Freiburg and more!

The past few days…

On Tuesday we had a quick early morning lecture and then headed off to Basel Paper Museum. Thankfully this paper museum was as interesting as a paper museum can get. The museum was actually the first paper producer in Switzerland and was known all over Europe for making the finest paper of its time. First, we made our own paper with a Basel watermark on it. Such fun! Then, we got to see many original paper producing “machines”. Not much more I can say about that…

Next, I wandered around town and discovered some interesting shops near our hostel. I was lucky enough to find an antique shop with some cheap glass animals in it! Yay for Swiss glass animals to add to my collection! I feel so relaxed and safe here. I did a little shopping and a little laundry. It feels so good to wash my own clothes in a sink and hang them on the window (I took a picture as proof ). I haven’t touched a washing machine or dryer since I got here. After mozying around for awhile, I hopped on a tram, took in some scenery, and almost got lost . Thank goodness people here are so helpful.

That night, I chopped off my hair. On a whim. I bought some kitchen scissors at the local grocery store and hacked it all off. While drinking a beer. Ha. It turned out pretty good though and I’ve received many compliments! After making a mess in the bathroom, I was cleaning up and getting ready for bed when our neighbors started to party. Very loudly. I mean music pumped up, yelling, and jumping/dancing so crazily that we could feel the floors vibrating in our room. Finally I had enough and went over to tell them off. Somehow we got to talking and I actually hung out with them for quite a bit. Crazy German males. I was very stern with them and kept turning down their music. However, they convinced me to do a little dancing. Haha. After awhile they decided to go out and I decided to get some sleep…. Only to wake up to the sound of them partying again around 0330.

The next morning we left for Freiburg Germany! We went straight to their University Hospital, listened to several wonderful lectures and went for a tour of the hospital. Then we went to check in at the most adorable hotel. They had the most amazing giant fluffy pillows I have ever rested my delicate and now short-haired head on. Just as we were getting comfortable it was off to a vineyard dinner.

We had the loveliest most relaxing meal. We hiked out into the middle of nowhere, surrounded by grape plants. At the top of a little hill with a beautiful view we sat at some picnic tables and enjoyed the most delicious homemade wine I have ever had, homemade bread with homemade pesto and wonderful company. The weather was perfect, the view was perfect, and the snack was perfect. After everyone got a little tipsy, we ventured back into town to have our real dinner. Delicious German food. Our lovely evening was soon complete and we went back to our hotel to enjoy our pillows.

The next morning we woke up bright and early to go out. The entire group spilt up to go shadow someone in the healthcare field. I had the opportunity to join a home care nurse for her morning visit to clients. Most of the work was very similar to what I did at my old job so I was very comfortable. I helped give a bed bath to a dying and often unresponsive woman and was delighted when she waved goodbye to us. It was very fun to meet people in their own homes and to finally see the inside of the cute little European apartment buildings for once. I met many cute old German folks and one of the cutest old Italian men I’ve ever seen. I also got to meet a woman that had just had a foot operation that involved the shaving of some bone and the insertion of some metal rods. The nurse changed her bandages and I had the pleasure of seeing the metal rods sticking of the dear lady’s toes.

After I departed from my sweet German nurse, I joined the group for a lunch at a community center for the elderly. We enjoyed some tasty local dishes and the company of some the center’s regulars. Next we had a tour of the facility and were delighted to see that they had a computer room for classes, an art room, a bowling alley, and more!
After our visit we had some time to wander off on our own. I just love exploring all of the shopping areas in new towns. There are always so many charming streets with odd shops. I found a market with a woman selling her blown glass. Once again I was able to add some lovely (and cheap!) glass animals to my collection.

Shortly after it was time to catch the train back to Basel. And here I am! Many cups of coffee (and wine), sore legs, a blister, plenty of euros/francs poorer, a couple of busy days later, and with much less hair I am writing to you again.

But that is all until next time.

Tsuss!