First few days...

Hey

Today is only my second full day here in Berlin.  I am beginning to love this city!  I have never felt so comfortable and safe in a city before, even one like Kenosha or Chicago that I know fairly well.  The public transportation is fantastic - it so CONVENIENT.  In my mind today on the train I tried to compare it to the bus that goes from UWO to Wal-Mart: not a fair comparison.  First of all, these trains and buses are so frequent.  I think the most I ever waited was no more than 6 or 8 minuets.  For not speaking German, it was so obvious and fairly bi-lingual.  And the best thing is that the hours go to 1 am or something, then are less frequent but continue on after that.

 

Yesterday we did a scavenger hunt for our class.  Initially it seemed a little overwhelming to be set loose in the city with 2 or 3 other students to find all these different monuments and sites in both east and West Berlin.  But as soon as you get the hang of things it so simple and I felt completely safe. I am glad we had that task.... oh and I am pretty sure my group won! That’s always a plus. 

 

This is the first time I have left the country without my parents.  I was pretty frightened to be honest.  I don't want to seem very sheltered, but I am 18 and haven't lived on my own apartment or anything so I don't really know how to be all that independent except for dorm life. 

I'm not such a fan of our housing though.  It’s not the size of the (ridiculously) small room, it just that I feel that the OIE didn't handle things well. By email we were told less than a week ahead of time that our hostel was switched for whatever reason.  It just seems so disorganized and there have been issues with charging students for extra expenses and other issues.  I wouldn't recommend going through Oshkosh, instead try using a privet company that knows what they are doing.  We are having issues with Internet access and it’s just very frustrating. I love my roomie so that’s good at least!! 

 

Today we went to Berliner Dome.  It was an amazing protestant church that has gone through so much.  I have no idea how many times it has had to be renovated.  Hitler wanted to tear it down, but didn't get a chance to do it after the war (because he lost obviously) but it was on his agenda.  We were able to walk around the dome (very very high up) and see some amazing sites. 

 

Just a little note on the people.

The vast majority of people here seem so stylish and healthy.  I have seen so very few even slightly heavy people (except of course for some old beer-gutted men) and I feel like an ogre in comparison.  The styles are unusual.  Very grungy at times, and very unusual layering.  My most ambitious outfit looks very plain in comparison.  I wouldn't really classify Germans in general as friendly.  When I walk down the sidewalk or something, I try to give a faint smile to some people, but one has never been returned.  I guess that they generally are a lot more reserved then we are; keeping to themselves and parties more. 

 

Word of warning: Watch out for bikes!! (they dont necessarily watch out for you!)