The Bridge Diaries: July 2, 2002

The Bridge New York - Berlin

A Gemütlichkeit Nation

By Justin Garcia and Kareem Edwards (Group Süd)



I wondered if I would ever be able to trust people again. For after the events of September 11 the American people began to question our safety and sanctity. We were attacked, exploited, and emotionally drained: all by the events of one day. I began to wonder if I could ever trust people again. I felt like a stranger in my own city, with no direction, unsure of where it was that I should go. But in our darkest hour, and in our time of need, the people of New York were supported by people all around the world.
The people of Germany stepped up. In a joint project of the Federal German government and German industry, a bridge was formed, like none I have ever seen. I began to feel that I might soon be able to trust people again, and remember what it was like to truly live. With the help of the German people I have met, I have been able to regain a little bit of what I lost. Through the Bridge program I have learned that even though we are from different cultures, speak different languages, and just come from different walks of life, Germans and Americans are very similar. We both like things such as football, potato salad, art, music, cars, conviviality, and great scenery. The German people have been extremely warm to all of us, and also very hospitable. The German people have been a tremendous help in our attempt to move on from September 11, and it is clear to me how I have become more trusting through my experiences thus far. We have received love beyond my wildest expectations. And as the Beatles said, "All you need is love." We all feel as if we are on our way to becoming people who are again capable of loving and trusting others.



To the Blumhardts to the Mayors of Karlsruhe and Hirschberg-Grossachsen to the Fiedlers to Uli to Rosemarie to Crystal to Tom to Nadine to Sacha to the Grübers and everyone else, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Trust is a mysterious and fragile capability, as it is easy to break and difficult to build ... without which one can't live a fulfilling and happy life.

The photos were taken during a visit to the University of Karlsruhe.

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