Satisfying Fernweh - Why Germany?

Fernweh: (n.) an ache for distant places; a craving for travel; being homesick for a place you’ve never been. As I began to question why I wanted to go to Germany, I discovered a connection between this term fernweh and my choice to travel to Germany. Unlike some of my peers, I have traveled out of the country many times in my twenty years, having been to six countries outside of the United States. Fernweh is a recently discovered term in my vocabulary that sums up my previous and future feelings. Essentially, I am a traveler. By far, Germany has always interested me in satisfying fernweh, but I never had the opportunity. You see, as an education major, in college, funds and time are scarce, but the desire to go abroad has never ceased. As a little back story, I am over 50% German, and have always wondered what it would be like to discover the land that my family came from in 1863. Well, now that I have brought up a historical event, you may as well know that I am a complete “history nerd.” Germany holds so much history in its own and internationally. How amazing would it be to step into such a historical place rather than read about it in yet another textbook? Of course, this trip will be more than just a textbook experience. I have once heard that “travel is the one thing that you buy that makes you richer.” I believe this is in reference to knowledge gained. I plan on learning many interesting facts (mainly historical) about the country and its effect on the world throughout time, but I also plan on learning a lot about myself during these 18 days in the Fatherland. Berlin in particular, seems to be particularly interesting to me. A great, big, historical, capital city that was once separated sounds like a great home-base for this trip. The opportunity to see many other cities and the opportunity to learn more is also a great appeal to me, as well. Of course, it will be wonderful to explore this country around my favorite time of year, Christmas time! If I was not sold about going on this trip by its description, the title alone caught my attention. “Germany from Luther to the Present: Castles, Cathedrals, and Culture” sums up just about everything that I could ever want or expect out of a D-Term trip. As a traveling, castle-loving, Christian girl, this title just seemed to speak to me. Overall, the best way for me to satisfy fernweh is through this amazing opportunity to spend 18 days in Germany, and I could not be more excited. Until next time!

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A photo of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. This was located nearby the famous Berlin Wall, but was built in the late 18th century. We will be seeing this beautiful sight that has been there in times of turmoil/separation and times of unity/peace. (berlin. Mass Pictures. Retrived June 5, 2014, from http://masspictures.net/berlin/)

As I mentioned before, I am so excited to be in Germany during Christmas time because it is my favorite time of year. This is extremely special in Germany because of the Christmas Markets they have that is used more as an outdoor social event. This will be a new way to introduce Christmas celebrations and another great experience to remember this trip by! (Historic Christmas Market Berlin - Photo of Historic Christmas Market Berlin. About.com Germany Travel. Retrieved June 5, 2014, from http://gogermany.about.com/od/picturesofgermany/ig/Photo-Gallery---Christmas-/Christmas-Market-of-Berlin.htm)