The Texas A&M Landscape Architecture and Urban Planing Program 2011 started off with an action-packed first week. Aside from getting to know each other and learning what Bonn has to offer, the group went on their first bike-ride all across the city to learn about its history, get to know the site of their design studio project and experience the city's infrastructure. We were led by David Baier, head of the city of Bonn's Department for Green and Open spaces, who had agreed to support the students as their service-learning design project provider.
Following later that week, the group visited the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley and experienced its romantic beauty. From Bacharach we took a boat down the Rhine past the Loreley Rock to Braubach, where, after some good Schnitzel, we visited the legendary Marksburg. The day was capped off by visiting a winery co-op in Mayschoss where we learned a lot about the region's wine-growing history and culture.
The final highlight of the week was the traditional welcome BBQ for all AIB students, host families and friends on the AIB premises. Our group presented a sample of A&M's most famous Aggie yells under the leadership of Luca Olivarez, which were met with great applause from the audience.
