Blog about rules, inside quotes, and basic things I learned aboard that were not academic in the least.
Quotes like this are of no more importance, rather they are just longer in length. They're still great and you should enjoy them to their fullest.
I would like to have a Parental Advisory sticker here because there will be strong, mature language that is not appropriate for younger readers.
Rules:
1. Trams will kill you.
2. Elevators take forever, but sometimes the wait is definitely worth it.
3. Fast food is not fast there and you have to be a bitch (which is not a hard task for me) to get ketchup only .
4. If you search, pepsi products will be your reward.
5. Don't judge anything or anyone at first; wait a day and then judge. Unless you're me--I will judge you. MmmHmm!
Quotes (in no particular order other than how my memory serves me):
Vhere ist Angela Merkel? Angela ist on a bike TOR!
It's like fucking Houdini.
Can I take my shoes off? --me
Breakin' shit in Poland! --me
*window* Jesus Christ! --me
We're in England; it rains:
Let's bake pies.
Apparently, I'm an alocholic whore.
Well, that's great, you can defend Vickie's honor, but let me be a drunken whore. --me; Pretty much. --Staush
THATTA GIRL!
Lipgloss?
Chopin.
You broke our pact! --me
Did Molly spread her Jolly? --Amy (my favorite quote, so she gets credit)
I will take a lot of shit, but you DO NOT talk negatively about John F. Kennedy: *me scared now*
Oh, so you wait four hours before checking on me? You guys thought I was alone and you wait four hours?!
Looks like another Rraainny day. -- Ashley
Wait, he asked for a walk?
Cougar! *roar!*
I don't remember much after the tequila --me; Hun, there wasn't much else to remember --Stacy.
Follow the lights, her smile lights everything up (paraphrased)
We tried and couldn't find the Berlin Airlift memorial. --Staush. There's a train stop named afterit, though --Tracy. *I walk in* Yeah, we didn't even look --me. Staush just glares.
Now Molly, you cannot tell anyone this... -- Repeated quote
BEARS?!?!?!?!?!?! -- Very much Repeated quote
Fucking bitches.
Smile bitches.
"Mollz"
It's like a homing device towards ice cream.
That canNOT be convient-- Tracy, about my 1.5 L of pepsi light.
*happy sighs* YOU GUYS ARE HERE!
With great power, comes great responsibility.
Passport.
Hey, Molly, thanks for telling everyone about my...
If you compliment a guy about their tattoo, you'll get a drink. Oh well, I guess that reveals my taste in guys.
You like vodka like Russians!
Fuck it. I don't even know the guy's name I'm making out with. Fuck it. -- Definitely not me, because it's just not, so trust me.
Sneaky fucking Russians -- Repeated quote.
I'll cuddle, but I won't...
Um, Molly, Staush says you should wake up since it's 9:30.--Vickie; Son of a bitch-- me.
Uh, a vodka and apple juice; Water?; Vodka, Molly help?; V-O-D-K-A *drink motion*; helpful German saves the day.
You are young, you will walk! Sightseeing; does it cost alot?; you will walk all the way up!
Well, what kind of museum were you expecting?
Is there any way we can rig the election?
So my husband brought Clerks...and we really don't talk to them anymore.
I took a picture of you in the flowers and you looked so calm and angellic...it was unlike you.
I almost earned my tequila, but you weren't around so I didn't say it.
IT'S JUST A LITTLE GUY!
MMMHMM!
If we had a soundtrack of this trip, it would be all MmmHmm, Churchill!, and Not Churchill!
Churchill! Not Churchill!
And we'll be going pass Churchill's house now; I thought we already did?
Molly, I have to present tomorrow; I don't give a fuck, just take another shot.
Holy ta-tas, Batman!
Molly, want to help me finish?; MOLLY!; Oh no, I didn't hear you say no, I'm sorry!
Ugh, I'm sick of listening to you, Vickie; About what?--Stacy; Twilight; SCREAMFEST! Aren't they amazing?!
How come THAT group is in that building?! --Tracy then proceeds to stalk said group while outside.
Never have I ever *wait*
Two Jacks; Little or big; THE BIG GUYS!
Hey, Staush, how'd the shot go?; Good; Where's Molly?;*silence*; Awwww.
She loves it, I had to slam margaritas down just to keep up!
Things I Have Learned:
1. Never start a story in the middle, because someone could have a nickname about a sphere spaghetti accompaniment without that being the intention.
2. Backstreet Boys singalongs are perfectly acceptable.
3. Never get so happy about damn French Fries that you get lost on the way back to the hostel.
4. Do not trust people that love to shop to get back.
5. Zubrowka is damn tasty and Polish.
6. Staush will eat the rest of your meal, so don't feel bad that you cannot finish it.
7. Kangaroo is oddly delicious.
8. Know what color shirt someone is wearing so you don't feel stupid/like a complete IDIOT looking on facebook the next day.
9. Stacy Templin does not understand how the Awkward Meter works.
10. (I still don't listen to this lesson) EAT BEFORE YOU DRINK.
There may be more lists or blogs of this nature, once I start writing about the rest of my trip.
Love,
Mollz, Jolly Molly, Eeyore.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Oh sad
Went to the main blog.
No one's is left.
Not that I read, because I don't.
Although, it's a great distraction from actually writing blogs or knowing wtf I'm doing for the Photo Essay.
Tragic.
No one's is left.
Not that I read, because I don't.
Although, it's a great distraction from actually writing blogs or knowing wtf I'm doing for the Photo Essay.
Tragic.
Oh about that
I'm about 93.7 percent sure my last blog turned into a little rant about American politics. While I'm not shocked, I just have a lot of damn ass other things to do.
Photo Essay of Fun everyone.
Woo.
Can't wait to write about depressing topics for about the next four hours, until it's done, or until Vickie gets back.
Sweetness,
Molly.
"the only one who's got enough of me to break my heart"
Oh Taylor Swift.
Photo Essay of Fun everyone.
Woo.
Can't wait to write about depressing topics for about the next four hours, until it's done, or until Vickie gets back.
Sweetness,
Molly.
"the only one who's got enough of me to break my heart"
Oh Taylor Swift.
Berlin Blog Question Five
What is the biggest difference between the German and American political systems? Which do you prefer and why?
I have written at least twice in my notebooks of how history dictates German politics, with good reason. While it may not be always fair to deal constantly with the "burden of history," the German government has done extremely well under their system. I am a firm believer in history repeats itself, whether it is through wars, genocides, or presidential elections. Everything that we are dealing with today is an echo back to another time and only variables and the time period changes. While globalization is on a supposedly new concept, the emergence of powerful states throughout Europe and Asia centuries ago can be a slight reflection of that, as they built alliances and trade routes that are still present. Germany, a "late state," is no longer playing catch-up and is a full-fledged global power, especially within the European Union. However, we cannot forget of how it came to be and, more importantly, how it acts today. Without the Allies' assistance and desire to rebuild West Germany after World War Two, Germany would not be in the position it is in currently.
I just typed "the Allies' assistance" not even two lines ago, but let's be blatantly honest: it was America. France was in shambles, because they were basically the first to fall; Great Britain had to rebuild extensively and pay attention to their own state. America, ignoring Pearl Harbor, had no real physical damage, had the strongest economy coming out of the war, and was now set up to be a massive world player, which would set up a bipolar world system throughout the next decades. Regardless, the point is America planned the German government, which is why theirs strongly resembles ours. The most fascinating difference between our two systems is the German voting and electoral process. Every election year, there is controversy and a mountain of complaints against our electoral college; perhaps from misunderstandings or a mistaken belief that we Americans have the most democratic democracy in the world. We vote and hope our person wins our state in order to reach a certain number. We slightly counteracted that in the German voting system. In Germany, they're given two ballots--one for a person and the other for a party with a closed party list. So, for instance, even if I really, truly support Ralph Nader, I know he won't win my state...ever. However, if I was in Germany, I could vote for someone with similar ideals to the Greens (SPD, the Left) for my land and then vote for the Green party in the Bundestag, while hoping the party gets over the five percent threshold. It's fairly straight forward and is a good hybrid system between America's and Britain's; taking the best of both worlds, the Germans have a "personalized proportional representation," which maintains an identifiable figure, as well as political party ideals.
I prefer the German system so much that I used it as a basis for my country of Caffeine's electoral system in an assignment, which is a lot, considering how much I love caffeine and assignments. As much as I act biligerent and say I'm rotting in hell, I'm of the mind-washed belief that a person's character is very important as a politician. Logically, I know that one person's tendency to not wash their hands in Congress really makes no difference whatsoever on running the country, but I want to know exactly who I am voting for; something that British people lack. However, in the American system, if I vote for the Democratic representative and only 49% of the people vote for him or her, our voices are completely silenced by that small margin that decided the outcome. That will never happen in Germany. If 49% vote for the SPD, within every level of government, there will be 49% SPD in every committee and board available.
I have been alive for four, going on five, American presidential elections. President Bill Clinton never won over fifty percent of the votes. The 2000 election will go down in infamy, although the electoral college was supposedly used properly. Finally, the 2004 election was tremendously close as well, with a difference of about three percentage points. Both President Clinton and President George W. Bush have had to deal with a split government, which is fairly common in Germany. The best part of the German system is how it is so directly proportionally represented. Believe it or not, I am a firm supporter of compromise, which is far less common in America than in Germany. Regardless of how left my beliefs are, I don't agree with that my views should be forced on the other three hundred million people, especially how about fifty percent of them probably have opposing views, which is my biggest issue with the British system. The American system is decent at compromise, but there are so many more ideals being compromised than issues. While the two main German parties, the SPD and CDU/CSU, are coming under fire about leaving platforms behind, I think that problem is far more prevalent in American politics. If you turn on CNN right now, there is an eighty percent chance they are talking about "flip-flopping." No issue is sacred in American politics, because they all can be sold out for a promise of votes; just ask public financing or offshore drilling.
I have written at least twice in my notebooks of how history dictates German politics, with good reason. While it may not be always fair to deal constantly with the "burden of history," the German government has done extremely well under their system. I am a firm believer in history repeats itself, whether it is through wars, genocides, or presidential elections. Everything that we are dealing with today is an echo back to another time and only variables and the time period changes. While globalization is on a supposedly new concept, the emergence of powerful states throughout Europe and Asia centuries ago can be a slight reflection of that, as they built alliances and trade routes that are still present. Germany, a "late state," is no longer playing catch-up and is a full-fledged global power, especially within the European Union. However, we cannot forget of how it came to be and, more importantly, how it acts today. Without the Allies' assistance and desire to rebuild West Germany after World War Two, Germany would not be in the position it is in currently.
I just typed "the Allies' assistance" not even two lines ago, but let's be blatantly honest: it was America. France was in shambles, because they were basically the first to fall; Great Britain had to rebuild extensively and pay attention to their own state. America, ignoring Pearl Harbor, had no real physical damage, had the strongest economy coming out of the war, and was now set up to be a massive world player, which would set up a bipolar world system throughout the next decades. Regardless, the point is America planned the German government, which is why theirs strongly resembles ours. The most fascinating difference between our two systems is the German voting and electoral process. Every election year, there is controversy and a mountain of complaints against our electoral college; perhaps from misunderstandings or a mistaken belief that we Americans have the most democratic democracy in the world. We vote and hope our person wins our state in order to reach a certain number. We slightly counteracted that in the German voting system. In Germany, they're given two ballots--one for a person and the other for a party with a closed party list. So, for instance, even if I really, truly support Ralph Nader, I know he won't win my state...ever. However, if I was in Germany, I could vote for someone with similar ideals to the Greens (SPD, the Left) for my land and then vote for the Green party in the Bundestag, while hoping the party gets over the five percent threshold. It's fairly straight forward and is a good hybrid system between America's and Britain's; taking the best of both worlds, the Germans have a "personalized proportional representation," which maintains an identifiable figure, as well as political party ideals.
I prefer the German system so much that I used it as a basis for my country of Caffeine's electoral system in an assignment, which is a lot, considering how much I love caffeine and assignments. As much as I act biligerent and say I'm rotting in hell, I'm of the mind-washed belief that a person's character is very important as a politician. Logically, I know that one person's tendency to not wash their hands in Congress really makes no difference whatsoever on running the country, but I want to know exactly who I am voting for; something that British people lack. However, in the American system, if I vote for the Democratic representative and only 49% of the people vote for him or her, our voices are completely silenced by that small margin that decided the outcome. That will never happen in Germany. If 49% vote for the SPD, within every level of government, there will be 49% SPD in every committee and board available.
I have been alive for four, going on five, American presidential elections. President Bill Clinton never won over fifty percent of the votes. The 2000 election will go down in infamy, although the electoral college was supposedly used properly. Finally, the 2004 election was tremendously close as well, with a difference of about three percentage points. Both President Clinton and President George W. Bush have had to deal with a split government, which is fairly common in Germany. The best part of the German system is how it is so directly proportionally represented. Believe it or not, I am a firm supporter of compromise, which is far less common in America than in Germany. Regardless of how left my beliefs are, I don't agree with that my views should be forced on the other three hundred million people, especially how about fifty percent of them probably have opposing views, which is my biggest issue with the British system. The American system is decent at compromise, but there are so many more ideals being compromised than issues. While the two main German parties, the SPD and CDU/CSU, are coming under fire about leaving platforms behind, I think that problem is far more prevalent in American politics. If you turn on CNN right now, there is an eighty percent chance they are talking about "flip-flopping." No issue is sacred in American politics, because they all can be sold out for a promise of votes; just ask public financing or offshore drilling.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Berlin Blog Question Four
Q. What was your favorite thing in Berlin and how did the language barrier effect your experience?
I love Berlin, even with its numerous faults; heat, hostel, ice (none), internet (in a storage room), classes, Coca-Cola. I loved being alone there, I loved chilling with everyone. I love the inside jokes and our extroverted behavior. Right now I'm in a limbo of some sorts, because I can tell my friends here are already sick of hearing about my European adventures and I still want to keep going. While I have told the most about my Polish outing, there aren't words to describe how Berlin was. Sure, I have rambling blogs and random quotes, but the atmosphere is starting to fade and I feel my impatience rising back to average-American-level. It's odd that a city so bogged down with past oppression has been the place I have felt the most free.
Forgotten favorite moments are coming back now as if they were a movie still, a moment caught somehow in time that vanished in the scrambling fury of those three weeks. From the first day, "Sightseeing! You are young, you can walk; sight seeing!," finding Otto Von Bismarck finally, and eating fantastic meatballs. I walked alone a lot the first week, nervous of saying something offensive, and the best moment from there is just walking, finding a park bench, and eating my lunch while I watched rain gently hit the cars on the street. I loved the relief of finding a restroom in the Reichstag and dancing to Spice Girls in the laundromat. Finally, my only regret from Berlin is that I chickened out and didn't steal the squeaky bear from the Bike Tour.
First actual group day was the scavenger hunt where teenagers were dropped off in a foreign city and left to fend for themselves, as I view it. My group was the best group ever--Ashley, Vickie, Staush, and I. We took our time and wandered at our collective will towards "pretty buildings." It was, actually, a very great way to get comfortable with the city, as well as with each other. While we were at the World Clock, a very excited old man came up and started speaking languages at us. Finally, he landed on English and we started talking. It turns out he is a very adamant supporter of sightseeing, walking, and youth; since those were the only three phrases he repeated. With that, our team is already on a high, which would continue for awhile. All was well, but then Otto Von Bismarck had to ruin everything. Our group wandered into a park, part of the Tiergarten as it would turn out, on the way to see the Victory Column. Instead of continuing onto the Victory Column, we decided to look for Bismarck. For over an hour. Before finding him, we would have walked passed an entire group we should have asked, found out that Germans love telling people to go to the left, and locate a playground. With dashed hope, we chose to go to the Victory Column and give up on Otto; however, it is pretty much you find one, you find the other. So a joyous cry erupted from us as we claimed victory over Otto.
Traveling is a fantastic experience that everyone should do. While there were some difficulties with different languages, this was nothing like France. Our scavenger hunt day's experiences are a stark contrast to when I had walked up and inquired "Parlez vous anglais?" and then get lectured at for three minutes in French. Obviously, hiccups along the way made me wish I could speak at least a little bit of German; like the moment of panic I had when I got lost or ordering food because "ketchup only" in Berlin means everything but ketchup. With knowing German, things would have been much easier, but then who is to say the scavenger hunt would have been so much fun. The highlight of that day, and possibly the trip, was the random man saying "Sightseeing!" repeatedly, which just wouldn't be as funny in Deutsch. Also, every person I approached with a question spoke at least some English. Yet even if they didn't, communication is still possible and I have heard no stories of a German getting mad at one of our group for speaking English. Although, I think those first days of confused frustration are part of the experience. The best part of not speaking the native language, other than ignoring newspaper salespeople on the train, is you are out of your own element and you cannot forget that. I'm, basically, the biggest cheerleader of America, but going to Germany (or anywhere) shows you other view points and opinions. I still love America, however being exposed to a different culture, language, and history reworks your mind and reminds me of why I do love America, even with its (extensive) faults. I believe you have to be familiar with other things to fully appreciate the greatness of the first one. As much as I loved Germany, it taught me to love the English language, the quickness of American fast food, and updated television shows. No one wants to watch Step By Step anymore, especially not in German. As long as you actually get out and interact with Germans and Berlin, then knowing the language becomes a back burner concern.
I love Berlin, even with its numerous faults; heat, hostel, ice (none), internet (in a storage room), classes, Coca-Cola. I loved being alone there, I loved chilling with everyone. I love the inside jokes and our extroverted behavior. Right now I'm in a limbo of some sorts, because I can tell my friends here are already sick of hearing about my European adventures and I still want to keep going. While I have told the most about my Polish outing, there aren't words to describe how Berlin was. Sure, I have rambling blogs and random quotes, but the atmosphere is starting to fade and I feel my impatience rising back to average-American-level. It's odd that a city so bogged down with past oppression has been the place I have felt the most free.
Forgotten favorite moments are coming back now as if they were a movie still, a moment caught somehow in time that vanished in the scrambling fury of those three weeks. From the first day, "Sightseeing! You are young, you can walk; sight seeing!," finding Otto Von Bismarck finally, and eating fantastic meatballs. I walked alone a lot the first week, nervous of saying something offensive, and the best moment from there is just walking, finding a park bench, and eating my lunch while I watched rain gently hit the cars on the street. I loved the relief of finding a restroom in the Reichstag and dancing to Spice Girls in the laundromat. Finally, my only regret from Berlin is that I chickened out and didn't steal the squeaky bear from the Bike Tour.
First actual group day was the scavenger hunt where teenagers were dropped off in a foreign city and left to fend for themselves, as I view it. My group was the best group ever--Ashley, Vickie, Staush, and I. We took our time and wandered at our collective will towards "pretty buildings." It was, actually, a very great way to get comfortable with the city, as well as with each other. While we were at the World Clock, a very excited old man came up and started speaking languages at us. Finally, he landed on English and we started talking. It turns out he is a very adamant supporter of sightseeing, walking, and youth; since those were the only three phrases he repeated. With that, our team is already on a high, which would continue for awhile. All was well, but then Otto Von Bismarck had to ruin everything. Our group wandered into a park, part of the Tiergarten as it would turn out, on the way to see the Victory Column. Instead of continuing onto the Victory Column, we decided to look for Bismarck. For over an hour. Before finding him, we would have walked passed an entire group we should have asked, found out that Germans love telling people to go to the left, and locate a playground. With dashed hope, we chose to go to the Victory Column and give up on Otto; however, it is pretty much you find one, you find the other. So a joyous cry erupted from us as we claimed victory over Otto.
Traveling is a fantastic experience that everyone should do. While there were some difficulties with different languages, this was nothing like France. Our scavenger hunt day's experiences are a stark contrast to when I had walked up and inquired "Parlez vous anglais?" and then get lectured at for three minutes in French. Obviously, hiccups along the way made me wish I could speak at least a little bit of German; like the moment of panic I had when I got lost or ordering food because "ketchup only" in Berlin means everything but ketchup. With knowing German, things would have been much easier, but then who is to say the scavenger hunt would have been so much fun. The highlight of that day, and possibly the trip, was the random man saying "Sightseeing!" repeatedly, which just wouldn't be as funny in Deutsch. Also, every person I approached with a question spoke at least some English. Yet even if they didn't, communication is still possible and I have heard no stories of a German getting mad at one of our group for speaking English. Although, I think those first days of confused frustration are part of the experience. The best part of not speaking the native language, other than ignoring newspaper salespeople on the train, is you are out of your own element and you cannot forget that. I'm, basically, the biggest cheerleader of America, but going to Germany (or anywhere) shows you other view points and opinions. I still love America, however being exposed to a different culture, language, and history reworks your mind and reminds me of why I do love America, even with its (extensive) faults. I believe you have to be familiar with other things to fully appreciate the greatness of the first one. As much as I loved Germany, it taught me to love the English language, the quickness of American fast food, and updated television shows. No one wants to watch Step By Step anymore, especially not in German. As long as you actually get out and interact with Germans and Berlin, then knowing the language becomes a back burner concern.
*whew*
So much homework and so much catching up.
Still, technically, have yet to do that whole homework thing:P
Ha just kidding; that's what Sundays were made for (I was going to go all sacreligious, but decided against it).
Still, I am catching up on reading ENGLISH news articles/opinions and that may be what I missed the most about here (other than people)
The Nance was very happy to see me (first words out of her mouth after the hug were "You NEVER told me how your teacher was about missing her family"--way to go The Nance)
Jimby was working so I ran to see him. He's a geek and very much missed his little girl (ie me) and told me that every day he would look up informationj about the places I was seeing that day (which is, admittedly, very sweet, but come on).
Long days and my friends are either A: congratulating me on the Russian or B: judging me MMMHMM.
OOOH! And the kick in the groin of this entire trip is: my car is now broken, so Hmm that whole DRIVING TO Oshkosh thing just got about 8 times harder because that is my luck.
Things will work out, they have to.
Everly optimistic,
Mollz
Still, technically, have yet to do that whole homework thing:P
Ha just kidding; that's what Sundays were made for (I was going to go all sacreligious, but decided against it).
Still, I am catching up on reading ENGLISH news articles/opinions and that may be what I missed the most about here (other than people)
The Nance was very happy to see me (first words out of her mouth after the hug were "You NEVER told me how your teacher was about missing her family"--way to go The Nance)
Jimby was working so I ran to see him. He's a geek and very much missed his little girl (ie me) and told me that every day he would look up informationj about the places I was seeing that day (which is, admittedly, very sweet, but come on).
Long days and my friends are either A: congratulating me on the Russian or B: judging me MMMHMM.
OOOH! And the kick in the groin of this entire trip is: my car is now broken, so Hmm that whole DRIVING TO Oshkosh thing just got about 8 times harder because that is my luck.
Things will work out, they have to.
Everly optimistic,
Mollz
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Hey
Hey Europe.
It's called air conditioning, ever freaking heard of it?
But other than that...
Ice maybe?
I mean, ice cream is good, but there is a limit to how much ice cream one person can eat in a day. Tracy may redefine that boundary though.
But come on. Europe is definitely owned by Coca-Cola, you would think there is a nice supply of ice to keep all the inferior Coke products cold and to make it drinkable.
AKA I'm sweaty and gross right now. The sun makes every day longer and for once, that's a good thing; considering I leave tomorrow *happy dance**sad face**confused dance*
Also, I have located Angela Merkel, as well as Otto and B16 and possibly the longest line I've ever seen that didn't have a rollercoaster at the end of it.
And, just to make the parental units proud, had a great night last night downstairs in the bar. I'm fairly positive people could hear me, but that's their problem with not being downstairs, kicking it with Jolly Molly.
Sad fact, I have adjusted to the Y key being in the bottom corner and will screw up my own name back in The States.
That's right, I said The States like I'm a traitor.
Class is soon and I'm not ready and this blog is just a rambling stream of consciousness thing.
They're Bears!
Love Molly.
It's called air conditioning, ever freaking heard of it?
But other than that...
Ice maybe?
I mean, ice cream is good, but there is a limit to how much ice cream one person can eat in a day. Tracy may redefine that boundary though.
But come on. Europe is definitely owned by Coca-Cola, you would think there is a nice supply of ice to keep all the inferior Coke products cold and to make it drinkable.
AKA I'm sweaty and gross right now. The sun makes every day longer and for once, that's a good thing; considering I leave tomorrow *happy dance**sad face**confused dance*
Also, I have located Angela Merkel, as well as Otto and B16 and possibly the longest line I've ever seen that didn't have a rollercoaster at the end of it.
And, just to make the parental units proud, had a great night last night downstairs in the bar. I'm fairly positive people could hear me, but that's their problem with not being downstairs, kicking it with Jolly Molly.
Sad fact, I have adjusted to the Y key being in the bottom corner and will screw up my own name back in The States.
That's right, I said The States like I'm a traitor.
Class is soon and I'm not ready and this blog is just a rambling stream of consciousness thing.
They're Bears!
Love Molly.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Oh dear Lord
It's already my last day in Berlin. That's just a tragedy. I really do love it here, but it lacks my family and friends (even though I have, possibly, the most Awesome group of people here). It's sad and I have some work to catch up on today, since I didn't outline anything to write about today--Blog and Paper.
It's funny because I'm sad right now, but after I'm frustrated and angry at the Airport, I'll just be waiting/dying to get home.
The blog is my best time in Berlin+Foreign Language Challenges. My best times in Berlin don't involve language barriers, but rather the people within this group. Guess it's because I'm a people-person when it comes down to it.
It's mushy as hell, so some people have actually guessed me correctly, but with a different group/group dynamic/leadership/rapport/et cetera this trip wouldn't have been nearly as fantastic as it is, so Thanks I suppose.
Molly (Jolly Molly, Mollz).
It's funny because I'm sad right now, but after I'm frustrated and angry at the Airport, I'll just be waiting/dying to get home.
The blog is my best time in Berlin+Foreign Language Challenges. My best times in Berlin don't involve language barriers, but rather the people within this group. Guess it's because I'm a people-person when it comes down to it.
It's mushy as hell, so some people have actually guessed me correctly, but with a different group/group dynamic/leadership/rapport/et cetera this trip wouldn't have been nearly as fantastic as it is, so Thanks I suppose.
Molly (Jolly Molly, Mollz).
Monday, July 28, 2008
Oh yeah
Poland is FAR better than I thought.
Great night=bad morning=>Back to home-Berlin.
Less than a week for home-home.
Bye bitches,
Kizopplin.
Great night=bad morning=>Back to home-Berlin.
Less than a week for home-home.
Bye bitches,
Kizopplin.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Weekend Away
Warsaw is good, very pretty; glad I came. There will be more blogs eventually, I promise. Or I don't; I don't like having responsibility or having people anticipating writing often. I just get too damn lazy.
But so far I trekked it across Warsaw, old and new. Saw a lot, ate too much, too much sun. Can't find The Zoo or a club whatsoever (go Sunday).
I do miss Berlin, that is far more my type of city, but I'm glad I came here.
Found out my tolerance isn't as low as I thought. Six Red Bull and Vodkas later I wasn't the worst one (could be up for debate still).
ALTHOUGH, I'm sure my parents are OhSoProud of me now.
There have been a few *close* encounters of the angry kind, which is to be expected...very expected (especially with 6 in me...and another factor)
*If I have to spell it out more, I'll hit you*
I'm getting tired, but this will be a great last night in Poland--it has to be.
Love, Molly
HA, not Mollz; Poland gets it right with their QWERTY keyboards; Slagter cannot laugh for 17 minutes now:(
Pictures will be up.
But so far I trekked it across Warsaw, old and new. Saw a lot, ate too much, too much sun. Can't find The Zoo or a club whatsoever (go Sunday).
I do miss Berlin, that is far more my type of city, but I'm glad I came here.
Found out my tolerance isn't as low as I thought. Six Red Bull and Vodkas later I wasn't the worst one (could be up for debate still).
ALTHOUGH, I'm sure my parents are OhSoProud of me now.
There have been a few *close* encounters of the angry kind, which is to be expected...very expected (especially with 6 in me...and another factor)
*If I have to spell it out more, I'll hit you*
I'm getting tired, but this will be a great last night in Poland--it has to be.
Love, Molly
HA, not Mollz; Poland gets it right with their QWERTY keyboards; Slagter cannot laugh for 17 minutes now:(
Pictures will be up.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Berlin Blog Question Two
Alone In Berlin
Yesterday nearly 200,000 people crowded around to see Senator Barack Obama speak in Berlin. This, however, is not the first major American-leaning political event staged in Berlin. I speak of John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit, which was "a day they would never have again," to paraphrase John himself. Parallels have already been drawn between the two democrats--seemingly "outsiders" that look toward the future, have personal aspects which are less traditional in politics, and relatively young. The reception in Berlin echoed those comparisons perfectly. Whether in front of the Brandenburg Gate or the Victory Tower, Berliners get involved in our political scene. Which, fortunately enough, led me to the Museum devoted to The Kennedys in Berlin.
It's an odd experience to go into a foreign museum about anything American. Obviously, Americans have our own views on any thing or any one American. For instance, many feel President Kennedy was more symbolic of opportunity and the future of America and tend to ignore some instances that show otherwise. To begin, I should saw that John Kennedy is not one of my favorite presidents, because two foreign affairs' missteps. The botched Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis stand out in my mind of leaving the American ideals behind. So, in an attempt to reconcile my doubts and to learn more, I planned eagerly my day alone in a foreign city.
Obviously I couldn't have the day I planned, because that would have worked out far too easily to be part of my life. So, after being so concerned about the train stops, I neglected the signs and allowed myself to wander around in my mind. I ended up one train stop too far, which usually isn't a huge deal. However, I ended in the King Transportation Stop that had every bus, train, and taxi in Berlin. There were too many German maps, routes, platforms, stories, and people that I almost immediately resigned to living there. I decided after twenty minutes of reading signs that I most assuredly did not want to live by that Burger King and somehow plunged out an exit. Like a sign, I see the Reichstag and head towards that. After my futile cursing and attempts of crossing busy streets, I finally found the museum.
Inside the museum was fairly basic. There was not a lot of information that most Americans did not already know. Along the walls were photographs, magazine covers, articles, and campaign slogans that held the very recognizable Kennedys (not just John). I think I actually learned more about Robert Kennedy than John. My biggest disappointment was it lacked the assassination or its aftermath. While they mentioned conspiracies, it was probably shorter than four sentences. I should not have been surprised, but throughout the entire exhibit, attention was on the fact the Kennedys staged so many events to seem more personable. They took advantage of new media, especially television, and became near-celebrities. Reading the little signs, everything recognizable (John Jr.'s salute at the funeral, John Jr. and Caroline playing in the Oval Office) was staged. There is just a plastic feeling in knowing those moments were not one-hundred percent natural.
People, in general, want to believe. There is a pushing desiring that hopes for the best, the easiest, integrity, intelligence, et cetera in the world. Berliners showed their willingness to believe in June 1963 and reaffirmed that again this week. I think what drew me to that museum was not the fact it was about an American president I do not really know about, but rather the news media back home, various articles discussing President Kennedy's and presumptive democratic presidential nominee Obama's similarities, and an energizing hope that has infected my friends, people abroad, and over eighteen million people in America. No one, sadly, will ever know the impact President Kennedy could have had globally; but in his short term, he had those two aforementioned mishaps internationally. Those past tarnishes prevent me from being completely infected, although today, like on February 15 this year, standing in Kolf and waiting to hear, I do want to believe.
Yesterday nearly 200,000 people crowded around to see Senator Barack Obama speak in Berlin. This, however, is not the first major American-leaning political event staged in Berlin. I speak of John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit, which was "a day they would never have again," to paraphrase John himself. Parallels have already been drawn between the two democrats--seemingly "outsiders" that look toward the future, have personal aspects which are less traditional in politics, and relatively young. The reception in Berlin echoed those comparisons perfectly. Whether in front of the Brandenburg Gate or the Victory Tower, Berliners get involved in our political scene. Which, fortunately enough, led me to the Museum devoted to The Kennedys in Berlin.
It's an odd experience to go into a foreign museum about anything American. Obviously, Americans have our own views on any thing or any one American. For instance, many feel President Kennedy was more symbolic of opportunity and the future of America and tend to ignore some instances that show otherwise. To begin, I should saw that John Kennedy is not one of my favorite presidents, because two foreign affairs' missteps. The botched Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis stand out in my mind of leaving the American ideals behind. So, in an attempt to reconcile my doubts and to learn more, I planned eagerly my day alone in a foreign city.
Obviously I couldn't have the day I planned, because that would have worked out far too easily to be part of my life. So, after being so concerned about the train stops, I neglected the signs and allowed myself to wander around in my mind. I ended up one train stop too far, which usually isn't a huge deal. However, I ended in the King Transportation Stop that had every bus, train, and taxi in Berlin. There were too many German maps, routes, platforms, stories, and people that I almost immediately resigned to living there. I decided after twenty minutes of reading signs that I most assuredly did not want to live by that Burger King and somehow plunged out an exit. Like a sign, I see the Reichstag and head towards that. After my futile cursing and attempts of crossing busy streets, I finally found the museum.
Inside the museum was fairly basic. There was not a lot of information that most Americans did not already know. Along the walls were photographs, magazine covers, articles, and campaign slogans that held the very recognizable Kennedys (not just John). I think I actually learned more about Robert Kennedy than John. My biggest disappointment was it lacked the assassination or its aftermath. While they mentioned conspiracies, it was probably shorter than four sentences. I should not have been surprised, but throughout the entire exhibit, attention was on the fact the Kennedys staged so many events to seem more personable. They took advantage of new media, especially television, and became near-celebrities. Reading the little signs, everything recognizable (John Jr.'s salute at the funeral, John Jr. and Caroline playing in the Oval Office) was staged. There is just a plastic feeling in knowing those moments were not one-hundred percent natural.
People, in general, want to believe. There is a pushing desiring that hopes for the best, the easiest, integrity, intelligence, et cetera in the world. Berliners showed their willingness to believe in June 1963 and reaffirmed that again this week. I think what drew me to that museum was not the fact it was about an American president I do not really know about, but rather the news media back home, various articles discussing President Kennedy's and presumptive democratic presidential nominee Obama's similarities, and an energizing hope that has infected my friends, people abroad, and over eighteen million people in America. No one, sadly, will ever know the impact President Kennedy could have had globally; but in his short term, he had those two aforementioned mishaps internationally. Those past tarnishes prevent me from being completely infected, although today, like on February 15 this year, standing in Kolf and waiting to hear, I do want to believe.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Yes, I'm very aware
that I am over a week behind on my blogging. I'm busy, dammit.
But in lieu of actually going upstairs and seeing what I did every day, I'll spew something now.
Um, long day today. Drank last night, woke up, showered and had a mini-towel, breakfast, I kick ass with ziplock bags, ran out of pepsi too soon on the train, went to a Concentration camp (which is just as happy as that phrase is), out in the sun all day being depressed all day. Don't like pictures; trust me. Got back from the March of the Hot Sweaty College Students (it's the sequel, Morgan Freeman has expressed interests in being a voice-over, again--big box office, especially in Sweden). Went grocery shopping for Gasp, even more pepsi (3 Liters, woo woo). Watched Barry. Got bored of Barry, came down and typed.
Oh, and I'm heading of to Poland Saturday morning. I believe that is a Suck On That moment. I actually may be caught up on homework too--probably not, but I'm "thirsty" and want to see if the non-Barry watchers are interested in going downstairs and discussing something.
Poland Poland Poland.
There's nothing in Poland, actually.
Bars, Polish people, and the Warsaw Ghetto, I imagine.
Oh, it'll be an exciting time.
Bye, Jolly Molly (yeah, that's me*rolls eyes*)
But in lieu of actually going upstairs and seeing what I did every day, I'll spew something now.
Um, long day today. Drank last night, woke up, showered and had a mini-towel, breakfast, I kick ass with ziplock bags, ran out of pepsi too soon on the train, went to a Concentration camp (which is just as happy as that phrase is), out in the sun all day being depressed all day. Don't like pictures; trust me. Got back from the March of the Hot Sweaty College Students (it's the sequel, Morgan Freeman has expressed interests in being a voice-over, again--big box office, especially in Sweden). Went grocery shopping for Gasp, even more pepsi (3 Liters, woo woo). Watched Barry. Got bored of Barry, came down and typed.
Oh, and I'm heading of to Poland Saturday morning. I believe that is a Suck On That moment. I actually may be caught up on homework too--probably not, but I'm "thirsty" and want to see if the non-Barry watchers are interested in going downstairs and discussing something.
Poland Poland Poland.
There's nothing in Poland, actually.
Bars, Polish people, and the Warsaw Ghetto, I imagine.
Oh, it'll be an exciting time.
Bye, Jolly Molly (yeah, that's me*rolls eyes*)
Berlin Blog Question Three
3. How does the position of Chancellor compare to: the British Prime Minister and the US President?
Angela Merkel is on a plane of her own. If any news station covers a G-8 summit, there are seven black suits punctuated by a lone light gray pant suit. Walking beside Angela currently are British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and American President George W. Bush. They may all treat each other as equals in front of the camera, but they individually know whose power ranks where.
Gordon Brown can gloat over either of his colleges. Once elected, Mr. Brown only has to please his own party. Being chosen as a legislator from the winning party, Gordan simply needs to keep his (and his party's) approval ratings over fifty percent. The British prime minister is guaranteed a legislative majority, which allows all of the campaign promises to happen without any input from the opposition. Not only are the opposition politicians muffled, so are their supporters. If the Labor party receives 51% of the vote, the other voters' say really can be brushed off to the side, theoretically. Drew Scribner has recently said that the British system has been referred to as "an elected dictatorship." While that seems harsh, the legislative majority almost guarantees consensus and uniformed efficiency. To remove Gordon Brown, his party (and supporters) have to be willing to lose their power or voice in the government, which is almost always unwanted. So, while other heads of government have to press their legislative branches into seeing things his or her own way, the British system erases most gridlocking arguments and provides the prime minister with an air of invincibility and effectiveness.
Angela Merkel has lasted longer and has done better as Chancellor than mostly everyone predicted. Usually coalition governments consist of the winning party, one of the large parties, added with an ideologically similar small party (examples: SPD with the Greens, CDU/CSU with the FDP). With those two parties, the chancellor has a legislative majority and can fairly easily draft and pass legislation. However, Chancellor Merkel had to form a Grand Coalition. Joining up with the SPD has proven problematic, yet doable. Both parties have had large debates on how to run the government, thus far, but has lasted longer than the six months most political analysts had predicted. The strength of the chancellor comes from his or hers cabinet. The cabinet drafts the legislation, under broad outlines given by the chancellor, and usually has no problems passing if the cabinet can resolve the questions surrounding it. The German chancellor, indirectly, dictates the legislation. Other coalitions have had it easier by not having to compromise with their biggest rivals, yet Angela Merkel, a legislator that was chosen by her party again, has done very well. Her power may be in check right now, but she still is a large presence throughout the process. The Basic Law reflects the leeriness of a very powerful, single leader; so there are systems in place in order to balance power and influence. Angela Merkel is one of two leaders, although the president is mostly ceremonial (but can refuse to sign legislation). The biggest restrictions come from the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The Bundesrat's veto power is now the most questionable aspect within the German system, as Angela Merkel must remind herself; something Gordon Brown does not have to deal with.
President George W. Bush is a notorious tough-talker, yet he has, technically, the less political power within the individual, national system, respectively. As public polling shows, his support is lessening from within his own party. The American president drafts no legislation, has no official input on what the legislation should be like or directed, and even if he (or she) were to veto any bill, the Congress has the constitutionally protected way to override the veto. While most congresspeople know the president's position on certain issues, their responsibility is to please their supporters. Similarly, we have a system of checks and balances and that usually falls to the Congress to deflate the presidential power. Presidents, and other politicians, have always felt obligated to appease their own party; yet, at a moment's will, the public can change matters. Therefore, everyone, from President George W. Bush to my local mayor, should remember they are obligated to solve their supporters' problems if they want to have power.
While all three countries' power within the international system is slightly different, the changes within their own states' borders are astronomical. Even with the "big red button" and being the leader of the superpower of the world, George W. Bush cannot outweigh 535 collective people. Gordon, as long as he remains true to the party and its members, has nothing to fear. Angela, who is in, arguably, the hardest position, has to not only compromise to get anything done, but must also please her truest supporters. Elections are the only force that can knock all three off of the very thin line they are currently walking.
Angela Merkel is on a plane of her own. If any news station covers a G-8 summit, there are seven black suits punctuated by a lone light gray pant suit. Walking beside Angela currently are British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and American President George W. Bush. They may all treat each other as equals in front of the camera, but they individually know whose power ranks where.
Gordon Brown can gloat over either of his colleges. Once elected, Mr. Brown only has to please his own party. Being chosen as a legislator from the winning party, Gordan simply needs to keep his (and his party's) approval ratings over fifty percent. The British prime minister is guaranteed a legislative majority, which allows all of the campaign promises to happen without any input from the opposition. Not only are the opposition politicians muffled, so are their supporters. If the Labor party receives 51% of the vote, the other voters' say really can be brushed off to the side, theoretically. Drew Scribner has recently said that the British system has been referred to as "an elected dictatorship." While that seems harsh, the legislative majority almost guarantees consensus and uniformed efficiency. To remove Gordon Brown, his party (and supporters) have to be willing to lose their power or voice in the government, which is almost always unwanted. So, while other heads of government have to press their legislative branches into seeing things his or her own way, the British system erases most gridlocking arguments and provides the prime minister with an air of invincibility and effectiveness.
Angela Merkel has lasted longer and has done better as Chancellor than mostly everyone predicted. Usually coalition governments consist of the winning party, one of the large parties, added with an ideologically similar small party (examples: SPD with the Greens, CDU/CSU with the FDP). With those two parties, the chancellor has a legislative majority and can fairly easily draft and pass legislation. However, Chancellor Merkel had to form a Grand Coalition. Joining up with the SPD has proven problematic, yet doable. Both parties have had large debates on how to run the government, thus far, but has lasted longer than the six months most political analysts had predicted. The strength of the chancellor comes from his or hers cabinet. The cabinet drafts the legislation, under broad outlines given by the chancellor, and usually has no problems passing if the cabinet can resolve the questions surrounding it. The German chancellor, indirectly, dictates the legislation. Other coalitions have had it easier by not having to compromise with their biggest rivals, yet Angela Merkel, a legislator that was chosen by her party again, has done very well. Her power may be in check right now, but she still is a large presence throughout the process. The Basic Law reflects the leeriness of a very powerful, single leader; so there are systems in place in order to balance power and influence. Angela Merkel is one of two leaders, although the president is mostly ceremonial (but can refuse to sign legislation). The biggest restrictions come from the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The Bundesrat's veto power is now the most questionable aspect within the German system, as Angela Merkel must remind herself; something Gordon Brown does not have to deal with.
President George W. Bush is a notorious tough-talker, yet he has, technically, the less political power within the individual, national system, respectively. As public polling shows, his support is lessening from within his own party. The American president drafts no legislation, has no official input on what the legislation should be like or directed, and even if he (or she) were to veto any bill, the Congress has the constitutionally protected way to override the veto. While most congresspeople know the president's position on certain issues, their responsibility is to please their supporters. Similarly, we have a system of checks and balances and that usually falls to the Congress to deflate the presidential power. Presidents, and other politicians, have always felt obligated to appease their own party; yet, at a moment's will, the public can change matters. Therefore, everyone, from President George W. Bush to my local mayor, should remember they are obligated to solve their supporters' problems if they want to have power.
While all three countries' power within the international system is slightly different, the changes within their own states' borders are astronomical. Even with the "big red button" and being the leader of the superpower of the world, George W. Bush cannot outweigh 535 collective people. Gordon, as long as he remains true to the party and its members, has nothing to fear. Angela, who is in, arguably, the hardest position, has to not only compromise to get anything done, but must also please her truest supporters. Elections are the only force that can knock all three off of the very thin line they are currently walking.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Procrastination
Or perfection? I cannot tell, but either way I will not be typing up Blog Question Two tonight. Something just doesn't sit well with me.
On other news, Poland in __ number of hours (I left my watch upstairs or that would be far more effective).
Not that many days left in Beloved Berlin: Wednesday--crazy late classes, Thursday--Concentration Camp day, I believe, Friday--classes, done early-ish/stay up because Saturday I have a train at 6:30 in the damn morning*sad face*, then Poland, Poland, come back later on Monday to Berlin. Then the rest of Monday, Tuesday (last Karoke day--goal is to get Slagter and Scribner to duet), Wednesday, Thursday, and then traveling on Friday.
I'm loving it here, but the end is actually already in sight. Which is okay, because I Hate The Damn Y space being where the Z is supposed to be. My name is not Mollz and the more I type it, the more I hate this damn computer lab of hell.
Love, Mollz
Dammit.
Molly.
On other news, Poland in __ number of hours (I left my watch upstairs or that would be far more effective).
Not that many days left in Beloved Berlin: Wednesday--crazy late classes, Thursday--Concentration Camp day, I believe, Friday--classes, done early-ish/stay up because Saturday I have a train at 6:30 in the damn morning*sad face*, then Poland, Poland, come back later on Monday to Berlin. Then the rest of Monday, Tuesday (last Karoke day--goal is to get Slagter and Scribner to duet), Wednesday, Thursday, and then traveling on Friday.
I'm loving it here, but the end is actually already in sight. Which is okay, because I Hate The Damn Y space being where the Z is supposed to be. My name is not Mollz and the more I type it, the more I hate this damn computer lab of hell.
Love, Mollz
Dammit.
Molly.
Monday, July 21, 2008
TUESDAY
In keeping theme, the title had to be annoyingly caps locked-ified.
So Tuesday starts off at 10, post breakfast of the usual: bread, jam (one of my power fuels), and 2 orange juices. We're off to see the Berliner Dom, which is effing gorgeous. We walk around out front, picture time, then into Jesus' room.
It is mega. Mega big, megaly over-decorated, the tombs on the ground floor are pretty awesome (how horrible is that?). But really, one had a crazy ass eagle and one had crazy ass, wrinkly Grim Death Man, then I went and actually prayed *gasp--shocking* in the little chapel part (which is far more appropriate for a church, if you ask me). Get back with the group, head up towards the museum-ish parts. There are models and the history of this big ass Protestant Church (Yes, I am well aware I say ass for no reason alot). So those are really cool and the view is fantastic, but it'll get better.
We head up to what I assume the staircases in Silent Hill would look like, because frankly it looks like mortal souls are fought over there. Climb forever, get to the top and even better view. But in the words of my beloved Ron P. "But wait, there's more!"
We get to walk up even more SHARON Stairs outside to the angels posted outside and you can see Berlin forever. Possibly the best city I've ever see (I'm looking at you, Paris, you royal disappointment.)
So then I go on a Berlin Public tour bus, I think that is this day. We ride the bus all the way to the bus station, which is actually cool if you've ever been curious what a Berlin Bus Station looked like. Group splits a bit, we go to the Cafe Zoo or whatever and I have neon-yellow melon ice cream. We sit and talk for about an hour, get up and I wanted to go back to Alexanderplatz, so I follow the professors and 2 other people. I get there, walk around looking to buy stuff for people. Bought a pear not saying a word, find shampoo. Walk around a little more, get back to the hostel and read probably.
Tuesday night was a really kickass night, because it was Karoke night, but by the time we arrived there it was done (fine by me). We start "partying" and Berliner Pilsner is so far my favorite here. We, supposedly, argue about Brett Favre and discuss the origins of peoples' names. We party awhile and head upstairs for sleep; classes are in the morning.
So Tuesday starts off at 10, post breakfast of the usual: bread, jam (one of my power fuels), and 2 orange juices. We're off to see the Berliner Dom, which is effing gorgeous. We walk around out front, picture time, then into Jesus' room.
It is mega. Mega big, megaly over-decorated, the tombs on the ground floor are pretty awesome (how horrible is that?). But really, one had a crazy ass eagle and one had crazy ass, wrinkly Grim Death Man, then I went and actually prayed *gasp--shocking* in the little chapel part (which is far more appropriate for a church, if you ask me). Get back with the group, head up towards the museum-ish parts. There are models and the history of this big ass Protestant Church (Yes, I am well aware I say ass for no reason alot). So those are really cool and the view is fantastic, but it'll get better.
We head up to what I assume the staircases in Silent Hill would look like, because frankly it looks like mortal souls are fought over there. Climb forever, get to the top and even better view. But in the words of my beloved Ron P. "But wait, there's more!"
We get to walk up even more SHARON Stairs outside to the angels posted outside and you can see Berlin forever. Possibly the best city I've ever see (I'm looking at you, Paris, you royal disappointment.)
So then I go on a Berlin Public tour bus, I think that is this day. We ride the bus all the way to the bus station, which is actually cool if you've ever been curious what a Berlin Bus Station looked like. Group splits a bit, we go to the Cafe Zoo or whatever and I have neon-yellow melon ice cream. We sit and talk for about an hour, get up and I wanted to go back to Alexanderplatz, so I follow the professors and 2 other people. I get there, walk around looking to buy stuff for people. Bought a pear not saying a word, find shampoo. Walk around a little more, get back to the hostel and read probably.
Tuesday night was a really kickass night, because it was Karoke night, but by the time we arrived there it was done (fine by me). We start "partying" and Berliner Pilsner is so far my favorite here. We, supposedly, argue about Brett Favre and discuss the origins of peoples' names. We party awhile and head upstairs for sleep; classes are in the morning.
I have found a haven
It's called Plus and it's a grocery/market thing and it has Pepsi and Pepsi Light (1.5L) for under a euro(€) and also has 6 smaller bottles which eventually equal 2-3 times what I buy here for about the same price.
It is now my favorite place in Berlin, so suck it the bar downstairs and the Reichstag (extreme, perhaps, but now I can stop wasting money on very-needed caffeine)
It is now my favorite place in Berlin, so suck it the bar downstairs and the Reichstag (extreme, perhaps, but now I can stop wasting money on very-needed caffeine)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
First Two Days
Hallo.
Okay, how this started:
Stay up until 3 packing and re-packing--many lists involved.
Sleep until 6:30, wake, shower, re-check everything, try to get out the door quickly; that never succeeds with my family and that day wasn't any different.
In the car, talking about nothing for 90 minutes or so. Get to Oshkosh, go eat avec my parents and my grandma who kicks ass and joined us along to see me off. Eat bad French Toast and drink bad diet pepsi, the Breakfast of Champions.
Back in van, drive to campus, look for the DropOff Point, argue about where said DropOff Point is--I'm already done with that for the day and go about ignoring adults speaking at me.
Jimby runs out and talks to other people, never a good sign for myself nor the other people. Sit in the van, get out, unload, say goodbye quickly and force the parents back into the van and back to Watertown.
Talk amongst ourselves, load up in the big-ass bus for like 6 of us, talk talk talk, try to sleep but everything is torn the hell up, 4 hours until we get to Chicago.
We pick up two more so we have a big-ass bus for 8 of us now. People get their precious Taco Bell and I get the last True Diet Pepsi before Europe.
In the airport. We get in line, go to Virgin and have a guy talk at me with some weird-ass accent and just hand him every document I had in my hand. We go through security, bye belt and shoes, did NOT get randomly searched *happy dance*. We sit around for about 2, 3 hours. Start to board. Get on the plane. I sit on the aisle, but have to move constantly for Green Polo man and his Girlfriend that insists on calling me Honey when she wants to get back in her seat. I watch Jumper, which isn't nearly as bad as everyone tells me. Play some oldschool Pong--I win, suck that Airplane computer. I play Tetris in all of its glory. Then I play Chess and lose my self-esteem as well as the game. This goes on for about 8 hours and then we get there.
We have about a 5 hour layover, we go through security Bye Belt, then we wander. Grab food (Grilled Cheese) at some place, sit and talk. Go around, look at shops, like supermega stores. Literally, just sit around for hours. Some take a nap in the little kid area. Finally we can board and I'm sitting by the window; however, I sleep for CrazyAss take-off and wake up to my ears popping. I get a Diet Coke in the cutest little can imaginable. We land, wait for luggage (mine, for once, wasn't last), wait for the bus. Get on the bus, sleep the first time since I left Saturday for real (only like half an hour), get back. Go to lunch and have Pasta Primavera, sick peppers. Get back and pass out at like 11, 12.
MONDAY
Scavanger Hunt of fun. 7 hours roaming around Berlin. Start off with Starbucks. Sit on the bench and plan. Fountain picture of Neptune. Go into their kick ass City Hall. It's mega red and has a room of busts and statues that I'm very glad we saw. We sign the book and leave. We head right and go to the World Clock, where we (Ashley, Vickie, and Staush) meet the coolest old man ever that loves the word "SightSeeing". We walk down Alexanderplatz, finding an ATM and the coolest game stores you'll see. We wander around, somehow walking into West Berlin. We guide ourselves mostly by "Oh look, that's a pretty building" and then precede to go towards it. We see the Reichstag, see the Chancellor's office (A.M. is pretty kickass). Go towards a bell tower, see the pregnant oyster, get lost looking for Tracy Slagter's history-lover, Otto Von Bismarck's statue in a huge ass garden. Find said statue and the Golden Angel that basically tells France to suck it. Go eat at a cool little place, go Meatballs, get to the '36 Olympic stadium, go back, find a bank, and get our last picture of Haus Huth and go back to the hostel. Storytime/class time and then I don't remember what I did, probably homework.
Okay, how this started:
Stay up until 3 packing and re-packing--many lists involved.
Sleep until 6:30, wake, shower, re-check everything, try to get out the door quickly; that never succeeds with my family and that day wasn't any different.
In the car, talking about nothing for 90 minutes or so. Get to Oshkosh, go eat avec my parents and my grandma who kicks ass and joined us along to see me off. Eat bad French Toast and drink bad diet pepsi, the Breakfast of Champions.
Back in van, drive to campus, look for the DropOff Point, argue about where said DropOff Point is--I'm already done with that for the day and go about ignoring adults speaking at me.
Jimby runs out and talks to other people, never a good sign for myself nor the other people. Sit in the van, get out, unload, say goodbye quickly and force the parents back into the van and back to Watertown.
Talk amongst ourselves, load up in the big-ass bus for like 6 of us, talk talk talk, try to sleep but everything is torn the hell up, 4 hours until we get to Chicago.
We pick up two more so we have a big-ass bus for 8 of us now. People get their precious Taco Bell and I get the last True Diet Pepsi before Europe.
In the airport. We get in line, go to Virgin and have a guy talk at me with some weird-ass accent and just hand him every document I had in my hand. We go through security, bye belt and shoes, did NOT get randomly searched *happy dance*. We sit around for about 2, 3 hours. Start to board. Get on the plane. I sit on the aisle, but have to move constantly for Green Polo man and his Girlfriend that insists on calling me Honey when she wants to get back in her seat. I watch Jumper, which isn't nearly as bad as everyone tells me. Play some oldschool Pong--I win, suck that Airplane computer. I play Tetris in all of its glory. Then I play Chess and lose my self-esteem as well as the game. This goes on for about 8 hours and then we get there.
We have about a 5 hour layover, we go through security Bye Belt, then we wander. Grab food (Grilled Cheese) at some place, sit and talk. Go around, look at shops, like supermega stores. Literally, just sit around for hours. Some take a nap in the little kid area. Finally we can board and I'm sitting by the window; however, I sleep for CrazyAss take-off and wake up to my ears popping. I get a Diet Coke in the cutest little can imaginable. We land, wait for luggage (mine, for once, wasn't last), wait for the bus. Get on the bus, sleep the first time since I left Saturday for real (only like half an hour), get back. Go to lunch and have Pasta Primavera, sick peppers. Get back and pass out at like 11, 12.
MONDAY
Scavanger Hunt of fun. 7 hours roaming around Berlin. Start off with Starbucks. Sit on the bench and plan. Fountain picture of Neptune. Go into their kick ass City Hall. It's mega red and has a room of busts and statues that I'm very glad we saw. We sign the book and leave. We head right and go to the World Clock, where we (Ashley, Vickie, and Staush) meet the coolest old man ever that loves the word "SightSeeing". We walk down Alexanderplatz, finding an ATM and the coolest game stores you'll see. We wander around, somehow walking into West Berlin. We guide ourselves mostly by "Oh look, that's a pretty building" and then precede to go towards it. We see the Reichstag, see the Chancellor's office (A.M. is pretty kickass). Go towards a bell tower, see the pregnant oyster, get lost looking for Tracy Slagter's history-lover, Otto Von Bismarck's statue in a huge ass garden. Find said statue and the Golden Angel that basically tells France to suck it. Go eat at a cool little place, go Meatballs, get to the '36 Olympic stadium, go back, find a bank, and get our last picture of Haus Huth and go back to the hostel. Storytime/class time and then I don't remember what I did, probably homework.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Berlin Blog Question One
A memorial says a lot more than just what is carved in its plaque. It shows progression, yet remains fixed in a time and culture that have passed. Every civilization has left a part of themselves--the pantheon, the parthonon, the pyramids--and there may be no better city than Berlin to know the importance of memorials.
Berlin has the unfathomable task of not only having the roots of Nazism and electing Adolf Hitler to power, but remembering that fact every day for decades. The entire state of Germany and the city of Berlin serve as places associating with World War Two and The Holocaust. Not only is that connection found in the minds of individuals and lines in text books, but are throughout the city, physical reminders are apparent for all to see. As much as I hate to admit I listen in classes, the "burden of history" is unmistakable and omnipotent in Berlin.
Simply, the "burden of history" isolates Germany's memorials in a way completely different from every nation I have been to otherwise. England, a one-time hegemonic power, looks upon their memorials to dynasties, soldiers, wars with pride. Every site worth seeing in England is a declaration to its past and current strength. France is similar; although, I know more than a few people that argue there is nothing to be proud of anyway. France holds its history in high regard, but hold their individuality, their unbending nature that has stood up to the British, American, and any other way of life that they didn't want within their true French Culture.
The biggest difference is between Berlin and America. I feel our memorials are shallow and watered-down, especially since being in Berlin. Part of the reason is every war we celebrate didn't take place on our own soil. The exception, the American Revolution, has become an evening to drink, declare how great we are, and watch pretty fire in the sky. America is a FAR more individual-driven nation. We make memorials to people, hoping spectators remember the wondrous things they have done. From Thomas Jefferson to Franklin Roosevelt, our presidents are memorialized. We say "Remember the Alamo!" while the majority of Americans probably don't even know its significance.
Yet here there is a quiet dignity and a subtle warning behind the statues, the burned-out buildings. Genocide can happen anywhere, as Sudan, Rwanda, and Bosnia show us. It happened here and that is the one persistant thought you cannot escape in Berlin. I traveled to the 1936 Olympic Stadium and eventually had to leave because, while I know Hitler was usually in Berlin, I knew for a fact that he had been there, that he had hoped his rhetoric of racial superiority would play out within those walls and nothing aggravated me more.
Berlin has done an amazing job. Their progress of unification and remembering is a hard line to walk, but they've done it. The bad is, hopefully, in the past; the best thing Berliners have recognized is they anchored their future with the past. "The German Question" is lived out within Berlin. They have created magnificent buildings while including the old, like the Kaiser Willhelm Memorial Church. The Berliner Dom was bombed out and only the walls remained, but the walls hold a new hope within them. While the Berlin Wall is torn down, physically and mentally, a small reminder
of how this fantastically lively city was once a shadow of itself ghostly runs through Berlin.
History and culture are intertwined everywhere, but the dark cloud of Berlin's history will never clear up. Instead they have embraced it, remembered the good and the bad, and became a cultural center point. Americans could learn the darker side of our history and I feel we would remain just as stubbornly proud as we are now; we should just look to Berlin as our example.
Berlin has the unfathomable task of not only having the roots of Nazism and electing Adolf Hitler to power, but remembering that fact every day for decades. The entire state of Germany and the city of Berlin serve as places associating with World War Two and The Holocaust. Not only is that connection found in the minds of individuals and lines in text books, but are throughout the city, physical reminders are apparent for all to see. As much as I hate to admit I listen in classes, the "burden of history" is unmistakable and omnipotent in Berlin.
Simply, the "burden of history" isolates Germany's memorials in a way completely different from every nation I have been to otherwise. England, a one-time hegemonic power, looks upon their memorials to dynasties, soldiers, wars with pride. Every site worth seeing in England is a declaration to its past and current strength. France is similar; although, I know more than a few people that argue there is nothing to be proud of anyway. France holds its history in high regard, but hold their individuality, their unbending nature that has stood up to the British, American, and any other way of life that they didn't want within their true French Culture.
The biggest difference is between Berlin and America. I feel our memorials are shallow and watered-down, especially since being in Berlin. Part of the reason is every war we celebrate didn't take place on our own soil. The exception, the American Revolution, has become an evening to drink, declare how great we are, and watch pretty fire in the sky. America is a FAR more individual-driven nation. We make memorials to people, hoping spectators remember the wondrous things they have done. From Thomas Jefferson to Franklin Roosevelt, our presidents are memorialized. We say "Remember the Alamo!" while the majority of Americans probably don't even know its significance.
Yet here there is a quiet dignity and a subtle warning behind the statues, the burned-out buildings. Genocide can happen anywhere, as Sudan, Rwanda, and Bosnia show us. It happened here and that is the one persistant thought you cannot escape in Berlin. I traveled to the 1936 Olympic Stadium and eventually had to leave because, while I know Hitler was usually in Berlin, I knew for a fact that he had been there, that he had hoped his rhetoric of racial superiority would play out within those walls and nothing aggravated me more.
Berlin has done an amazing job. Their progress of unification and remembering is a hard line to walk, but they've done it. The bad is, hopefully, in the past; the best thing Berliners have recognized is they anchored their future with the past. "The German Question" is lived out within Berlin. They have created magnificent buildings while including the old, like the Kaiser Willhelm Memorial Church. The Berliner Dom was bombed out and only the walls remained, but the walls hold a new hope within them. While the Berlin Wall is torn down, physically and mentally, a small reminder
of how this fantastically lively city was once a shadow of itself ghostly runs through Berlin.
History and culture are intertwined everywhere, but the dark cloud of Berlin's history will never clear up. Instead they have embraced it, remembered the good and the bad, and became a cultural center point. Americans could learn the darker side of our history and I feel we would remain just as stubbornly proud as we are now; we should just look to Berlin as our example.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
32.5 hours and 2 minutes
until I'm loaded in a bus and heading towards Chicago to fly forever to get to Berlin, Germany.
Guess I should start packing and saying goodbye.
Guess I should start packing and saying goodbye.
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