Today we landed in Munich around 7:30am local time. The first thing I noticed was the time in the airport. All clocks and flight information screens used military time, which is uncommon for most people in the United States. We were directed through the terminal to the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). This has been implemented as of last month, which requires non-EU nationals to register facial scans and fingerprints at kiosks before seeing the customs officers. Supposedly, this system should replace traditional passport stamps. However, I still received one. After one and a half hours, I finally made it through customs. The officer asked a few questions about where I was going in Germany, why I was going there, and when I would leave.
I noticed vast farmlands and beautiful scenery on the drive from the airport. Once in Augsburg, I saw many pastel colored buildings and brick roads. Unlike Pittsburgh, the city of Augsburg has no skyscrapers. The buildings are low and the sidewalks are calm. One similarity to Pittsburgh, though, are the streets. They intersect at random angles and there are many one-way roads.
We had a quick turnaround from arriving at our hotel to a city tour. Something that surprised me was the accessibility of the city. As our tour guide spoke, I noticed how walkable it was to the supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. Many of the essential goods and services can be found within a ten minute walk. There are also street cars, which is a common form of transportation around the city of Augsburg. One question that this city is already making me ask: How does a city like Augsburg with a rich history of influence and wealth preserve its past while still feeling like a modern place to live?
After learning about Jakob Fugger and the Fugger family in the pre-departure lectures, it was fascinating to see their impact on the city of Augsburg firsthand. We walked through the Fuggerei, which was the first form of social housing in the world. It still operates today as subsidized housing for Catholic residents. A few requirements to be a resident are three mandatory prayers for the Fugger family, Augsburg residency for a minimum of three years, and being low-income or needy. My mother works in the affordable housing sector in Hawaii, and the only significant difference between the two are the religious requirements and how long they have been established. I hope Hawaii’s affordable housing can be as long-lasting and impactful as the Fuggerei have been.
During dinner after the tour, I ate schnitzel and spaetzle for the first time. It was delicious! I initially thought the language and culture barriers would make it hard to connect with the German students, but they were all proficient in English and very welcoming. I am excited to work with them for the remainder of this experience, and explore more of the city.
