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.
