Junyi Bu
November 5, 2023
Sitting in the garden cellar for the last time, I decided to compile a list of information I wish knew before coming to Hamburg.
For future TABers:
- Cancel your Deutschland ticket early (1 month in the trip)
- Try Döner (it’s good everywhere)
- Explore historic German towns nearby Hamburg (Luneburg is cool!)
- Check out Minitur Wunderland
- Carry a tote bag everywhere because it’s handy for everything (stores don’t have plastic bags)
- Bring your passport if you are going to Denmark by Flixbus
- Keep your bottles – you can get cash in exchange at grocery stores!
- Download the HVV app for all transit-related things
- Stock up on the best drink ever: Apfelschorle (light sparkling apply juice)
As I say goodbye to the apartment, I make silent peace with the gangly spiders and mosquitoes. Over two months abroad, I honed my meal prep skills, taught German students English (and art), and mastered the art of removing cellar spiders from our home. This week, I found a crumb-snatching spider who had made its home under our toaster; he had probably been here longer than we have. We explored Hamburg and its surroundings throughly, following beaten paths in nature reserves and perusing along the festive tents lining the inner Alster on German Reunification day. Towards the end of our stay, I began to feel like a true local as we settled into our daily routine of lüften in the morning, running for the regional train at Hauptbahnhof station, and stopping by the local bakery to buy fresh Brötchen as a side for dinner. Thank you Hamburg, for teaching me about trains, perseverance, and the art of opening one’s window as much as humanely possible.
In reflection, this experience helps me to appreciate the comfort of home and my family for all they do for me in Calgary. Although I did not find it difficult to adjust to living independently as I was able to turn to a strong system of support from friends in Calgary throughout the trip, I still found unexpected challenges awaiting at each junction of the process. TAB has grown my confidence in navigating the greater world and knowing that I am capable of overcoming challenges. Overall, I value the comforts of home more, the relationships I have, and am confident I can deal with uncertain circumstances and independent living. I feel more prepared to tackle the future and to teach a diverse group of students.
Hamburg, Germany’s busy port city, will always be engrained in my memory as a place of movement, personal growth, and fresh bread. Tschüss!
