Of course, I was looking forward to participating in this special event, in particular, offering a practical insight into American customs for my sister. Basically, the general understanding of the parents’ weekend can be described as follows: during these 3 days, the university offers parents the opportunity to see where they are throwing away their well-earned money for their children’s education; however, any additional financial donations are always welcome.

It is also an open house time, where parents can admire the facilities or voice any complaints. Also, it is a time for parents, who once attended the same university as their children; in this way it is a kind of homecoming and the right place to share old memories with old friends.

The main problem that already worried my sister in Germany was the proper selection of the right clothes that should be worn on such an evening. For me, the tuxedo was not the first option, but I managed well, emphasizing the principle of improvisation. Anyway, my sister’s intention to appear appropriately played a part, as she somehow wanted to enjoy being the center of attention of this unique opportunity, particularly as she was proudly representing our parents, who were unable to do so due to at his age.

I must admit that the basic expectations were quite high; now it had to be tested if we simply overreacted in preparing for this to happen.

Then the curtain fell sharply and being wide awake, we smelled the coffee entering the hall of fame without a clue. It eventually didn’t turn out to be the wonder we thought it would be in terms of glamor and quirkiness.

Without a doubt, the entire organization was professional: some officials gave a speech, welcomed guests from abroad in particular, and provided valuable information about the university and the courses of study that will be taken at Vanderbilt.

Basically, it was a unique gathering of many different and open-minded people who liked to devour large quantities of lavish eatables, which were typical of the southern (country) style of cooking; To mention just a few top food samples here we go:

Meaty Pork Tenderloin with Apple Garlic Juniper Berry Chutney, Country Ham with Red Eye Sauce and Homemade Biscuits, Hickory-Smoked Bucksnort Trout, Succulent Fried Catfish with Crispy Hush Puppies, BBQ Pork Sandwiches topped with a tasty dried cabbage salad, a wide selection of homemade cakes and many vegetarian dishes.

Knowing this awesome range of exquisite food selection, I simply had to make a wild guess to fully appreciate even a part of it. Last but not least, we did a great job savoring the wide variety of foods integrated into an elite society on campus.

However, we were unable to spot any other foreign families that caught our eye, which would surely have contributed to an even more diversified and beneficial evening. Also, there were no heavyweight personalities either.

Anyway, the funny thing was that my sister felt like being completely overdressed, almost dressed to kill that night, while most of the other guests preferred more casual dresses.

Recalling this image, I still find this “Nashvillian” meeting very amusing in terms of seriousness and its originally official character, as announced.

In this way, it makes perfect sense to quote Tom Hanks in the movie Forest Gump: “You never know what’s in store for you when you open a box of chocolates.” This was definitely true for both of us, when we look back now.

With the bells on, I couldn’t help but look forward to the spring season, which among many other happy events that happened to me, was supposed to be an extraordinary period of time: the arrival of my sister, Gaby, was an important part of the agenda, which turned out to be an interesting episode anyway. She was accompanied by her friend Marianne, who was later to play an interesting role.

Basically, I can say it this way about my sister: You are sweet, kind, pure in mind, and beautiful to look at.