Dear all,

This semester has gone by with lightning speed and I feel like there's still a ton left to explore here in Berlin. Calling Berlin home for the past several months has come with a variety of emotions. At times it's been difficult and lonely, other times have been incredible and certainly worth remembering for the rest of my days. It's so hard to pinpoint what it means to live here, because not only is it a multi-dimensional city, in the sense that most everything is represented in its own sort of unique way, but it, the city, changes, grows and evolves almost by the minute.

Berlin's identity is often left up to interpretation and point of perspective. From a cultural point of view, Berlin is often deemed the current cultural jewel of Europe. Its political energy is nearly unparalleled, as it houses the organs of German politics and through these determines its position in European and International affairs. It serves as an enormous hub of continental transportation and is home to some of Europe's most prominent universities, sport events, orchestras, and museums. Its general liberal attitude attracts a variety of cultures and perspectives and in fact, some 180 different nationalities make up its diverse social tapestry. Add to that a very recent complicated history of world wars, destruction, division, reunification, and rebuilding and you have a difficultly described metropolis on your hands.

For me its identity is perhaps only described through the words "endless variety." I say endless only because the city's magnetism attracts new offerings everyday. One thing is for certain though, I'm glad to experience Berlin in its current phase. Its affordability and generous government-subsidizing still allows and even encourages students to take advantage of its many offerings. Currently it hasn't yet filled out its brand new infrastructure. Its many new public spaces are often emptier than one would expect and much of the Berlin population isn't quite ready, or caring yet for "haute culture." Perhaps this is where I'm trying to go with this - while Berlin provides all the venues of the most modern and luxurious city, it has an alternative and exotic side to it that is maintained in its many different and distinct districts. Districts, their inhabitants and offerings, provide a small town feel to residents and frequenters, despite Berlin as a whole, being Europe's second largest city.

Forgive the fact that this posting is as varied as Berlin. It is my modest stab at summarizing this incredible city I've made my home for the past six months. I've made some great friends here and have caught up with some old ones. These months have greatly impacted me in a variety of ways, most notably in my understanding of Germany and my relationship to it.

Despite growing up a little bit of everywhere with my family, Berlin is the first place that is uniquely and independently mine - a challenging relocation that I managed largely on my own. Perhaps this is the appropriate moment to thank the people in my life who motivated and supported me throughout this experience. Thank you. My profound thanks goes out to the fine people at NBC as well, for their creativity, dedication, support, and friendship. Last, but certainly not least, the additional cast has provided me much insight into their chosen host nations and has made the website what it is - a rich collection of different experiences, insights and learnings. Danke!

I hope I've been able to capture some of the life of a student abroad and hope you've enjoyed Berlin as much as I have. Perhaps I have motivated some of you to take on your own adventure! If that is the case, I'd love to hear your stories. JYA will surely continue to exist in one medium, or the other and I'll look forward to following YOUR journey!

Tomorrow it's off to Paris and the New Year! Not quite sure what's happening on Christmas morning, but I'll leave that up to Santa.

The best of Holidays and Christmas cheer to all of you out there!
Happy New Year und auf Wiedersehen!

Matthias

Posted by Matthias at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello out there!

Christmas is fast approaching, too fast in my opinion and Berlin is braced for impact. Nearly every main square, or large boulevard, converts by night to Christmas cheer in the form of Christmas bazaars. Mini cities of white tents and shouting vendors, touting their wares, light up the night and Berlin cityscape. Beyond the endless amounts of sweet Gluehwein, or spiced wine as I believe we English speakers dub it, eager and excited spenders can buy nearly anything their hearts desire. From woodcarvings, crystal ornaments, candied apples, and roasted chestnuts, to cake, rum, scented soaps, and tickets to major Christmassy venues, buyers can drunkenly frolic from bazaar to bazaar and forget how much time and money they've spent over the course of the evening.

The other night, I visited one such Christmas bazaar and have to say that I enjoyed myself. I say this only, because I've usually been quite disappointed with Christmas bazaars in the past. Naturally though, the company makes all the difference and surrounded by appreciative and excited friends from Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Greece, I honestly had a smashing good time. I'm sure though, that the Rum contributed in its own way... Finally, the fact that the Berlin winter hasn't been too excruciating made the evening all the more enjoyable.

Now... It's important that I get to work on my Christmas shopping. How are you all coming with that?
I feel like it was mid-November just a few days ago, now I'm worried about whether, or not I'll find the "perfect" gifts for those few "good-kids" on my list. Suggestions are always hugely appreciated.

Frohe Weihnachten!

Posted by Matthias at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

To Mr. Bryant's studious German students: Thanks for posting, writing and watching!
Best,
Matthias

Posted by Matthias at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)