I know I said that I would write two parts about the last couple weeks, but as it turns out, I am going to have to write three, because I absolutely cannot condense everything else that I want to say in this post.
On Wednesday (the 19th), after two whole weeks of showering in cold water, my shower was finally fixed by the Hausmeister, and I was able to take a warm shower. Two weeks of cold showers was not a fun time. The next day my friend, Keera (also from California) and I went to the little hippie market and bought some cheese and fruits. I ate some for dinner, because I wasn't feeling very well, and didn't want to have a heavy meal. I actually have been feeling a little unwell from time to time all week. I have nausea that comes and goes, and it makes me feel awful.
Luckily by Friday I was feeling a bit better, because my Startkurs (the preparatory language course I am in) went on a trip to the Bodensee, which was two hours away! We visited a church first, and then later went to a museum called Pfahlbautenmuseum Unteruhldingen (try saying that twice!). The best way to describe the museum is by comparing it to those little huts with thatched roofs that you find in places like Bora Bora, that are right on the water. Except they are German, and really really old. I also should mention that I spent most of the trip with the tutors, because they were helping me get around some of the inaccesible places that we went to. It was really fun being with them too, because I love being able to speak German with native speakers, because it just helps so much.
Later that day, we went to Meersburg and had some free time, so my friends and I decided to get lunch together. I had fish and chips at an imbiss, and they were playing Matisyahu in the background, so I knew we were at a good place. After that we took a ferry to Konstanz.
Konstanz was AMAZING. I kept telling myself that there must be some place in Europe where all the wheelchair users moved to, because I rarely ever see anyone else in a chair, and I think Konstanz is the place! I saw at least six other people there using wheelchairs, and practically every place was accessible. I was so happy about the accessibility that Konstanz might be my new favourite place in Germany. It was so nice to be able to get inside almost any building I wanted to without needing help. I miss that about the United States. The American Disabilities Act is so important. I think every country should get on board with that and make all spaces accessible. I should not be left out or unable to experience something just because my body decided it would be fun to attack itself. I should have equal opportunities.
Anyway, before I get side tracked and go on a long rant about why accessibility is important (which, by the way, I will never stop advocating for myself and for others with disabilities), let me get back to my story. In Konstanz, Abby and I went to a gigantic cathedral, and afterward we got hot cocoa in a small café. It started raining, so we decided not to go anywhere else, until finally it was time for us to meet up with the rest of the group for dinner.
After that, we all piled in the bus for our two hour ride back, and I had a very interesting conversation with the guy I was sitting next to. It's kind of hard to explain all of the details, but I'll just say that I don't think he is used to being around strong women who are willing to speak out when someone is being sexist or homophobic etc. We didn't argue or anything, but he definitely said some things that made me realize that our cultures are very different. Also, I tend to make jokes/comments a lot about checking out hot guys when I am with my friends (I mean what is wrong with noticing someone's beauty? It's not like I am harassing people), and since he was with us he got to hear them. Get this, he said that I am NAUGHTY for talking about hot guys a lot. I wasn't even being weird, I literally would just say things to the other women like, "oh did you see that hot guy?" or joke and say that I was going to find myself a hot german man (which may not actually be a joke). I just don't understand why men can literally sleep with a different person every night and nobody bats an eyelash, but if a woman starts talking about a bunch of different hot guys then she is "promiscuous" or "naughty." It's such a double standard and people need to change that.
All I can say is whether I am a naughty woman or a nasty woman, it doesn't matter, because I am an empowered woman who doesn't care if men want to judge me for being me. Let your freak flag fly. And on that note, I think this post is done, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out all the actual naughty things I've done lately (drinking? What's that?).
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Things That Happened: Part One
A lot has happened in the last two weeks. Because of this, I think I will write two separate posts to cover everything. I wanted to write last week, but I got extremely busy, and decided I would rather get some rest instead of trying to write a long post, but today I have time! So this is my part 1 (things that happened Sep. 12-18):
First of all, I went to this amazing Monastery in Bebenhausen. It was extremely old, and very beautiful, and there was a cute little market nearby where my friends and I purchased some fresh fruit. That was my first big historical excursion, and it was accessible! Unfortunately it was not 100% accessible, so I couldn't get everywhere, but I was able to go to the main areas, which were breathtaking.
That Friday (the 14th), I went to an international dinner. It was potluck-style, and everyone brought dishes from their home country. My friend Abby, who is from Oregon, and I made a pastry in the shape of the American flag. We weren't sure what to cook, but we figured, what was more American than the flag? The dinner was great, and our dish was a hit (although personally, I thought the other dishes were tastier).
The following day was even better. Abby and I decided to go to the Altstadt for dinner, and it just so happened that there was this Italian/French market going on, which we had completely forgotten about. We decided we would explore all the booths, and we ended up splitting this huge plate of bruschetta. However, we didn't have a table, so Abby sat on a step and we used my lap as a table. A lot of people stared, but one woman told us we were creative, and she gave us free cheese! It was so fun. After that, we decided to get some churros and some really thick hot cocoa to dip them in. Honestly, I am still dreaming about the churro-cocoa combo to this day, because it was one of the best things I have ever eaten.
I also went back to the market the next day with my buddy, Aysel, and her grandma and mom. They were so sweet, and they even took me to a little Mexican restaurant beforehand for lunch. I would call it more Tex-Mex, but it was actually pretty good for being in Germany. There also happened to be a marathon that day, which really made life hard, because all of the buses had to change their routes, so I could only get to my dorm from the bus stop at the Hauptbahnhof (where the train station is), so it took me quite a while to get back to my room at the end of the day.
The last day was kind of a rocky one. I was in a really bad mood, because it felt like everything was going wrong, but it ended on a good note. What happened was that Abby and I went to try currywurst, and let me tell you, it was the curryWORST. To everyone that told me it tasted different than just ketchup and curry powder on a hot dog, politely PISS OFF you liars. It was the most atrocious thing I have ever tasted. Apparently a lot of my friends like it, but it is absolutely not for me. After that, Abby and I got gelato to cleanse our palates, and as it turns out, no food is allowed on the bus, and before I could tell Abby that we should just finish our gelato and wait for a different bus, she had already thrown it away. Needless to say, I was bummed.
Later I had to get to my first German doctor's appointment. It was not easy to get to, but I ended up learning that there was actually a very close bus stop, so it was easy for me to get home. The doctor was very nice and spoke perfect English, which made me feel a lot better, because I was very nervous that something would get mixed up if I tried explaining things in German. It took some time, but he was able to find the medication I needed, and I finally got a prescription. There also was a very cute little hippie market right next door to the Apotheke (pharmacy), which I explored. In the end I felt accomplished, and it made me feel a lot better.
There have been a lot of challenges for me here in Germany, but I am continually showing myself that I am stronger than I ever thought, and that I can always push through (no pun intended). Now you will have to wait for part two to find out what I did this last week (spoiler, it was possibly the most fun week ever)!
First of all, I went to this amazing Monastery in Bebenhausen. It was extremely old, and very beautiful, and there was a cute little market nearby where my friends and I purchased some fresh fruit. That was my first big historical excursion, and it was accessible! Unfortunately it was not 100% accessible, so I couldn't get everywhere, but I was able to go to the main areas, which were breathtaking.
That Friday (the 14th), I went to an international dinner. It was potluck-style, and everyone brought dishes from their home country. My friend Abby, who is from Oregon, and I made a pastry in the shape of the American flag. We weren't sure what to cook, but we figured, what was more American than the flag? The dinner was great, and our dish was a hit (although personally, I thought the other dishes were tastier).
The following day was even better. Abby and I decided to go to the Altstadt for dinner, and it just so happened that there was this Italian/French market going on, which we had completely forgotten about. We decided we would explore all the booths, and we ended up splitting this huge plate of bruschetta. However, we didn't have a table, so Abby sat on a step and we used my lap as a table. A lot of people stared, but one woman told us we were creative, and she gave us free cheese! It was so fun. After that, we decided to get some churros and some really thick hot cocoa to dip them in. Honestly, I am still dreaming about the churro-cocoa combo to this day, because it was one of the best things I have ever eaten.
I also went back to the market the next day with my buddy, Aysel, and her grandma and mom. They were so sweet, and they even took me to a little Mexican restaurant beforehand for lunch. I would call it more Tex-Mex, but it was actually pretty good for being in Germany. There also happened to be a marathon that day, which really made life hard, because all of the buses had to change their routes, so I could only get to my dorm from the bus stop at the Hauptbahnhof (where the train station is), so it took me quite a while to get back to my room at the end of the day.
The last day was kind of a rocky one. I was in a really bad mood, because it felt like everything was going wrong, but it ended on a good note. What happened was that Abby and I went to try currywurst, and let me tell you, it was the curryWORST. To everyone that told me it tasted different than just ketchup and curry powder on a hot dog, politely PISS OFF you liars. It was the most atrocious thing I have ever tasted. Apparently a lot of my friends like it, but it is absolutely not for me. After that, Abby and I got gelato to cleanse our palates, and as it turns out, no food is allowed on the bus, and before I could tell Abby that we should just finish our gelato and wait for a different bus, she had already thrown it away. Needless to say, I was bummed.
Later I had to get to my first German doctor's appointment. It was not easy to get to, but I ended up learning that there was actually a very close bus stop, so it was easy for me to get home. The doctor was very nice and spoke perfect English, which made me feel a lot better, because I was very nervous that something would get mixed up if I tried explaining things in German. It took some time, but he was able to find the medication I needed, and I finally got a prescription. There also was a very cute little hippie market right next door to the Apotheke (pharmacy), which I explored. In the end I felt accomplished, and it made me feel a lot better.
There have been a lot of challenges for me here in Germany, but I am continually showing myself that I am stronger than I ever thought, and that I can always push through (no pun intended). Now you will have to wait for part two to find out what I did this last week (spoiler, it was possibly the most fun week ever)!
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
The Germany Blog Post
Here we are. The post you've all been waiting for. The post that at least 20 people have asked me to write: The Germany Blog Post. As always, I promise to keep it real, so be prepared to read about happy and sad times.
I have been in Germany for ten full days now. I arrived to Frankfurt the Sunday before last with my aunt and uncle. That night we had great german food, and got to see a bit of the town. Accessibility was okay, but not great, but I didn't worry, as I wasn't staying in Frankfurt for long. The next day we drove all the way to Tübingen, which is about a two hour drive, but it took us about three, because we accidentally took a wrong turn or two (thanks to not having very great cell service for maps). Nonetheless, we arrived in my new city, and were able to do a little tour of my dorm area. I should mention that at this point my brain was like- OH SHIT THIS IS SO INACCESSIBLE THERE IS NO WAY- because my dorm is on a giant hill. Also unfortunately, something I ate didn't agree with me, so I had horrible abdominal cramping all day and was pretty miserable, so once we got to our Airbnb I almost immediately went to sleep. It was not a great day. Luckily, the next day I felt much better.
The next day, I got the keys to my apartment and we did a whole lotta shopping! I needed a lot of things, because at first my apartment honestly felt like a prison cell. It's basically all concrete and there is very little furniture, so I had to get some things to spice up the place. Also, despite being told it would be furnished, my room did not have all the things necessary for survival. I had to buy dishes and pans and then of course all the other typical dorm things like blankets and towels, but finally after almost a whole day of shopping, my aunt and uncle and I were able to make my apartment feel much more like a home. I also got the grand tour of the dorm area, and realized that it was much easier to get to the bus stop than we had thought, so I felt much better about everything and was no longer feeling as intimidated.
The following day (Wednesday) I had orientation and said goodbye to my aunt and uncle, and it was my first night alone in Germany. I got a tour of the main part of town during orientation and it made me feel concerned, but I also got to see that the city is really beautiful. It was a long day, and I was exhausted, but I felt okay about everything.
On Thursday my buddy Aysel (if you are reading this, hi!!), a student from the University of Tübingen, showed me where my classes would be and helped me set up my phone. Hanging out with her was awesome, because she is super nice, and it made me feel a bit better about getting around on my own. The next few days I spent grocery shopping and hanging out in my room watching Netflix and processing everything that had happened over the previous couple of days. I processed too much.
I thought about how the prettiest part of town is the older part, which of course is less accessible and extremely hilly. I thought I wouldn't be able to get there at all if I was alone and it made me very sad. I cried for awhile, because this was the first time in my four and a half years of paralysis where I actually felt defeated by my disability (because how could I live here and not be able to go to the best part of town?). Ever since I have become paralyzed, I have known that things would not come easy to me, but I always felt anything was possible. But I realized that the world as a whole needs to improve its accessibility tenfold (a millionfold!), because I (or any other person with a disability) should never have to feel like we don't belong somewhere or like we aren't welcome, or like something is impossible. I hit a low point. I wanted to go home and I was so upset with myself for being paralyzed (which yes, I know I had no control over it, but it's just how I felt). I cried a lot, and I really worried I wouldn't be able to stay for a whole year.
-Cut to yesterday and today.-
I have had the greatest last two days. I have made friends and traveled around the city a ton, and I learned that it actually is possible for me to get around the old part of town without help, as long as I take a specific route. The old town is absolutely gorgeous, and I am extremely happy I can go there, because I will definitely be frequenting it. My friend Keera and I went around and we got gelato and döner kebabs, which are amazing, and we went to a few different little stores. We also just sat a few times to admire the area and chat. The last two days proved to me that whatever happens this year, I can figure it out. Granted, my arms are hella sore, mostly from slowing myself down when going downhill, so I will probably be ripped when I get back to the US.
Overall, even though I had a rough start, I am finally learning that I really can do anything I put my mind to, and I am proud of myself for facing things that seem terrifying and impossible. I am looking forward to whatever happens this year, and I really hope that I can take the information I learn here and share it with other people. Hopefully, sharing my experiences will allow others to become more aware of the inaccessibility of the world, and hopefully it will inspire them to also help push for change. I also hope to inspire other wheelchair users to not be afraid to do something like this, and to go completely out of their comfort zone. But for now, I am going to just live it and try to write about it as best as I can. Until my next post! Tschüss!
I have been in Germany for ten full days now. I arrived to Frankfurt the Sunday before last with my aunt and uncle. That night we had great german food, and got to see a bit of the town. Accessibility was okay, but not great, but I didn't worry, as I wasn't staying in Frankfurt for long. The next day we drove all the way to Tübingen, which is about a two hour drive, but it took us about three, because we accidentally took a wrong turn or two (thanks to not having very great cell service for maps). Nonetheless, we arrived in my new city, and were able to do a little tour of my dorm area. I should mention that at this point my brain was like- OH SHIT THIS IS SO INACCESSIBLE THERE IS NO WAY- because my dorm is on a giant hill. Also unfortunately, something I ate didn't agree with me, so I had horrible abdominal cramping all day and was pretty miserable, so once we got to our Airbnb I almost immediately went to sleep. It was not a great day. Luckily, the next day I felt much better.
The next day, I got the keys to my apartment and we did a whole lotta shopping! I needed a lot of things, because at first my apartment honestly felt like a prison cell. It's basically all concrete and there is very little furniture, so I had to get some things to spice up the place. Also, despite being told it would be furnished, my room did not have all the things necessary for survival. I had to buy dishes and pans and then of course all the other typical dorm things like blankets and towels, but finally after almost a whole day of shopping, my aunt and uncle and I were able to make my apartment feel much more like a home. I also got the grand tour of the dorm area, and realized that it was much easier to get to the bus stop than we had thought, so I felt much better about everything and was no longer feeling as intimidated.
The following day (Wednesday) I had orientation and said goodbye to my aunt and uncle, and it was my first night alone in Germany. I got a tour of the main part of town during orientation and it made me feel concerned, but I also got to see that the city is really beautiful. It was a long day, and I was exhausted, but I felt okay about everything.
On Thursday my buddy Aysel (if you are reading this, hi!!), a student from the University of Tübingen, showed me where my classes would be and helped me set up my phone. Hanging out with her was awesome, because she is super nice, and it made me feel a bit better about getting around on my own. The next few days I spent grocery shopping and hanging out in my room watching Netflix and processing everything that had happened over the previous couple of days. I processed too much.
I thought about how the prettiest part of town is the older part, which of course is less accessible and extremely hilly. I thought I wouldn't be able to get there at all if I was alone and it made me very sad. I cried for awhile, because this was the first time in my four and a half years of paralysis where I actually felt defeated by my disability (because how could I live here and not be able to go to the best part of town?). Ever since I have become paralyzed, I have known that things would not come easy to me, but I always felt anything was possible. But I realized that the world as a whole needs to improve its accessibility tenfold (a millionfold!), because I (or any other person with a disability) should never have to feel like we don't belong somewhere or like we aren't welcome, or like something is impossible. I hit a low point. I wanted to go home and I was so upset with myself for being paralyzed (which yes, I know I had no control over it, but it's just how I felt). I cried a lot, and I really worried I wouldn't be able to stay for a whole year.
-Cut to yesterday and today.-
I have had the greatest last two days. I have made friends and traveled around the city a ton, and I learned that it actually is possible for me to get around the old part of town without help, as long as I take a specific route. The old town is absolutely gorgeous, and I am extremely happy I can go there, because I will definitely be frequenting it. My friend Keera and I went around and we got gelato and döner kebabs, which are amazing, and we went to a few different little stores. We also just sat a few times to admire the area and chat. The last two days proved to me that whatever happens this year, I can figure it out. Granted, my arms are hella sore, mostly from slowing myself down when going downhill, so I will probably be ripped when I get back to the US.
Overall, even though I had a rough start, I am finally learning that I really can do anything I put my mind to, and I am proud of myself for facing things that seem terrifying and impossible. I am looking forward to whatever happens this year, and I really hope that I can take the information I learn here and share it with other people. Hopefully, sharing my experiences will allow others to become more aware of the inaccessibility of the world, and hopefully it will inspire them to also help push for change. I also hope to inspire other wheelchair users to not be afraid to do something like this, and to go completely out of their comfort zone. But for now, I am going to just live it and try to write about it as best as I can. Until my next post! Tschüss!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)