As our plane began descending into Munich, the first thing that stood out to me was how green Germany is. Looking out the window, I could see fields of farmland stretching for miles. It immediately felt different from what I am used to seeing at home. Another thing that surprised me was finding a full supermarket inside the airport. I had never seen anything like that in an airport in the United States, and it was my first glimpse into how everyday life here might be different. 

I did not have many expectations about what Germany would look like before arriving, but I was surprised by how rural the area felt. On the bus ride from Munich to Augsburg, the highways were surrounded by farms, houses, and small buildings rather than endless shopping centers and businesses. Compared to home, everything felt much more spread out and connected to the land. It seemed like there was a stronger balance between development and preserving green space. 

When we arrived in Augsburg, I immediately noticed that it looked unlike any city I had seen in America. The colorful buildings and different elevation levels throughout the city reminded me a little bit of Charleston, South Carolina, but with a much older and more historic feel. Walking through the city, it felt like every building had its own unique character. Many of the buildings featured intricate designs, detailed architecture, and even gold accents that reflected the city’s history and wealth. 

The impact of the Fugger family is still visible throughout Augsburg today. One of the most interesting places we visited was the Fuggerei. Learning about the Fuggerei was fascinating because it showed how the Fugger family used their wealth to support local families. Residents only had to pay the equivalent of about one dollar in rent each year and say three prayers a day for the Fugger family. Visiting the Fuggerei helped me better understand how influential the Fuggers were and how their legacy continues to shape the city today. 

Another highlight of our first day in Augsburg was getting to enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner and meet some of the German students we will be working with throughout the project. After a long day of traveling and exploring the city, it was nice to sit down, enjoy local food, and start getting to know the students. Meeting them made the project feel much more real, and it was interesting to hear about their experiences and learn more about student life in Germany. It was also a great opportunity to begin building relationships with the people we will be collaborating with over the next two  week. 

One question Augsburg is already making me ask is how local residents balance preserving the city’s rich history with the constantly changing world around them. During our visit, we saw renovations being made to the town hall, showing that the city is actively investing in its historic landmarks. At the same time, I wonder how younger generations view Augsburg’s traditions and history. Are they focused on preserving what makes the city unique, or are they pushing for modernization? It is something I hope to learn more about as the trip continues. m