Stuttgart and Tübingen
Food
Within the 72 hours of my time in Stuttgart and Tübingen I was able to try two staple dishes. One highlight was stumbling on the savory delight of currywurst, which I was able to find in the train station before an hour-long train ride. The blend of the sausage and the red sauce (curry sauce) was AMAZING! Another was at our welcome dinner where I had the chance to try Pork schnitzel along with French fries- a comforting introduction to Germany. Along the way, I was also able to try other cuisine options here ranging from pasta to burgers, not forgetting some dishes to cure my sweet tooth like the Quark dumplings with vanilla sauce and Crème Brule. I am excited to continue this journey to try the foods that Hamburg and Berlin have to offer.
Museums
I enjoyed exploring the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, each gave me a glimpse into the automotive history of Germany. Personally, the Mercedes-Benz Museum was my favorite, and based on what I’ve noticed since my arrival here in Stuttgart, Mercedes is a true staple here. The Mercedes-Benz Museum gave us a journey through time, which offered historical context and insights into the evolution of different car models. To my surprise, compared to what I’m used to in America this brand goes beyond just a luxury car, they are also used as governmental and service vehicles including but not limited to police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances — a testament to their diverse impact on mobility here in Germany. On the other hand, the Porsche Museum showcased its expertise and reinvention of performance cars, emphasizing the brand’s race car history. A surprising fact was that the founder’s early vision for this car was an electric motor — an idea ‘ahead of its time’. Overall, I enjoyed both museums as it opened me up to learning way more about these vehicles than just the surface level.
Stuttgart 21
My visit to Stuttgart 21 shed light on a project that the city has been working on for about 3 decades, and now aims to be completed by 2025. Despite its goal of sustainability and alleviating congestion, my perspective on the project shifted after visiting and learning more about its complexities. The hurdles faced along the way have not only led to significant delays but also caused the budget to skyrocket potentially tripling by the completion. While the aim was to enhance public transportation and reduce reliance on cars and flights for certain travels is commendable and adds to Germany’s commitment to being sustainable. The staggering costs and obstacles make me question the feasibility, benefits, and overall impact on Stuttgart’s transportation landscape.
