

105

Hostel 360 tween them. The second explanation of the dei-

all shared laughs and an abundance of games

After staying in a less than ac-

nition can be found in the following article. Join

of Tischkicker (foosball). Nearly shutting the bar

ceptable hostel in Amsterdam, I

us on this grand 2014 birthday oreo celebration:

down, we all went our separate ways with dif-

was not so keen to try my hand

European edition.

ferent levels of excitement for our Barcelona ad-

at inding an acceptable hostel

If two individuals are to celebrate a birthday oreo, what pray tell, is the best way? (Being situ-

venture we were about to embark upon in the coming hours.

(let alone an inexpensive one) that would please myself and

ated in the center of Europe, anything becomes

Rising early and making our way to the train

possible.) Several options can include the hop-

station for the Meinfernbus bus stop, the air was

three other travelers. Based

ping upon a plane or a train for some amazing

illed with excited conversation and overjoyed

on reviews from HostelWorld.

adventure abroad. With inexpensive travel with-

behavior. Our birthdays were going to be spec-

com, I opted to give 360 Bar-

in most parts of the continent, this is far from

tacular! After the one hour bus ride to Frankfurt

celona a go. Boy were we im-

a stretch of the imagination. After a short-lived

Hahn airport, we found ourselves jumping on a

pressed! This overall experi-

search online paired with eager passports, tick-

plane to Spain. All four of us were thrilled at the

ets for Barcelona were acquired for the KU stu-

prospect of what this group trip had to offer. In-

dents, as well as one Erasmus student form Por-

cluded in the group was Beth Post, Joel Mann,

tugal. We were bound for Barcelona! Planned

Kelsee Evans, and Portuguese student Beatriz

we had access to an enormous

and booked just one month prior, Barcelona was

St. Aubyn, as we were meeting Ariel, who had

kitchen equipped to be three,

a steal for 19,99 each way. Why wouldn’t you

already arrived days earlier. Save for Beatriz,

and plenty of bathroom/show-

spring at this amazing offer?

ence was out-of-this world. Aside from individual lockers,

none of us had visited this cultural center, yet it

er space. Highly highly recom-

We started the irst half of the oreo on the

was certainly at the top of most of our destination

mend revisiting Barcelona and

day before our departure on our Barcelona ad-

lists. Barcelona has beaches, art, Gaudi, Gaudi,

ventures. This irst day was Joel’s birthday, so

Gaudi. What more could a design student want?

in celebration of the beginning of this choco-

We would be surrounded by vibrant color, cul-

lately treat, we gathered a group of our new

ture, history, architecture, and… art of course.

Trier friends to venture over to our favorite lo-

First stop on this oreo train was the hostel

cal bar Simplicissimus, Simple (with a “z” for

we were to call our own for the next few nights.

short). Within the conines of this small bar, we

Beatriz had forewarned us that Barcelona was

staying in 360 Barcelona.

Cat Bar Cat

of Catalunya / Barcelona? Either

quite the selection of craft beer.

Feature Restaurant

way, our interest was piqued! And

Getting the sampler, each of us

With a list of vegan options to fit

with a name like that, we HAD to

joining had the option to try all of

our Jewish traveler’s needs, we

try it. After a short wait, we were

the beers with a side of an amaz-

saw a burger bar by the name of

seated to select the most amazing

ing burger and fries! They had

Cat Bar Cat. What exactly does

vegan burger options and sides

crazy beers from ginger beer to

this mean? Is it like the Paris bars

(including an ah-mazing garlic

jalapenos beer. Each had its own

that have actual cats hanging

vegan mayonnaise). As a side,

unique flavor and everyone had

around? Or is it an abbreviation

Cat Bar Cat was noted as having

their own favorite.

cheap, but we certainly weren’t prepared for just how cheap it actually is (outside of the tourist attractions). Our hostel was immaculate; which was surprising due to the low daily prices. How is this possible? Were we staying in a “bad” area or was it one that had low tourist traffic? Either way, wherever you stay in Barcelona, it’s just a short Metro ride to anywhere. In fact, we were prompted to purchase the quite helpful 10-ride pass that could easily be shared among the five of us. Saving a bit of cash from this discovery, we often opted to enjoy a croissant or a cup of espresso. After settling in our hostel and securing our belongings, our stomachs fought for attention and won. Left: From the top of Montjuïc, we had

Referring to the suggestive powers of Yelp we were

a beautiful view of the Magic Fountains

able to locate a Kosher-friendly restaurant within

in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Right:

close proximity to our hostels, one which offered a

The beautiful inside of the La Sagrada

strictly vegan/vegetarian menu with a twist of craft

Familia. Bottom: During our wonderful beach day, the four of us made sure to enjoy the sun and mojitos.

beer. But that wasn’t where the party started. It started on the second half of the oreo, Beth’s birthday. We went for a night out on the town, a night that will not soon be forgotten. The Barcelona excursion ended with a bit of relaxation and mojittos at the beach. The beautiful sun, the wonderful friends and the sandy beaches. Although venturing out in Barcelona was quite a trip, it was not necessarily the end of our oreo. The birthday oreo could not have been as great without the amazing people. We shared our birthdays with wonderful new friends we had made in Trier, as well as with the short term acquaintances in Barcelona. Birthday Oreo 2014 was easily the best birthday ever, thus far.

107

“Beatriz had forewarned us that Barcelona was THUR.15

cheap, but we certainly

Normal Trier ight on the town

FRI.16 Pre-Birthday Shabbat Dinner

SAT.17

TUE.20 Celebrations at Simples. Joel’s Birthday

WED.21 Pre-Birthday Shabbat Dinner

THUR.22 Night out on the town and tourist day Beth’s Birthday

FRI.23 Birthday Beach day

SAT.24 TUE.27 WED.28 celebrations in Trier

THUR.29 Trier fun at the Palace Gardens

FRI.30 Post birthday Shabbat dinner celebrations

SAT.31

weren’t prepared for just how cheap it actually is.”

Social

Trier, Germany Our inal rooftop Shabbat dinner, with all of our amazing friends from Trier.

edited by Ariel Mull

Staying Connected

From Munich to Liverpool

World Cup Whirlwind

Social Media, the Life Saver Abroad

A travel across countries connected by roller derby.

Opinions from Around the World

Martinskloster-4 Four friends, Four diferent countries

3 Girls, 1 Guy

The only Guy in a group of Crazy Girls

Social Butterflies Over the past ive months we traveled for events, holidays and friends. and With our friends from KU by our sides and our new friends from around the world we experienced new and exciting places and things. From unique clubs and bars to some delicious eats we traveled and exploited every part of Europe that we ventured to. Overall, we traveled and had a blast doing it while we were studying abroad.

Staying Connected Social media can be a life saver abroad. by Joel Mann

T-mobile? Orange? Whatsapp? Viber? Facebook Messenger? Texting? Every month, new apps and forms of communication come out. It is too much. The question is: how in the world do you stay connected without going crazy. When traveling through Europe and studying abroad you may get overwhelmed. Here are the top forms of communication and what they are good for. The best advice I can give you, is to have TMobile. They have a global plan unlike any other. If you have tmobile already, all you do is call them or go to their store and tell them you are going abroad and want the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Global Plan.â&#x20AC;? It is free. The plan is that you use your current data plan all over Europe!

113

FACEBOOK MESSANGER

Facebook Messanger is a great way to communicate with

Whatsapp is gold. It is a very popular app among Europeans.

both old friends and new. Most everyone has Facebook and

Not only can you use it with data or with wii, but you can

can access it from either the computer and phone. Hidden

have group chats, send pictures, see when people sent or

secret. If you use Facebook on your phone and download the

saw messages and make groups to keep in touch. Also, if

faecbook messenger, you can call someone for free using

you are using an American phone number, it may be the only

it. The must be on their phone, but it is free! Its just a little

way you can actually text them. Lastly, it uses very little data,

phone button on the top-right of the screen

which may be a precious commodity when traveling.

SKYPE

SNAPCHAT

Best use of skype is video chatting. Pretty self explanatory,

Let’s be honest, this is an amazing form of communication.

but that’s the best way, I have found, to communicate and

It is no more than a fun way to send pics and videos to each

keep in touch with friends and family back home. A warning

other on the ly. The my story feature is a great way of posting

though, don’t use skype unless you are on wii. It takes up a

pictures that everyone can see and follow your newst 24-

huge amount of data.

hour adventure. Only issue is that it takes up some data.

iMESSAGE

VIBER

The mode of communication is fantastic... for those who have

This less common app, is wonderful for wii or data calling. If

iPhones that is. Since not everyone has an iPhone, I would

you put money on it, you can call any phone around the world

suggest using less forms of communication and choose how

for very cheap (compared to other companies or calling cards.

you communicate with most people. Whatsapp is a good

No need though, because if the person you are calling has

choice for that.

viber, its free! Lastly, you can download it on your laptop and send messages and call from your laptop.

Final suggestions:

General Tips & Ideas

Use Whatsapp for all texting of people in Europe. Facebook for

If you have data, for your own sake, put your phone on airplane mode

friends back home. Skype for video chats. Viber for calling. Avoid

when you don’t need data. It will save your battery like crazy and your

regular phone calling altogether. Avoid regular phone texting al-

data. Plus you can still connect to wifi if you are on airplane mode

together, because the charges add up quick.

Left: Joel ironically talking on the phone after an overnight bus ride from Klรถn to London. Right: Street art in Florence.

115

Munich’s jammer makes in through Liverpool’s pack adding points to the scoreboard.

From Munich to Liverpool A travel across countries connected by roller derby. by Beth Post

Roller derby. What is roller derby? Roller derby is a sport originating from the United States, namely within Austin’s city limits. All throughout the cities and states of the US, one can witness a hard-hitting, nailbiting sport dominated by majority women. However, since 2006, roller derby has slowly been finding its place all over Europe. Having previously skated for one of the five leagues based out of Kansas City, I was determined to discover what Germany, as well as the rest of Europe, has to offer a derby aficionado. There was a special push for this, in my mind, simply because everyone in Europe whom I had spoken with, save for two individuals, had never even heard of the sport that was sweeping the world.

117

Prior to leaving the safety of my own home

league through Facebook messaging; the most

in picturesque Kansas City, I had barely touched

elementary, yet effective form of contact. Within

the surface in researching teams close to my fu-

hours, I received a promising response from the

ture home of Trier, Germany. The closest team

designated point-of-contact for the league. Only

near Trier is situated one and a half hours away

after a few days of this response message, I was

in Koblenz, home of the Deutsches Eck. The

put into contact with an absolutely wonderful

Chaos Crushers Coblenz easily call this city

(and trusting) individual. This victory would be-

home, however, having formed as a league less

come my own personal power-jam.

than two years prior, upcoming bouts had yet to be determined.

Upon my arrival at the München Hbf, I was greeted by my wonderful host and her boyfriend.

As my search continued, I started inding

What a great start to a soon-to-become amaz-

teams in Stuttgart, Köln, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt,

ing derby crazed weekend. From that point on,

Hamburg, and Berlin. Outside of this list, the city

I quickly realized that being a tourist in München

that piqued my interest was München, the land

was not going to happen. Derby illed my days

of pretzels and beer (as envisioned by an Ameri-

and nights from that moment on, right up until my

can outsider). Knowing this “secret” about this

departure back to Trier. I was in heaven.

city, I decided to pay München a visit during my stay in Germany.

Derby aside, the Friday before the bout was easily my favorite day in München, and it did not

Recall that I am a student traveler on a

even begin until 18.00. This was the introduction

ixed, student budget, München required that I

dinner of the opposing team, the Liverpool Roller

be creative in my travel planning. Knowing this

Birds from Liverpool, United Kingdom. I cannot

hurdle that lay ahead of me, I opted to reach out

explain the following events, but perhaps I owe

to the derby community in München. Perhaps

them to the common thread between me and

derby could take on the formula of a sorority or

the team from Liverpool: English. Throughout the

fraternity in a university community. Taking my

remainder of the night, I made fast-friends with

chances, I contacted the Munich Rolling Rebels

those representing the team.

All of these photos were taken by Frieder Kesch of the Munich Rolling Rebels and the Liverpool Roller Birds. The game took place at the Städtische Sporthalle in München.

1957 as a jazz club, later becoming a center

Unique Liverpool Stops

of the Rock & Roll scene in Liverpool in the

The Cavern Club is a nightclub at 10 Mathew

1960s. The Beatles made the club famous dur-

Street, in Liverpool, England. The original Cav-

ing their early years. Being a fan of the Beatles,

ern Club opened on Wednesday 16 January

I felt it necessary to pay it a visit.

“After falling hard for this city five years prior, I was more than pleased to spend a long-overdue extended period of time here.”

Left Top: The Museum of Liverpool houses the artifacts and history of Liverpool and the Merseyside area. Left Bottom: Home roller derby game featuring a double-header between Liverpool Roller Birds and the London Roller Girls. Center: First European roller derby adventure in the southern German city of Munich. Game featuring Munich’s hometeam, Munich Rolling Rebels, and the traveling team from Liverpool, Liverpool Roller Birds. Right: Second game of the double-header in Liverpool, all skating and non-skating oicials are remain focused during a jam.

their own jammer. Jammers are the

The Rules

ones who score the points. The

Roller derby is a simple game.It’s

team with the most points at the

played on an oval track. There are

end of the game wins.

five players per side, one jammer

A Roller Derby bout is made

and four blockers. The blockers are

up of a series of jams. At the start

both offense and defense. They try

of each jam, the blockers line up on

to stop the other jammer, and help

the Pivot line. The jammers line up

119

This friendship encouraged me to plan and book my next European roller derby experience. This time to a city I vowed to revisit at some point in my lifetime, Liverpool. After falling hard for this city ive years prior, I was more than pleased to spend a long-overdue extended period of time here. Fortunately from a few new connections I had made in München, I was able to ind accommodations quickly for my stay in Liverpool. My week in Liverpool was one full of memories and amazing adventures with members of the league. Only through their generosity was my trip made possible. Roller derby truly is a community that thrives through the people that dedicate their lives to one commonality, a powerful sport that grows through people from diverse backgrounds. Without this community of welcoming people, I honestly do not think I would have been able to ind such amazing people spanning such a great distance within Europe.

behind them on the Jammer line.

team she passes. If she’s able,

One whistle blows, and the block-

she can keep circling the track and

ers head off down the track. The

passing through the pack to get

jammers have to get through the

more points. A Jam is called off by

pack once, then they can score.

four whistle blows from the ref. It’s

On the second pass through the

not over till that fourth whistle, so

pack, a jammer scores one point

keep skating hard!

for each member of the opposite

New Town Hall in Marienplatz Munich, Germany. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural style is that of Gothic Revival.

All of the fans in the Viehmarkt celebrating after a Germany goal..

123

WORLD CUP WHIRLWIND A Q&A from friends about the 2014 World Cup. Not everyone gets to experience the joy and the excitement of a World Cup, but we did. World Cup Brazil, 2014 has given me some amazing things to talk about in my time abroad. I saw games in six different languages and in ive different countries. Together we got to experience the joys of many German victories while we were there. Since the beginning of the World Cup we have watched most of the games in the living room of my lat, but not all of them. We had a few larger watch parties at my lat with some friends whereas other games it was just me and my lat mates, but the best experience was the public viewing in the Viehmarkt. We were fortunate enough to get to watch a variety of games in many unique places, from a corner cafĂŠ in Paris, to an Irish Pub in Prague we were able to enjoy each and every game. However, the people that you are with can make an okay experience into a great one, and that is just what they did. With people from all corners of the globe watching with us, we were able to have a very eclectic experience of the 2014 World Cup. Everyone has his or her own opinions and thoughts about the 2014 World Cup. This Q&A shows off unique responses that give the readers an idea of who they are and what the World Cup meant to them.

Everyone getting adjusted before kickof.

Meet the Crew MS

Milla Siivonen (22) female Tampere, Finland

Benjamin Kraus (26) male Tuttlingen, Germany

Lisbon, Portugal

â&#x20AC;&#x153;During my travels I met some amazing people and I wanted to

Harry Hellerich (27) male Trier, Germany

Archibald Jacobs (22) male Deniliquin, (NSW) Australia

get their thoughts on the World Cup.â&#x20AC;?

Beatriz St.Aubyn (21) female

Almut Schmitt (28) female Trier, Germany

125

Who were you rooting for in the world cup and who was your favorite player? MS

Which game was your favorite and why? Where you were, who you were with? MS

I was rooting for Germany and my favorite player was the Ger-

Although we won the inal I have to say that the quarter-inals with Brazil was the most memorable. I was at a bar with a lot of

man goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

people and my French friends (it was out last night together).

Germany, Manuel Neuer.

I was rooting for Portugal, and my favourite player was

World Cup quarter inals, biggest loss in Brazil’s history ( and

Fábio Coentrão.

in the history of World Cup hosts) and to be able to experi-

Germany-fav player.... hmmmm...... maybe good old Thomas Müller.

It was a historical game, the biggest win ever in the history of

ence that with the German crowd was awesome. BK

I have say more? We were in the arena in Trier. There were

sie with typical Aussie pride. My favourite player was Lionel

Felix, Carina, Sebastian, Katharina, Justin, Nicole and her

Messi because he’s tough, he gets on with the game, he

boyfriend it was an amazing time, because ten mins was only

doesn’t go to ground easily and doesn’t complain. AS

Germany (obvious ;-)) Matz Hummels, Manuel Neuer.

screaming around. HH

a German guy in Portugal who had his own surf school. He

I watched most of the games at my student dormitory with

invited us to his place and we watched the game with a bunch

other flat mates. We had a beemer (the projector thing) and

of German surf students. AJ

the company I had that night. I met 4 incredibly warm and wel-

we are the champions.

coming Americans, one in particular was especially friendly,

I watch most of the games in the Martinskloster dorm. And my

along with another Australian and his Spanish girlfriend and

inal and even though I was rooting for Argentina, it was the

My favourite match was Netherlands vs Argentina because of

Hm to have a really good time with my friends, and of course

I was fortunate to be invited for breakfast by the Americans.

favourite game was Germany-Argentina because it was the

The best game by far was Germany-Brazil, the host. We met

Where did you watch most of the World Cup games?

a big screen. BK

In Trier in the middle of the city. Germany vs Brazil 7:1 do

I really wanted Australia to do well because I’m a typical Aus-

I think I liked the game Germany versus Brazil best. I could

most exciting game of the world cup. I was already back in my

relax during the game, because it was quite clear after 3 goals

hometown with my family.

that we would win and then it became a party of shooting

The best game by far was Germany-Brazil, the host. We met

one goal after the other. Actually I felt sorry for Brazil because

a German guy in Portugal who had his own surf school. He

they‘ve been so gentle hosts. There appeared a lot of funny

invited us to his place and we watched the game with a bunch

jokes during the game. Like: „I need another beer. But I’m

of German surf students.

afraid I will miss ten goals while I‘m away.“ We watched the

I watched most of the matches during my time in Italy includ-

game in the attic of our latshare and looked up funny jokes

ing Florence, Rome and my personal favourite; Venice.

during the game on Facebook or Whatsapp. Been a lot of

Home in the attic with latmates.

laughing the whole night!

At the „Viehmarkt“ on the huge screen. Actually called „public viewing“ in Germany. (I‘m not sure if it‘s okay to use the same word in English. But you know what I mean.)

Who was your favorite or least favorite person to watch the game with and why? MS

Favorite people to watch the games: all of my friends. Because we were all very into them. And the least favorite... Uhm... Why would I watch soccer with unpleasant people? ;D I guess I’ll say that drunken people who spill their drinks on you were the most annoying in the crowds when watching games in the public viewing place.

Felix was my favorite person for a soccer game. I don’t know why... I think we understand us pretty good.

I don’t have a least favourite or favourite person, because we all respected each other and had a fair play with each other.

Least favourite person: Justin Cholemkery, he kept spilling my beer.

In Florence, both my favourite and least favourite person to watch the matches with was a Brazilian girl whom I had met in Rome and we watched the Brazilian team get slaughtered by the German team 7-1. She was great because she was so passionate and was getting right into it all but she was also a bit crazy with her yelling at the screen and drawing attention to us all which was slightly embarrassing.

Normally my favorite person to watch with is defiantly Kathy, because she can understand my strange behavior during games and we‘ve always watched soccer together so we know our favourit players etc. But she has been in London so we couldn’t watch together. Likes to watch the games best with the girls from America and Sweden. Its been so nice to have people around that were cheering for our country!

127

Public viewing in Viehmarkt., and some drinks at Simplicissimus after a German victory.

Why was the World Cup memorable for you? MS

This World Cup was memorable because I’m a huge soccer

Champions this time! Finaly!

fan, I’ve played it myself but the sport is not that big in Finland.

What were your thoughts about the world cup being hosted in Brazil?

I’ve always loved the German team so to able to experience the World Cup in a country where it is a huge deal, AND ex-

Guess the final and the moment we finaly became World

I think that the cup should have not been hosted by Brazil

perience the Germany’s victory too, was amazing. A dream

because of the economical and political problems. How ever

come true for me.

that is not the fault of the sport or the players so it didn’t affect

Hm to have a really good time with my friends, and of course

my viewing of the games. These problems are the problems

we are the champions.

of FIFA and should be dealt with in advance of the games.

The fact that i “lived” it in an other country with so many people

Naturally I do feel like FIFA needs to make smarter choices

from other countries.

in the future.

World cup 2014 is memorable because we won it.

I will always associate this world cup with my tent in Venice,

problems in the economy and then all the tourists. And that

that is what made it memorable for me.

sometimes it’s just unfair that we spend that much money for

I thought maybe it will be a big problem because of their

129

stuff like a soccer game even that people there

is doing well, everyone has to stay in the exact

fect about how i watched the game.

same position and not change anything so that

I don’t have a very accurate answer, but I know

my particular team can maintain the good form. AS

changed the group I was watching nearly every

backs. I think Brazil really wanted to win the

time ending up watching the inal game all by my

world cup for the Brazilian people but they were

self. But in the later games I decided to keep

struggling as well.

wearing the Retro Jersey that is inspired by the

There was a lot of critique on how Brazil cleared

1954‘s Shirt of the Germany team. I thought we

certain areas and the way they treated their

won the World Cup than with these Jerseys,

citizens. Also very questionable ingestions (e.g.

might be helpful to wear it during the inal games.

football is one thing and the economic situation another. I don´t see how a bad economical situation can change the mood. The economic situation weighed on my mind slightly given how much poverty there is in that

“But somehow, the more beers I drank, the better Germany played.”

country but I also felt powerless to do anything

Did you watch other teams playing other than the on you were cheering for?

to change it so I just accepted it. AS

I hated the fact that our team built an own Hotel

for them selfes. Useless now I guess.

Wearing my German shirt in every German

every four years put everything else in my life in a hold. World Cup is amazing and it is the biggest sport event for me. BK

game. I’m also a Christian so naturally I prayed

opportunity to be a very good game. BS

this category. It is a ritual.) BK BS

Nope. No, actually every time I was rooting for a team it would loose ahah.

I am not superstitious. Also I do not believe in the supernatural. But somehow, the more beers I drank, the better Germany played.

Yeah sometimes when we drank beer at the evening. There were some games which had a good

before and during every game. ( I don’t consider that as a superstition but I think it still counts for

I watched almost every single game of the World Cup. I love soccer and the world’s best games

Did you have any superstitions that youhad to follow once/if your team started to do well? MS

Normally we have but this time, because I

the amount of debts and the economical push-

the stadiums that now serve no purpose) I think

I am slightly superstitious in that if ever my team

would need even more help. But it hadn’t an ef-

that Brazil struggled and keeps struggling with

Yes, I was also rooting for England, and Argentina.

I watched almost all of the games. That’s what makes it so interesting. Watching famous players from around the globe play in different constellations than you are used to.

I watched many teams because the Australian team isn’t renowned for being very good and so I would go for the team who any of my new friends were going for.

“Good people. Good drinks. Good times.”

Not really or more by accident. Been fun to watch

stars and stripes, but we were in Germany and

the Netherlands because of Robben dancing out

decided to wear German colors, since we want-

the players right in front of the goal.

ed to be able to celebrate with our friends.But that didn’t mean that we didn’t want the USA to

Being able to experience the World Cup

play well. We did and one of my favorite games

first hand in Germany is a pretty amazing experi-

was the game that we experienced in an Irish

ence, and not every group of exchange students

Pub in Prague for the German vs USA game.

from KU get to enjoy this, since it only occurs

With people rooting for both Germany and the

every four years. Whether you are or aren’t a

USA in all languages it was quite the experience

soccer/fußball fan, everyone around the world

that will not be forgotten any time soon.

seemed to have their eyes glued to the games.

With great competition to watch, amazing

The World Cup is like the Olympics since it only

friends to celebrate with, and a Germany victory

occurs once every four years, but it is also an

to celebrate, I had a once in a lifetime experience

event where everyone shows their patriotism.

watching the 2014 World Cup. To sum it all up,

I know this seems slightly contradictory, with us being American and not representing our

in the words of Joel Mann, “Good people. Good drinks. Good times.”

by Ariel Mull

Enjoying a game number two at the Viehmarkt.

133

Martinskloster-4 Four friends, four diferent countries. by Kelsee Evans

While I enjoyed pretty much all of my study abroad experience, nothing compares to the friends I made there. Especially the three amazing girls that were my neighbors at Martinskloster. We all managed to find each other through the Facebook group for the incoming Erasmus/Study Abroad students. And after the final addition of Laura, when she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find an apartment to rent in Trier, the four of us took up rooms three through six on the first floor.

Our last barbeque before Beatriz headed home for Lisbon. From right to left: Milla, Kelsee, Laura, and Violaine.

135

As a group we consisted of: a sound de-

a tiny tv that got bad signal, and cheered on their

signer from Tampere, Finland, a game designer

home countries. I discovered that because I was

from Lisbon, Portugal, an artist from Metz,

American I had missed out on the 90’s sensa-

France, and a graphic designer from Lawrence,

tion that was Robbie Williams, which was ap-

Kansas. In all three of them, I found fellow sci-i nerds and design geeks. Star Trek and Star Wars were marathoned. Beatriz’s crazy

“I learned more about Finland than I think

laugh was recorded, slowed down and put

I know about

on repeat. We sang Queen, loudly, in the streets after nights out

parently a “crying shame” because literally everyone in the world knew who he was. But I guess that’s what happens when you

at Simple’s. And döner kebabs were consumed nearly every weekend.

the Street • We are the ChampionsQueen • Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen • Wannabe - Spice Girls • I want it that way Backstreet boys

grow up in America. I

• La Vie en rose - Édith Piaf

learned that in Finland they

• Circle of Life - Lion King

are crazy enough to go ice swimming before jumping

America...”

Random Songs Sung in

in the sauna. Portugal is apparently always sunny,

and what words not to say in France. We had barbecues in the courtyard on the

Movies & TV Shows Watched • Star Wars Trilogy • Star Trek Original Series

Every night that we went out, we always

weekends that we were all in Trier. Most of the

had a story to tell others later, and quotes for re-

time it consisted of Beatriz manning the tiny

peating... constantly. Laura somehow convinced

camping grill while the rest of us waited around

us to partake in the weirdest game of Twister

for the burgers to be done. I got to introduce the

• Robot Chicken

on the planet for a photography project. I was

three of them to Kansas City barbecue sauce

• Little Mermaid

introduced to things I would never even known

and I learned that potato salad is apparently not

• Aladdin

existed like Eurovision. Eurovision nights were

a staple of European barbecues.

• Hercules

some of the best, as the four of us, plus about

We survived the grueling struggle that was

ten others from the dorm, crammed ourselves

learning German together every Tuesday night. In

into the shoebox sized living room area to watch

the end I think I’ve made some friends for life.

ances that this game was not a

and the other team keeps singing

normal American pass time and

Spanish songs. And after a loud

On one particular occasion, one

was only popular because of the

rendition of “YMCA” which ev-

of the guys we hung out with, had

movie “Pitch Perfect,” we decided

eryone seemed to know, and our

seen on TV about an American

to try it anyway. As it turned out,

neighbors loudly slamming their

singing game where one group

the game is a lot harder than it

windows closed, we gave it up for

sings part of a song and the

seems. Especially if you’re on the

less complicated games.

other has to pick up from where

team with two French girls who

they left off. Despite my assur-

keep suggesting French songs,

Rif-Of

• Wolverine • X-Men Future Past

DAYS SPENT

TRAVELING vs. those in TRIER

Through out our semester abroad we took time out of our schedules to travel to some amazing places. Here you can see our time spent traveling as well as the time that we spent in Trier each month during our stay in Germany.

MARCH,

APRIL

MAY

ARIEL arrival: 3rd

JOEL arrival: 4th

BETH arrival: 4th

KELSEE arrival: 4th

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1

day spent in Trier

137

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

departure: 5th

departure: 28th

departure: 5th

departure: 26th

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6

day spent traveling in other amazing countries in Europe

Three Girls, One MANN The only guy in a group of crazy girls! by Joel Mann

You could be in the most boring place and still have an amazing time if you are with great people. On the other hand, you could be in the best place in the world, yet have a terrible time if you are with the wrong people. Whether girls, designers, Kansans or Germany, the group I was surrounded by made every class, trip, adventure and meal, so much fun.

On this study abroad program, I was, in almost every situation, the only guy in the group. For example, it was just me and: Barcelona, Spain - 4 girls Prague, Czeck Republic - 6 girls Group from Kansas - 3 girls International Student friend group - 6 girls

139

It was a fun late night out the town in Florence,

I had another man in the group and it was dei-

Italy and I was the only guy with a group of 3

nitely nice.

girls, my Kansas girls. After a couple drinks and a

I, Joel, love to cook. I also am Jewish and

night of dancing and clubbing, I had took it upon

must adhere to strict dietary laws (Kosher).

myself to make sure everyone gets home. Guys

These two things combined brought for some

were flirting with the girls, but since I have a girl-

interesting situations. A couple times, you could

friend, I had no problem with this. Then the time

walk into a room and ind a quite an humorous

came that I felt we had to go home. No matter

scene. The girls would be on their computers

how hard the flirting guys were trying, I was con-

and cell phones. Either Facebook or Skype,

ident I’d get my friends. To peel the girls away

Facebook or email, whatever. At the same time,

from the guys was easy. All I had to do was tell

the only guy, me, is cooking and cleaning. No

the girls, “it’s time to go,” or “we need to gather

one was complaining, I honestly enjoyed it.

everyone” and as if they bored out of their minds,

Most of the time, I didn’t think about it.

they walked away and we moved on. Let’s just

Sometimes though, it would be quite obvious.

say that the guys were not impressed or happy

For example, if it was time to get up and get go-

that with one quick sentence I could take those

ing in the morning or evening, I had to be pre-

girls away from their night long efforts. I leave

pared for how long most of them took. Not all the

those situations thinking, “Ha! No matter how

time, but sometimes they said it would take 20

hard you try, no matter what you say, she’s com-

minutes... and it took 5 hours. Other times, sur-

ing back with me and all I got to say is ‘lets go.

prisingly, it only took 20 minutes. There were oth-

Some might say that girls are crazy, some

er beneits as well. They happen to carry around

might be jealous of the amazing ratio of girls to

amazing suitcases called purses, which they put

guys and that I am the luckiest man alive. I will

everything and the kitchen sink in. This was quite

say that the girls I was with made such a great

helpful to have it all on hand. Either medicine, or

group that I was the luckiest man alive… not just

hand sanitizer or anything a guy would normally

because of the ratio. We had a dynamic that in-

not bring, but may wish he had at times.

cluded balance, teamwork, leadership and posi-

End of the day, those girls were my family.

tive attitude. In each experience, those dynamics

We ate together; we traveled together, learned

changed to make everything unique.

together and partied together. We were the Kan-

to Rick Steves at the Colosseum, learing a little bit of his-

To live with the craziest gender on earth…

sans. That’s how we were known and it was a

tory. Bottom: Exploring Cochem.

Well, it wasn’t that bad. My gut said to be care-

good thing. There were hard times, and there

(RIGHT) Top: Beth, Beatrice, Joel and Kelsee on the bus

ful because, “Girls be crazy,” but I will say that it

were great times. We shared them all. We will

didn’t even phase me. It felt normal. It felt right. It

always have those times and memories to share.

felt comfortable and I didn’t even think of it until

We will cherish them forever.

(LEFT) Top: Picking up Britta at the train station in Trier after her return from KU. Middle: The Kansan’s listening

on their way to Barcelona,Spain. Middle: Our relaxing train ride from Florence to Rome. Bottom: Ariel, Beth, Joel and Kelsee on Joel’s rooftop patio.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;End of the day, those girls were my family. We ate together; we traveled together, learned together and partied together.â&#x20AC;?

Ariel, Beth, Joel, Kelsee, Lauren and Samantha sitting on the steps in front of the music hall in Prague, Czech Republic.

THANK

YOU! A special thanks to everyone who helped us along this journey. From beginning to end, we know that it was a long road but we are so thankful for all of those who supported and helped us along the way.

Mom’s, Dad’s, step parents, family, friends (old and new), professors, light attendants, train conductors (who didn’t go on strike), cooks, grocery store workers, RyanAir (for getting us there on time and safe every time), Deutschebahn, universities (that didn’t charge us an arm and a leg), bartenders, friends of friends of friends, Hostelworld, bus drivers, Sarah (nice lady at Sparkasse bank) AirBnb. Along with many more people who are not listed here. A special thanks to all of you, from all of us!