Reichstag with Emre and David

Today, I went to experience the Reichstag with Emre and his tutor, David. We waited outside for a long time. I'm not even sure how long. But the wait wasn't too bad. We spent our time talking in German and English...and in body language. I was trying to teach Emre a hand-slapping game, and when I couldn't think of what to say, we just kind of...made it work. And then he taught me a cool European variation of it. It was so much fun!! :) It's moments like that that remind me of how awesome communication is in general. What can't be said verbally can be said with body language, motions, eye contact. We can demonstrate things, make noises. It's all so fascinating.

When we finally got inside, we had to go through security similar to an airport. I hadn't expected that for some reason, but it made perfect sense. After security, we rode up in a huge elevator up to the roof. We were able to walk around on the roof outside, all the while David pointed out famous buildings and structures. Dude, David is so smart. He was telling me and Emre SO MUCH INFORMATION. It was so impressive. I also loved how much he was really working with Emre. All the

tutors and tutees that I have been with...they were all so interested, so invested in their student. It's so touching--such a beautiful thing. All the tutors I have met have been such good people.

Anyhoo, we entered the cupola and had these awesome headsets for an audio tour...in German for them, and David grabbed an English one for me, haha. So we walked around and experienced the dome. It was beautiful and we could see

everything. Unfortunately, my camera battery was about two seconds away from dying. So I could only snap a

couple shots randomly. But I still really loved every moment!

European Keyboards are Tricky

So anybody forced to blog on one of the computers in our hostel will agree that switching the stinking 'z' and 'y' is just one of the most frustrating things ever. and I reallz mean ever. (You see what I did there? haha)

So anyway, we moved to the new Hostel today, which is totally boss. hip. awesome. modern. whatever. The decoration is amazing, the people are SO FRIENDLY! Example: I was just standing at this computer station, typing, when one of the employees grabbed me a stool and said smiling, ''Here, sit :)'' Totally grade A service.

So I don't want to talk up to much time on this computer, but I did not to jot down some ideas before I forgot them. I guess these are more observations about Berlin, actually.

1) I did NOT expect so much graffiti everywhere. It's everywhere. After moving into The Circus, Phia, Vern, and I took the train to Potsdam and I realized, that with every passing mile--or kilometers, rather (I guess that's more appropriate right now)--I saw graffiti E V E R Y W H E R E. And there are a lot of times, most times, in fact, where I think it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Seriously, I hope my parents aren't pissed when I bring my camera home and it's full of pictures of neon letters and designs. I love seeing it, but sitting on the train, staring out the window into the nothingness of the forest, THERE WAS STILL GRAFFITI. Like, COME ON, take a break!! Why was every inch slash centimeter covered in names and....names of body parts...!?!? It was bothersome. Looking at the peaceful green and then seeing....names of body parts. So yes, I was a little annoyed.

Well, the train ride got me thinking about it, and now I can't stop thinking about it.

Item number 2: Berlin is not handicap acessible. Not in the slightest. It's actually a little disappointing. I can only remember seeing one elevator in an U Bahn Station, and the escalators are far and few in between. It's not even just the mobility. It's the...how do I put it? It's the overall condition of life for people with any sort of handicap here in Berlin. Every person I've seen, from a broken leg, to a missing arm, permanent to temporary handicaps... I hope I can say this without lumping everyone into one group, but they all just seem so rough around the edges. Dirty, tired, exhausted, not well cared after. They seem alone. I see that people keep their distance. There is always some sort of invisible boundary. No one makes eye contact. :/
It's really disheartening. I had expected something better, I guess. Maybe I hadn't expected anything at all. But just the state of almost everyone I've seen...it's just really something that needs attention.

Anyhoo, I see some old man eyeing me for my computer. Time to go! Bis Bald!

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