July 5, 2012- It seems that in Germany, if there is some sort of minor holiday, it deserves a festival. So the “Day of the Hunter” should obviously have a full blown park and parade, right? Yeah, I don’t get it either.
After school today, my host brother, Janick, and I boarded a train into Hannover to celebrate Hunterfest in style. It was basically just a large carnival, filled with unhealthy food, and rides. It was fun at the beginning, but as it wore on, it wore me out. So after only a few hours we came back home.
It dawned on me today, that I have less than one week left here in Deutschland, five weeks has gone by much faster that I thought.
Now to, our third day in Berlin. After another early morning breakfast, we took a casual stroll throughout the city. At around noon we hoped on a river barge, and viewed the city by water. A cup of hot chocolate, and an enhanced view of the city is enough to make me happy.
One of my favorite things about Berlin, is that no matter where you were, you could always buy currywurst. Pronounced ker/e/v/orst, this Berliner delicacy was by far my favorite. It is basically a big piece of sausage, cut up into smaller pieces. Then it is prepared like Curry, a traditional Indian food. After that it is drenched with ketchup and is served along with a bread roll. It may sound odd, but it was heaven.
Next, I’d like to address what I believe to be not only Berlin’s symbol, but Germany as a whole. The Brandenburg Gate is the center of activity in Berlin. As a structure, it has truly stood the test of time, in a city filled with destruction. Two world wars, multiple sieges, and even a division, cannot stand against the Brandenburg Gate. Originally built as a decorative structure to beautify the city, it is now a representation of what Germany is, and can become. In front of those monolithic columns, president Reagen pleaded with “Mr Gorbachev, to tear this wall down”. An old story says, that Reagen asked for speakers to face east Berlin, so those under oppression could still hear his call to freedom.
All in all, Berlin is easily one of my favorite European cities. Filled with art, history, and good food, it’s a must see in my book.
-JP
