Cloudy thoughts, racing heartbeat, what is going on? Suddenly you feel insecurities, ambiguous emotions, and elaborate worries rise from bottomless pits of yourself. A simple thought leads to a downward spiral of events and boom, you feel consumed and confused.  It's Fear's chance to convince you to identify with it and your ego. Recollections of past experiences and nonexistent events of the future lead to unsteadiness and anxiety. How do I stop this?


Be the observer. Identify these thoughts and feelings and allow them to pass by instead of letting them consume you. Stay present and embrace the moment. Everything happens for you, not to you. Still your mind and quiet that inner chatter. Fill your mind with thoughts of love and light. You guide your own path. Be strong. To reach enlightenment and total bliss, one must journey through cycles of lows and highs. I'm on my way.

Regensburg

Sorry I haven't updated my blog in a bit. There just hasn't been anything really exciting going on to comment on. The end of the week was full of more briefs and orientation and I didn't do much just go to the gym after classes.

 In Germany, the Army gives us one 4 day weekend a month and this weekend happened to be a training holiday. I love that because I will have the opportunity to travel and explore Europe whenever I have time off. So my sponsor and I started the day by going to a Crystal factory. Apparently, this region is famous for making glassware for companies like Tiffany, lennox, Riedel. There was a lot of cheap crystal, but I didn't buy anything since I don't have anywhere to store them. Anyone interested in anything particular please let me know :)

After browsing the warehouse, we decided to go to Regensburg for Burgerfest. It was a 40 minute train ride from Weiden and as soon as we stepped off the train it began to rain. It was 48 degrees, which is definitely not summer weather...haha Luckily, I was wearing a sweater.

We walked around the mall until the rain stopped and later walked into town. As soon as we walked toward the crowd, there was a German band playing "Wagon Wheel." I love that song because it reminds me of home, but especially of Mark since he always played that song to me on his guitar <3. I bought a Wiezen for 3 euros and sat and enjoyed the music. We continued to walk and explore the town.

Regensburg was once a Celtic settlement and a later a campsite of the Roman legions. You could see the outline of the Roman camp  around St. Peter's Cathedral. We were able to see the Steinerne Brucke, which is a 1,000 ft long bridge over the Danube River built in 1135-1145. The view was beautiful.

view of Regensburg from Stinerne Brucke

I bought a nutella and strawberry crepe from a street vendor and went to the famous Wurstkuche (sausage kitchen) for bratwurst. It has occupied this site as early as the 12th century and served as a canteen for the builders of the bridge. For 2,50 euro I had the most delicious bratwurst and sauerkraut sandwich. I could've had like 5 of them.

The town was full of hundreds of locals, live music ranging from folk to rock, freshly brewed cheap beers and food everywhere. It was my first German fest experience and I loved it. I loved seeing huge families of multiple generations enjoying this event together and wished my family and friends could be here to share this with me. But, there are plenty of these around so I hope many of you come and visit :). 

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing fathers out there and Happy Summer Solstice!!

All Things Pass -Lao Tzu

{Whenever I feel I need to be a bit more present, I'm always reminded of this poem. Always helps me keep things in perspective and not sweat the little things.}
-Good night

All things pass
A sunrise does not last all morning
All things pass
A cloudburst does not last all day
All things pass
Nor a sunset all night
All things pass
What always changes?

Earth...sky...thunder...
mountain...water...
wind...fire...lake...

These change
And if these do not last

Do man's visions last?
Do man's illusions?

Take things as they come

All things pass

Die (The) German Way

 In-processing started this Monday. It is pretty much two weeks of orientation filled with so much information ranging from finances, driver's license exam, transitioning on post, and German culture. We need to have a checklist of things to do before the two weeks are up.

As I walked into my class this morning, I was excited to be learning about the German Culture. The class was led by a vivacious, funny German woman who first started the class by talking about the right way to hold a beer mug..haha She demonstrated the proper way (placing your palm around  the mug versus holding it by the handle). She mentioned that typically the mugs hold 1 liter of beer and holding it by the handle could be a bit dangerous if you are having multiple mugs of beer.

Here are some of the interesting things that I've learned that you may find helpful:

• Germans are very confrontation and do not smile if they don't have a reason to. Americans pretty much smile at everyone, but germans do not. They are pretty reserved and won't take the initiative to meet or talk to someone if its not necessary. It may come off as rude to us Americans, but its the way they really are.

• Germans normally introduce themselves by their last name, not their first names

• When introducing yourself to someone, have a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact otherwise they will not trust you.

• Never ask a German, "How are you?," if you don't have time to stop and listen to their life's story or day. They will think its rude if you just keep walking. 

• If invited to a German home, it is customary to bring a gift. Chocolates, wine, or even flowers are great, just don't bring red roses unless you are in love with the host. Also don't assume you can bring your children to dinner unless you ask the host first.

• Tipping is not really necessary. Servers in Germany are salaried and have full benefits and insurance. One euro is normally sufficient. Some tend to know us americans tip 15-20% and will try to rip you off by not giving you your change. They know most Americans aren't confrontational and won't fight it. Be confrontational.

• Dogs are considered part of the family and seen laying under tables in restaurants. Many times they are served a free bowl of water.

• When everyone raises their glasses, be sure to clink your drink with each person and make eye contact as you do. Toast, "Prost."

• On parts of the Autobahn (controlled access highway) there is no speed limit. Keep right on the autobahn, left lanes are for passing only. Never pass on the right.

• Germans are firm believers of breathing fresh air and staying active. Everyone loves to hike, walk, or stroll through the parks. Just be careful what parks you go to because you may walk your entire family into a park with topless woman sunbathing. 

• Ladies, if you are trying to make friends or impress men, dress conservatively. If you dress inappropriately, no one will talk to you. They will look at you, shake their head and continue walking. They may also think you are a prostitute since its legal here.

• Biergartens serve only beer and have outdoor seating. Food is not sold. It is often confused with restaurants that do have outdoor seating and food.

• There are over 5000 different beers in Germany and it is acceptable to have beer right after church. You won't be a bad parent if you give your toddler a couple sips of beer. It is normal.

• Oktoberfest is a huge tourist trap and people have hotel reservations years in advance. A tent could hold up to 8000 people. You won't be served beer unless you are seated.

• Germany is the size of Montana. You can drive all over Europe in a short time, but you need an international European license and tourist passport.

It's so interesting to learn how different the German Culture is from American Culture. I'm so happy the army briefs us about these things before I act a fool in front of Germans. It is already a bit intimidating walking around in my ACUs around base. Since I am an officer, anytime an enlisted soldier or a lower rank soldier passes in front of me, they have to salute me first and I then salute them. I definitely had to practice saluting the right way or else they will not take me seriously...haha

-tschüss

selfie with my new CPT bars

Perspective

Most of the time we perceive/categorize things to be a certain way due to experiences or repeatedly seeing it that way, but  there are times when you are pleasantly surprised and swear to hold no judgements again.

This past weekend, my sponsor invited me to a Latin themed party in Nuremberg. At first, I was excited because of all of the history that Nuremberg holds. Most people don't know it is the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, but know it is the city where the Nazi Party held their conventions. Adolf Hitler held most of the rallies in Nuremberg and after all of the chaos that went on during that time, trials were held there to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. So after knowing bits of history like this, I was excited to see this town. However, I was a bit unsure about the latin party. Even though I am Puerto Rican and do enjoy dancing to some latin music, I am not much of a fan. I decided to go anyways because I wanted to explore Germany and its culture.

After taking a quick train ride and walking 15 minutes, we arrived to the docked boat hosting the party. As we walked in along with two other girls from the dental clinic, I was shocked to see so many people, especially germans dancing to salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton . They all looked like professional salsa dancers and obviously had more moves than I did...haha I felt silly for prejudging what it would be like and I ended up really enjoying it. At one point during the party, a Cuban dancer was on the stage and was asking for people to come on stage to dance. I loved the song that was playing so I went and the other girls I was with came on stage too. The guy was instructing a dance routine to those on stage and to the whole audience. It felt like I was at a huge Zumba class. Every person in the room, young or old was following him and the energy was great! I guess this is what they do in Germany. Maybe I now know why my ancestors from Germany settled in Puerto Rico..haha

This morning we drove back from Nuremberg ( didn't get to explore historic sites, but hopefully next weekend) and I checked a potential apartment to live in. It is in a city called Weiden and it is about 15 minutes from my base. It's a beautiful town full of colorful colonial homes, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It reminded me a little of Prague because there was so much to do and there is a town center.

Weiden

Weiden

The apartment is a 2 minute walk to this town center and I could definitely see myself riding a bike or walking around this lively town. I'll keep y'all updated if I do get it. (crosses fingers)

Tomorrow, I begin in-processing on post, which is filling a bunch of paperwork, sitting through lectures and briefs about my transition into the military and Grafenwoehr. I'll be sure to give some updates :)

Bavaria

So I'm finally settled in Grafenwoehr after the long 6 hr bus ride from yesterday! It almost seems like I'm lost in time because the days are so long here and I'm still pretty jet lagged. Sunrise was around 5:00 am and it didn't set until 9:20 p.m., which is later than I'm used to. 

                                                          Welcome to Grafenwoehr!

 Since this is my first duty station and I'm overseas, the army assigns everyone sponsors to help with the transition. My sponsor has been so amazing so far. She's helped me set up a bank account, german phone number, my new mailing address (Message me if you would like it :) ) and also answer the million questions that I've had so far. It's so comforting to have someone there to talk to and ease through this transition since these past days have been kind of lonely. As the days have passed by, I'm a lot more excited about my stay in  Germany as I am surrounded by the beautiful landscapes, food, and culture. But, I'm still missing my Mom, sister, Mark and the rest of my family/friends I'm sure it will get better with time.

Today, I was also able to see the dental clinic and it was really nice. Lots of natural lighting and nice equipment. Nothing compared to the old clinic at Rutgers...haha After that, I attended the endodontist's going away dinner at an authentic German restaurant 20 minutes away from base and was able to meet other colleagues from the dental clinic. The schnitzel with cranberries and salad were amazing! At least the beer was cheaper than water :)
Anyways, have an amazing weekend!! Miss you all!

 

Transitions & Goodbyes

I Transitions. Changes. Goodbyes. It’s never easy leaving your comfort zone and launching into the unknown. This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions. From feeling overwhelmingly happy from all of the love I have received from friends, family, and my boyfriend Mark to experiencing true sadness. I’ve been repressing my departure for months, taking it day by day, and I’ve realized I’ve done a great job at it. It didn’t hit me until this past weekend. Walking into the surprise going away party Mark planned and seeing all of my friends in one place saying their farewells, did it for me. I’ve had a permanent lump in my  throat since then and saying goodbye to my family and friends have made me release all of the emotions I’ve been holding back. I guess its ok to feel a mixture of emotions. It makes me know I’m alive and  at the brink of a new beginning. 

No matter the distance, I hope to be connected to you my friends and that is why i am writing this blog. I want to share my thoughts, feelings, and adventures with you as I make my way in Germany. i’m excited to finally start practicing dentistry in the US Army while exploring every corner in Europe. 

It is 10:26 pm right now (6 hours ahead) and I’m exhausted after all of the traveling I've done. My flight left out of BWI at 0220 and arrived to Ramstein airforce base around 1550. By the time me and the rest of the 400 passengers on my flight were taken care of, it was dinnertime. I went to Chili's for my last American meal and I am now relaxing because a bus is taking me to my base(few hours away) early tomorrow morning.

As I begin this transition into the unknown, I think about a mandala my best friend Patricia gave me before I left. "It reminds us to find a sacred wholesomeness in the present moment, but also to accept that everything changes and that somethings are too beautiful to stay in one place and in one form forever." 

Miss and love you all,

Stephanie