meine katze

University started on Monday morning with my earliest class at 8:30am. Not so sure that the hour is best for learning about German 20th century reflection. I really can't complain about the time though, because it gets me up, ready, and I'm done before 10:30.

Cat and I took advantage of the day by exploring Berlin together. A nice lady on the train gave us suggestions for different districts to visit, reassuring us through words and actions that Berliners would kindly help us find our way if we needed directions. We ended up getting off at Alexanderplatz which is, among other things, located at the base of the gigantic TV tower, significant to Berlin's skyline.We walked around, enjoying the atmosphere with our goal set on Hackescher Markt. The woman on the train pointed us to this area to find young people and cheap places to eat. Needless to say, we remembered the name.I had to include this picture - we had a great time at this little dönner place. We were in good spirits and made brief, chipper conversation with the man at the counter. He ended up bringing us out complementary tea, wishing us a nice time in Berlin. - - if you haven't tried dönner, I highly recommend it.

Cat and I met up with a guy from UCSB, currently studying in London. We all met each other in freshman summer start and Cat became closer with him through their literature program. When she posted a public comment on Facebook asking if anyone was planning to visit Berlin anytime soon, he responded, saying that he and his parents would be in the area on his spring break. It is funny how things work out.We walked around Berlin together, conversing and admiring views. It was interesting to hear about David's time in London and how his attitude has changed towards life in Santa Barbara, and so on. I am really glad we got to meet up.

His parents called and invited us out to dinner. We walked to his hotel, which was really neat. The hotel was designed in a ring, so the lobby was an open cylinder and all the rooms had views of Berlin. Through the middle of the lobby ran an elevator surrounded by a gigantic fish tank. I thought it was a really cool idea - wish I snapped a picture.

Dinner was nice - his parents are really good people.

Tuesday, we went back to Berlin after my classes. [Yes, I do attend class. I will write more on classes later.] This time, we exited the train at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, near the center of town and various important buildings.

First, the Reichstag. We sat in the park, admiring its grounds and reading about its significance. German Parlaiment meets here (as Berlin is the capital of Germany). The modern looking dome at the top is open to the public to walk in a swirling path and look down at the government at work. I hope to soon get a chance to walk inside - the line was pretty long that day.

Of course, we walked near the Tier Garten and over to the Brandenburg Gate. The Potsdam Brandenburg Gate is alright, but it just can't compare to Berlin's. We read about it's significance as a transpotation gate to monitor trading and its reconstruction over the years.Graffiti - oh so common. I, seeing a big differnce between murals and vandalism, can't appreciate it.Berliner Dom near the Lustgarten:It is a stunning baroque Cathedral, inside and out.

Cat and I continued walking around the city and stopped for a 2-3 hour dinner near Hackescher Markt again. The conversation was great and made me (again) appreciate the company of my friend.

Berlin is pretty awesome - Cat will convince you to visit, if you need convincing.