Hallo!
I honestly cannot believe that we only have 2.5 weeks left of our program here in Berlin! It has definitely gone by fast, but at the same time, when I reflect back on everything so far, I realize that I have done and seen so much! I have been able to travel to five countries outside of Germany. I have been able to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the beauty of La Sagrada Familia, explore the Prague Castle, climb to the top of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps, and so much more! Even though this program is obviously about the internship, the experiences that we have had outside of the office are the ones that we are going to remember most. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have been given this summer to branch out of my comfort zone and experience so many new and exciting things. As a Global Management Major, this is exactly what I have always wanted to do.
At the same time, in our 9th week of the program now, I am definitely getting pretty homesick. I am ready to see my parents (and my dog) again! They are actually coming to visit me at the end of the program, and we are going to explore Berlin and multiple cities in Bavaria together! For both of my parents, this will be their first time in Germany, so I am very excited to show them all of my favorite places! I honestly do not know if I can wait much longer to finally be reunited with them!
On another note, with my internship in its last weeks, it is definitely starting to pick up as I am being given a ton of last minute projects. I am also working on my final presentation at the same time, so there is a lot to do. However, I would like to take some time to reflect on this past weekend, which was a great way to unwind before the stressful next few weeks of work. I had the opportunity to travel to the most beautiful, breathtaking place I have ever been, Luzern, Switzerland. Honesty, I do not think anywhere I ever go will measure up to the beauty of this place. I was able to take in the sites from a boat tour through the mountains and I was even able to take the steepest cogwheel train all the way to the top of one of the highest peaks, Mt. Pilatus. Beyond the marvelous sites, I was also taken aback by how kind the Swiss people were! They were all so willing to offer suggestions for where to go and what to do! They really wanted to make it a trip of a lifetime for us. We knew it was going to be a great trip as soon as we got there as we were offered an upgrade to stay in one of the lodge’s nicest rooms! Also, after my friend and I enjoyed a large breakfast buffet at our hotel, the waitress came over with the bill and explained that she only charged us for one meal because we “didn’t eat that much” (we definitely ate a ton). The only thing about Switzerland that wasn’t so great was how expensive it was. A small cup of coffee at Starbucks was 7 francs (about $7)! I was absolutely amazed by some of the prices. However, most things were definitely worth it! I ate some of the best food that I’ve had in Europe! Switzerland is definitely a place that I will be returning to.
Before this trip, I had a pretty big fear of flying. After all of the many weekend trips that I have taken, I’d say that I am starting to become a pro at traveling. I have mastered the art of being able to sleep through an entire flight (including takeoff and landing). I have definitely gotten the travel bug from this summer. I have seen a ton of places in Europe, but it has actually made me realize that there are so many places I still need to visit in the US! This trip has taught me to appreciate the beauty right in front of me. That being said, these last few weeks will be spent here in Berlin, exploring even more of the city that I have called home for the last 2 months. Check back to see what else I discover here!
Bis Später!
Lindsey