Author: Alanna
Nuremberg in a Nutshell
First stop: drop the bags at the hostel. Not glamorous, but necessary. Luggage-free and officially lighter, we made a beeline for lunch. Then it was time to wander into the Altstadt, Nuremberg’s old town, which is exactly the kind of place that makes you go, “Oh wow, Europe is really stunning.” Stops included: Sunday: History…
Spend a Weekend with me in Munich
I kicked off the day at Marienplatz, which is basically Munich’s answer to a movie set. Clock tower? Check. Dramatic neo-Gothic town hall? Check. Tourists craning their necks to film the Glockenspiel? Triple check. I missed the show, but the clock itself was gorgeous anyway! I then wandered over to Mariensäule, the big golden Mary…
Growing Beyond the Classroom in Berlin
Personally, I expect to grow in self-confidence and resilience by navigating a new environment on my own. I’ve set the goal of using public transportation independently, ordering meals in German, and engaging in unfamiliar social situations, all of which push me outside my comfort zone. These seemingly small actions are actually foundational; they’re daily reminders…
When Public Space Isn’t Social Space
I thought I was just laughing with friends on the train, until I realized we were the only ones making a sound. In Germany, I’ve learned that public space isn’t always meant for socializing, and that silence can speak volumes about cultural values. From Ruhezeit to subtle stares, my time here has taught me that sometimes the biggest adjustments aren’t what you eat or where you go, it’s how loud you are when you get there.