Rain-Soaked Journeys: Through Sustainability, Diplomacy, and Rollercoasters

U.S. Consulate flags representing the U.S. and Germany

This week has been packed to the brim. Our program leaders have filled every hour with activities, making it one of the busiest and most dynamic weeks so far. It's been a literal and figurative rollercoaster (pictures below!). Today, we ventured deeper into the city, and at this point, I feel as though I’ve passed through nearly every train station. I often find myself asking my counselors, "Have we been here before," as the days and the stations blur together. Most of the travel has involved sprinting between connections, which has left my legs sore and my feet aching.

Our first stop of the day was the Greenpeace Workshop at the organization's headquarters. Originally founded by environmental activists, this campaign is a global, independent network. While I had previously only heard of them in passing, this visit offered a better introduction to their work. Here, we were presented with not only their environmental work, but also their initiatives to resolve changing oceans, fast fashion, unsustainable agriculture, deforestation, political unrest, and economic inequality. Following the presentation, we explored an interactive learning space that featured multiple stations, each detailing a specific problem, its causes, and possible solutions.

Our task was to write down notes, reflect, and discuss in a group discussion around implementable solutions, both large and personal. The topic I chose was fast fashion, and one of the more innovative ideas I came across was the concept of a “swap party.” This was a gathering where friends could exchange clothing to reduce waste and encourage reuse. The idea stuck with me, especially because of its simplicity and how it can connect the community. I genuinely enjoyed seeing people passionately engage and care about environmental outcomes, but also our political, economic, and social outcomes in the world. Each participant had a unique perspective to share, which made the group discussion particularly insightful.

Afterward, we had a quick lunch break, a sandwich on the go, and it was followed by a brief stop at a nearby mall. The most memorable part of that detour was coming across a large Haribo store, which we don’t have back home in New Mexico. And yes, I walked out with something in hand-it’s nearly impossible not to.

During this time, the weather took a turn. What had been a cloudy day to day quickly shifted to heavy rainfall. Despite the downpour, we had an important appointment: a scheduled visit to the U.S. Consulate in Hamburg. Everyone was dressed in business attire, which made drudging through the rain more uncomfortable. By the time we arrived, we were completely soaked—clothes, hair, socks, and shoes.

When arriving, we were cold, wet, and a little mad at the weather, but luckily, prepared with lots of questions. At the Consulate, we met Abigail Greenwald, the Deputy Consul General. She welcomed us warmly and began explaining the role of the Consulate, which is to represent the American interests in major cities across the world. She explained how the Consulate functioned on a more local and international level. From there, we began asking questions. She mentioned in her introduction that she studied International Relations and minored in German, an academic background that led her to this position.

During the Q&A, she highlighted key qualities that have been vital to her career: flexibility, public speaking, journalistic skills, and leadership. I was intrigued by how her applied journalistic skills helped build trust and deepen diplomatic relationships. Overall, it was a rewarding and thorough conversation, and we ended the meeting with a group photo, despite our rain-soaked appearance.

As we exited the U.S. Consulate building, it began pouring again. If you're planning a trip to Germany, especially Hamburg, I cannot emphasize this enough: bring a quality umbrella and raincoat. In just three days, it has rained every single day. Waterproof accessories, like a phone case, backpack, and a spare pair of socks, will also save you. This rain feels different from what I’m used to, as it finds its way into every corner and crevice.

After fighting the rain (I lost), we made our way to Hamburger Sommerdom, the local carnival. Our group quickly found the rollercoasters. It was truly one of the highlights of my week. There, I ate a crêpe filled with Lotus crème and Biscoff pieces, and with the help of some German friends, I even managed to order it in German. I’ve found myself increasingly comfortable with basic German transactions, and I genuinely enjoy the language: its rhythm, structure, and sound.

Wasserlichkonzerte followed later in the evening and provided a nice contrast to the energy of the carnival. Held in Planten un Blomen, the performance featured choreographed water fountains illuminated by bright lights, all set to selected pieces of music. As the sun set, the park filled with people. Other than a small drizzle in the beginning, the weather behaved. The show itself was elegant and mesmerizing, as the colors changed according to the number. It was a serene way to conclude the day.

After all the fun, we made it back to the hostel after another long journey. Although this day wasn't filled with traditional sightseeing, it was heavy in learning and meaningful engagement. I often feel as though information-heavy days are the most rewarding. These are the kind of days that remind me why I joined the program in the first place.

Tomorrow's schedule is a bit slower. We are set to visit a nearby flea market, participate in a human rights workshop, and attend the Hamburg Pride Parade. I look forward to what comes next. Watch for updates!