Issue 155

Front Abroad

14th May 2007

I was so happy, at Frankfurt airport, waiting for Jason to walk into arrivals; "Nothing can get me down today," I thought; then my phone rings, it's my mum, telling me that British Airways were cancelling the route from Bristol to Frankfurt.

Panic set in as I began to worry about not being able to get home for Easter. To add insult to injury, BA announced that they were introducing a new route, London City to Frankfurt. London City?! Why is it necessary to have flights to Frankfurt from three London airports? The £1 million BA made from distraught customers phoning their 'helpline' just enraged me further, because American customers are not charged for phoning the airline. As it happens I did quite well out of the bad situation, I was able to fly into Bristol for Easter a week early!"

Easter came and went, and I paid a visit to Star Bar when I returned, 'to ease myself back into life in Mannheim,' well, that's what I told myself so I wouldn't feel so bad about spending the money! Five 'taster cocktails' from the menu, which came in champagne glasses, and not a small shot glass, were definitely good value for the £7 they cost me. I liked them all apart from one; it was called 'Freddie Mercury', and had Tequila, coconut, and banana liquor in it, yuck! Star Bar was followed by newly re-opened 'City Beach', another bar, right on the Neckar River. The place was outside, like an actual beach, with sand and everything! Deckchairs, palm trees, and colourful parasols were scattered about on the sand and big, high, white leather sofas ran along one side, complete with big red cushions and fluffy blankets to keep the night - air chill at bay. I could have been anywhere in the world on holiday at City Beach, gazing up at the stars whilst lying back in a deckchair was really relaxing.

The weather has been so hot here since Easter, 27 degrees most days that I thought nothing of it when one of the girls first mentioned 'going to the beach', but then it dawned on me. 'A beach, in Germany?' That's barely possible unless you travel to the North Sea, never mind a beach in Mannheim! It eventually became clear that this mysterious beach was in fact the River Rhein, and was only a short tramride away from town. The river bank was just like a pebbly beach, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than this, relaxing with music and a book, until I got burnt at least! My friend managed to outdo me there though; she had somehow managed to burn both of her legs on one side, from the knee down! I couldn't stop laughing; it was a really funny sight.

I decided to venture somewhere new last week; Luisenpark. I had heard that it was nice, but was not expecting what I found, especially in Mannheim. It was beautiful. Rows of colourful flowers, huge sweeping oak and chestnut trees, a boating lake and vast areas of perfectly cut bright green grass, and animals. Owls, birds, fish, flamingos, penguins, butterflies, farm animals... the list is endless. What I found most enchanting were the pelicans and ducks, who are allowed to roam free in the park. I felt closer to animals there than I ever have.

I can't believe that this is my last journal entry, and that my year abroad is coming to an end. My first memory of arriving here is still vivid; "how am I ever going to survive here until Christmas, let alone next June?" Truthfully, I'm not sure how I have done; I just got on with it, because I had to. My year abroad has been the most challenging experience of my life, leaving loved ones behind too painful. Despite all of my fears, it has been worth the tears and the worry. I have been thrown into another country and culture with a lifeline barely attached to me, and discovered a new place and how it works, and best of all, I've not only survived it, but have achieved it. Will I miss Mannheim? I still have mixed feelings towards the city, and always will. As a place it is not pretty to look at, and everybody smokes, well, it feels that way. I have the generalisation that 'Germans are rude and grumpy' confirmed on a regular basis, when doors slam in my face or I attempt to form a queue when I pay for things.

I am also just as quickly surprised though, by the man who offers to carry my suitcase off the train because I'm unable to lift it, or by the old lady who holds the shop door open for me. I have learnt a lot about myself this year, made some good friends, and had some amazing experiences. It is odd to say, but I will miss Mannheim in some ways, a part of me will remain here long after I have flown home.

Will I be pleased to fly back home? Absolutely, there is no place like it.

Caroline Sutch