October, 2008
The Exchange Visitor Program is pleased to announce Bernhard Goesmann as October's Exchange Visitor of the Month. Each month, we select an exchange visitor who has made an effort to get involved in his/her community and explore American Culture.
Bernhard Goesmann, of Aalen, Germany, is a J1 project management trainee in Redwood City, California. Bernhard came to the United States humming "California Girls" by the Beach Boys and hasn't stopped yet. Bernhard truly enjoys being in the Bay Area, "the cradle of modern technology," as he points out. Palo Alto is home to Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Yahoo, Cisco and Rambus.
When he's not hiking in Yosemite National Park or taking Tango lessons, you might find Bernhard at a baseball game, catching some tunes at a local concert or cruising USA on his totally rad Motorrad. (That's German for motorcycle.)
Bernhard bought the motorcycle from a friend in San Francisco a month after he arrived in the U.S. It's now his main mode of transportation, aside from his actual bicycle which he rides every other day to stay in shape. Although he's never owned a motorcycle before, Bernhard claims it's just like "riding a bike."
"I never had a motorcycle before," Bernhard said, "but I've always wanted to have one. Since I was riding my bicycle since I was little, I've had a natural feel for riding it right away. The permit from the DMV was done fast and easy. Right now I am attending a Motorcycle-Safety-Class in Mountain View to get my full license."
If there's one place to enjoy a motorcycle, it's definitely the United State-with wide open spaces, beautiful landscapes and wide roads for miles and miles. Since Bernhard is just a beginner, he's not yet allowed to drive on the Highway or long distances. But Bernhard has big travel plans.
"My current goal is to get more used to my surroundings," Bernhard said, "up to San Francisco and down to San Jose-which includes the famous Skyline (a blast!). But I am looking forward to going further away. There are a lot of National Resorts around and Yosemite is in a day's driving-range. Since I was there at the "Moonbow" already with my roommate, it would be my next goal to go there with the bike for a long weekend!"
While Bernhard enjoys the freedom and independence of riding a motorcycle and exploring the American landscape, he does adhere to "Safety First," especially in dodgy California traffic. Most importantly, riding his motorcycle has allowed Bernhard to experience American culture and meet new friends along the way.
"With the bike, you get instant access to a group-feel as everyone greets you while driving," Bernhard said. "Often I get chatted up and meet quite an interesting bunch of people. And when people I meet find out that I am from Germany, they are of course always asking for the 'Autobahn!' So it is indeed a ticket to a group of people sharing the same interest and a great ice-breaker!"