You Can’t Prove What You Don’t Try: Scaling Balconies

Yesterday presented another set of challenges when I arrived in Regensburg. The international office did not have staff to meet me, so the other researcher came to the bus station with my dorm keys (thank you, Chris!). Once we dropped my things off, we went to the technology office to get wifi access because there is no “open” wireless network at the university. The office was closed. After trying multiple options with the information librarian next door, we realized that we were not going to have internet on campus until Monday. 

But the lack of internet was only the first of my adventures for the afternoon. Chris (the other researcher) and I went to Cafe Felix in the city center for internet so we could contact the professor we are working with. Once she and her daughter came to the cafe, we decided we would eat at an Italian restaurant that was one of their favorites. I had the gnocchi scampi and it was incredible. 

We then went to a gelato shop where I had Heidelbeere (Heidelberry) gelato and we walked through the music festival crowds back to the bus stop. There are so many beautiful buildings in Regensburg – it’s a UNESCO Heritage Site because of its architecture – and I will post photos and video of my walks around town in the next few days (once I have consistent internet). 

Once we arrived at the dormitory, I realized my keys were no longer in my pocket. We went up to Chris’s room, which was one floor above mine, and I searched my bag – no dice. I looked off his balcony, and noticed that there were poles leading from the ground to my balcony on the first floor. I’m sure anyone would have phoned the janitor, messaged the professor to ask for assistance, went back downtown to find the keys, or just crashed on the floor of their counterpart’s room for the night.

I guess I’m too wacky, stubborn, or something else for those to be my preferred options. 

I took one look at the balcony, turned to Chris, picked up the chair from his desk and said, “I’m going to climb to my balcony. I promise I’ll bring the chair back.” 

He followed me downstairs and outside while I set the chair at the foot of the pole to my balcony (which also had chainlink-like material enclosing it) and kicked off my shoes. 

I CLIMBED UP A POLE AND CHAIN LINK METAL BALCONY AND THEN CLIMBED IN MY WINDOW TO GET INSIDE MY ROOM AND UNLOCK THE DOOR.

This will all end up as part of a “pep talk” someday about being dedicated to my work or pushing yourself to get what you want. As someone who lifts weights and watches American Ninja Warrior on occasion, I never thought I would have to SCALE A WALL on my own for any reason. But here I am, the next morning, with my keys attached to my keychain (thank you, Nicole – she found them for me!) and wondering about what other adventures and crazy situations I will get myself into before this trip is over.  

Oh, and I had a wonderful breakfast.

I thought it best to have a hearty breakfast with protein in case I have to do anymore climbing today. 

So what was my takeaway from yesterday and all of the funny little obstacles that have come along, so far? All I see is opportunity for growth and reflection. When we leave our home environments and intentionally kick ourselves out of the “comfort zone,” for whatever reason, we are making a conscious choice to improve our abilities. 

I thought coming to Europe would improve my communication and research skills and certainly wasn’t planning on tapping into my strength training, but perhaps it’s related in some odd way. As you move about your weekend, feel free to have a good laugh at my scaling up to my balcony because I was locked out of my dorm room – maybe even take a minute to remind yourself of a similar goofy situation. 

After all, isn’t that what we’re all about? The goofy/weird/can’t-believe-that-happened stories that make us who we are. 

Check out #lookoutmywindow on Twitter and Instagram for other updates! Bis dann!