An update from Berlin
We have just passed the mid-semester break and before long we will be seeing Christmas decorations. Experiencing this in another culture, as well as the 500 year anniversary of the 95 Theses in Germany is a huge blessing. The days are packed with classes, exploration, and university/social activities.
Like Henry and Karl, I take three hours of German class every morning and two afternoon subject courses, with no class on Fridays. I live with a host mother in southwest Berlin, just six train stops and five bus stops from the university (not actually that far!) What surprised me the most is the mix of ethnicities in Berlin and abundantly finding nearly all comforts of home, such as fast Internet and safe neighborhoods. Any thoughts about Germany being all about business should go out the window, the city does not go to sleep! I enjoy the casual stroll through beautiful autumn parks or through the many diverse neighborhoods with a cold beer in hand. A few dozen of us in the study abroad program (FU BEST) went to Wittenberg a month ago (cathedral below,) after which I went to Munich. I spent my excursion week in Dresden and Prague and was finally able to see some very cool castles.
I flew down to Rome (below) for our week off, and it was amazing to visit. The weather was perfect and there were countless things to see, after which I could relax with some Italian food and wine. Like Berlin, it is easy to stay there, since many people speak English. The more casual approach to public transportation makes the subway extremely crowded and made me appreciate Berlin’s much more. Going inside the Sistine Chapel and seeing Michaelangelo’s paintings above me was my favorite moment.
Berlin is a great place for finding things to do. As was mentioned before, the food here can be surprisingly good, with treats such as döners and currywurst immediately catching our attention. Every Thursday the university program has Stammtisch, during which we meet in a pre-selected bar and relax after a week of studying. Berlin is full of history, but for the true German environment the many other cities in Germany are more genuinely like the old country. Studying abroad, or traveling in general is a great experience which I highly recommend. It not only renews interest in the world around, but in the evangelical work we continually strive for, as well.
