Our arrival in Augsburg was long-awaited, and came after a very long flight, during which almost everyone struggled to sleep, and a bus ride from the Munich airport. Once we arrived, we were all disappointed to discover that we were not able to check into the hotel, meaning unable to shower (and brush our teeth), until 3 o’clock. We arrived at around 10 am. We went instead on a short walk through the city with the liaisons from the University of Augsburg, in order to familiarize ourselves with our new surroundings. Even in our slightly disheveled and sleep-deprived state, we were able to appreciate how beautiful the city is.

We stopped for a quick snack and coffee break, then were given time to wander the city on our own. Some of us took this opportunity to take a nap in a park. The park looked and smelled divine, and we lay down in the grass, using our hoodies as pillows, for nearly an hour and a half. Feeling much refreshed, we reunited with the group and went on a tour of the old city of Augsburg, with a specific focus on the life of Fugger, the richest man in the world. His contributions to the city, such as the Fuggerei, his affordable housing development, are still assisting the citizens today. Upon the conclusion of our tour, we were finally able to shower and feel like ourselves again.

Dinner could not have come soon enough, and we each devoured what was put in front of us. Showered, and once again presentable, we ended our day ready for the next.