So, I kinda signed myself up for a long post when I skipped Easter week, but I'm gonna keep it compact as possible. Easter week was fairly laid back. We took an excursion to a history museum that Thursday and shopped for food. Here, everything closes for Easter. Most things close Thursday and don't open until the following Tuesday.
Good Friday service was a procession through the city. 6 people carried a cross while we walked in silence to 7 different stations that we heard scripture at. Saturday we stayed in since everything was closed, but there was a bonfire to "ward off the winter spirits." It was the dose of America I desperately needed. There were food vendors, a band playing American country music, fire by the lake, and even fireworks afterwards. I cried a little. Not gonna lie. The park was called Britzer Garten. It is enormous and I definitely plan to go back once it's nicer out.
Easter Sunday was INTENSE. It was packed in the Berliner Dom. PACKED. ZERO seats. People were standing around the perimeter. The brass and organist did a fantastic job that day. It was an experience for sure and I'm glad I got to go. Here's some pictures!
Good Friday service was a procession through the city. 6 people carried a cross while we walked in silence to 7 different stations that we heard scripture at. Saturday we stayed in since everything was closed, but there was a bonfire to "ward off the winter spirits." It was the dose of America I desperately needed. There were food vendors, a band playing American country music, fire by the lake, and even fireworks afterwards. I cried a little. Not gonna lie. The park was called Britzer Garten. It is enormous and I definitely plan to go back once it's nicer out.
Easter Sunday was INTENSE. It was packed in the Berliner Dom. PACKED. ZERO seats. People were standing around the perimeter. The brass and organist did a fantastic job that day. It was an experience for sure and I'm glad I got to go. Here's some pictures!
Now for week 6. Thursday we took an excursion to Topography of Terror, which was one of the best WWII museums I've ever been too. It was all about the logic behind the Nazi movement, while most other museums are commemorative. It was very interesting. That night we all packed up and headed out for Hamburg Friday morning! Here it is on a map: (Potsdam is also on there)
Hamburg was awesome. It was about 2 hours by train (on which a few friends and I played Euchre. I've taught 6 people to play since I've been here). As you can see, Hamburg is a port city, so it was a lot different. I really, really liked it there. There was a Miniatures Museum that was more than I could've ever imagined and a public playground designed by kids. The boats on the harbor were gorgeous and there was a really cool mix of old and new buildings. The whole coast is being reconstructed, which will be finished in 2017. I guess I'll have to go back to see it!
It's a lot more artsy there in a bohemian sense rather than an urban art sense (if that makes sense).
We went on a Beatles tour with a lady named Stefanie Hempel. She's an amazing artist and Beatles super fan. She's interviewed nearly everyone involved with the Beatles from Ringo to their photographer to the man who let them live with him while on tour.
She played a Beatles song at every stop we made. We saw where the Beatles stayed, where they first preformed, and other venues they played. I also got a picture where John Lennon got his album cover picture taken!
We made our way back to Berlin yesterday. We are safe, sound, and settled back into what now really feels like home. 2 of my midterms are already done and the third is tomorrow, so I gotta go help some people study. 4 years of World History is really coming in handy. Here's the remaining pictures and a video sample of Stefanie Hempel (not taken on my tour):
It's a lot more artsy there in a bohemian sense rather than an urban art sense (if that makes sense).
We went on a Beatles tour with a lady named Stefanie Hempel. She's an amazing artist and Beatles super fan. She's interviewed nearly everyone involved with the Beatles from Ringo to their photographer to the man who let them live with him while on tour.
She played a Beatles song at every stop we made. We saw where the Beatles stayed, where they first preformed, and other venues they played. I also got a picture where John Lennon got his album cover picture taken!
We made our way back to Berlin yesterday. We are safe, sound, and settled back into what now really feels like home. 2 of my midterms are already done and the third is tomorrow, so I gotta go help some people study. 4 years of World History is really coming in handy. Here's the remaining pictures and a video sample of Stefanie Hempel (not taken on my tour):
FINAL RANDOM THOUGHTS
I am loving this trip, but am also getting pretty homesick. I have hula hoops en route to me so I can relieve some tension. There aren't any specific plans for this weekend, but I can guarantee it'll be something outside if the weather keeps warming up like it has been.
Finally, I would like to announce that I'm going to Poland next weekend with Bailie and Will to see Auschwitz, salt mines, and whatever else there is to see!
That's all I got. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Enjoy your week!!
I am loving this trip, but am also getting pretty homesick. I have hula hoops en route to me so I can relieve some tension. There aren't any specific plans for this weekend, but I can guarantee it'll be something outside if the weather keeps warming up like it has been.
Finally, I would like to announce that I'm going to Poland next weekend with Bailie and Will to see Auschwitz, salt mines, and whatever else there is to see!
That's all I got. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Enjoy your week!!
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