Last Friday we had to pack our things. Then we went shopping in downtown San Francisco. Before Peter, our driver, brought us to the airport, we walked up and down the famous curved and steep Lombard Street. To soon it was time to say goodbye to our lovely guides Stacy and Barbara. They did a great job.
And now we are back home again with lots of impressions and memories. The following statements and pictures are only a small part of it. Enjoy the last post in this blog.
„The week in San Francisco was incredibly amazing. I learned tons of new things about what being a scientist means and what they do. In addition to that I heard some great speeches of famous scientists which fascinated me.
During the week I also got the chance to discover the great city San Francisco, the lifestyle in the U.S. and the mentality of the american people.“
„I can’t say that one thing was the most interesting because everything we did was interesting and special. Visiting companies like Genentech is an example. My interest in studying chemistry has risen immensely because I saw in which different ways a chemist works.“
„The University of Santa Cruz, this leading University in Astronomy and Marine Biology in the middle of a forest, not in a big City, fascinated me somehow. The campus in the woods, with the slight smell oft the redwoodtrees needles had a special athmosphere.“
„The things I most enjoyed were all in the nature: Muir woods with it’s big trees and birds, the Pacific in Santa Cruz with it’s waves, the sailing trip and the Golden Gate Bridge. But also the visit in the Livermore Highschool and the contact with the American students were great.
And the tour in the labs of Genentech was very interesting.“
„It was very interesting to talk with american students at the same age as we are about similarities and differencies of our countries and about things we are interested in. So we spoke about politics, sport, driving and drinking. We recognised that we have a lot in common. I hope we will keep in touch.“
„I was fascinated by the speeches about different subjects, like the one about Neurology. Certain subjects did awaken my interest and I can very well imagine, to study and work once in one of them.“
„I was impressed by the mentality and the kindness of the American people. They were very friendly and obliging. I did like to learn about their way of life and to talk and laugh with them.“
„I am very excited about the Livermore Highschool. It was interesting to see the differencies and to compare with our school.
It was also interesting to talk with our companions and our guides. They helped us to think about our own future. It was enriching to hear what they did and do.
Now I am really sure, that I will study Medicine. Before the trip to America I wasn’t sure about that.
But I can’t tell you what the best part of this week was, because I saw so many interesting things.“
„Because of this week in San Francisco, especially the visit at Genentech I am even more interested in studying Biology.“
„This week was so exciting for me. I enjoyed the tour in the labs of Genentech and I loved seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Especially in the night the city of San Francisco was wonderful with the illuminated bridges and skyskrapers.“
I was extremely inspired by the two speeches at Genentech. Both, Art Levinson and Ryan Watts, did underline the importance of following your own passion and interests. I think they didn’t want to promote science at first place, but to inspire us and show us the fascination of science in their jobs. For me it was an honor to have the chance to talk to them and being part of this whole amazing week in San Francisco.“

Biology lesson with the Livermore senior students

exploring the campus of the Stanford University

a round table with Genentech’s founders Herbert Boyer and Robert Swanson

Chinatown

campus of the University Santa Cruz

Pacific at Santa Cruz

seastar in the aquarium of Santa Cruz

visit in the Exploratorium of San Francisco

sealions at Fisherman’s Wharf

Muir Woods

California Academy of Science
