4/4-5/13

So I moved into the apartment I will be living at on the 4th. It's a pretty decent place. I'm close to the subway and above ground train so that will make life easier. All in all yesterday was really a downer day for me. Culture shock combined with homesickness left me feeling very detached... But I talked with family and though I didn't  sleep much last night I have high hopes for this night.

Entry into the apartment

Part of the tiny kitchen

The other part of the kitchen

and the main living space

View from the balcony. That building just to the right, that's the Berlin Olympic Stadium!

Now today was a very interesting day. I decided that I needed to get out. Sitting at this apartment (that isn't home) makes me more depressed. So I decided I would head out and explore the world around me, plus I needed to head to the store for some items.

I began by heading out to find an ATM, really cash is the way most people go when here, and it's much easier to keep track of spending that way (not going to lie, I do actually like using my card but pulling out cash is cheaper, otherwise I'd be way more stubborn). So I'm on my way to the bank and an older gentleman starts speaking to me (and for those who don't know I speak like three words of German, basically thank you, yes and no).

So he's talking and I stop him and tell him I'm sorry but I don't understand... He realizes I speak English and starts having a conversation with me. To be honest I missed like every third word he was saying, but it was so nice to hear English, that I really didn't mind. He walked with me for a block or so and then told me where I could find a bank, with an ATM.

Having spoken with him I was in a much better mood and decided I wanted to explore a bit more. I got out some money and went on a little adventure. I headed back towards the media markt, where I bought my cell, and realize the whole area was basically a big mall. I went into several stores and even found some that made me feel at home. Did you know that Berlin has TJ Maxx? They call it TK Maxx, but it's the same store. More importantly then similar clothes stores I found a "Euro Store," that's right Europe's version of a dollar store! So after having bought some things I headed somewhere to grab a bite and ended up in a Dunkin' Donuts! Yup, they have those here too!

My Favorite donut and a cup of tea!

So after doing my usual pass time of comfort eating I wandered a bit more before heading back to a grocery store and then home. All in All I walked a little under six miles, some of that with some groceries, but it was a lot of fun to get out and around. I still haven't braved the public transportation system yet, but that will be tomorrows journey.

A rive I crossed over on my way to the mall area.

The Plaza about a mile from my apartment. The building in back actually has a  Steak House in it! 

Now that I caught you all up I'm going to finish up some computer work and hopefully finally get a bit of sleep. Good night (mainly good morning to most of you).