Author: Patrick Kilgallon

This Germany trip was a once in a lifetime experience. As I sit in the airport and prepare to go home, I think about what I will say to those who ask what it was like. If I had to sum it up in one word, the word would be beautiful. The classes themselves create a feeling of purpose for being there while the ability to still spend a good amount of time exploring is ideal.
Berlin, which I begin to believe I know much better than I though, is a very interesting city. While not having the gravity of a huge monument like Paris or New York, Berlin had a realness. It is a hard-working town with good people. For the most part, the people of Berlin and Germany were very kind. A few bumps occurred where I felt like people were being rude and I’m not sure if thats because I’m just not used to the culture. However, Berlin is awesome. Holocaust Museum was life-changing and the ability to visit smaller towns and see a little bit more of Germany was a wonderful opportunity.
Heidelberg was my favorite as the view from the castle was amazing. Great town with a cool set-up and would never ever dream of complaining about how long a train ride was to get there. Bremen was also awesome. The Köln Cathedral was definitely a highlight. After the class was over, my group visited Nice, Milan, and Prague.
Germany is awesome, but I am Italian. Visiting Italy was definitely a cool experience for me. Nice, France was still my favorite as the beach was amazing. Even though it wasn’t sand, the ability to chill out and relax in the Mediterranean was awesome.
Milan’s highlight was definitely the Duomo. Another of Europe’s largest cathedrals. Milan was also warm and had an awesome castle to visit with lots of history. My favorite section was the one on old weapons. I enjoyed chilling in front of the castle with my feet in the fountain which everyone was doing and listening to street artists.
Prague was awesome as well. Very crowded. Reminded me a little bit of Disney World. The castle was interesting, but my favorite part was their dessert made of a cinnamon cone and ice cream on top. I do not remember the name, but I’m sure you can look it up and find fit. Outside of purely tourist things I created lasting friendships. Some new while other deepened. I appreciate everyone on the trip and what they contributed.

Wittenberg was a beautiful town. The cobblestone streets which are common throughout Germany run through this whole city. The theme of the town is churches. Continue reading “Wittenberg”

The Cathedral was massive. That’s the first thing one notices. The pure size of the building alone takes your breath away. Continue reading “Köln Cathedral”

Sachsenhausen was eye-opening. I continue to reflect on what I saw. You read about the concentration camps and learn about the history. Seeing it in person was a whole different type of insight. Continue reading “Sachsenhausen”

Berlin is an incredible place. I enjoy the easy to use transit system and getting to explore with the group, eating doners and curry wurst, and checking out new food places. The monuments that to this point in your life you’ve only see in pictures come alive. The Brandenburg Gate was my favorite. The architecture of pillars and large amount of engravings intrigued me.

The German people don’t drink as much water. That is one thing I would change. More water fountains and availability at restaurants. I would bring the culture and the diversity of it home if I could. Excited to see what the future holds here in Germany.