It has been almost two months since I landed here in Germany. Settling down was very smooth, my life quickly eased into this beautiful part of the world. My German friends from the university, helped me a great deal in integrating into the life here. I had ample help from them whenever I needed it. Before long, I had a local bank account, a mobile sim card and a favorite “Döner kebab” restaurant.
My university
The campus and the place where I live is located within the UNESCO World heritage site and the surrounding areas and the classic European towns justify such a classification.
One of my good friends here, took me around and showed me the university building.
WHU school of management sits close to the Rhine river’s banks in the city of Vallendar. It comprises of multiple charming buildings clustered in an area in the heart of the city.
The main building of the university features a beautiful glass structure through which we enter. The interiors are styled in classic European architecture and instantly gives one a sense of the rich history and the academic prowess of the university.
The walls are decorated with pictures of alumni, students, professors, and the various laurels that “WHU’lers” have brought back to the university.
Vallendar
Walking through Vallendar streets is a delightful experience, browsing through the various boutique stores and the delicious aromas of bakeries engulf you as you pass by them. Although unfortunately the Covid infection flared up in Germany in the recent past which led to a lockdown, I was able to still explore around on foot.
Whenever the university work didn’t keep me burning the midnight oil, I would wake up early and take a walk to another unexplored area in Vallendar. Vallendar is located partially on the banks of the Rhine and extends onto the sides and tops of the hills that engulf the valley.
A short walk up the hill can reveal a magnificent view of the of the surrounding area which although are covered by hills, surprisingly allows a view that is uninterrupted for many kilometers.
My mornings
My life here on the island of Niederwerth has been very pleasant and I must say, very European. The early morning breeze along the banks of the Rhine river inaugurates my days here in Germany.
There is a nice little jogging path that runs around the island. On many a morning, I would run along the jogging track and take in the fresh air and the beautiful sceneries on the banks of the Rhine.
The track around Niederwerth is around 6.5 to 7 km long, so it’s quiet a good exercise to jog around it. Most of the island is farming land of the people of Nierderwerth. Jogging around it, I see the beautiful green pastures, fields of pumpkins and fresh greens. Every once in a while, I spot a horse among the green fields. It is truly a beautiful experience.
There is much more to see
Although my university work and the lockdown keep me limit my explorations, I am certain in no time, I will travel to other parts of Germany and collect more experiences and memories. There is so much more to see, so many more hills to climb.
For now, I will enjoy my walks by the Rhine.
Sivasankar report no. 1
Sivasankar report no. 2
Sivasankar report no. 3
Sivasankar report no. 4
Sivasankar report no. 5
Sivasankar report no. 6
Sivasankar report no. 7