From Baltimore to Berlin: My First International Journey

After 1 and a half days of long travel I made it: Berlin, Germany. This is my first time out of the country, a feat I have been waiting for accomplish for a long time. When I got here, besides sleeping, I was very jovial about my stay and just being in another country. I knew that the traditions and norms of the United States would be different from any other country, but I did not know how much. 

While walking through Kreuzberg 36, I was astonished by the city itself and the nuances between each neighborhood we strolled in. One neighborhood had a busy traffic circle that was filled with cars, people, and bicyclists. Another neighborhood had big, traditional buildings, smaller streets, and fewer people. The people in these neighborhoods were eclectic, representing different cultures and styles and speaking different languages. I was shocked about the different types of people I saw. In America, I saw all German people in one lens and only knew about the Holocaust and its ties to Jewish people. I never knew that the multitude of cultures was here in Berlin. Certain people rocked different color hair and striking makeup, some wore hijabs, and others just wore jeans and a t shirt. Besides outside appearance, I also was shocked on how some Germans behave. When I first arrived, I had some qualms about how much people stare and how certain coffee shops have tables and chairs outside that face toward the street. In America, when people stare they are probably judging the heck out of you. However, I was told that this is normal and now I am used to it. 

Our means of transporting through Berlin is the train. I am from Baltimore and public transportation is very common, so the train reminded me of home, which made me feel more comfortable. Ever since we as a group went on the train for the first time, I completely understood how the trains worked. Also, google translate is my best friend. When I first arrived I completely had culture shock since almost all the signs, posters, and advertisements were German, so I felt almost obligated to translate and also learn a few phrases. I have now been very interested in the German language, and have researched more phrases in my free time. Overall, I know that it is only my fourth day here; however, I am very excited on what I will see and what my future experiences will be here in Berlin. Tschüss!