Today is my 41st day in Europe. I know that time hasn’t stopped in the United States; days have been ticking away. That being said, my experience here has whirlwinded me into thinking I could fly home tomorrow and it still be July 13th! So much has happened and all of it in what feels like a blink.
We came to Berlin, and it seemed huge. It is, being the largest city in Germany. However, over the weeks of being in Berlin, the general layout of the city became more and more familiar, effectively shrinking it. We took public transportation everywhere: the buses, S-bahn, U-bahn, ICE trains, etc. Our stay, St. Michael Heim’s, was a comfortable, clean, and spacious hostel with a particular yet friendly staff. There, East Berlin, and most big things in-between were explored.
We did take an engineering statics and dynamics class, for which we commuted to TU Berlin four days a week. Nevertheless, it seemed secondary compared to the experience of being in a foreign country and having the opportunity to be independent and absorb new culture.
The beer and food were one of the first things that I looked forward to trying, which lead to my first meal being a Beck’s beer and Currywurst. It was street food, but I was satisfied with that first taste of Germany. Since then, I tried Döners, Schnitzel, Spätzel, Bavarian meatballs, Almdudlers, Apfelscholre, Mezzomix cola, and the list goes on…
The people in Berlin are generally friendly and reserved. They are accommodating to English speakers. The transportation is efficient, clean, and pretty easy to follow, especially for an experienced, cityslicker American. Germans are pretty fashionable too, men and women. Many wear clothes that flatter their bodies, stylish shoes, and have generally put-together outfits. Many Germans are fit too because walking and biking are much more popular.
On the weekends, we took so many memorable and enriching excursions to other cities in Germany. We saw Heidelberg, Bremen, Cologne, Koblenz, Lübeck, and more. I really enjoyed the cathedrals of each major city, and I felt almost ashamed because, by the end of the trip, I started to feel desensitized by the beauty of these churches. It’s only because there was so much overwhelming art and history in every one if these buildings. I really wish the U.S. could be peppered with great cathedrals the way that these Germany cities are.
Weekend trips were especially fun because we usually didn’t have to worry about homework, and traveling always provided opportunities to socialize with peers and share experiences with other people. I really enjoyed vlogging my experiences and striking up conversations or just joking around.
For everyday fun in Berlin, we played ultimate Frisbee, swam in a nearby pond, explored downtown Berlin, and occasionally got lost in the Schloss. I’m gonna miss German chocolate and *ahem* beverages…
I can’t do the trip justice in just an elevator ride, but I know this program will be an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I feel so, so grateful that I went with such great people and was given this one in a lifetime opportunity!
This sounds amazing, Emily! You are all so blessed.