Ein bisschen von allem

A lot has happened this week and I am going to organize this post the best I can. But it will probably turn out random and chaotic, similar to my life. Where to begin?

Let's start with school first and get that out of the way.
I visited the Deutches Historiches Museum for my Philosophy class. The museum covers the history of Germany starting from the early 17th century, but for the report we only had to focus on the period from 1949-1994.

When first walking in, a class mate and I went upstairs to start. I figured since we were there we might as well see everything and not just the time era we were to focus on for our paper. We walked up the stairs to see the starting year: 1600. I quickly noticed how much this museum had to offer: a huge top and bottom floor with hundreds of artifacts, readings, and visual aid. Feeling overwhelmed, we decide to skip ahead to 1949, where we spent the next 2 hours. Imagine the time we would have spent from 1600-1994 : /

The museum was split by a column and type of "iron curtain" that was supposed to represent the separation of Germany. There were history blurbs I was trying to keep up with, but they were disorganized and did not go in chronological order. Otherwise, the visual aids were fantastic and really allowed me to sense what life was like between the 2 Germanys. 

I also had my first German language test, it was kind of a joke. After the first 6 weeks I believe we are all supposed to be replaced into another German class, so I hope the intensity will pick up. Although, if I am not learning much in the class room it does give me incentive to learn more on my own. 

Food

Some of you may have wondered how a vegetarian has survived in Berlin. Christine's daughter actually does not eat meat either, so Christine knows a lot of vegetarian dishes. Although, she did make fish the other night. I walked in the kitchen for dinner and she asks, "You eat fish right?" I was never a fish fan back when I ate meat anyway, and when I became vegetarian I actually learned that the fish industry was the worst culprit in terms of environmental degradation. But, I knew coming to Europe I was not always going to have a vegetarian option, and I was not about to make Christine make another dinner. Having to make a quick moral decision, I ate the fish but mentioned for future reference that I do not usually eat any kind of meat.

Going out to eat has not been a hassle. Since Berlin in a multicultural center, there are many types of different foods. The bread here is amazing, including the desserts. Chocolate is a whole new experience. "Quark" is a type of cheese the Germans use for cheese cake, and after eating it I can probably never have American cream cheese or cheese cake again. 

Bircher Muesli-actually a Swiss tradtion. Uncooked

oats soaked in milk and yogurt with fruit.

Restaurant protocol is of course different. You usually just round up to the next whole Euro for tip. There is really no set percentage since waiters/waitresses are paid much more than in America. You do not leave money on the table, but wait to actually hand the money to the waiter. They come by with a wallet and just take the money and give change directly from the wallet. The first time I saw this I was skeptical, are they taking my money and putting it directly into their wallet? But I soon learned that it is more of the "restaurant cash register."

Also, when one buys groceries, they are not bagged. There is no such thing as a bag boy in Germany. You better bring your own or ask for one at the register.

Other random observations I have made

The children are very patient and disciplined. There are no school buses because children learn to use public transportation at a young age. They are very independent. I have seen a few parents scolding their children, even in public.  This is probably why I have seen nothing but good behavior from all the children, because they are actually disciplined. Writing this recalls a memory: when we were waiting to fly to Berlin from the San Fransisco Airport, there were children running around, pulling their mother's hair, and knocking shit over. Children would not survive here with such behavior. 

Dogs are allowed on the public transit, and they display just as obedient behavior as the children.

Almost every vehicle is a stick shift

Instead of the stop light shining: green->yellow->red as in America, they shine: red->yellow->green. So instead of yellow being a signal to slow down, it is used  as a signal to shift into first gear and prepare to go. 

My Deutch Handy (German cell phone) is silly and is known as"the calculator."

In this picture, not only do you get a side view of my phone, but a peek at a European outlet ;) 

  












Potsdam

We went on a program excursion to Potsdam, not very far from Berlin. There are pictures on facebook! We visited Frederick the Great's castle "Sanssouci" and the Ceciliehof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference took place. They were both very beautiful places with interesting history. BUT as we all know, I am not a fan of wondering around with 140 Americans. During one of the tours someone looked over at me and asked, "Is this interesting to you? I am really bored." 

I had to hold in a rude comment. I am very grateful to be in Europe; to have this opportunity to learn and experience. I may have a biased view because I had to work my ass off to get here, but regardless, the quote still got under my skin. 

 On delightful note, I want to thank those who have been following and have been interested in my experiences. I know I am guilty of not always keeping up with friends, so I really appreciate those who have the initiative to do so! I was going to write about the juicy stuff y'all are waiting for, clubbing! But then realized this post will be super long, so another one is coming soon!