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| Giessen
combines the advantages of a small university town (approximately 80,000
inhabitants) with a picturesque, almost pastorale surrounding and
the close proximity to a major international metropolis (Frankfurt), a virtual
hub of Europe (approximately 60 km away, driving time by car about three
quarters of an hour; excellent rail connections). Thus, you can enjoy the
peace and serenity of Giessen and still be within commuting distance to
Frankfurt International Airport
for flights all over the world!
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Giessen
provides many sports attractions. It has a swimming complex near
the centre of town with an indoor pool, proud of its enclosed slide, as
well as a three-pool complex of outdoor pools for the warm summer months
(open from mid-May to September). The surrounding villages all offer indoor
pools as well, and some of them also have indoor tennis courts. In Giessen
proper there are a number of squash courts and physical fitness centres.
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| For entertainment,
the town has its own opera house and congress centre where international
groups perform. As well, numerous cultural events are presented here throughout
the year. Giessen, being primarily a university town (it has the highest
per capita rate of students to inhabitants in Germany) has a variety of
local pubs, bistros and restaurants (offering a wide spectrum
of international cuisines). There at least four cinemas
in Giessen alone, where the most current films from Europe and America provide
additional entertainment possibilities. Giessen possesses one of the few
English-speaking threatres, the Keller Theater, in Germany. It is a hold
over from the US military who were stationed here during and after the war.
Most of these facilities have been recalled and some of the housing renovated
and turned over to students.
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Giessen's
university has a long and interesting history,
not the least of which is the fact that Roentgen, the inventor of
the x-ray, spent some time here (incidently he is buried here). It has one
of the few Veterinary Faculties in Germany and has international connections
all over the world.
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| For students
the small city of Giessen provides bike lanes and ease in getting around
from the student dorms to lecture halls. All areas of Giessen can be reached
by bike, or local bus and even walking is still practised by some students.
The surroundings of Giessen include some of the nicest in Germany, most
of which are accessable by bicycle. It has its share of old ruins and monastaries,
the closest being the Schiffenberg, which has a summer concert programme
every weekend . It can be reached by bus and bicycle.
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All
in all, Giessen is really a pleasant place to spend a few months. It does
have a nice downtown shopping area offering three large department
stores and an array of small shops and boutiques. No need to go to Frankfurt
to shop, but if you don't find what you want in Giessen, Frankfurt is just
a short rail ride away. In Giessen you will not be plagued by the smog and
exhaust of a big city. Giessen has retained a friendly small city atmosphere
whilst still growing up to become one of the centres of the regional community.
And the price of living is probably one of the most reasonable in Europe.
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