So this past weekend, the DAAD (the organization that brought me here to Germany) orgnanized a compulsory meeting for all RISE-Pro scholars (which is what I am I guess) at Bonn, the former capital of Germany. It was all-inclusive, but we had to go for company tours so that was not very exciting. Still, with a free holiday, I can hardly complain much.
The Palace Augustusburg. I thought it was a little ridiculous how we were herded from one room to another as we toured the palace. We were literally chased out of a room the moment we stepped in, but I guess this was because we were pressed for time. Anyway, I didn’t think much of the palace. It was used to entertain foreign politicians when Bonn was the capital so that’s the only interesting fact I could gather from my 10 minute tour of the palace.
The palace grounds. Not very exciting too. Trees are trees.
Kolsch-Cola, which is a beer mixed with cola I think. It took me 3 tries just to get my drink at the beer garden. The first time I ordered, I got a small glass, which I was fine with, but someone else at my table thought I didn’t want such a small drink and insisted I exchange my Kolsch-Cola with her large Coke. So I stupidly did, and tried ordering a large Kolsch-Cola this time. The waitress came back with a large Coke instead, so I have 2 large Cokes now. I finally got my large Kolsch-Cola on the third try. And it wasn’t even very nice. German beer seems to be very malty and sweet and I hate malty beer. Luckily, drinks were free since DAAD was paying.
The city center in Bonn. Everywhere in Bonn, there are street names and shop signs with “Bonner” in it e.g. Bonner Street. I admit, I’m childishly amused by it.
Along the river Rhine to Linz, an old medieval town.
Scenes from Linz. I wish we could walk longer, but we were given only 1 hr 15 mins to walk. Again, pressed for time. That is why I hate tours.
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I’m extremely jealous of people who have went to Per Se or El Bulli. El Bulli is like my mecca. I will have to pay homage there one day. Per Se is more attainable though, but I’ll probably be broke when I’m done with it.
