Berlin: Up Close

Ah these past 2 weeks have been SO busy and I'm very sorry that I have not updated! Our last week of class in Schwäbisch Hall was very good, and there were many sad goodbyes. Luckily, we had quite a few "see you later!"s as well! Michael, Chris, and I are very lucky to have made friends who we can visit in Budapest, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Vienna, partially because we can see the city, but mainly because we don't have to say goodbye, but instead, use a very German word: aufwiedersehen -- which is how people say goodbye in Germany, but it literally means "until we see each other again!"

We had quite an adventure from Schwäbisch Hall to Berlin. We took only regional trains, so it took us roughly 10 hours to get to Berlin.

We got there, met up with our program, and went out for pizza. Then we met up with our friend Natalia!! It was so fun to see her again, and she has been here all week, so we get to see her again tonight and tomorrow!

This week we've done so much in terms of organization and getting settled. I moved in with my host family, and they are awesome!! We live in a beautiful 3-story home in Zehlendorf, a southwestern neighborhood in Berlin. The family also has a 20 year old daughter, and she is in Chile this year. Unfortunately we don't get to hang out, but I'm staying in her fully furnished room. Also, I have a 17 year old "sister" and a 14 year old "brother", so it's very much like my family only reversed! The first night we went out to dinner and to see The King's Speech. The whole family speaks perfect English (they lived in the US for a few years) but they are very good about speaking German to me and helping me with vocabulary and grammar. My 17 year old sister took us shopping this week, and she has been very helpful in showing me the fun places in Berlin. I also love where I live. I live in a neighborhood right next to the Catholic Church (and I get to go with my hostfamily on Sunday so I don't have to go alone!!) so it's definitely residential. But just 2 blocks away are various stores, etc. I'm definitely in the city. It's so easy to travel with the U-Bahn (subway) and buses, and we have a month-long all inclusive pass, so its very "günstig" -- inexpensive, yet still good quality.

We took our language placement test and started our language classes. I really like my new teacher, and we only have 9 people in my class! Still lots more to organize, but I'm having so much fun! We took a tour of part of former East Berlin. I still haven't seen many of the tourist sites, but that's this weekend.

I have to run so that I can go for a quick jog (it's so nice outside!) before Hilary and I go see a movie (in German) and meet up with everyone else afterward. Promise I'll write again soon!

Liebe,

Emma