Nooks and Corners of Berlin

Last night, I had dinner with a Lebanon Valley alumna in the heart of Berlin. I got to our meeting spot sooner than expected. I don't travel too often to the center near Alexanderplatz; so I took the time to rediscover places I like to eat and shop. I realized I should do this more often. I relocated a Seattle coffee shop where they have peanut butter and bagels!  This little hour stroll made me fall in love with corners of Berlin. I walked through Nicholas Quarter and The Hackesche Höfe. These are within walking distance Hackesche Markt S Bahn station that simply put you back into time. Nicholas Quarter feels like you are in a small traditional German town. Take a look at these pictures... just keep in mind right on the other side of these walls are bustling streets filled with people, trams zipping by... it's the common city scene. 

Nicholas Quarters

Nicholas Quarters

Nicholas Quarters

The Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe

Walking through these little corners of Berlin is what I love about this city. I think it's fair to say Berlin is growing on me. Although, this weather... um. It is now late August and I can understand a light jacket at night; however, 46 degrees when I leave my house in the morning is unacceptable. I have already pulled out my fall clothes, boots, and rain coat. It will be a cold winter in my apartment. I need to learn how to use the wood stove. (Yikes!) Or move. 

In other news, it has been a stressful start to the school year. We have finished our first week. In Germany, the first graders start a week after everyone else. So on Saturday, we had an open house for them. Some of the second and third graders put on a little performance and then they came up stairs to see the learn house. I'm excited to see all five of them on Monday. They are very cute and wide-eyed. 

In my personal life, there isn't much going on. I have found a church that I'm enjoying. It's a church started by Rick Warren. It's no Grace but it's a step closer. I think it will also be a great way to meet people. My lack of meeting people is the hardest part of being here. It's a constant struggle. 

I would like to start working out but I'm having some serious shoulder pain when I'm running. Therefore, tomorrow I'm calling the doctor and making an appointment. I'm also going to get officially tested for ginger. May this be life changing? 

Last but not least, I have made traveling plans for October. A fellow LVC alumna, different than my dinner partner, is living in Edinburgh. (We are everywhere!) I will be staying with her for a couple of days! I'm very excited! I've been wanting to go somewhere new and yet this will be my first time since I moved to Berlin. 

Alright I better go. Although it's only 8, I need to be up super early to catch the 6:45 bus to work so I can put up our learning goals and be there for opening duty at 7:30. Oh joy! Days like tomorrow make me wish that there was still a Starbucks in Zehlendorf. 

Missing you constantly. Thinking of you countlessly. All my love. 

xx