These are fantsatic posters in all of the metro (U-Bahn) stations here.
My friend Kristina's host family has this air freshener in their car that has a picture of Obama on it and it says, "Obama Rama." The host father speaks English and said, "I know what 'Obama' means, but what does 'Rama' mean?
In the previously mentioned host family's house is this fantastic little gadget that sits on toiletpaper rolls.
To the left is Andreas, a student named Pat's host father who is absolutely hilarious. He knows English well enough to make puns and joke about the difference between Hamas and Hummus. In the middle is Kristina's host sister Siara, and on the right is her host father Manfred (who I lovingly refer to as Manbearpig).
Glauwein!
Children are toted around on sleds all the time, it's adorable and surprising all at once!
Behold, The Turkish Market in Kreuzburg!
Cheeses sold at the market.
Eggs...sold at the market.
The Turkish Market sign! At least I believe so...
Free Willy?
The following pictures are some of my favorite exhibitions from The New Museum in East Berlin.
Here is an outlined figure ready to be cut out. You can see the marker lines the artist drew as a guide. This was particularly interesting to be having been in Egypt a few years ago.
Inside the museum.
Ee!
I particularly enjoyed this one.
Old Assyrian carvings.
It's not cold here.
Museum Island!
Pinocchio, Chris, and Kristina chillin. Puntastic!
Famous Church.
Hot dog man with an uncomfortable metal thong.
East Berlin! Alexanderplatz! It's actually just like the Vegas Stratosphere, there's a rollarcoaster at the top!
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The people in this program come from all over the country, and, as one can imagine, range just as greatly in personality. However, I find myself unable to have a conversation at meal time that isn't political (which is absolutely fantastic albeit uneducated at times, but I myself only have a foundation for political knowledge; this is fantastic in a whole other way). Most of the people here are rather well educated and the majority of them study some form of global politics. It's a wonderful environment and I find myself constantly challenged by even my colleagues.
Although I've somewhat taken to East Berlin more than the West where I live, the entirety of the city just has this excitement. Last night was the welcome dinner for host families and students and speaking to people who had lived through the Wall's building and takedown is just another reminder of how brand new the city is. A woman who I met had actually had a sick grandfather in the East who her mother visited every other week. When the wall was about to be built her mother was crossing into the east and everyone began shouting at her to turn back but she continued. I don't and couldn't give this story justice, but it's just so powerful to actually hear people candidly speak about their lives here.
My host mother herself grew up poor in Hannover. One Christmas she received an orange as a present and was thrilled. Her family had about 12 people living with them and only had two beds so everyone slept in 8 hour shifts. It's fascinating to see where she is now (and I will post pictures of my home soon).
Overall, an invaluable experience.
My journies over the past few days have included a very touristy camera excursion to the New Museum and around the city (as you can see above).
Until later!
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