Berlin: angry bicyclists, mango ice cream, and a new adventure

Dear Sirri,   

 

Germany is pretty different from the U.S.A. People here don’t jaywalk for one. They actually stand at the crosswalks and wait for the light to change. There is a big sense of community, everyone seems to be on the same page, unlike back home, where everyone does their own thing. Their train system, is even based on a trust system, you’ll see how that works when you get here. Oh and you know college is free, so you know, if you choose to extend your stay I wouldn’t blame you.

 

Two quick tips:

1. Stay out of the bike lane. (It will take a few times of you almost getting run over for you to remember this, but eventually it will stick.)

2. Rent a bike. (Don’t hit pedestrians, and especially watch out for those pesky American tourists who obliviously walk in the bike lanes. But trust me, you’ll love riding in the streets, and feeling powerful as the cars yield to you. The best part is the feeling of wind against your face, this will be one of the few times you will feel cool in Berlin, but we will get to that shortly.)

 

Okay, mentally prepare yourself for this one.There is no AC. Literally anywhere. The locals keep telling us this is the hottest it’s been in a long time, but I’m sure they said that last year, and will say it again next year. I think their bodies are acclimated to the heat (and this is just my theory) I never see them sweating. This being said, you can leave those sweatshirts you brought at home, they are just taking up space in your overcrowded luggage anyways. Speaking of luggage, please refrain from spending all your money on new clothes as though you have room to take them back to the states, do not do, learn from my mistakes.

 

As an FYI, the best places to spend money are actually the small markets where you can buy fresh fruits and chocolate croissants (which will be your favorite). There’s something about the food here that just makes me feel as though I’m eating healthier. And though I may or may not be eating ice cream every day of the week, (specifically mango) it can’t be that unhealthy if the flavor is fruit based right?

 

You will also be in for several surprises (besides getting yelled at in German by angry bicyclists). The language barrier is very much present. Many Germans can speak English, which was another surprise, but there are also an array of different people from different places around the world who speak different languages. That’s another surprise, there is a good amount of diversity here, which is always great to see.

 

Trust me, you’ll love Germany, I already do.

                               

Love,

Sirri