Tarang's Blocker Blog, Freiburg 2023

 Studying abroad has made me truly realize the huge difference between visiting a country as a tourist and living there as a local. A city can only offer so much to a tourist. Actually living there for long periods makes one consider certain aspects that may not come to mind immediately, but are nevertheless very important. As simple and trivial as it may sound, living in Freiburg has made me consider the differences between produce and grocery in Germany and the US. Last Wednesday, I visited the Vauban Market, a weekly food market very close to my apartment. Several stalls were set up around a square next to a park, and it was quite lively. Despite the rainy weather, there were quite a lot of people at the market. It was just like a Farmers' Market in the US, except for the fact that people over here seemed to rely on it as a regular source for their food. In the US, Farmers' Markets are a more expensive and niche option that people visit quite rarely. However, the Vauban Mark...

The Freiburg Münster (cathedral in English), stands proudly in the heart of the city centre as the tallest building of the city. It is one of the few buildings in Freiburg that survived the 1940 bombing. Therefore, the historical importance surrounding it is massive. However, instead of putting it on a pedestal, the city maintains a close and homely relationship with it, as if it is any other building. Every afternoon, there is a market with local produce at the Münster. Every now and then, I go there with my friends to relax and stargaze at night. This casual relationship is also maintained with the Platz der Alten Synagoge (Old Synagogue Square). This square is located just outside the city centre across from the University Bibliothek and the Freiburg Theater. It was created in honor of the Jewish Synagogue, which was burnt during the Nazi Regime. Although it is deeply revered by the people of Freiburg, the Platz der Alten Synagoge has been engulfed into the rest of the city. Rig...