2014 School Magazine

STUDY TOURS — AFFILIATE SCHOOLS

GERMANY PAMINA MILENKOVIC (12O)

The exchange trip to Germany was an experience none of us will ever forget. Each girl who flew halfway across the world has fascinating stories and memories to tell — for me, I have three particularly extraordinary ones. Our journey began in Neuwied, a small city near Bonn which really felt like venturing into a cosy country town. My first memory is simply the feeling of being so loved by my host family and by the friends I made who attended Werner- Heisenberg Gymnasium. Living in a little cottage-like house surrounded by rose gardens and fruit trees, waking up every morning and simply gathering around a quaint table for a traditional German breakfast was always a highlight of my day. After bike riding down streets, through lush forests and along the Rhein River to go to school, we were always greeted so warmly by the German school students and I made many close friends. My second memory was after leaving Neuwied and travelling to Berlin. The presence of joviality in this modern bustling city during Oktoberfest, juxtaposed with the confronting historical sites relating to Germany’s tragic past was unique. Our visit to the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate were definitely highlights which allowed us to see the historical remnants of World War II and the post-war events, which we learnt about in our school studies.

After flying to southern Germany and taking a bus ride to Neuschwannstein Castle, we finally saw the famous Bavarian castle for ourselves. The castle, which inspired Walt Disney for Disneyland, really felt like being in a fairytale. The green mountainous landscape viewed from a bridge stretched high above water pools was breathtaking. These three experiences are merely the tip of the iceberg of the memories each of us accumulated during three life-changing weeks in Germany. For many of us, we hope to one day travel there again. ■

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