Berlin

Hey Everyone!

Checking back with you after a lovely and relaxing weekend in Germany! Now as I sit, back in Wales, in the computer lab, busy and stressful people around me, I can hardly believe I was in Berlin less than two days ago.

We left Thursday afternoon to a rather stressful start: we missed our taxi so we missed our train and had to take a later one. Therefore, the whole trip to Bristol Airport was in nervous dread that we might miss our plane. But, as soon as we got there, literally running into the Departures terminal, what was the case but that our flight was delayed! Very ironic but we would have just barely made it otherwise... with the delay we were able to relax much more.

(Rahel's home... their flat was on the third floor.)

Rahel's close friends picked us up from the airport with flowers and sparklers. They were both so lovely but I couldn't help but think what American airport officials would think of sparklers just outside an airport like that.

When we finally got to Rahel's flat, we were greeted by the warm coziness of a home. I can't believe how much I've missed that. Dorms are really not the same. We had amazing quiche and chatted to her parents until almost midnight. I also got to finally meet her little sister, Elsa who is only one and half years old and adorable.

(Rahel's mom, Katja and Elsa)

Friday morning we slept until noon. And it was pure bliss... we ate a good German breakfast of thick bread with jams and cheese until 2pm. And finally we began our day at 3pm. Shopping and a tiny bit of sightseeing dominated the rest of the day. That evening we went out to a Shisha bar with some of her friends.

Rahel's neighborhood... typical East Berlin?

Saturday was another late start. Then, walking down the street a bit from Rahel's flat, we spent the next three hours in a hair salon waiting as Rahel got her hair cut. But it wasn't a normal salon... there were some very interesting people in there with some very interesting hair cuts and I guess I got to see a bit of Berlin culture... That night was more culture and unique sightseeing as we walked for three hours around the main parts of Berlin to the see the light show currently set up on all the major buildings. Such a great way to see the city!

(Bits of the light show... TV tower of Berlin lit up above me)

On Sunday morning we went out with a bunch of Rahel's neighbors and family across the street for brunch.... 'brunching' they called it. Then I went to a basketball game... yep, a full blown professional German basketball game. It was pretty cool though. Rahel's mom made the costume for the mascot performing at half time so she had free tickets and took me with her while Rahel got some alone time at home.

And finally on Monday we had a rather full day. Waking up relatively early, we went to Rahel's old school to see her friends and attempt to get her transcript which doesn't actually exist in German schools. For the rest of the day we biked around the city doing odd errands here and there... optician, music store, stationary, bakery. Finally, in the afternoon, we picked up Elsa from daycare and went home. Our last evening at home was relaxing and easy with one last good meal (all bought from the little corner store on Rahel's block... I'll never get over how easy it is to shop in European cities... it's all just a two minute walk away! Crazy!) And so, with our bags slightly heavier than before (due to the massive amounts of German food Rahel brought back!) we boarded the city tram to take us back to the airport.

(Rahel and Elsa at the Bakery... I love European bakeries!)

But... not home free yet, we managed to miss the correct connection and... again... almost missed our flight. Back in Bristol, we caught the taxi we'd booked and slept throught the last hour journey home. Finally arriving back at school at midnight on Monday night I felt exhausted but refreshed as well... ready for the last part of term.

(Ritter Sport. Typical German chocolate. I can't believe how many flavors they have!)

What a wonderul trip! I'm so happy I got to see a bit of Europe. But more, I'm glad I got to see Rahel's life. I found in incredible how different our lifestyles are and yet here at AC we are closer than you can believe. Just goes to show... guess that's what a UWC's for, huh?

xx Malia