March 30, 2012

Nuestra Aventura en España


As part of this year’s study abroad experience, the NEP students had the opportunity to spend a week in three beautiful Spanish cities. The excursion began in the capital and largest city of Spain, beautiful Madrid. The students started off the week with a guided city tour that led to the Reina Sofia Museum and El Prado Museum. After walking through the unique streets of Madrid, enjoying the works of Picasso, Dali, Velázquez and many others, the students ended the day with a delicious tapas dinner and a breathtaking flamenco show at Casa Patas. The next morning, the students hopped on a bus and headed to the historic city of Toledo, also the birthplace of the famous Spanish painter, El Greco. Upon their arrival, they walked through the old town viewing many amazing sites such as the Cathedral of Toledo and the medieval synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca. Quickly the adventure in Toledo came to an end, and the students headed back to Madrid to visit the largest royal palace in Western Europe. During this visit to the Palacio Real de Madrid, the students were guided by the amazing tour guide Deanna, who shared many facts about the current government system in Spain.
Before the students knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Madrid and head off to the city of Barcelona. After a short train ride through snow- who would have thought in Spain?!- the students headed to the magical Park Guell designed by the talented architect Antoni Gaudi. Despite the rainy weather, the students enjoyed the view of Barcelona from the terraced area with multi-colored tiled mosaic seats. Later, the students enjoyed more of Gaudi’s distinguished work, the Sagrada Familia, to which he devoted his last 15 years of life.
The following day the students traveled about an hour northwest of Barcelona to visit the Montserrat Monastery. The monastery is a beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat that is home to the Black Madonna. The students were taken away by the beautiful view from the cable car on their way up to the monastery. Guided by Diana, the students learned about the holy visions and the fascinating history about the monastery. After the tour, they entered the Basilica to listen to the heavenly voices from the boys’ choir; following the performance they had the privilege to visit the Black Madonna. Shortly after, the students took the train back to Barcelona, where they enjoyed a short stroll through the old town. To conclude the day, the students headed to one of the best restaurants in town to enjoy a nice dinner of tapas and paella.
Before heading back to the sweet home of Bonn, the students made one last visit to the highly acclaimed Picasso museum. Among the many works of art, the students enjoyed seeing Picasso’s version of the well-known painting Las Meninas. Soon after, it was time to say goodbye and head home, but to add to the adventure the students encountered a lovely surprise at the airport. While waiting for their flight, the FC Barcelona team made a quick walk through the airport exciting many crowds. Now it was time to say, “Adios y gracias por todo Espańa”.
  
  
Written by Tatiana Dominguez Participant New Europe Program Spring 2012

March 12, 2012

THE ALT VERSUS KÖLSCH EXPERIENCE


The Loyola Marymount University students studying with the AIB began their journey to Düsseldorf with excitement and anticipation, for ‘Cologonians’ told them they were visiting the forbidden city. This is why upon arrival; everyone was shocked to find the city very similar to Cologne. The group prepared themselves for an exciting day of learning about the German government, traditional German food, a scavenger hunt, ending with an ascension of the Rheinturm.
The group headed strait to the Landtag where there were greeted for a breakfast reception with the chairman of the Bündis 90/Die Grünen Reiner Priggen. Priggen introduced him self and explained to the American students what the green party was and what they stood for. The students listened with fascination as Priggen explained the Green Parties stance on education, green energy, and cooperating with other parties on important issues. After the lecture, Priggen opened himself up to questions. Many students were eager to learn about Germany’s nuclear energy policy and what was being done to improve education in Germany. Priggen explained his recent visit to Finland, where he learned more about their education policy, and how members of his party are striving to have a system similar to theirs. He also pointed out that there are aspects of American Universities, such as sports and extra curricular activities, which he would like to incorporate into German Universities. The talk proved to be most influential on the students, and they greatly appreciated the chairman’s opinions and impute on their questions.
After the reception students receive a tour of the Landtag, starting with gorgeous views of the Rhine River and tours of the workers offices. The students were able to see the parliament room, were they learned about the old fashioned system of voting, where members walk through different doors to cast their vote. Students were fascinated by the modern architecture combined with centuries old traditions.
Next, students headed to lunch at Zum Schlüssel, where they had traditional German dishes of schnitzl, goulash, spatzle, and Alt. Students were tempted to order Kölsch and see the waiters reactions, but decided it was best to try a new beer and thus ordered a round of Alt. There were mixed reactions to the taste, but having more connections to Cologne than Düsseldorf, it was decided Kölsch was the better option. The scavenger hunt was a perfect way to learn about the most exciting part of the city. Lastly the students headed up the Rheinturm.
On top of the Rheinturm students saw a panoramic view of the city. The most fun though was leaning against the glass windows and looking down 234 meters :)
After spending a day in Düsseldorf, the students had a new appreciation for the humorous rivalry that exists between Cologne and Dusseldorf.


Written by Callie Child.

March 5, 2012

OUR FILM STUDENTS PRESENT THEMSELVES IN
1 MIN CLIP


Check out this neat trailor made for the cinematography class by our Film&TV students. You will be able to spot each of our film students from the LMU's School of Film&Television Bonn semester program 2011. What a great group it was! The students shot on 16 mm film and used double exposure effects to create this beautiful short film!