Let's start with the translation of this title, followed by a history lesson (the teacher is coming out in me). "Ich Bin Ein Berliner"- translates to "I am a jellydoughnut". Now, some of you may ask- why make that the blog title? Why call yourself a jellydoughnut? Here's the history lesson. In 1963, JFK went to Berlin and made a famous speech regarding the construction of the Berlin wall, and the divison of Berlin. In his speech (besides verbally attacking the East Germans by saying "We [America] have never had to build a wall to keep our people in") he famously said "Ich bin ein Berliner". We all know that JFK was educated, and probably ment to say that he was a Berliner, but in his translation he must have forgotten that Berliner actually means jellydoughnut. But at any rate, the West Germans, and the rest of the world, ate that up and its now a famous quote to come from the 20th century.
In case you have not figured it out yet, I am fresh off the boat from Berlin.
We left bright and early (6:20 am) on October 13th for lovely Berlin. We arrived roughly at 7pm, and after checking into the Amstel House Hostel, we departed for our first night of dinner and the Festival of Lights in Berlin. We ate at this amazing restuarant-and I had two much needed Vodka-Cranberries. We spent the rest of the night exploring the heart of the city, and enjoying our first taste of the festival.
Friday was a depressing-but educational and humbling day at Sachenhousen Concentration Camp with Allison, Caleb, Conner and Taylor (who came all the way from France to see moi!). It was such a humbling and eye opening experience. While it did make me pretty sad for the rest of the day, I am so so glad that I was able to see it and walk through a concentration camp. Some of the stories to come out of those places...its astonishing that anyone survived the Nazi horrors. That takes real strength and willpower to live. Afterwards, we met up with the other Americans (there were 14 of us total) and went out for another night of lights in the city. Thursday night kind of sucked...but Friday night was fab. As usual, expect pictures later.
Saturday, we went to the market explored the city for the first time in the daylight. What a difference! If you think Berlin is beautiful at night, it is gorgeous in the daytime. We saw countless monuments- my favorites being the memoiral to Hitler's book burning and the Brandenberg Gate. We also went to the Memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe...what an experience. Again, more stories and pictures to really make the Holocaust hit home. Not gonna lie, I got emotional and had a few tears. But like I said earlier- I am so greatful to see these things. We all met up again at 2 and went to Sans Suci Palace- home to Frederick the Great. This was marvelous. All I can say is, I found my future house/palace/mansion. Saturday night was more of the festival.
Sunday...our last day in Berlin. We explored more of the city, took a double decker to the Oktoberfest, and had a relaxing day (thanks in some part to the alcohol laced ice cream). We boarded the flight at 17:20, and was home and in bed by 2am.
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