On Easter morning our group met early for a day trip to Potsdam, a name that many recognize from the Potsdam Conference. It was such an enjoyable day. We spent the beginning of our trip learning the rich history behind several of Potsdam's beautiful castles and taking a walking tour with Thomas around the town. Along our tour we found a replica of Temple of Love in the Gardens of Versailles, which was the same model used for the Old Well in Chapel Hill!
While wearing sandals on cobblestone streets was not the best of my decisions, I really enjoyed this tour. Even during the long walking stretches of the tour, as Potsdam as fairly spread out, the scenery was beautiful.
Interesting fact: Frederick the Great was buried next to his dogs, for he was not particularly fond of his wife. Many people place potatoes on his grave because one of Frederick the Great's major accomplishments during life was the introduction of potatoes to Germany. He made a huge deal out of making potatoes a part of Germany, even traveling to other towns to pass out potatoes, and it apparently worked. Potatoes are now a staple crop in Germany. Thus, people put potatoes on his grave!
After seeing many of the castles and historical sights, our group of 16 made our way on to a bus to explore the town. Markets filled the streets, and people sat outside all over the town. Cafés lined the streets. Overall, I just found the entire town to be adorable.
After seeing many of the castles and historical sights, our group of 16 made our way on to a bus to explore the town. Markets filled the streets, and people sat outside all over the town. Cafés lined the streets. Overall, I just found the entire town to be adorable.
We stopped for lunch at a little Italian restaurant, and I ordered my first pizza of the trip! More of that to come in Italy. :)
After lunch several people went back to Berlin, but a group of us decided to stay and explore the town a little more. I am so glad we did! We shopped the markets for a little while and wondered around looking for "important landmarks." Eventually we decided to sit down and get a coffee or ice cream, and this turned into my FAVORITE part of the day. We literally sat there teaching Matthias American slang words/abbreviations and discussing the meaning of "Blurred Lines" (which he thought the words were "coooool cattt"). He taught us "by da" for "by the way," and asked us why Americans say things we do not mean. Exhibit 1: "Let's catch up soon!"... and never calling. Guilty. The entire conversation was hilarious and ended with us "dying" (laughing) and Matthias looking for a "rando" to take a picture. We didn't take very many pictures, but a few from the afternoon:
After lunch several people went back to Berlin, but a group of us decided to stay and explore the town a little more. I am so glad we did! We shopped the markets for a little while and wondered around looking for "important landmarks." Eventually we decided to sit down and get a coffee or ice cream, and this turned into my FAVORITE part of the day. We literally sat there teaching Matthias American slang words/abbreviations and discussing the meaning of "Blurred Lines" (which he thought the words were "coooool cattt"). He taught us "by da" for "by the way," and asked us why Americans say things we do not mean. Exhibit 1: "Let's catch up soon!"... and never calling. Guilty. The entire conversation was hilarious and ended with us "dying" (laughing) and Matthias looking for a "rando" to take a picture. We didn't take very many pictures, but a few from the afternoon:
Sunday night turned into quite an adventure. The plan was to get dinner, grab a drink, and go to bed early.
What actually happened: dinner, a drink at an Italian restaurant... tequila, and six Americans, one German, and possibly a few waiters dancing to the YMCA at 1:00AM.
Things I learned on Sunday night:
1. Apparently it's a thing in Germany for a waiter to bring your table a round of shots if it looks like you are having a good time and laughing a lot. I can get on board with that.
2. Americans get very excited when they hear "Sweet Home Alabama" in an Italian restaurant in Berlin, Germany.
3. A restaurant will stay open late for you and encourage more beers if they enjoy your presence.
4. Going around the table to describe one another using words and phrases can bring a lot of happiness to a group. Also, if you play with a German, your word might be "loves Justin" (as in your voice sounds like Britney Spears - me) or "slithers like a snake" (smooth - Gabrielle).
5. Hostel dance parties are underrated, and Kelly Tessitore has the best behind the bar dance moves ever.
6. Matthias will not let you use his bathroom. He will, however, laugh (DIE) while you unsuccessfully try to unlock the door.
What actually happened: dinner, a drink at an Italian restaurant... tequila, and six Americans, one German, and possibly a few waiters dancing to the YMCA at 1:00AM.
Things I learned on Sunday night:
1. Apparently it's a thing in Germany for a waiter to bring your table a round of shots if it looks like you are having a good time and laughing a lot. I can get on board with that.
2. Americans get very excited when they hear "Sweet Home Alabama" in an Italian restaurant in Berlin, Germany.
3. A restaurant will stay open late for you and encourage more beers if they enjoy your presence.
4. Going around the table to describe one another using words and phrases can bring a lot of happiness to a group. Also, if you play with a German, your word might be "loves Justin" (as in your voice sounds like Britney Spears - me) or "slithers like a snake" (smooth - Gabrielle).
5. Hostel dance parties are underrated, and Kelly Tessitore has the best behind the bar dance moves ever.
6. Matthias will not let you use his bathroom. He will, however, laugh (DIE) while you unsuccessfully try to unlock the door.
Needless to say, we slept in a little on Monday morning. Once we were up and checked out, we brought our luggage to Central Station to store it in a locker for the day. We had about 5 more hours in Berlin to explore. The first thing we did was check out the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which is a memorial composed of many differing sizes of concrete slabs. As I explored this memorial, I honestly was very confused about the meaning. After talking with my peers though, we realized that the design is meant to give an uneasy, confusing feel. I think it'd be really interesting to discuss interpretations of this memorial with people from around the world.
After visiting this memorial, we took some time to re-visit a few of the standing pieces of the Berlin Wall. There is graffiti all over the wall, and I thought it was really interesting to see some of the messages that were written on the wall.
Afterwards we decided to make our way to Alexanderplatz since we never made it there the day before. I loved this area - there was a huge market with different clothing, food, and antique items. In the middle of the market, there was a stage with live music! I ended up buying two beautiful scarves.
After walking around for a bit, we were starting to get hungry. Before coming to Berlin we were told that we MUST try döner. I am one of those people that has to try something once it has been put on the "must do" list, so döner for lunch it was!
Döner is a famous Berlin food, which is sliced, seasoned meat served inside a sandwich with vegetables. Although it is known as being a Turkish food, we were told that it actually was invented in Berlin. When we said that we had never heard of this food before, people were absolutely shocked. It is so popular here in Germany... and I can see why! It was delicious!
We spent the rest of our time in Berlin relaxing by the river, and I left feeling very satisfied with my experiences and memories from the weekend. :)
After walking around for a bit, we were starting to get hungry. Before coming to Berlin we were told that we MUST try döner. I am one of those people that has to try something once it has been put on the "must do" list, so döner for lunch it was!
Döner is a famous Berlin food, which is sliced, seasoned meat served inside a sandwich with vegetables. Although it is known as being a Turkish food, we were told that it actually was invented in Berlin. When we said that we had never heard of this food before, people were absolutely shocked. It is so popular here in Germany... and I can see why! It was delicious!
We spent the rest of our time in Berlin relaxing by the river, and I left feeling very satisfied with my experiences and memories from the weekend. :)