Checklist for the night:

-school bag ready for round 2

-charged phone

-charged camera

-outfit picked out 

-shower

-teeth brushed

-toilet cleaned 

-shower wiped down

-any unnecessary electronics unplugged (lamps, nothing charging that doesn’t need to be)

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you are ready for bed in Germany. Yes, even the part about cleaning the toilet and wiping down the shower (after you use them of course). There are so many little things that I’ve learned here and it is only my second full day of living with my host family. I’ve learned in my short 48 hours that Germans are very eco-friendly. Moreso than anyone in America that I have ever seen. But at the same time, they are some of the cleanest – which I found odd, seeing as I don’t want to waste water, but need to get everything clean after I am done using it. I know it will just take a little more time to get used to everything, but once I do, I know that everything will fall into place.

Another part of everyday life in Berlin is the use of public transportation. The U-bahn (Untergrundbahn/Underground), the S-bahn (Schnellbahn/quick line) and the Tram are so efficient, clean and relatively easy to follow that I am able to navigate the system by myself after just two days worth of being in the city – of course I carry a map with me, but hey, ya never know…plus, anyone on the line is willing to help you if you look lost enough, so using my German knowledge and other peoples kindness, I am not only able to get to my classes, but…

…I’ve also spent my fair share of being a tourist – getting a bratwurst, drinking a beer, getting yelled at for walking in the bike lanes, etc. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,

 because this view of the Brandburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate, right image) as the sun was setting is completely priceless. Dividing the east from the west in Berlin was part of this monument’s tasks, now it is a majestic reminder of Germany’s rich cultural past. There is a lovely square in front of it that was (surprisingly)  devoid of tourists when I went and filled more with German-speakers than anything. From this Platz there is so much to do – the Reichstag Building (government building) is a 5 min. walk to the right and then off to left another 5 mins. is Potsdamer Platz and I can’t wait to check those out another time.

Another one of my favorite spots in the city is the ever-famous Museum Island. An art historians dream and so much more…I just think that each        building is architecturally unique and holds so much history (and I haven’t even been inside any of the 5 museums yet…). 

There is, however, one building on the island called the Berliner Dom, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen (see left)… I have a sneaky suspicion that this will become my favorite sunny spot to study at. 

Until Next Time, Tschuss! Casey R.