Desperately attempting to stay up to date on this blog, as it is my only written (open to interpretation) record of my adventures here, since I've basically given up on journaling.
Wednesday, which is one of my two normal days off per week, consisted of a lazy morning and then some explorations. I viewed the exhibit at the Topography of Terror which was the former site of the headquarters of the SS, and Gestäpo. It's well-documented and explained, and supplemented by the outdoor area, containing the remaining piece of the building, only feet away from a remaining stretch of the wall. Afterwards, I wandered, as I am prone to do, and discovered the Museum for Communication and the North Korean Embassy, both of which were fascinating in their own ways.
Thursday was spent in class, with German in the morning, accompanying a friend on another run to the Apple store, and then had architecture in the evening. The latter is quickly becoming my favorite course, as I may have said before. It takes a cultural historical approach to the topic and I adore it, as I'm finally able to learn about the driving forces and techniques behind so many structures that are a testament to history. Afterwards, at home, I talked things over with my host mom, and gave my youngest host-brother some candy that I had bought, as a token of goodwill so to speak.
With having walked over 18000 steps, Friday won the award for busiest day of the week. My history class had an excursion to the German Historical Museum. The exhibits are quite dense, and detailed, but informative and fascinating. I could have spent days there, but managed to get a general overview after about three hours. Once I had rejuvenated myself with lunch, I decided to continue my excursions in the area, and visited the Neue Wache, St. Hedwigs Cathedral, and Nikolaikirche, among other things. The first is a former guardhouse now general memorial to victims of war, the second is a beautifully designed cathedral that slightly mimics the Pantheon, and the third is Berlin's oldest church. Other buildings I simply observed, as I had just recently learned about them in my architecture class.
The Nikolaikirche is located on what is called the most beautiful corner in Berlin. During my stint there, two street musicians were playing guitars, adding to the quiet neighborhood and cold breeze that whipped through the streets. Although it doesn't sound like much, it was a wonderful moment that I'll remember for a long time. My delight from that soon faded however, as I entered the church, as it was slightly disappointing due to how touristy and kitchsy it felt.
Afterwards, I went home to freshen up and then met several friends for the evening. We went out to dinner at the most delicious Italian restaurant (I actually finished my meal, close friends will attest to how rare of an event that is), dropped in at the gallery opening of the artist who gave us the tour of the East Side Gallery, and then went out for drinks at a local bar. The latter was fairly interesting, as we all ended up talking (some flirted) to a group of German boys. I left early into the night, due to being utterly exhausted from walking all day, and apparently missed the absinthe experience, but alas. I returned home slightly drunk, and went straight to bed.
Today, I didn't even leave the apartment, and simply caught up on things. From transferring photos onto my computer, to pretending to do homework, to starting to book spring break (!!!!), it was a fairly productive but lazy day.
My spring break is starting to shape up, and I'm very excited. I fly to Amsterdam for a couple of days to reunite with two friends, and then head to Malta, but with an overnight layover in Rome, which enables me to see my wonderful travel-buddy and close friend briefly. She's also coming to visit me in March, which makes me ecstatic. I can't wait to share this wonderful city with her, as well as force her to eat döner kebab.
Tomorrow, some exploring and homework, next weekend, Denmark. Ciao!
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