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A Trip to Remember💕

My first study abroad trip is a trip to remember. From flying on a plane for the first time to embracing the culture in Berlin, Germany! It was all amazing. I learned so much while being in Germany for only 12 days! Berlin is definitely a tourist attraction city. It has so many significant buildings, monuments, memorials and museums everywhere you turn. The history there mean a lot to them and I respect it 100 percent. When I got to Germany it was my first time ever riding a tram or a city bus so it was nice to finally experience it. Here in the US our stereotype is if you ride the tram or bus your poor because you do not have a car. But it is different in Germany, people old young rich poor they all ride the trans and busses! It is a norm there and I love it. One thing that I did not like there is the water and how their water system is set up. Like there was no water fountains anywhere. I was just so disappointed. The people in Germany are very rude. I feel like it is unintentional rudeness but I got used to it after a couple days. Also they stare so much I have never seen people stare at you and do not even try to hide it😂. The night life in Berlin is great! Going to clubs meeting new people drinking dancing all of it was truly an enjoyable experience. Even though I am not a political science major and in no way shape or form am I educated in that field, I still learned a lot on the tours. If I had to choose again where I would want to study abroad first it would definitely be Berlin again. Being apart of the culture for a short period of time was fun. The food was great I only complained once which was the last dinner we had together. The food place was not a good choice but it gave us the experience of how German food taste so it was a win/lose experience. Overall Berlin is a beautiful city and I really had a great time. It is good to be back home but I am missing Germany already! I will be back real soon🧡🤟🏾.

Finally DAY 12😩🤟🏾❤️💕

Today is day 12 and it is a bitter sweet moment. Knowing that in the next 24 hours I will be home from Germany😩. Today we did we walking tour it was very pretty. I enjoyed seeing the big castle with the garden. It is a very relaxing place and I the design is so gorgeous. While going on the tour I had a really bad allergy attack. My throat was closing in a little and it was getting hard for me to swallow. I started crying because I was just so overwhelmed but I am so thankful for the group. They really showed they cared for me and wanted to make sure I was ok. Which made me feel so loved. Even the tour guide was a big help with translating things to the pharmacist. The care was amazing and I truly thank each and every one of them. After that I was still a little emotional. I kept crying and laughing every like 5 mins hahah but no judgment was passed towards me and I appreciate that. We soon got back to the hotel I had to go do a couple errands real quick before our group dinner. We went to a German food place. And to be honest the food was not that bad but I would not recommend it for next year lol. It was nice to experience German food though so I am thankful for that that experience. The dessert I had was the best thing there. The sugared pancakes was like heaven in my mouth hahah. When I got back to the hotel packing was a little struggle but I got it all to fit🤞🏾. Asia was over here struggling lol but she got it all to fit as well. I wanted to go out for the last night but my allergies over took me again and my eyes were blood shot red. But I’ll be ok tomorrow is the day we go home so I’m ready to get there😩💕. These 12 days have really been an experience and I do not regret not one single moment.

Day 11..... Almost Time To Go😔😩🤷🏾‍♀️

Day 11 was a long day. We spent most of our time at one of the Jewish concentration camp. Being there was very overwhelming. I have never been in a place like that where everywhere you turn death happened there. Visiting the concentration camp made me really appreciate more as a person. We complain so much as Americans with out realizing that we have it made. We do not realize that these innocent Jews were stripped of their freedom for being “Jew”. We do not realize that they barely had food to eat and we complain about the the food we do have to eat and can go get without permission or a limit. We do not realize that we complain so much about transportation and walking too far but not realizing that these Jewish prisoners had to walk without rest. Being in the environment made me feel so down. It made me feel angry as well. They had no voice, no sound, no one to take up for them. They were pushed into a place of loneliness and fear. Listening to the tour guide telling us ways of how they were humiliated and tortured in front of everyone was heartbreaking. What really stood out to me is that some of these prisoners would commit suicide and if failed they were terribly tortured and killed anyways but it was a sense of control... the Nazis decided when you die not them.

After all that Georgian and I went out to the club again! The club life is really amazing here. And I am so surprised to see so many Africans here. They are mostly from west Africa. As always we both had a great time! This Nigerian guy I met was very nice! He told me “you are my wife” hahha he said “your so beautiful, so sexy.... I want to marry you” I thought it was very flattering. He gave me a rose also for the night. We did not get back till 7 this morning! But we were not worried! It is like a norm for us 🤙🏾🧡. Regardless Berlin has been good to me!

Day 9... Graffiti Art🧡

Day 9 in Berlin was an easy day. Nothing really extravagant happened today. We started the morning off by have a graffiti tour around certain places of Berlin. I enjoyed it a lot. The art is such amazing and sometimes it speaks to me in a weird way. I feel art is a way of expression and it sometimes can be a good expression or a bad expression. Regardless art is art and it is beautiful with however way it is represented. I have never seen such beautiful and detailed graffiti art until I came to Berlin. Back home I rarely ever see any graffiti and if I do it is no where near how beautiful it is here. You usually see graffiti on the poor sides of the cut back home but here in Berlin it is everywhere. And even some of the art is illegal I really do not think it is really enforced. My favorite place was when we went to the garage. The art there was breath taking. It was so much art and I wish I could meet each artist individual and here their explanation of why they choose to paint that particular art. I am not that artistic so being able to see these types of heart made my heart melt and it was satisfying. I wish I was able to create master pieces like that. Also seeing the graffiti art on the buildings brought so many questions to me. Like how did they finish all that art work, how many days, months, etc... were some of the artists close to being caught? Just so many things I wish I could ask the artist myself. But regardless I loved seeing these beautiful masterpieces and I think it is a wonderful way of expression!

Day 8.... An Emotional Day😔

Day 8 in Berlin and I’m getting so used to the tram and how the bus transportation goes. We went to the Jewish museum which was a very emotional experience. When we first started the tour I already felt a sense of emotions going through my mind. I could tell as we were going through the tour the tour guide was very emotional herself. Her eyes were watery up. It is a hard pill to swallow when it comes to the Holocaust. It leaves many questions running through my head and my main question is why the US did not do anything sooner. Anyways we came to this one part of the museum. It is called the fallen leaves. It represent everything that we cannot see anymore. We could walk in this art and as I was walking I saw faces on these medal pieces. Some were small some were huge. It was like they were crying out for help... screaming... crying. As we got towards the end I got darker. Stepping on these medals faces was like hearing chains clashing together. Being locked up and oppressed with no where to go. It was so sad and very emotional for me. After we finished walking the tour guide asked us how we felt and we expressed the feelings. Some of us cried some of us did not even want to speak. Having this experience is one that I will never forget and I would recommend anyone who comes to visitor Berlin to go to the Jewish museum.

Can you believe its DAY 7😁💜

It is day 7 here in Berlin, Germany... wow it has gone by so fast! Friday will be here before I know it and it will be time to go back home. Such a bitter sweet moment. But while I am here I am going to enjoy the rest of this trip to the fullest. Today we had a free day. I didn’t get in till 5 this morning so I slept till about 1-2 this afternoon. Georgian and I decided to go to Mauer Park. It was like a flea market type of environment. Different foods, different stands with people selling different things, such as bags jewelry, oils, fur coats etc. I got my mom some massage oil. She loves things like that so I hope she enjoys it. While we were there I tried some freshly squeezed juice😩. OMG IT WAS AMAZING! The taste was sweet and fresh. I also got s big cup of fresh pineapples, watermelon and mangos. I am a big lover of fruit so I enjoyed every bite. Next we found this food place where they had grilled chicken that was seasoned so well. It was so mouth watering in my mouth. We ate and got so full haha. After we ate we decided to walk around some more to work off our food baby we had🤷🏾‍♀️😅😂. After that we made our way back to the hostel. We had no problems finding our way around. As the days go on it is becoming easier and easier and I truly enjoy the experience🤟🏾. Also it’s Mother’s Day!! So HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ME 💕🧡

Day 6🤟🏾😅😩

Yesterday was day 6 in Berlin and we went to a soccer game!! We were going for the team Hertha BSC. The game started at like 2:30 I think so we had to be down stairs by 1:30. Georgian and I had matching outfits of course! We had to be extra hahha. I have never been to a professional / 1st league soccer game so I was ecstatic about going. When in our way there the environment all around us was great! The fans were true fans and they were so lit! The train was very packed as well. And when I say packed I mean packed from corner to corner. I was just so amazed. Finally we arrived at the stadium, which was huge and very beautiful. As I said in the beginning the environment great, people were singing, shouting, laughing, drinking beer etc. As we walked in and found our seats in the stadium the view was unbelievable. It was just breath taking to me because I have never seen such a view like that. So we got seated and then we was able to go get something to eat and drink. I finally had my first beer here in Germany! It was sooooo good! And it it def more better in Germany than the U.S. We went back to our seats and watched the game. Hertha BSC lost but to see how the two teams interacted on each side was cool. Each teams had chants and songs. It was a full house out there. I really enjoyed my first soccer game. When we got back I knocked out for some hours and Georgian and I went out to the club again. We went to a club called “The Pearl”. It is like a high class club, 12 euros to get in which is not bad. It was a lit night and we had fun. We got back at 5 in the morning! I had a great day 6 and the week has gone by so fast! I have a feeling when it’s time to leave next week I am going to be sad and not want to go!

Day 5🤙🏾

It is day 5 in Berlin and today we had a free day🤟🏾. I was so happy. I got to sleep in and relax and rest my body. Georgian and I decided to find a sushi place and go eat. We found one called lovely sushi. It is like a couple stops down from the hotel! The sushi was amazing. And for the first time I had raw sushi. I never thought I would eat raw sushi and especially being in another place other than the United States. I was scared I would get sick but I’m feeling good and my stomach enjoyed it. Next we went to the Mall of Berlin. We googled the place before we left the sushi bar. It was a little scary being on our own but we made it to the Mall safe and sound and people helped us out with which trains to go on and which side. Georgian took a lot of pictures as per usual. And of course I was her personal photographer but I did not mind. We were right near the mall but it took us almost like 45 just to get across the street where the mall was bc Georgian wanted pics everywhere hahha. But despite that we finally got to the Mall our first stop was H&M I bout two shirts from there and then we went to find some liquor for tonight🤣👌🏾😅. We plan on going out to the SODA club but we might change our mind, who knows🤷🏾‍♀️. But regardless today was a great day and we both enjoyed taking the trains and buses by ourselves and figuring out way around! Tonight shall be lit! And we will be up and ready for the game tomorrow!!!

It’s day 4 in the beautiful day city of Berlin! Last night Georgian and I decided to go out on an adventure to one of the clubs here in Berlin. At first I was a little skeptical but I went because I wanted to have fun and I did not want Georgian going by herself. Sooo we got dressed called a taxi and went to the club called Bricks. I have never rode a taxi before so it was interesting to see how it all works. It was 15 there and 15 back. Fast forward we got to the club got in line and meet two African men! They were so down to earth and spoke English and helped us out a lot. We stayed in line for about an hour and finally got in. The club was like downstairs in like a basement type environment but it was really nice. It was so many people there and the music was on point! The music was very diverse and that is what really set it off. At first when we got there we tried to buy some drinks but it was just too crowded so Georgian said follow her... that we was gonna finesse our way into the VIP section. And to her greatest ability we did! This German rich guy let us in he took care of us gave us all the drinks we wanted and he was very fond about Georgian😂. Here in Germany the clubs open at 10 and don’t close until 7am the next morning. Which is very interesting! Every body was very friendly and actually danced the whole night. Georgian and I didn’t leave until 6:30 and we got back at the hotel at 7! We cleaned up and got dressed and ready to head out for the morning tour at 9😆🤙🏾. What a night right?? It was soooo much fun though. Also a funny thing that happened is that I was dancing on a guy and he said “you have a nice big but... and I have a big sac” hahhahaha ... at that moment I walked away from him. But despite that my first party in Germany was lit and I plan on going out again this weekend💕😁.

It’s day 3 in Berlin and it has been a day with mixed emotions. Last night my allergies were acting up really bad and I wasn’t feeling too well. This morning I woke up not wanting to do anything but sleep but I forced myself to get up and get the day started. Today we did a tour on the Berlin Wall. It was interesting and I enjoyed some parts of the tour. The tour guide walked really fast and talked really fast too. Despite that he knew his information and for the time being it was a good tour. My favorite part was when we ended at the bridge and I he went through the timeline of what happened when it was announced the Easy Berliners could cross the Wall with a visa effective immediately! I thought it was so neat how the time line was laid out. Also I enjoyed seeing the graffiti. I feel like graffiti here is their way of expressing themselves, which I love and think it is a neat way of allowing themselves to be heard. We went to this nice bakery today and I had some kind of chocolate icing dessert 😋. It was sooo good and I would go back and again and try something else different. I also had Penne pasta at the pizza place behind the hostel. It was really good and how they make their pasta is very unique and mouth watering. Tonight Georgian and I plan to go out and have a little fun. Hopefully tomorrow will be better and I will enjoy my time more.

Day 2... Oh YESSS🤙🏾

It’s day two😆🤟🏾. Today we did our first tour. We went saw a lot of artifacts and it was beautiful! I really enjoyed the holocaust memorial. I feel like it’s not respected enough like it should be. There was a whole photo shoot going on and the girl was standing on the stones. But regardless it consisted of stones of different heights, lengths, shapes. That’s what mattered the most and not how many stones it was. Also seeing the first Berlin University was amazing! Angelo Dubois studied there as well. Our tour guide was great! He explained everything is great detail and I enjoyed listening to him. My favorite part was going to see Checkpoint Charlie. Even though it is a replica of the real Checkpoint Charlie I still loved it because I did my paper and presentation on this significant place🧡. Today we did a lot of walking, which was not so bad. My feet started hurting close to the end of the tour and I dozed off when we was at the Bunderstat🤭😩. That is how tired I was! But after we got to get some ice cream! And I got a chocolate Sunday with fudge, nuts, whip cream and some Amaretto liquor in it😋. I also was able to do more shopping and I ate a doner from this little side food place in Alexanderplatz . It was very good and I will be going back before we leave to go back home! The train ride back was interesting😂. It was Georgian, Asia, Keily, Nancy and I! We tried really hard to get off at the right stop but we ended up getting off a stop earlier but we managed to get back on the bus and made it back🤷🏾‍♀️🤙🏾. Georgian swore up and down that she that we got off the wrong stop the first time and it was the next one😂 and she was right. Despite all the adventurous things today, I am looking forward to what will happen tomorrow! It is always something new every day🤟🏾.

Day 1...

..... Well it’s been an eventful first day in Berlin🤟🏾. Between the flights and the 7 hour lay over at the airport in New York my first experience being on a plane was actually good! I enjoyed being in the air and seeing the clouds it was a beautiful sight to see💕. So far Berlin is nice. I noticed Germans like to smoke cigarettes a lot🤭. I was able to take my first bus ride and train ride! Even though Georgian, Nancy, Missy, Andrew and me got left the first time😂. Boarding the train is very fast pace and it waits on no one! Also Georgian has been struggling with her overly packed bags lol but it’s been a good laugh to get in! The weather is nice as well feels like North Carolina weather a little. Also the time change is 6 hours up! I have been calling my mom and forgetting that it’s like 5 in the morning over there in Charlotte🤷🏾‍♀️😂. Despite that I am ready to shower and rest up before tonight’s festivities💜.

It’s Almost Time.... Germany HERE I COMEEE!

It is almost time for Germany🎉🇩🇪😁❤️ I have officially 3 days before I leave with my study abroad class. It is a mixed emotion feeling! One thing I am nervous about is the plane ride. I have never been on a plane ride so I am freaking out about that, but I am ready to have my first experience. I am going to miss my family a lot, especially my precious baby boy. Overall I am more excited than any other emotion I am feeling. This opportunity is not taken lightly and I am ecstatic to be apart of this trip with good people! I am all new to this so I have been preparing myself mentally for a new short time life change. I know it will be a great experience that I will not forget and I expect great things to come from this trip. Another thing I am worried about is keeping in contact with my family. I call them everyday, two or three times a day. But I know I have to be very limited on my phone usage. But after the first couple days in Berlin I am sure I will be ok! I plan on enjoying myself and embracing the new culture shock I am about to go through!

Study Abroad

I have always wanted to study abroad and get the experience of going overseas! I just never thought it would be so soon. I expected to do it in my senior year of college but plans change and everything happens for a reason. Since I found out about the Germany trip last semester I was totally pyshed about it! Georgian and I planned the trip together as a celebration for her graduation and for my birthday gift and getting into the nursing program! We were speaking things into existence! Just about two weeks ago I found out that I might not be able to study abroad anymore. I was really sad because I was so excited about going to Germany for two weeks! It would have been the best birthday gift and celebration for getting into the nursing program. But things came up within my family which put a hold on me going. I still have hope and my fingers are crossed that I will be able to pursue this amazing study abroad opportunity. I am going to go talk to Mr. Brandt today and hopefully things will turn around. Dr. Freeman has been very helpful and encouraging and I really appreciate him. I am very nervous but expecting a positive result. I have never been on a plane before so this would be my first time ever! I just pray I can be able to go to Germany and enjoy the experience! It will be memory to never forget and I want to be able to cross it off my bucket list!

#Germany Berlin

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