Week 3: Adventure is out there

This week was definitely the week of adventure.

In class we continued to try and categorize as well as define what we did as music therapists. This question is some thing that we face on a daily basis, whether we are pondering it or others are inquiring: What is a music therapist? What is music therapy. We decided to create a concept map, but even then, does a concept map really dictate what we do? All of these questions have led me to have different ideas to add to my own philosophies of music therapy. I realized that I'm really not a behavioral therapist, but I'm also not exactly a mold of other types of music therapy perspectives. My ideas and thoughts are still developing as I proceed with my career, which I think is how it should be at this juncture.

We also went on two adventures this week. Jacky and I went with one of the Heidelberg students, Sven, to go swimming in a part of the Neckar. This was honestly one of my most favorite experiences I've had thus far. I got to swim in a river, which is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and explore nature. This put me right in my element and I was so happy to have gotten the chance to experience this part of Heidelberg. Yesterday, we took a 50 kilometer bike ride to Speyer and Schwetzingen. In Speyer, we saw a gorgeous cathedral and amazing pieces of Jewish history in Germany. In Schwetzingen, we saw the gardens of a marvelous palace. We were surrounded by beauty during the whole trip, whether when it was when we hit a destination or when we rode through field of wheat, it was simply stunning.

As this week closes we are still having a few more adventures with the people of Heidelberg. The students have been unbelievably helpful and welcoming. They have given us many memorable adventures. From open mic night to long afternoons on the Neckar, the students have been so supportive. We are going on a hike to the top of one of the larger hills of Heidelberg with some of the students tomorrow. While this adventure here is ending, it is important to remember how many great times that we had here. I will be definitely trying everything I can to come back here in the next few years so I can enjoy and be a part of this wonderful city again. Now, on to Holland for the next week!