Off to Germany!

We are on the move again. A good friend from California pointed out to me the other day how fast our pace was, and as usual I probably loved it. I do love it, wish we stayed 2 weeks more in each country to really dive into the culture, but that is life. Sometimes it is hard to believe I can and did have breakfast in Russia, lunch in Sweden and dinner in the Netherlands, but it’s all possible. Our journey continues at an even faster pace, but it is a beautiful price to pay for 12 credits in 10 weeks.

Our journeys are always interesting when traveling with 41 people. We finally arrived in the Netherlands for our night in the middle of farm country. So far, one thing I can say besides the foul odor of Dutch farms is that the Dutch are incredible at architecture. From dealerships built into the sound barrier to works of steel and glass art, they are rather savvy. 

Upon coming to the Netherlands, we were picked up by our dear bus driver Ronny, who has served IBI for 30 years now in his fleet of brand new Mercedes Coaches. This is the life, or as Dr. LaFrance says…THIS….is…IBI. Gotta love the guy….and give him credit for taking 41 college students across the world. Back to Ronny, he is a hilarious Dutch man ready to show us the time of our life in Europe, which is only complimented by his 30 years of IBI experience which covers laundry to internet and restaurants.

Our six hour ride from Amsterdam to Mannheim, Germany was a delight. I was able to get a ton of work done in addition to all the rest I greatly needed. Sleep is a scarce commodity here in addition to water and a few other familiar items. I love the group so far. We have a solid group of guys which was vital since about 32 of 41 are guys (one of which married) and about 9 girls (one engaged, two who I traveled with before and 5 new friends). Funny enough, most of us are in relationships, so it’s like Dr. Phil on tour in Europe….just kidding, but a visit from Oprah would be neat.

So…..Mannheim. We stopped on our way to Heidelberg in order to stop at the John Deere factory. Even though it was my least excited corporate visit, we had a lovely time. Tractors, tractors and more tractors. How else would someone want to spent an entire afternoon in Germany? Hundreds of green tractors…except the blue one which is number one of 30 ordered for a farmer in the UK with only blue equipment. John Deere was neat to see and hear all about the company and its practices… They are great and painting the green paint on everything to say the least.

The fun really began when we arrived in Heidelberg. What a place….Thought not blood related, my “step” roots come from Germany, so there is a neat sense of history I feel. Walking around the old city, eat  traditional German knockwursts, and seeing the very circus posters that family once collected when they were the same age is really neat and gives me excitement. We all try to soak it in as we are intensively studying economics and global marketing during the day, but there is still plenty of time to explore, see and experience. This really is the life. 

So far, this IBI experience has been more than I ever anticipated. It is faster, longer and more incredible than I could imagine. Part of me wants to fail class so I could do it all over again next year (esp. when they are stopping in India and China next year), but I won’t…so don’t get too excited Tedd and Mom. One thing I do know is I have found my calling in life. My mom asked me days before I left what I wanted to do with all of this experience, college and life and I looked her right in the eyes and said: “I wanna be a fireman.” Well, until my next post in the coming days….I have found my calling, saw my post and have decided to be a Russian Fireman….watch out post soviet flames, Sir Lawrence is in town.