Walking in the Woods | The View in Germany

Hanna is an American student studying in Germany as part of the CBYX (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) scholarship exchange program.

Gazing outside my sunlit window, I peer down at the perimeter of my backyard, where the lush green Austrian pines nestle closely with the vivid purple hues of hydrangeas. Squinting past the conspicuous vegetation, I catch sight of hidden blackberry bushes and lilacs. It's a refreshing contrast to the beige rocks that adorn Arizonian backyards. 

Not only is the greenery breathtaking to view, it pervades in every moment of my day. Living in a medium-sized town, I can walk everywhere. School is 10 minutes away, the grocery store is 12, the city center is 6, and the hiking trail – just 30 seconds. Walking everywhere, I finally take in the moment to immerse myself in the smell of freshly trimmed hedges or blooming sunflowers. One of my goals this year is to average 10,000 steps a day, but I certainly will exceed this goal.

Similar to how the American education system is transitioning from paper to the laptop, my German school stopped handing out papers, opting instead for the use of iPads. It is interesting to see a technology difference depending on the country. 

Even though I previously believed I was well prepared for the culture shock, I am continuously amazed by the minute differences from the well-designed and minimalist furniture to the widespread döner shops. In the small differences here, I find myself reminded of humanity’s diversity, and I am motivated to bring my new cultures. While lugging back my host family’s garden to Arizona might be impossible, I look forward to bringing back my new experiences.