like a New York City, but obvs better!

I've spent the last few days visiting the city of Berlin, home of the great wall and a lot of history to say the least.  Its a shame to admit this, but my camera died 2 days into the 5 day trip because i was taking so many pictures, were they good? probably not. but hey keep sake.

We stayed in a family friends flat right in Berlin, falling asleep to the party goers every night, relaxing or just envious i shall never know.  It was like a New York City, i always think/thought i knew where i was and then ended up in a new spot.  The whole time i thought of my dad, yes dad you were on my mind the whole time.  Not only because i miss you (and mom and kristen) but because this city is full of war history and i know how much you love reading about it. The remnants of the Berlin Wall consisted of organized graffiti, if you know what i mean.  Blocks of sayings like "peace and love," and picture of famous people etc. We ate at restaurants that were to die for, as well as restaurants with famous people of parliament, news channels and for Antonia the TV star of 'Germanys MTV.'

On the third day of our mini vacation i found myself sitting in on a parliament speech. AKA if i was in america id be sitting in the white house listening to barack.  I couldn't understand a thing, but come on still really cool, ive been in the white house of Germany.

German Language:  I'd like to think i'm recognizing words or phrases.  With Pia and Greta i know the essentials

1. " Im thirsty"
2. "lets face paint"
3. "Read Twinkle Twinkle to me"
4.' i want chewing gum'

it's a start to say the least, but even listening to the parliament speech i could recognize words and phrases, which for me i get really excited about.  I told Antonia, i just want to wake up one day and know german... so cool... she laughed like i had 5 heads.

(Matt if youre reading this, dont think im copying you).
European Keyboards SUCK.  I didn't have internet in Berlin, so i found myself in a little internet cafe every few nights checking mail and staying in contact with friends and family who should know i was still alive. For starters the first night the computer wouldn't even turn on, and of course they didn't speak english.  I need to work on communicating with my hands. the question mark and the shift key, why the fuck would you put it where it was.  Until i read Matt's blog i had yet to figure out where the question mark was (so thanks, matt- glad someone else is struggling with this too). I found myself writing an email and typing (question) at the end, desperate much?

For mom:  Germany has hills.  Driving back from Berlin i found myself hitting shuffle on my iPod and looking out the window... it reminded me of 88 going to Ithaca, which was bittersweet.  The only part that was fascinating, there would be rolling hills of green and farm then every so often a little cute town with white house and chalk-like roofs (88 doesn't have that).

Im currently looking at a baby lizard crawling on my floor. I didn't think i was in Aruba. Im gonna go take care of that.
Next stop: Paris, i hope!

ps. just a reminder i DO NOT re over this so i apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes.