Study Break

Not much new to report in Cologne. I have spent the better part of two weeks now sitting in my flat preparing for the end of the semester. It's hard to believe that I return to MN in a mere three weeks. Personally, it feels like I just arrived yesterday. It has been about 14 weeks now though, and time seems to just fly by. I am excited to experience the MN summer. The day I left MN, we received eight inches of snow, so the day I return should be a lot better.

A group of us managed to take a study break Saturday night. We went to Bonn for an outdoor music festival. Before we arrived, I was excited to catch the action. What better way to spend a nice Saturday night then hanging out outside listening to music. Despite the sunny weather all day though, an annoying drizzle managed to fall most of the time we were there.

Still, we toughed it out, and checked what the festival had to offer. There were five stages, each playing a different type of music. The alternative stage had a sparse unlively crowd, pretty much the antithesis of what you would expect. Next was the main stage where Ben Folds was actually playing. I don't really know his music personally, but I know he is popular in the states. The stage after that had the heavy rock complete with head bangers and body surfers (pictured).

Beyond that was the hip hop stage which was a sight to see. It's always funny to see how a particular part of American culture is absorbed and expressed by another culture. I've never heard someone rap in German before, and it sounded a bit weird. From there we made our way to the last stage where a DJ was playing techno. There were people gyrating in interesting ways, and I think your presence required you to be in an altered state if you know what I mean. We quickly left that scene, and headed towards the main stage, where our German friends wanted to check out a popular German band that was playing.

Needless to say, the festival turned out to be a little bit of a dud. In an attempt to beat the crowd to the trains, we left 30 minutes before the last act finished. Our intentions were good, but unfortunately for us, a lot of other people decided to leave as well. First, we had to wait in line forever to catch the first train. Then, once we got on the first train, there were so many people aboard we were packed liked sardines. Let's just say that the majority of the crowd that attended the festival weren't the cleanliest people. The guy I was forced to lean up against had long greasy hair with a shaggy beard. This of course complimented the all black attire and combat boots. The smell that radiated from his body was nothing to write home about either. I guess that was better then being pinned up next to the guy and girl with matching purple mohawks.

After 20 minutes of cuddling up next to Charles Manson, we had to wait 30 minutes at the Bonn main station for the next train to Cologne. Of course once that arrived, there were a ton of people, and we repeated the sardine act we performed earlier. Luckily for me though, I didn't get stuck next to any grease balls on this trip. I did have to stand though, and my legs were a bit wobbly by the time I got home.

In the end, what typically is a 20 minute train ride from Bonn to Cologne ended up taking two hours. I felt so gross from the trip home that I had to take a shower before I could go to bed. I was a little bummed the night didn't turn out the way we thought it would, but I guess it was nice to have an excuse to get away from the books for the evening.

This week marks the final week of preparation before exams. I do have one class that ends this week with a two-day marathon seminar. Each student is expected to present their topic of choice on EU policy for 30-40 minutes and then discussion. I'm slated to be one of the last presentations on the final day so I'm sure I'll be presenting to a lot of glazed over faces itching to get out of there. It should be interesting to see what people come up with. I'm a little nervous considering I'm one of the few in the class that doesn't live in the Union, and thus has little knowledge of how the Union runs. I think it will go well regardless.

Although I'm not looking forward to my departure, I am really looking forward to returning home and watching a Twins game. Over halfway through the season, and I have yet to catch a game. From what I've read, they are doing really well too. I'm also looking forward to sitting in the backyard BBQ'ing, and relaxing. Although summer in Europe is wonderful, there is something to be said for MN summer as well.