Everyone here in Berlin, is completely different. Germnay in general has several different cultures, and it amazes me. I thought Arkansas had several different minorities, but Germany has way more. throughout my two weeks staying here, ive learned so much here. going to the different tours was very informative, and it felt like i was in history class, but we werent sitting in chairs. it was like hands on learning. all of the tour guides were amazing. I felt bad because I couldn't give out a tip, only because I didn't have any money at the time. :( Schade. but all of the Germans, (some americans) always say 'ja genau' like its an inside joke, and thats whats hilarious. which it only means, 'ya exactly'. seeing the different minorities here, from blacks to syrians to hispanics, its a huge difference than Arkansas. we have to many different people and they have more that we do! i love learning about how each individual lives, and you could almost tell it while walking down on the streets. i love the people that come up to me, and a group of our people and ask if they can have our beer bottles ( tut mir leid frau ), just so that they can turn them in to get money. I dont think we have nothing like that back at home except for cans and not plastic or glass bottles. its enjoyable to me that people make their own way of getting around, either its searching every recycling bin, or playing music out on the streets. speaking of streets, one day in these past 2 weeks we all explored and passed by a bridge that had nothing but homeless people.. there were so many. more than back at home. and coming back from the mall there was a homeless guy begging for food.. you can tell he was starving, you could see the pain in his eyes, and all of his bones.. if it wasnt for me, Laura, and memo about to miss our bus i would have stopped to give him the sandwiches i still had left.. Back in Arkansas people are so generous to homeless, but here they look and laugh and just move on with their lives. Getting use to Berlin was definitely tragic. i never got use to the times even though i do sleep at night, my body is always tired when its night time back at home.
these 2 weeks has been a blast and i cant wait to come back again in about 2 years!!
i thank Frau Brazle for giving me this amazing chance to explore where my family comes from.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Last week in germany :(
Monday 06.13.16 - We went on zwei (2) tours! the fallout shelter was personally my favorite so far, other than the concentration camp. it was interesting to see how a real fallout shelter was instead of seeing it on the games all the time. ( reference for u Kody ;) ) there was so much walking. These germans walk so fast and its hard for my little legs to keep up with them. I understand why my german mum packs so much food for me, cause with all of the walking and the hear it makes you super duper hungry. also on this day we went to the Brandenburg Tor (gate) and there was a HUGE memorial for Orlando. everyone was putting flowers up, and got a picture of it. The memorial was so schön (beautiful).
UPDATE : Tuesday 06.14.16 - We took a LONG walk to this castle. but of course it was all worth it in the end, except my tired feet. :P it was a castle for some king, that had several, several dogs, and he loved them so much that he was buried next to his favorite dogs.. ( pretty weird.. ) then there were several naked men/women statues that were completely weird too. I was going to take photos but the 3 Euros wasn't worth it to me. It was a pretty castle but i wasn't going to pay for photos. ;) then afterwards we went to the lake and decided to chill while playing cards, with like 4 other people. we sat right next to a building that was used for naked people, and you could stand in there naked and not have a care in the world, the whole building was made of glass! Then, finally went home after i had to pee really bad and wouldn't go in a bush, lol.
UPDATE : Wednesday 06.15.16 - Today was a thrill riding day. we got to explore a prison, and see how the people were treated in the new and old prisons. there were 3 prisons in total. touring the prison made me realize that i never want to ever go to prison, or do something that will make me go there. i mean, prisons might be better now then they were back then, but it still tragic to see how they lived if they never confessed on what they did wrong. our tour guide was fantastic, and the best part was that he had a man bun. yes, a MAN BUN! and wicked beard too, but the man bun was way better in my opinion. We went into this one room and thank goodness we left the room when we did cause i would have freaked out due to being claustrophobic. that room was so tiny, and about 25 people didn't go very well. I take back what i said in one of my earlier blogs, the prison was definitely my favorite.
UPDATE : Thursday 06.16.16 - Completely missed homeroom. but i guess it was okay :) school day was amazing.. i took a nap in physics and the teacher didnt even care. i woke up to him staring at me but then he just walked off. after school we went to the mall, but of course Laura wouldnt wait around until i was able to receive my money, and apparently we wont be able to go shopping tomorrow so ill just order everything offline.. how fun :) and i ended the day buy just chilling at her house and listen to the game.
UPDATE : Friday 06.17.16 - such a rainy day, but it was just like every other day here in the past week.. but today we went to a refugee museum, and we didnt get a tour, we made the tour! it was weird at first, but it went really smoothly. Afterwards, we went to a small mall, and i got to gather things on my very last day here. i had to spend all of my coin euros and thats almost exactly what i did.. im keeping some for souviners. :) finally packing to go home right after my hair cut! im excited, havent had my hair touched by anyone in i dont know how long. its very sad knowing i have to leave, but i think my actual home is calling my name. after these two weeks i met my second family and i know i am always welcomed back.
CHOW! ;)
UPDATE : Tuesday 06.14.16 - We took a LONG walk to this castle. but of course it was all worth it in the end, except my tired feet. :P it was a castle for some king, that had several, several dogs, and he loved them so much that he was buried next to his favorite dogs.. ( pretty weird.. ) then there were several naked men/women statues that were completely weird too. I was going to take photos but the 3 Euros wasn't worth it to me. It was a pretty castle but i wasn't going to pay for photos. ;) then afterwards we went to the lake and decided to chill while playing cards, with like 4 other people. we sat right next to a building that was used for naked people, and you could stand in there naked and not have a care in the world, the whole building was made of glass! Then, finally went home after i had to pee really bad and wouldn't go in a bush, lol.
UPDATE : Wednesday 06.15.16 - Today was a thrill riding day. we got to explore a prison, and see how the people were treated in the new and old prisons. there were 3 prisons in total. touring the prison made me realize that i never want to ever go to prison, or do something that will make me go there. i mean, prisons might be better now then they were back then, but it still tragic to see how they lived if they never confessed on what they did wrong. our tour guide was fantastic, and the best part was that he had a man bun. yes, a MAN BUN! and wicked beard too, but the man bun was way better in my opinion. We went into this one room and thank goodness we left the room when we did cause i would have freaked out due to being claustrophobic. that room was so tiny, and about 25 people didn't go very well. I take back what i said in one of my earlier blogs, the prison was definitely my favorite.
UPDATE : Thursday 06.16.16 - Completely missed homeroom. but i guess it was okay :) school day was amazing.. i took a nap in physics and the teacher didnt even care. i woke up to him staring at me but then he just walked off. after school we went to the mall, but of course Laura wouldnt wait around until i was able to receive my money, and apparently we wont be able to go shopping tomorrow so ill just order everything offline.. how fun :) and i ended the day buy just chilling at her house and listen to the game.
UPDATE : Friday 06.17.16 - such a rainy day, but it was just like every other day here in the past week.. but today we went to a refugee museum, and we didnt get a tour, we made the tour! it was weird at first, but it went really smoothly. Afterwards, we went to a small mall, and i got to gather things on my very last day here. i had to spend all of my coin euros and thats almost exactly what i did.. im keeping some for souviners. :) finally packing to go home right after my hair cut! im excited, havent had my hair touched by anyone in i dont know how long. its very sad knowing i have to leave, but i think my actual home is calling my name. after these two weeks i met my second family and i know i am always welcomed back.
CHOW! ;)
Last Days in Germany
Today is my last full day in Germany. We've eaten so much good food, been to so many fun places, and seen so much cool stuff. It has been a great experience, getting to meet new people and growing close to a new family.
I'm going to try to eat currywurst one more time, it was so good. I'm going to miss it though, the currywurst. And the döner too. My trip to Germany has been amazing. I never thought I would be here, experiencing what I have. This was my first trip outside of the United States, and it was a good one. I didn't expect to see the Berlin Wall because I thought it had all been torn down. It was pretty cool to see that they kept some of the wall so that others like us can see.
Our weekend excursion to the Baltic Sea was really cool too. It was a little chilly when we walked out of the parking garage, and I just wondered how I was going to swim in this degree of weather. When we met up with the others on the beach, I was going to go change into my swimsuit, but I learned they just change right there on the beach! It was kinda weird, because they just hold a towel around them and change. It is really awkward to hold a towel with one hand and change with the other. When we walked down to the water it got even colder. It took a little bit for us to run out there, but once we did, it wasn't TOO bad. but when I got out I was shivering for at least 30 minutes it was so cold. We played volleyball and soccer on the beach, also. Robin's brother, Julian, was the MVP of our volleyball games. He would always dive for the ball and he'd do whatever he could to keep the ball up. It was fun to play soccer with him, and what he was able to teach me was pretty cool.
The coolest tour in my opinion was the tour of the GDR prison. It was really interesting to learn about the interrogation techniques, what the GDR still did to people after the war, and how long they continued to do it. Apart from this tour we got a tours of a couple underground bunkers prepared for World War 2 bombings, a Story of Berlin, Sanssouci (a palace for Friedrichs II), and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
I am definitely going to come back to Germany, now it's just a matter of when. I'm going to miss Robin and his family, and I know I will alway have a friend here.
I'm going to try to eat currywurst one more time, it was so good. I'm going to miss it though, the currywurst. And the döner too. My trip to Germany has been amazing. I never thought I would be here, experiencing what I have. This was my first trip outside of the United States, and it was a good one. I didn't expect to see the Berlin Wall because I thought it had all been torn down. It was pretty cool to see that they kept some of the wall so that others like us can see.
Our weekend excursion to the Baltic Sea was really cool too. It was a little chilly when we walked out of the parking garage, and I just wondered how I was going to swim in this degree of weather. When we met up with the others on the beach, I was going to go change into my swimsuit, but I learned they just change right there on the beach! It was kinda weird, because they just hold a towel around them and change. It is really awkward to hold a towel with one hand and change with the other. When we walked down to the water it got even colder. It took a little bit for us to run out there, but once we did, it wasn't TOO bad. but when I got out I was shivering for at least 30 minutes it was so cold. We played volleyball and soccer on the beach, also. Robin's brother, Julian, was the MVP of our volleyball games. He would always dive for the ball and he'd do whatever he could to keep the ball up. It was fun to play soccer with him, and what he was able to teach me was pretty cool.
The coolest tour in my opinion was the tour of the GDR prison. It was really interesting to learn about the interrogation techniques, what the GDR still did to people after the war, and how long they continued to do it. Apart from this tour we got a tours of a couple underground bunkers prepared for World War 2 bombings, a Story of Berlin, Sanssouci (a palace for Friedrichs II), and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
I am definitely going to come back to Germany, now it's just a matter of when. I'm going to miss Robin and his family, and I know I will alway have a friend here.
Last Impressions
So it was, and so it is, our last couple of days in Berlin, Germany. It was quite the time, very different cultures where you could bring alcohol on public transportation but I was pushed out of a souvenir shop for having an ice cream cone. One where seeing a drunken person, or a helpless beggar in broad daylight is the norm, but the prospect of someone having a firearm in their house is completely preposterous. It comes down to the culture, which is probably the hardest thing to adjust to, that and the sun setting at 10PM and rising at 4AM, you may not think it's a huge problem, but it just craps on any sleep schedule you thought you had, especially with the jet lag.
I can see and hear the tears already, however I am very excited to be back in the states, first thing I'm going to do is nap wrapped in an American Flag with my AR-15 in one hand and a copy of the Declaration of Independence in the other, for real though, gonna sleep a lot and maybe take a nice slow ride through the country side because city life makes you miss the small things like that. All the quaint things about Arkansas are completely lost upon the Germans, and possibly the cool things about the city might be lost on us for all I know. I did enjoy our time though, food was great, the sights were beautiful, and the food was great.
I don't know if I'll ever return, I anticipate I will but you never know.
See ya Deutschland.
I can see and hear the tears already, however I am very excited to be back in the states, first thing I'm going to do is nap wrapped in an American Flag with my AR-15 in one hand and a copy of the Declaration of Independence in the other, for real though, gonna sleep a lot and maybe take a nice slow ride through the country side because city life makes you miss the small things like that. All the quaint things about Arkansas are completely lost upon the Germans, and possibly the cool things about the city might be lost on us for all I know. I did enjoy our time though, food was great, the sights were beautiful, and the food was great.
I don't know if I'll ever return, I anticipate I will but you never know.
See ya Deutschland.
Major Differences United States vs Germany
Some of the major differnces in Germany that are very different from the US is fußball and football. They sound the same but there are compleatly differnt in 'merica football is american football with NFL and the pig skin but in Germany it is what 'mericans call soccer. Some enviormental differnces that differ from arkansas is that Germany has lots and lots of graffiti all over from U-bahn to buildings.
Also many of the rivers that run through berlin are very poluted ulike natual rivers in Arkansas in which people swim in. In belin there are many things to ddo such as go out to different musums and attractions like the historic tours that take place all thoughout Berlin. Something that I liked seeing was the Berlin wall, because its something of Berlin that all people want to see.
Also many of the rivers that run through berlin are very poluted ulike natual rivers in Arkansas in which people swim in. In belin there are many things to ddo such as go out to different musums and attractions like the historic tours that take place all thoughout Berlin. Something that I liked seeing was the Berlin wall, because its something of Berlin that all people want to see.
End of the Line
Well, well, well. My time in the land of cheap street food, endless bier, and a near millinium of history have too soon come to an end. I couldn't even explain how incredible and eye opening this trip has been in the length that I have here. Among my favorite things that we have done these past two weeks was the bike tour on only the first day. This was probably my favorite tour just because it was a great opportunity to be able to see nearly the whole city on a bike, which is like my favorite thing to do! The architecture in the city is absolutely beautiful. Berlin is comparable to a New York City with about half as many people in twice the area and much more aesthetic buildings. I am in love with the city. Another amazing experience for me visiting the Czech Republic for a weekend hiking trip. Ricardo's family took me to a small German town on the border of Czech called Rathen. This town is exactly what I think of when I think of a European village. The town was split by the River Elbe and the only access to either side was a single ferry that ran back and forth all day long. The town was surrounded by absolutely astonishing rock features and remains from medieval castles. The whole area was littered with magnificent history. On that Saturday we drove into the Czech Republic by train and then by ferry. Our hiking trip took place in a Czech National Park where we saw more incredible views and landscape and Europe's only land bridge. Our final day of the excursion we visited Germany's largest castle which was gianormous and of course beautiful. This final week I have experienced several tours regarding WWII and the DDR here having to do with post-war history. All throughout I have had ample time to just kick back and relax in Berlin with Ricardo, Zac, and many of my German friends that I have made while I have been here. I feel now that I might be ready to go home and see my family and friends to share all of my adventures and experiences. I haven't even left yet, though I am already missing döner, currywurst, schnitzel, the architecture, the culture, and the people. However, without a doubt I will be returning here to Germany before too long as I know that I always have a friend here with Ricardo. Until next time, Berlin.
Jacob Velliquette, signing off.
Jacob Velliquette, signing off.
Last Day
Today is the last day here in Germany sadly. These last two weeks have been filled with adventures and new experiences. We had many tours that taught me so much I didn't know about the history of Berlin. I would say my favorite tour was the Bike tour. I ate arabic food which was very delicious and Turkish döner (probbaly the thing I will miss most about Germany). I rode more public transporartion these last two weeks than I ever had before. I like big cities so seeing the street filled with walking and cycling pedestrians made me happy. I had no idea how much graffiti Berlin was filled with but I Think thats a unique thing about Berlin. I think gaffitti in Berlin should be called "Street Art" rather than Graffiti. One thing I actually learned yesterday is that Germany also has troops in afghanistan. My overall experience in Germany has been GREAT and German people are nothing like they are stereotyped to be they are very nice welcoming people that will continue to feed you even after the 5th plate. Today is not even over yet and I am already looking foward to coming back to Berlin!!!!!!!!
Last Day
As days go by I cant wait to go home! My stay here was an enjoyable stay. I got to meet new people, more people than I expected. My stay here will never be forgotten as I thought I was getting home sick the first days it was nothing, it was just a fear of not being able to communicate effectively to get around. I love how the city is just a liberal city where you can get around at whatever time you want.
Well I am just excited to get home and see my family, be with them, and go out with them. I am taking back a couple souveniers to share with mains back home and tell them about my "adventures" her.
My finally thought is completely different from when I first got here. I thought that I wouldn't like the food, people would be nicer, everyone would get along, and transportation wouldn't be so complicated. But as I come to realize the food is great a bit different from what I use to but I give an 8, I would be able to live with that food if I lived here. Most people I see on the streets look so kind and friendly but they're rude, I mostly think becauseof theyre accent, its so strong.
Again and again, I miss home so much!
I will certaintly enjoy my plane ride back home.
Well I am just excited to get home and see my family, be with them, and go out with them. I am taking back a couple souveniers to share with mains back home and tell them about my "adventures" her.
My finally thought is completely different from when I first got here. I thought that I wouldn't like the food, people would be nicer, everyone would get along, and transportation wouldn't be so complicated. But as I come to realize the food is great a bit different from what I use to but I give an 8, I would be able to live with that food if I lived here. Most people I see on the streets look so kind and friendly but they're rude, I mostly think becauseof theyre accent, its so strong.
Again and again, I miss home so much!
I will certaintly enjoy my plane ride back home.
the pros and cons of leaving germany
I came into the exchange program, as I try to go into most things, with no expectations (it's the best way to both avoid disappointment and leave yourself fully open to new experiences without preconcieved notions). Thus, I can't really say it met or exceeded expectations, but it was definitely an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I plan on coming back to Germany in three years to study abroad, so this isn't a goodbye, just a "see you later". That being said, enjoy this list:
the cons of leaving Germany:
-I love German breakfast, and my mom is gonna think I'm weird if I start asking for bread + cold cuts for breakfast
-the public transportation here is amazing. Luckily, I won't be missing it for too long. I'm moving to the Twin Cities for college and they have a well-established public transportation system
-everyone here seems more tolerant. I could be a lesbian Muslim and not get smashed over the head with an American flag and/or bible, which is pretty cool.
-I don't get weird looks for wearing my beloved fanny pack here
-being such an old city, there's so much history
-döner... and like every other food I've eaten here for that matter
-the perfect combo of parks + big city bustle. Like, what does Springdale have...? Chickens and confederate flags...? Road construction? Lmao no thanks.
-no Southern accents... unless they're Southern German accents which I've heard are equally inaudible
-I can never find a good lemon sorbet in the US, but the Zitroneis here is a+
the pros of leaving Germany:
-I lost my phone here so like... I never know what time it is. I'm just floating through time and space. It's light out?? It could be 4am or 3pm. Who knows. Not me. Did I even go to Germany?? Idk because I don't have any pictures. The whole thing could be an elaborate ruse. Talking to friends??? Just kidding no one talks to me whether or not I have a phone, but still.
-I'm not gonna miss going to high school after I graduated high school. I am not waking up before 8am the rest of this summer... or the rest of the year (my earliest class fall semester is at 9:55... god bless)
-at home I mostly understand what people are saying, where I'm going, and what I'm doing. Here, as previously stated, I'm just floating through time and space and going where Germans/teachers lead me
-kinda tied into the previous point, I'll be able to watch tv in English
-the sun comes up at a regular time in America
-people don't blatantly stare at me in the US... usually
-PERSONAL SPACE
It's been real Berlin, even though Sans Souci ate my phone. See ya soon.
the cons of leaving Germany:
-I love German breakfast, and my mom is gonna think I'm weird if I start asking for bread + cold cuts for breakfast
-the public transportation here is amazing. Luckily, I won't be missing it for too long. I'm moving to the Twin Cities for college and they have a well-established public transportation system
-everyone here seems more tolerant. I could be a lesbian Muslim and not get smashed over the head with an American flag and/or bible, which is pretty cool.
-I don't get weird looks for wearing my beloved fanny pack here
-being such an old city, there's so much history
-döner... and like every other food I've eaten here for that matter
-the perfect combo of parks + big city bustle. Like, what does Springdale have...? Chickens and confederate flags...? Road construction? Lmao no thanks.
-no Southern accents... unless they're Southern German accents which I've heard are equally inaudible
-I can never find a good lemon sorbet in the US, but the Zitroneis here is a+
the pros of leaving Germany:
-I lost my phone here so like... I never know what time it is. I'm just floating through time and space. It's light out?? It could be 4am or 3pm. Who knows. Not me. Did I even go to Germany?? Idk because I don't have any pictures. The whole thing could be an elaborate ruse. Talking to friends??? Just kidding no one talks to me whether or not I have a phone, but still.
-I'm not gonna miss going to high school after I graduated high school. I am not waking up before 8am the rest of this summer... or the rest of the year (my earliest class fall semester is at 9:55... god bless)
-at home I mostly understand what people are saying, where I'm going, and what I'm doing. Here, as previously stated, I'm just floating through time and space and going where Germans/teachers lead me
-kinda tied into the previous point, I'll be able to watch tv in English
-the sun comes up at a regular time in America
-people don't blatantly stare at me in the US... usually
-PERSONAL SPACE
It's been real Berlin, even though Sans Souci ate my phone. See ya soon.
What I Will Miss
After being here for two weeks we have all become accustomed to the way our Germans live their day to day lives, and there are many things I will miss about the city and the German culture.
I will miss waking up at 6:30 am and seeing that the sun is already up. It makes it feel as if I have been asleep forever instead of just the few short hours that I have been getting. I will miss looking at the art on the walls at our school. Every wall is covered with clay sculptures or drawings done by the students that often depict social issuses or showcase their creativity. I will miss the independance that the public transport offers to you and watching the diversity of people interact all around Berlin, a city of 3.5 billion people. I will also miss sitting in the car, a standard car (the more popular option here), as Amelie's mom drives, and marvaling at the fact that I have not seen a car accident yet despite how seemingly crazy the drivers are. I will not necessarly miss this but it will be different to go home and not see people smoking everywhere or people drinking beer on the streets, transport, and parks. I will miss the graffiti all over the city and the cute little German houses on the cobblestone streets. I will miss the small cars and how they have to all squeeze into parallel parkng spots at night. I will miss the adventures around the city that the Germans lead us on daily. A special thank you to Ricardo (Jacob's German) for making sure we stay on schedule and do not get lost. I will miss walking into Amelie's living room and seeing her family sitting around the TV watching the European Cup games while cheering and booing. Lastly I will miss opening my window before I go to sleep (because there is no air conditioning) and listening to the cars and people going past my house.
This experience has exceeded any and all expectations I had. Amelie's family has been so welcoming and even tryed to convince me to stay another week. Living the life of a German for two weeks has been awesome (a word that Amelie learned in America and enjoys using). I cannot imagine having spent these weeks doing anything else and I would not trade them for anything. It is difficult to get across in a blog all that I have experienced and learned from the Germans and the culture, but one thing I know for sure is I will miss this city and cannot wait to return one day (hopefully soon).
See you soon Arkansas.
P.S. I just learned that I cannot bring back my stash of Kinder Eggs (even in my checked bag) because I could get fined. Nevermind I don't think I am comming back to America.
I will miss waking up at 6:30 am and seeing that the sun is already up. It makes it feel as if I have been asleep forever instead of just the few short hours that I have been getting. I will miss looking at the art on the walls at our school. Every wall is covered with clay sculptures or drawings done by the students that often depict social issuses or showcase their creativity. I will miss the independance that the public transport offers to you and watching the diversity of people interact all around Berlin, a city of 3.5 billion people. I will also miss sitting in the car, a standard car (the more popular option here), as Amelie's mom drives, and marvaling at the fact that I have not seen a car accident yet despite how seemingly crazy the drivers are. I will not necessarly miss this but it will be different to go home and not see people smoking everywhere or people drinking beer on the streets, transport, and parks. I will miss the graffiti all over the city and the cute little German houses on the cobblestone streets. I will miss the small cars and how they have to all squeeze into parallel parkng spots at night. I will miss the adventures around the city that the Germans lead us on daily. A special thank you to Ricardo (Jacob's German) for making sure we stay on schedule and do not get lost. I will miss walking into Amelie's living room and seeing her family sitting around the TV watching the European Cup games while cheering and booing. Lastly I will miss opening my window before I go to sleep (because there is no air conditioning) and listening to the cars and people going past my house.
This experience has exceeded any and all expectations I had. Amelie's family has been so welcoming and even tryed to convince me to stay another week. Living the life of a German for two weeks has been awesome (a word that Amelie learned in America and enjoys using). I cannot imagine having spent these weeks doing anything else and I would not trade them for anything. It is difficult to get across in a blog all that I have experienced and learned from the Germans and the culture, but one thing I know for sure is I will miss this city and cannot wait to return one day (hopefully soon).
See you soon Arkansas.
P.S. I just learned that I cannot bring back my stash of Kinder Eggs (even in my checked bag) because I could get fined. Nevermind I don't think I am comming back to America.
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