I got a (henna) tattoo!

 Sometimes it is fun to try new things. For example, climbing on the railings of a 232 ft tall building:

This is on the top of the Französischer Dom. It may not look like it, but we are risking our lives for this picture....more or less. Surprisingly, we weren't yelled at for our stupidity. (You haven’t been yelled at until you have been yelled at in German.) It was a really cool view from the top. Here is a better view of the building:

Also something I had never done in Germany before: I went to the beach on Wednesday. Wait what? Yes, there are beaches in Berlin! We went to Wannsee which is a beautiful lake in south-western Berlin. Don’t let the word “lake” throw you. This was not murky, green water with dead bodies at the bottom. Instead it looks like this:

The spontaneity of it all made it even better. This is why study abroad is the best: we do not discriminate against school days. Everyday is like a weekend to us.

There was sand to lie on, books to read, and happiness to be had. Here are some pictures: (the first one is us playing wizard’s chess...obviously)

This weekend Berlin celebrated the Karneval der Kulturen! They have Karneval in February too, but Berlin likes to party so they decided to make another one.  We went on Saturday and they had booths set up where you can buy food, clothing, jewelry, etc. from all over the world! I tried some African food and drank juice out of a coconut. Here are some pics:

 And last but not least, I decided to go CRAZY and get a tattoo!

What do you think? Edgy, right?

Vacation on Vacation

This weekend I went on vacation while on vacation (I mean I took a break from my faithful studying, Dad). It was amazing. We left on Thursday and took a 6 hour train ride to Coburg. We stayed with church members that Colter knows from his mission and they were so hospitable and kind. Coburg is quaint and charming: very different from life in the big city. I loved it and I could definitely see myself living there. Did I mention that it is the home of Prince Albert (the one who married Queen Victoria?) If you don’t know who this couple is watch The Young Victoria. It is one of my all time favorite movies. Here is a picture of Kristen and I freaking out over a statue of Albert. Oh Albert.

Speaking of my friends: I love them. I traveled with Kristen, Katelyn, Katharina, and Colter. Kristen is one of the funniest people I have ever met. When we get together we act and laugh like children. Katelyn is really friendly and outgoing. She is very warm and easy to talk to. Katharina (my roomie) is a really genuine and easygoing person. And when we are together (and it is night time), we can get pretty crazy. Colter is our tour guide, translator, ipod, and dad. He is so much fun to be with and puts up with a lot from us 4 girls. Oh Colterchen. Here we are at the train station:

In Coburg we explored the city square and ate “Coburgers” (the city’s special treat: essentially a bratwurst in a roll with mustard). Delicious.

 We also visited the Coburg Fortress (Vesta Coburg). Fun fact: In 1530, Martin Luther lived in the Veste Coburg for five and half months under the protection of Elector John the Steadfast. 

 The next day we went to Bamberg! It was also a beautiful city. Friday was one of my favorite days because we took a very relaxed pace. It was truly a vacation. In the morning we explored a fair in Bamberg and rode on a huge swing carousel. We loved exploring the town:

 We visited lots of churches, lit candles, sat, and just enjoyed the moment. My favorite church was Bamberger Dom. Here are some pictures of Kristen and I being religious:

  More pictures of Bamberg... Also I saw an example of yarn bombing (check out the knitted bike).

 The last picture is where we ate really good Italian food for lunch. Right??? So picturesque. 

On Saturday we went to Rothenburg! It is a very romantic city and it is where the village of Vulgaria in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed. I went there last year with my mom’s Block trip and I took a picture with good old St. Jacob. I had to recreate it:

Now here are some pictures of us enjoying the beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

 P.S. Mom, remember how I didn’t walk on the old city wall last time? And you told me it was “so cool” and I regretted it? Well here is me on the wall:

So it just goes to show that if you forget to do something, you will always be able to go back and do it. hahaha (nervous laugh)....right?

On Sunday we went to church in Coburg. The branch there is amazing. They are so welcoming and full of love. I only knew the members for a few days, but I was really sad to leave! I can’t imagine how missionaries must feel when they are transferred after being in an area for 4-6 months.

So I had a really wonderful weekend! I was with people I loved, in a place that I love, and we did whatever we felt like doing. Next time you are on vacation, take a vacation! I highly recommend it.

Moments

Happiness is about appreciating moments.

I had a moment on Tuesday. We had some time before we had to meet up with our BYU group so a few of us decided to plop down on some grass outside of the Neues Museum. It was a beautiful day: the sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, the grass was soft, and a man was playing Mozart on his violin a few yards away. I was lounging in the grass with my eyes closed and simply enjoying the moment. I love living here in Berlin. 

The view from where we were sitting:

 On Friday, I transferred to Humboldt University (sorry BYU but seriously look at this place. Your conservative 1970s architecture is no match for the majesty that housed Friedrich Schelling, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx and Robert Schuman to name a few)

And I went to a book fair. It was the anniversary of May 10, 1933 when the Nazi’s burned upwards of 25,000 volumes of “un-german” books. I find a quote by Henrich Heine very insightful: 

“Dort wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man auch am Ende Menschen.”

Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.

Students from Humboldt University sell used books every year on May 10th to remember that day. I bought a German to English dictionary (finally) and some classic literature that I am sure to understand:

Also, I had my first real German cake on Friday! I know, I know, why did it take me so long?? It was cheesecake and it was amazing. That look on my face is joy.

 To finish off an eventful Friday I caved, payed the 14 Euros, and saw THE AVENGERS (for Anson and Brooke). And I must say it was completely worth it. I haven’t laughed that much in a movie for a long time! The moment was made better by the fact that we were an island of loud Americans surrounded by Germans who may or may not have enjoyed all of the American humor (were we laughing a little too much at the violence?). Also, the theater seats were red velvet with tons of cushioning. Best movie experience ever.

Saturday was another adventure. The BYU group went and saw Nikolaikirche (the oldest church in Berlin), and Marienkirche (the oldest church still in use). Here is me in front of Nik:

The beautiful organ. I am definitely attending a concert while I am here.

  My darling roommate Katharina and I:

 Neoclassical statues are fun:

 It was a beautiful day and we had fun exploring the town:

 My good friend Colter:

 So back to food: I went to the Ritter Sport factory! You can design and make your own chocolate bar, but I passed (this time). Instead I decided to buy a normal flavored one...I had a hard time deciding which one to buy so I bought 4. I stand by that decision.

Also gummy bears taste better here! (and are cheaper) I love these ones specifically because my Omi always gives them to me, and I have great memories of eating a whole bag in less than an hour with Emma. I don’t think you can find bad food in Germany. So far I have been unsuccessful.

 And finally, my favorite part of the week/month/year: Talking with my brother Joe and my family for Mothers Day! (here is a picture Joe and I from 4 years ago just for “funsies”)

Technology is my lieblings. It’s amazing that it was 9 pm for me, 1 pm for my family, and 3 pm for Joe and that we were able to have a 3-way call in real time. Joey sounds so great. He is one of my heroes. He has been through a lot and has never complained. I love him and I miss him a lot. We are going to party at BYU when he gets home! My mom was really happy to have all her kids together again, even if it was just over the phone. I loved our conversation. I just was lying in bed with the phone to my ear, smiling, laughing, and enjoying the moment.

TEASER: more “moments” are in the planning stage. My good friends (Colter, Katharina, Katelyn, Kristen) and I are going to southern Germany this weekend. Thursday is a German holiday and we are ditching school Friday. We are going to Bamberg, Coburg, Nürnberg, and maybe Rothenburg (the town from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). Expect a blog post about it. :) Until then!

Can't get enough?

Follow my roommate Katharina for another perspective.
 http://katdieweltenbummlerin.blogspot.com 

5 life points for you if read it. :)