SPECIAL PROJECTS

During my summer internship in Radolfzell, Germany, life was much more than going to work each day. Walking from my apartment past the lake, I was captivated by the abundant wildlife and I felt an incredible closeness to nature. My favorite destination was the tip of the Mettnau peninsula where I could climb the tower and view the vast expanse of the lake. No matter how often I went, there was always something beautiful that I had not noticed before. In my photos I tried to capture this beauty so I could share part of my indescribable experience with everyone back home.

As a member of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, I have been fortunate enough to live with a host-family throughout my time in Stuttgart, Germany. In October of 2008, I was invited to help with the host family’s annual wine harvest in Uhlbach-Stuttgart, and it was one of my most rewarding experiences. I learned about the history of this family that I didn’t know I even had, and I grew closer to them as the day progressed. I will forever carry this amazing experience with me, never to forget just how warm and loving a host family can truly be.

My life as an exchange student has given me the opportunity to view the world from a new perspective. Living in Germany has not only taught me a great deal about German culture but also about my own culture back home. I have made numerous friends during my time abroad, but I have always found it especially interesting observing Germans I do not know.

During my travels and time in Germany, I have compiled candid snapshots of Germans going about their daily lives; a selection of these images is chronicled in this photo essay.

I’ve always had an attraction to beautiful landscapes, places that still portray beauty in a world now filled with wars and hatred. As society advances, people tend to miss out on the really small, but special things in our lives. We forgot how friends should stand together (just like the 2 mountains in Yosemite Valley), how spring always comes after winter (for the lonely trees out there), and how the world is filled with colors and rays of hope. We don’t see them until we take a second or third look. Landscape shots are different from people shots. They are more tranquil and serene and the beautiful ones often leave room for imagination, for beauty.

America has so many qualities and it seems as if everything is possible within it. It has a strong history and so many traditions. On one hand, it’s overwhelmingly fast, but on the other, it’s peaceful and quiet. The way fast decisions are made and ideas are developed is impressive. The people are friendly and helpful and everybody respects your individuality. The contrast between cities and nature is extreme and striking—and sometimes overwhelming and almost surreal. It is a country which is changing constantly and is appears to be constantly on the search.

When l think about my stay in the U.S., I often remember the weekend activities my friends and I would do together. One thing we did often was to relax and enjoy our Jacuzzi with tasty Buds. Burgers were what I ate most in the U.S; triple burgers were not provided that often fortunately—my belly appreciated this :)

Oahu, Hawaii was definitely a highlight during my stay in the U.S. It had paradise beaches and the hugest waves I have ever seen—what a unique place! The Highway One is perhaps the most beautiful highway in the U.S. Located directly on the coast, there are nice rest stops where people can relax. As for the other pictures, jumping out of a plane was on my list of “top 5 things to do in my life” and I did it! Pure adrenaline! Also, The Terminator is now the Governator in California, so this picture was a must for us!

The most beautiful scenic highlight was reaching the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. But, in general, the most incredible nature you can find is in California. Another picture shows that I can jump over a canyon like the Horse Shoe in Page, Arizona… well, it wasn’t as dangerous as it looks. Finally, the most romantic sunset for me was at Lake Tahoe. I was very impressed by this beautiful sight.