Zürich und Freiburg

A few days ago Matze and I took a train to Freiburg Germany. It was a nice, short, comfortable train ride and when we arrived, Matze’s brother was there to pick us up. Shortly after a nice stroll to his apartment we walked into the city. The inner core of the old city was built in the 12th century and you could definitely tell. It was marvelous to peer up and look at the tall towers which used to guard the city people around that time. There were many beautiful old buildings and in my opinion, the church of Freiburg was the most beautiful one I have ever seen. We were lucky to be there on a Saturday, because surrounding the church was a nice little German weinachtsmarkt. Weinachtsmarkts are popular all over Germany. The word means Christmas market in English, but UNFORTUNATELY in America we don’t have them. At the Christmas markets they serve hot ‘gluhwein’, candied nuts, currywurst and MANY other delicious snacks and foods.

After the market, we took a hike up Freiburg’s centrally located hill. The city actually wraps around the hill like a ribbon. Once we were at the very top, there was a spiral staircase to climb for an EVEN better view. At the top of the staircase there is only enough room for one person to stand. Your view is completely unobstructed and you get a perfect view of the old city below. You can see the city core and where the larger part of town was built around it. In the distance you can see the mountains as well as France. Before I got down I enjoyed a small moment of sticking my arms out and screaming “I am the QUEEN OF THE WOOOORLLLDDDD”. It felt great.

After our nice day in Freiburg we had some tasty German beer and watched some football, ah ehm, I mean soccer. Later we headed into the city where we witnessed a German demonstration against … well I guess you might say the ‘corporate machine’ … or something of the like. The whole protest was surrounded by many police officers who formed a circle around it. Thank goodness it consisted mainly of drunken dancing university students, and I fit right in. No one got too crazy or caused any problems. After a bit of clubbing and talking at a local new age dance club, we headed back home. It was funny to see the protest had moved to right in front of Matze’s brother’s front door.

The next morning we got up early and back on the train to Switzerland. After a couple of minor train transfer troubles, we arrived in Zuirch! The city was breathtaking. We visited some very old churches (not as pretty as Freiburg’s) and enjoyed a self-guided walking tour. One of the best parts was a visit to the Lindenhof Park. Lindenhof was an intimate park located on a small hill with a view over the city of Zurich. By the time we got there night was just falling over the city. We watched in awe and gazed at the town below. We saw long smoke stacks from tiny homes drifting into the fresh cold air, people strolling around the canal and harbor, Christmas lights and decorations dotting the town, and beautifully lit churches and official city buildings. It was a very surreal moment.

The next day we did some shopping! Everything in Zurich is rather expensive. Fortunately we didn’t go too crazy. Some things we were able to enjoy included some delicious Swiss fondue for dinner and yummy assorted chocolates on our shopping trip. Matze got some slippers and I got a new pair of gloves. The coffee in Zurich is ACTUALLY espresso…., which I have indeed developed a taste for. OOoohh I’m so EUROPEAN!

Today I’m in the library doing research on internships and working on my marketing plan paper for Baker College. Later on we are meeting a large group of English speaking people at the ‘wasserturm’ (water tower). The Mannheim weinachtsmarkt is opening today and we all want to enjoy some gluhwein! On Friday we might go to the one in Heidelberg. Saturday we leave for Mainz Germany for a short trip to see a friend.

Oh yeah- about the interview. I didn’t get it. Unfortunately the hiring manager wanted someone with advanced knowledge of upper-level HR management, including theories and best practices. Although I didn’t fit THAT bill, I must have made an impression because he got me an interview with one of his colleagues; still waiting to hear back from that person. I also met a girl who is a marketing intern AT SAP! She gave me contact information and will hopefully continue to help me out.

Please enjoy the pictures. Sorry I've been having problems with labeling then. I will try again soon.Click here to see pics.

Thanks for reading and until next time!

Zurueck in Schland!

So, back in Germany! Its been a great week so far although I have to say my interview went rather poorly. SAP is looking for an EXPERT in the HR field and Im not sure I'm exactly that girl. Although I graduated with a MINOR in HR with my BACHELOR degree from BAKER COLLEGE 3 YEARS ago with NO WORKING EXPERIENCE in the field.. who knows what will happen!

Tomorrow we're heading out on a 9:30 train to Freiburg! We'll spend the day there with Matze's brother. See some museums, shopping, eating... then perhaps a small party. The next day we head to Switzerland! I'm so exited. This is my first time actually researching and creating a schedule for our trip. I have our whole 1.5 days planned out!

Mom get ready for some delicious Swiss chocolate! I know how you love your chocolate :)

OK time for bed! What a busy day and more to follow!

Jen