Woche/Wochenende 2

Hallo aus Berlin. This previous week has been full of... lots of class. Have to say that I'm not a huge fan of the structure: we have four hours of class in a row in the mornings, and usually only get one 15-minute break. That's a lot of German for an early morning, especially when we are talking about Brechts and Kafka auf Deutsch. Our professor for German language is very cool, however, so I generally enjoy her class. She is the epitome of German culture: kind, but punctual and to the point-- completely no-nonsense.

Highlights from this past week included a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie museum. This museum is devoted completely to detailing various escapes über die Mauer (over the wall). These include but are not limited to: various forms of automobile escape, hot air balloon escape, and airplane escape. The most interesting part of the tour, however, was the tourguide's life story. Turns out that he was born in a Russian prison and was separated from his mother for the greater part of his upbringing. Brought to light the incredibly impactful reign of the DDR in East Berlin.

Also visited the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) on a whim. Interesting mix of old and new architecture in that area. Postdamer Platz, which is the nearest center, is extremely modern. Walk less than half a mile, however, and you reach the Brandenburger Tor und Reichstag, which both have pretty classic architecture. Tons of tourists mulling around, unfortunately, but it was still cool to see the structures. We are learning excessive amounts of information about the Brandenburger Tor in history class. It is not particularly interesting. Only slightly. Definitely not interesting enough to be spending two weeks learning about....

Other fun excursions included a trip with some friends to the Botanical Gardens (no flowers were blooming, unfortunately... it's too early), and a restaurant lunch with meiner Gastmutter at a really cool restaurant called NENI Berlin. It overlooks the Berlin Zoo. To Mom, Max and Superdad, I am going to take you there when you come. The food is delicious, Mediterranean-based. There is a heavy Mediterranean influence on much of the cuisine in this city. I find this wonderful.

I am becoming close with my host family, and getting to know my Gastschwestern (guest sisters) quite well. They are both fabulous. Luise is 24 and doesn't live in the house, but comes back frequently. She met me and my friends at a bar downtown this weekend, which was a ton of fun. I hope to spend more time with her out on the city. Philine is 14, and also tons of fun to be around. She reminds me more of what a 16 or 17-year-old girl would be like in the States, even though she's just an eighth grader. Yesterday, she really wanted to sport-machen (do my core exercises) with me, so we had a lot of fun with that.  I don't have any pictures of us together, but I'll get some for the next post.

Other fun facts that may or may not interest you:
-The phone in the house rings FOREVER. MINUTES. It is incredibly irritating.
-Emmi, the elder Bernese Mountain Dog, had her birthday last Saturday, but she was not home. The family was gone for the weekend to check out a spot in Germany where the family is going to go later this summer, so I had the house to myself.
-Germany is very cash-heavy for purchases. Most places don't really take credit cards, so it's very important to have Euros on you at all times.
-Went to another club this weekend and reaffirmed that Germans CAN. NOT. DANCE. Quite off-putting

Potsdamer Platz, near the Brandenburger Tor

Memorial to the Jews killed in Europe during WWII

Brandenburger Tor. Note the Mexican flag flying in the left corner. Was very confused about that. 

Huge streetway across from Brandenburger Tor. Modern/Old juxtaposition.

The Tor itself. The thing on the top is called a Quadriga (four horses). Stolen by Napoleon when he conquered Berlin in 1806. Returned in 1814. The pillars are called Säule. That is not interesting but I had to learn it, so I mine as well share it.

Reichstag

A beautiful building. Note the lighter spots on the stones: that is where the building had to be filled in with new material after shrapnel/bomb fragments damaged the stone.

Checkpoint Charlie! Also an interesting mix of new, functioning city + historical landmarks (though not so old, in this case)

The Botanischer Garten. Beautifully landscaped; will have to come back when the flowers are out. Right now, the weather is becoming colder again. Days are often windy with a lot of cloud cover, and highs in the low 50s. Spring does not come early to Berlin. 

Turtles in the Botanischer Garten! 

Tulipen

My classmates think it's funny to take pictures of me when I fall asleep on public transportation. Which apparently is quite often. I find the S-Bahn very soothing.

The view from the kitchen Fenster (window) of my home

Doesn't it look like Seattle?? View from my home

The Kitchen

My walk to the Haupstelle (bus stop) at Mexikoplatz. Cobblestone streets line the way. There is usually one lane for bikes and one for pedestrians. Do NOT stand in the bike lane. The bikes do not stop. Many group members, myself included, learned this the hard way

Classmates Riley and Andrew think that their sunglasses are cool. Please feel free to comment on the fact that they are not very cool. I will share this comment with them.

Sorry for the sideways picture. Here is Balu, young and wild Bernese Mountain Dog, enjoying his vacation this weekend. 

Alexanderplatz, the center of the city, with the famous TV tower. This was the view from the deck of the night club we checked out this weekend. Not half bad!

That's all for now, will make sure to post further this week. Comment with any requests for certain pictures. Much love to all! :)