German Beginnings: A Quick Overview

So, I began this blog with the intentions of writing an entry for every exciting thing that I have done in Berlin thus far. However, I have reached the conclusion that this was overly ambitious of me. Instead, I am going to make this a quick entry of what I did during my first few days here.

It began with my short, but wonderful, stay with Juliane and Kyle. Their apartment is located in an ideal place in Berlin. And I had the pleasure of seeing their neighborhood covered by the snow that had fallen a few days before my arrival:

On Wednesday, January 5th I was transferred to my host family's (a family of six!) residence. They live in a quaint neighborhood in the suburbs of Berlin, stationed close to the Wannsee/Potsdam area. All of the homes are so incredibly charming that it makes me want to live here when I am older:

Although I am far from the city center, it is easily accessible by train. The nearest S-Bahn station is only a 15-minute walk away. Nothing I am unfamiliar with since living in Berkeley for two years! It is actually a nicer walk than I am used to, though. The air is so fresh and light on the lungs. I cannot wait to start running once the weather improves a bit! I am also located near a bus stop that drives right past the apartments of where some of the other FU-BEST students are staying. It makes traveling to the apartments quite easy! And although the ride is about 45 minutes in length, it is fascinating to see all the different neighborhoods and areas on the way.