A couple days ago I headed over to the Berlin Zoo. I woke up early to beat both the crowds and the heat. Was a lovely zoo. I probably spent more time with the otters than anywhere else. Watched one happy otter eat a fish for like 15 minutes. I'm a dork.
Every day here I continue to see new and beautiful things. I love waking up early and just walking down various streets, sitting in parks, and really just soaking it in.
I was excited to find out that the bust of Nefertiti was here in Berlin at the Neues Museum. I had always seen it in books, never thought I would actually see it in person. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photos, but I managed to pull something off. ;)
Greetings from Berlin! London was just a pit stop before I came here, my new home for the next 3 months. I rented a nice flat to serve as a "home base" while I explore Berlin and other parts of Europe.
I had practiced some german before I left, but let me tell you, it did me no good. I can make out stuff that is written down, but once people start talking I am out of the loop 100%. The checkout people at the market are always saying stuff to me and I either nod or shake my head no. It's a 50/50 shot and luckily I have guessed correctly each time. Also, it is so much cheaper than London, it is crazy. Found a spot next to my flat that sells 50 cent falafel wraps and we have become best friends.
The amount of history here is amazing. I look forward to soaking it all in. Below are some photos from my first few days here. Enjoy.
After arriving in London, I decided to start walking. And then I kept walking. 21 miles later there I was in my hotel room, cursing myself. While I felt fine that day, the next day was when everything decided to hurt. I spent that day hobbling to a little corner cafe for breakfast, then hobbling to a tiny market for snacks, and back to the room to watch bad English TV which turns out is mostly just bad American TV.
London was a very charming city, and I fell in love with how many parks there were as well as the fact that people actually used them. I would see people playing soccer or frisbee or flying kites or just sitting in the grass having their lunch. It was beautiful to see.
I recommend waking up early to take in all the sights, if that is your thing. I was there around 8 am and there was absolutely no one around. It allowed me to take my time everywhere, really soaking in the town. Buckingham Palace was a bit underwhelming. I think I expected to see the Queen out there mixing it up with us commoners. Big Ben snuck up on me as I was walking. Piccadilly Circus was quite busy the second time I visited; in the morning it was a ghost town.
Also: Mushy peas are awful.
