A Berlin Immersion

Canines aren't bound by leashes here. It's an interesting cultural phenomenon. The dogs seem so well-behaved. They scurry alongside their owners, ignoring my cat calls "Hallo Hündchen," disregarding my human scent that (American) dogs are so fond of, and apparently don't like to get their bellies rubbed. I've been yearning to pet a dog since I've been here. These obedient little mutts will even leashless-ly follow their owners on bikes, wait outside of the Getränke (convenience store) on the steps with wagging tails, and even wait to cross the street when cars are coming. There must be something in the German Kibbles n' Bits because Americans use chokers, chains and electric collars to keep our dogs from escaping. I'm convinced that if I dropped an entire chicken on the sidewalk, a German dog wouldn't even growl.

Speaking of chicken, that's all I eat here. German food is hearty and keeps you in the gym. Bratwurst (elongated sausages served between an insufficient piece of bread), currywurst (sausage slathered in yummy red sauce), Ritter Sport, Nutella, and my all-time favorite Vollmilch (16 butter crackers with a layer of oh-so delicious German chocolate). Did I mention the German's whole-hearted commitment to pizza, pasta and all things abundant in carbohydrates? Everywhere I go I'm faced with a China Box -- a red, shoe-box like franchise with noodles, chicken/beef, bean sprouts and greasy drunk food that's open until dawn. I had to go to McDonald's (or more precisely, Mc Cafe) to get a freaking Chicken Caesar Salad. Counterintuitive, right? It even had perfectly-sized clusters of Parmesan cheese that they usually only decorate salads with in fancy restaurants. Mc Cafe was an actual cafe with modern furniture and reduced portions. Ketchup wasn't even free, in fact...nothing in Europe is free.

You have to deposit one euro to use a basket at the grocery store; you have to pay to use the bathroom; you have to pay for refills; you have to pay for plastic bags; you have to pay €8,00 to do laundry; and my goodness, I couldn't even get a sample of ice cream for free. Last night, my room mate found a hostel in Prague where you had to pay for your own damn sheets and towels. Not to mention, the hyper-sexual men at bars are resistant to buying drinks for random girls. Don't they know conversation isn't free? Sheesh. I guess they're saving their euros to buy a basket at the grocery store. I'm tired of buying stuff while simultaneously lacking a job.

If I sound like I'm complaining, it should be interpreted as an "I miss NYC" claim. I miss everything about my dazzling city. The lights, the dirty, disgusting subways, that Manhattan hurry even if you're just going to a newspaper stand, the ability to read street signs/menus/engage in day-to-day conversation, and most of all my Cinnabon pecan-roll candles that can be purchased at K-Mart on Astor Place for $10. (I'm not hinting for a care package or anything, PARENTS). A few weeks ago I went to a Vietnamese restaurant and for a brief moment, completely forgot I was in Berlin until I had to request a menu in English. Berlin has a New-Yorky feel sometimes.

The beauty and artistic flavor of Berlin is quickly growing on me. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the first half of my senior year. When I return to NYC in January it will be time to crack down to business and figure out real-world stuff. I already started looking for apartments with no job offers. I'm convinced that I'm on the right track.

I'm also developing favorites.