Day 1

Day 1: Airports, luggage tags, passports and of course, jet lag. I came on this trip with an open mind, coming alone without friends, hoping to expand my horizons and meet new people. Mission accomplished .. On the 9 hour flight I sat with 3 other students registered for this course and we actually ended up rooming together in the hotel. We are staying at Hotel Transit Loft, which is a cute little hostel. On arrival we got all of our suitcases piled into the room, which is predominately 4 twin sized beds. Not much room but of course we are not phased as we plan on exploring not sleeping on our 2 week adventure. Looking around this little room it finally sunk in how incredible this experience is going to be. The air in Berlin is so fresh, we opened up the windows, felt the breeze and heard the children at the school next door playing outside. After catching up on some Z's, our professor took us to the Berlin Wall memorial where we listened and learned about the history and "life during the wall". Astounded and slightly somber we all went to experience the tradition of the beer garden! We went to one of Berlin's oldest Biergarten! After pondering the vast selection, I ordered the Hefewissen beer, which they brought out in huge glass mugs just as imagined. The atmosphere was something I have never experienced before. People of all ages were gathered, laughing, playing and socializing unaware of differences and enjoying what seemed to be a judgement free ambiance. This was definitely a good first impression of my new city which I will call home for the next 2 weeks. I am anticipating a moving, memorable adventure during my travels in Berlin!