I arrived earlier than my class did and got to explore and settle in a little bit more. I got to explore Germany a little and Strasbourg before I had to have classes. France and Germany are definitely different than I expected. Most people know English or know enough to hold a conversation. The Germans and French also dress differently than I expected. I had assumed we would look like outsiders more but the outfits I brought seem to blend in. I have enjoyed walking around eating the local Alsace food. In Germany I got to explore Manheim, Heidelberg, and Badan-Badan before I arrived in Strasbourg. Germany is so beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the architecture and getting to talk and have a conversation. The first day we went to the University of EM Strasbourg Business I was very impressed and interested with how they have a university building in the middle of the city. We arrived early and basically no one was there but as soon as we broke for lunch the building was so busy. That to me is a little different than the U.S. because we have classes and students at the business school starting at 8 am. Europeans seem to be much more slow moving and their stores and restaurants open later than the U.S. It has been a bit of an adjustment because finding coffee very early in the morning is a little more difficult. Another adjustment is the sun rising so early and setting so late. It makes the days feel longer and more productive. They eat dinner around 9 or 10 pm and that to me feels very late considering I go to bed at 11 pm most nights. I am excited to explore more companies and learn more about the different cultures that I hope to experience.
