So sorry its been so long :/ I know it isn't an excuse, but this weekend I went to Mannheim for a visit. As I was on the train I made a blog entry. Unfortunately I had no internet access so couldn't up load it. In addition, I didn't really use my computer over the weekend. Which felt really great and is quite fitting to my blog entry, as you will see.... read on.
February 18th, 2011.
On the train right now. I love being on trains here in Germany…. Its so relaxing and it feels so good just to stare out the window. On a train you start out in the big city… then eventually you end up in the country side …. Hopping around between the big cities like Mannheim, Frankfurt, Göttingen, Berlin...
Staring out the window upon the German landscape:
Wow, I remember now…. Grass! That is grass,.. and those are plants...
and those are trees, and small ponds and lakes… oh yes and animals!...
And dirt! OOOhhh yes, that’s right!....
Wow, when was the last time I saw grass?? It’s been a bit! Its like a whole ‘nother world here. Yes, that’s it, two completely different worlds.
At home, as I travel everyday underneath the ground through tunnels on subways,... and walk through the cement covered city, I don’t see any grass, or nature….
All I see are stern faces, blank stares, busy people rushing past, poor beggars laying on the ground.... In the morning, just before 9 everyone gets out of the subway. Its like a herd of cows, I swear. Everyone rushes up the escalator at once into a little funnel-like shape. Packing tightly and pushing each other up the stairs. And I am just another cow... Mmmmmmmmmoooooooo.
I feel so out of touch. It makes me want to live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.
Some people do that you know, students do study abroad in Australia and work on farms in the country. How cool would that be? I would not take a cell phone or computer. I would live free of technology for a few months. It’s amazing actually; nearly every day of my life for as long as I can remember, I’ve been using technology (computers, ipods, tvs, cell phones). I think it would be freaking awesome to live COMPLETELY technology free.
Get back in touch with reality! I don’t even want a damn phone. Yes that’s right, I will live in the middle of nowhere... I will wake up to the sun, milk some cows, ride the horse to the city market… and plant some shit. No one can call me, or get a hold of me… if you wana contact me write a letter or send a smoke signal. YYYeeessss!!!!!
I was just thinking the other day how sad it is that most of my current waking hours are spent staring into a screen. *sigh* I am determined to ensure that my next working venture will consist of time spent interacting with people and less time spent staring into a computer screen!!!
****
Ok, that was it. So... I actually have an idea for my next blog entry; but to be honest I have way too much to do right now to even tackle that. I suppose it could be a continuance of this blog entry. I will be analyzing some differences in European and American culture in regards to environmental awareness and overall environmental attitude.
Good opportunity to leave questions or suggestions for me to consider over the next couple of days before I write the entry.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Whats the Buzz
Yesterday was awesome! I was working at the Cinema for Peace.
I had a walkie talkie, and my job was to guide the stars off stage to get their awards in the press room. It was pretty high stress. I had to listen and speak in English and German. There were people yelling at me and telling me what to do, where to go. I also had to block the press away from the stars, HAHA! So those lines really did come in handy! Back please, we need some space! Back away! I had to push the journalists, photographers, and videographers away from the stars. There were a lot of international stars. These people have done amazing things for humanitarian efforts. I didnt really get to watch the show, but there were bits and pieces which I caught. I realized how truly great an event it was.
Many directors captured video from around the world of things people in developed countries are oblivous to. The directors exposed conflict, tourture, murder, and environmental devastation happening right now all around the world. The director of a movie about 'blood minerals' received an award . Blood minerals are minerals which are mined from countries like Congo, so we can have mobile phones. The mining of the minerals is responsible for the devistation of the people and land of the Congo.
So you know who Bob Geldof is? He is a famous activist from Ireland. He was there, so was the 'Hugh Hefner of Berlin'. Germany's next top model was also there. Of course so was Sean Penn. Sean was just hanging out with us back stage. When I had to guide him to get his photos after the presentation of his award, there were about 24 other people doing the same thing! OMG! So many people started rushing around and pushing and screaming and going crazy! We all had to stuff ourselves through the small back hallways just to get him to the press room where of course, everything got even more crazy! Mr. Penn, Mr. Penn!!! AAAAHHH!!
Mr. Penn
Inside the Konzerthaus.
Buzz Aldrin was also there. Wow, he's really old now. But he seemed like a really cool guy. I saw Buzz chillen back stage, probably takin a break. So I mustered up the courage, and went over and said, 'Mr. Aldrin, can I get you something to drink?'.
Buzz wanted a diet coke. So I got it for him. Ü
Buzz Aldrin
Overall my whole day was awesome. I loved the stress and excitement of being a PR associate for the press. I was pretty important. I liked it when people were yelling through my walkie talkie asking for one thing, and when other people were trying to talk to me about another thing, and I was also responsible to do my job.
Although I had to work all day and didnt get a chance to eat dinner, or drink anything, or have a break.... I felt great!
Here are a couple of pictures. Enjoy!
I had a walkie talkie, and my job was to guide the stars off stage to get their awards in the press room. It was pretty high stress. I had to listen and speak in English and German. There were people yelling at me and telling me what to do, where to go. I also had to block the press away from the stars, HAHA! So those lines really did come in handy! Back please, we need some space! Back away! I had to push the journalists, photographers, and videographers away from the stars. There were a lot of international stars. These people have done amazing things for humanitarian efforts. I didnt really get to watch the show, but there were bits and pieces which I caught. I realized how truly great an event it was.
Many directors captured video from around the world of things people in developed countries are oblivous to. The directors exposed conflict, tourture, murder, and environmental devastation happening right now all around the world. The director of a movie about 'blood minerals' received an award . Blood minerals are minerals which are mined from countries like Congo, so we can have mobile phones. The mining of the minerals is responsible for the devistation of the people and land of the Congo.
So you know who Bob Geldof is? He is a famous activist from Ireland. He was there, so was the 'Hugh Hefner of Berlin'. Germany's next top model was also there. Of course so was Sean Penn. Sean was just hanging out with us back stage. When I had to guide him to get his photos after the presentation of his award, there were about 24 other people doing the same thing! OMG! So many people started rushing around and pushing and screaming and going crazy! We all had to stuff ourselves through the small back hallways just to get him to the press room where of course, everything got even more crazy! Mr. Penn, Mr. Penn!!! AAAAHHH!!
Mr. Penn
Inside the Konzerthaus.
Buzz Aldrin was also there. Wow, he's really old now. But he seemed like a really cool guy. I saw Buzz chillen back stage, probably takin a break. So I mustered up the courage, and went over and said, 'Mr. Aldrin, can I get you something to drink?'.
Buzz wanted a diet coke. So I got it for him. Ü
Buzz Aldrin
Overall my whole day was awesome. I loved the stress and excitement of being a PR associate for the press. I was pretty important. I liked it when people were yelling through my walkie talkie asking for one thing, and when other people were trying to talk to me about another thing, and I was also responsible to do my job.
Although I had to work all day and didnt get a chance to eat dinner, or drink anything, or have a break.... I felt great!
Here are a couple of pictures. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
German Public Transportation Etiquette
Last night I went to a couch surfing meeting. It took me about 35 minutes by U-Bahn. Being on the U-Bahn is terrible. Coming from a city with little-to-no public transportation, I am completely unused to this form of daily travel. It is quite awkward to stuff yourself into a small tram with a bunch of complete strangers. There are often bums and drunks asking for money or playing music for tips which makes it even more uncomfortable for everyone. You just cant escape them in a tram. The worst part is that no one ever smiles.
If you ever travel on German public trans, this is what you should do: look people in the eye, and then quickly look away as soon as you make eye contact with them. Best time to do it is when you first enter or sit down. Then just stare at the floor or make random eye contact with people in other parts of the tram. But remember, never smile. And yeah, sometimes really weird people stare at you. I hate that. I hate trams.
BUT HEY!! Once I got to the party it was pretty fun! I met a cool vagabond from Ireland, a Phd from Brazil, a sweet girl from Vietnam, and a German improv actor. I also saw a man, and I couldn’t help myself but ask; are you from Italy? DAMN I’M GOOD PEOPLE!! He reminded me of a picture of my grandfather as a young man. Maybe it was the moustache, maybe the thick glasses he had on at the time, or maybe it was his awesome Italian nose! Wow, totally looks like my Grandpa’s!
Anyway, Giulio is an artist. He won a prize to study in Berlin. He doesn’t speak very good English. But I had fun teaching him some new words like ‘afraid’. He is very friendly and eager to learn English. Although at the same time a bit apprhensive.
Actually, it made me kind of feel good because I realized that my German is actually better than his English. Yeah okay, so basically I didn’t know my German could be better than …. Anything!
Here are some of his paintings:
I like this one because it reminds me of the feeling I get on a tram. I wonder what that big pink blob is...?
Anyone want to buy a piece? I could ship it back to the US for a small fee ;)
On anoter note- I was thinking of doing an experiment on a tram. Mostly to help me get out of my comfort zone. Could be something shocking and random. Perhaps lay down on the floor in the middle of the tram? LOL!
Leave your comments and ideas on this post.
If you ever travel on German public trans, this is what you should do: look people in the eye, and then quickly look away as soon as you make eye contact with them. Best time to do it is when you first enter or sit down. Then just stare at the floor or make random eye contact with people in other parts of the tram. But remember, never smile. And yeah, sometimes really weird people stare at you. I hate that. I hate trams.
BUT HEY!! Once I got to the party it was pretty fun! I met a cool vagabond from Ireland, a Phd from Brazil, a sweet girl from Vietnam, and a German improv actor. I also saw a man, and I couldn’t help myself but ask; are you from Italy? DAMN I’M GOOD PEOPLE!! He reminded me of a picture of my grandfather as a young man. Maybe it was the moustache, maybe the thick glasses he had on at the time, or maybe it was his awesome Italian nose! Wow, totally looks like my Grandpa’s!
Anyway, Giulio is an artist. He won a prize to study in Berlin. He doesn’t speak very good English. But I had fun teaching him some new words like ‘afraid’. He is very friendly and eager to learn English. Although at the same time a bit apprhensive.
Actually, it made me kind of feel good because I realized that my German is actually better than his English. Yeah okay, so basically I didn’t know my German could be better than …. Anything!
Here are some of his paintings:
I like this one because it reminds me of the feeling I get on a tram. I wonder what that big pink blob is...?
Anyone want to buy a piece? I could ship it back to the US for a small fee ;)
On anoter note- I was thinking of doing an experiment on a tram. Mostly to help me get out of my comfort zone. Could be something shocking and random. Perhaps lay down on the floor in the middle of the tram? LOL!
Leave your comments and ideas on this post.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Cinema For Peace
One of our big events this year. The Cinema for Peace.
Its goal is : raising public awareness of social inequality and injustice in the world through the medium of film.
This morning Mr. S. came into to speak with me. He told me a bit about the big event. We are in charge of working with Mr. Sean Penn's people. He is one of the guests along with a long list of other high profile celebs.
Here is a video of last year's Cinema for Peace.
OMG!!!
Mr. S wants me to attend the event. He ALSO said because I'm a girl (and really really good lookig) he wants me to work the red carpet!! WWWOOOO!!! My first big break into stardom!!
By next Monay yours truly will be officially FAMOUS! OMG I'm FAMOUS!!
'Back PEOPLE! BACK! Yes. You... Question. Go. Please sir, no more photos of Mr. Penn'
-Just practicing my lines...
Its goal is : raising public awareness of social inequality and injustice in the world through the medium of film.
This morning Mr. S. came into to speak with me. He told me a bit about the big event. We are in charge of working with Mr. Sean Penn's people. He is one of the guests along with a long list of other high profile celebs.
Here is a video of last year's Cinema for Peace.
OMG!!!
Mr. S wants me to attend the event. He ALSO said because I'm a girl (and really really good lookig) he wants me to work the red carpet!! WWWOOOO!!! My first big break into stardom!!
By next Monay yours truly will be officially FAMOUS! OMG I'm FAMOUS!!
'Back PEOPLE! BACK! Yes. You... Question. Go. Please sir, no more photos of Mr. Penn'
-Just practicing my lines...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Featured Article
Yeah... Featured article.... rriiigghhtt...
*YAAWWWN***
Got in rather late last night... Around 5 I think. Somehow I always get suckered into going to the next bar, then the one after that... blhablhablh..
I had fun. I met some interesting people. We definitely have one thing in common, we're travelers. These people have been all over the world. And the good thing is they have great travel recommendations. Oh, unfortunately the beer marathon was canceled because of the rain and cold :( I was thinking about organizing a scavenger hunt through the city tho.. that would be fun!
Yeah well if you don't know, Americans are considered rather friendly, outgoing, and animated people; as far as Europeans go. Which in my opinion seems to be true. We express our emotions freely, refer to each other as 'friends' quickly, and are less formal in general. Germans are kind of on the other end there. My colleagues refer to each other with last names, even if they've been working there for many years. When you eat in a group with Germans, all the food is put on the table, and no one can eat until everyone has a plate of food, and then they say 'Guten appetit' and then everyone can eat their cold food.
My roommate is such a sweet girl. She does so many things.. and she's very creative... yet on the other hand extremely MESSY!!! She just doesn't have the drive to be organized or put things back *SIGH* Good thing I'm not really that clean of a person either.. hehehe :P
I've been dealing with so many problems trying to organize my German residence permit and what not here... Germans are also famous for their extremely ridiculous amount of 'red tape'....
Matze is coming for a visit in a month and I'm really looking forward to it :) We found a website which gives great deals on spa services and restaurant dinners :) Oh so I plan on going to the spa!
Oh yeah and tomorrow will be my 5th day of being a vegetarian!! WOOO!!! Its cool, I like it.
I really like my house. Its beautiful, my room is awesome!
I will have 2 months extra on my German visa. I was thinking about staying in Berlin for one more month after my internship. Hoping to get some family or friends to visit! I dunno, I'm getting tired of begging and pleading... which I dont really understand how its not working,... I shouldn't even have to do that! I should have a waiting list of people who wanna crash at my place in Berlin. HOW IS THIS NOT HAPPENING!? What is up with my LAME FRIENDS and FAMILY!?!? YES!!! YOU ARE LAME!!!
Traveling is so important. Americans don't even realize WHY the rest of the world makes fun of us. Its because we're kind of ignorant. We definitely don't travel enough, and I'm sure our geography skills as a whole are atrocious. The whole rest of the world travels! Its a part of growing up for Europeans. They study abroad all the time, and parent's even send their kids to study in America during high school!!
Last night I learned so much just from chatting with the couch surfers. I realize more and more every day how awesome traveling is.
*YAAWWWN***
Got in rather late last night... Around 5 I think. Somehow I always get suckered into going to the next bar, then the one after that... blhablhablh..
I had fun. I met some interesting people. We definitely have one thing in common, we're travelers. These people have been all over the world. And the good thing is they have great travel recommendations. Oh, unfortunately the beer marathon was canceled because of the rain and cold :( I was thinking about organizing a scavenger hunt through the city tho.. that would be fun!
Yeah well if you don't know, Americans are considered rather friendly, outgoing, and animated people; as far as Europeans go. Which in my opinion seems to be true. We express our emotions freely, refer to each other as 'friends' quickly, and are less formal in general. Germans are kind of on the other end there. My colleagues refer to each other with last names, even if they've been working there for many years. When you eat in a group with Germans, all the food is put on the table, and no one can eat until everyone has a plate of food, and then they say 'Guten appetit' and then everyone can eat their cold food.
My roommate is such a sweet girl. She does so many things.. and she's very creative... yet on the other hand extremely MESSY!!! She just doesn't have the drive to be organized or put things back *SIGH* Good thing I'm not really that clean of a person either.. hehehe :P
I've been dealing with so many problems trying to organize my German residence permit and what not here... Germans are also famous for their extremely ridiculous amount of 'red tape'....
Matze is coming for a visit in a month and I'm really looking forward to it :) We found a website which gives great deals on spa services and restaurant dinners :) Oh so I plan on going to the spa!
Oh yeah and tomorrow will be my 5th day of being a vegetarian!! WOOO!!! Its cool, I like it.
I really like my house. Its beautiful, my room is awesome!
I will have 2 months extra on my German visa. I was thinking about staying in Berlin for one more month after my internship. Hoping to get some family or friends to visit! I dunno, I'm getting tired of begging and pleading... which I dont really understand how its not working,... I shouldn't even have to do that! I should have a waiting list of people who wanna crash at my place in Berlin. HOW IS THIS NOT HAPPENING!? What is up with my LAME FRIENDS and FAMILY!?!? YES!!! YOU ARE LAME!!!
Traveling is so important. Americans don't even realize WHY the rest of the world makes fun of us. Its because we're kind of ignorant. We definitely don't travel enough, and I'm sure our geography skills as a whole are atrocious. The whole rest of the world travels! Its a part of growing up for Europeans. They study abroad all the time, and parent's even send their kids to study in America during high school!!
Last night I learned so much just from chatting with the couch surfers. I realize more and more every day how awesome traveling is.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Ich bin ein Berliner
What a great titel eh? WOOOOOO!!!
No excuse for me not writing earlier. Well besides that I've been crazy busy getting settling into my new place, not mention working AND going to school FULL TIME.
AHAHAH!!!
I have LOTS to tell :)
But for now, I'm making vegetarian Chinese food... and getting ready to head out to a BEER MARATHON in the middle of BERLIN!
Expect another update... or more like feature article later today or tomorrow :)
TILL THEN!
P.S.
Link to map of BEER MARATHON.
http://tinyurl.com/25odmc3
We buy a case of beer. 3 people to a team. Whichever team crosses the finish line first wins. Must drink all the beer. Must take a photo with a stranger each time you open a beer :P
No excuse for me not writing earlier. Well besides that I've been crazy busy getting settling into my new place, not mention working AND going to school FULL TIME.
AHAHAH!!!
I have LOTS to tell :)
But for now, I'm making vegetarian Chinese food... and getting ready to head out to a BEER MARATHON in the middle of BERLIN!
Expect another update... or more like feature article later today or tomorrow :)
TILL THEN!
P.S.
Link to map of BEER MARATHON.
http://tinyurl.com/25odmc3
We buy a case of beer. 3 people to a team. Whichever team crosses the finish line first wins. Must drink all the beer. Must take a photo with a stranger each time you open a beer :P
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