I am having a really good time here. So far, this week I have hung out with people every day and had burritos 2x already, plus 2 meals at the Church (one on Mon. and one on Thurs. - They feed their YSA). I have come home after 10 & 11 most nights...there are a lot of people on the trains...normal people not just crazies like in Vancouver. People just stay out later here...or work late. I have a friend that keeps trying to speak only German with me, so that I get used to the language but I don't understand what he says most of the time, so we end up speaking English anyway. Yet, I am learning some good phrases that are conversational and friendly German greetings.
It is cold here now and so I have some regrets. I wish I was able to pack my long black wool winter coat, my scarves, my 2nd pair of jeans, my black nike shoes, my hiking shoes, my brown dress boots, my ski jacket, a couple of my sweaters and my pillows. I may ask for a care package soon:)
I opened up a German bank account with Deutsche Bank and so they send you everything in the mail in stages. Yesterday, I received my online and telephone banking letters and codes, so I can set those up. Today, I received my bank card. So I went into the branch to set up my pin and deposit money. Not possible (they use that phrase often) because they send the code in the mail a few days after the card, so that it prevents anyone from stealing the card in the mail. This is my first inconvenience. I understand the logic but it wouldn't it also make sense to allow the client to come into the branch, and enter their own personal code? I was told tonight by a friend that the code they send you, is the code you have to keep. Okay, so now I have to wait for my code in the mail. I heard it takes 7 business days. Ay yi yi.
Another inconvenience is the security code for your mobile sim card. You get a sim card from the phone company. To activate it on your phone, you enter a 4 digit code and then your phone works. Every time you shut your phone off, you have to re-enter the 4 digit code. Well, last week, I had shut off my phone by accident and of course, my pin was at home because I forgot about this possibility and my houseguest had my keys, and we were to meet up for lunch but I didn't know where yet and there was a text that I couldn't check because my phone was locked:( Thankfully, I was able to go into the mobile store, I showed them my passport, gave them my phone number and they let me choose my own 4 digit code, so that I won't have this problem again.
I bought some winter boots but I don't want to buy any scarves because I have some already...yet I have to...it's cold out there. Tonight, I saw my breath as I spoke. I brought my red canada gloves and I might be wearing those pretty quick.
I miss my car. I had to wait for a bus tonight and it was a 15 min. wait...I would have been home in that time, if I had a car. It was a pleasant ride with a friend but my car is warm and fun to drive.
I miss having the option to soak in a tub. You know?
I like my new roommate. She is really nice and really cool. She is normal. I can't say enough about having normal roommates. I have been lucky these recent years.
I like my new friends. Very fun to talk to and just easy to be with. Everyday or time I get to talk to them, I just like them more because I get to know their personality more.
I love my new slippers. They are green knitted slippers with soft rubber soles. So warm! Strauss Innovations - new store that I love.
I love my new brown faux leather boots. Knee high and warm, warm, warm!
I love Fall in Berlin...lovely leaves falling swirling round and round and crunch under your boots and swish swish swish with each step...(yes, that's my fall poem)
I love Christmas in Berlin. They are already preparing the city by setting up Christmas Markets...I am going to be very poor...I can't resist Christmas markets...I need to learn how to bargain in German. I'll get my friend, Jeremias, to teach me, ja...
I am happy that I have my other wool jackets - black and brown. I am glad that I have my tights.
I love my new knee high socks. sooo fun and warm.
I also bought some flannel pyjamas for 9 euros! I thought it was a typo but I wasn't going to pass up a deal like that so I bought them! Burgundy with white snowflakes and so soft and warm.
Are you noticing the theme here...it's all about warmth people!!! I need warmth and I love warmth.
Tschus and Gute Nacht!
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