Why the Hamburg(lar)?

To keep people posted on my life! To share the witty captions for photos and moments that can’t be Twitter-ed about and to muse about what will be found next. To explore Germany on a deeper level and better understand how to invest in community as a transient person and different models of community-building. To go North—as I have been so fortunate to spend time in southern Germany many times but never have gone north of Frankfurt.

Most of all, to learn more through writing and reflecting, the living legacy of a city so rich in history and culture that its very harbour celebrated its 833rd birthday this year.

Why Me?

My name is Lily Poppen (she/her) and I un-officially graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine, USA this last May. As a German and Art History major, it is natural if not imperative to study abroad and develop fluency in both a language and connecting visual culture to the greater climate. So now I am trying to finish my degree. Trying.

I had my eye on Hamburg ever since my dear friend from Germany mentioned it was his favourite city and I saw that it was not an option for study abroad through Bowdoin). In 2020 I lined up an internship in sustainable architecture directly on the harbour with HafenCity Universität, one of the leading institutions in sustainable design. I ended up in Iowa instead. In 2021, I planned to travel abroad to study at the Universität Hamburg through Smith College. I ended up in Colorado and Washington. In 2022, I plan to study again to complete my degree. I ended up here.