entecken (endeckte, entdeckt): to discover

One of the biggest ways in which I am learning about Berlin and Germany "up close" is by learning the language. So I thought I would share with you all some of my new vocab words.

In just one week in Berlin, I have discovered so many things. First, I've discovered how easy the transportation system is to use. I can get almost anywhere in Berlin without a car! It's awesome! The downside to this is that it's not always super quick. It can take me an hour to get from my house to the center of Berlin.

Berlin also has so many neighborhoods, and I've only begun discovering what each of them has in store. The middle of the city -- "Mitte" -- has most of the tourist sites. Berlin has free tour guides who take you all around the city and work only for tips, and I hope to take one of these tours this weekend, because I definitely haven't seen all the sites. Chris and I did get to see the "Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas" -- Memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe:

I've also discovered Nouget Pockets: Nutella filled cereal.

This weekend we (aka mostly Chris) discovered 3 cool places to relax:

We went to a fast-food Italian restaurant (more of a Panera than a McDonald's) where you ordered your pizza or pasta and then found a table. It was a very modern set-up on the inside, though, with lots of windows to look out and see Berlin.

On Friday, we went to a bar where the beer prices changed depending on the demand. Here's the "stock market" from which we ordered:

We also went to a disko with a Scandinavian DJ. Even though we didn't know any of the songs, it was still really fun! Also, I think we were the only non-locals there.

I've also discovered how much a host family helps language acquisition. My family has been especially helpful in correcting me, and helping me learn the right words. They've also been great about giving me recommendations on shopping, places to meet up with friends, and where I should live after this month.

A funny story to share: I was eating breakfast with my HostMom one morning, and somehow the topic of sports and soccer/American football came up. My HostParents lived in San Francisco when the 49ers won the Super Bowl, so we ended up having a conversation about Joe Montana!

I also got to see friends who are studying abroad in Ireland this weekend!! It was soo much fun to see them, and I'm glad they got to see Berlin!

Liebe,

Emma