This is the first time I've ever gone somewhere I've already been to live. I had never been to Ireland, Russia, Montana or Germany before I moved there. It's so weird to know exactly what to expect. Well, more or less. My job and future apartment are still mysteries. I've had the chance to walk around a little already, though, and have found it so strange that I know where I am and where everything is. Even here am Nollendorfplatz, where I'm staying at a friend's place, I knew where to go to buy food and where to have coffee. This isn't even where I lived or went to school, it's just a place I visited a couple times. I walked around where I did live last night with Jens (friend from last year) and was disguested by the change around my old apartment...I'm pretty sure things should stay the same.
I'm amazed that I haven't taken any pictures yet. Just wait, my friends.
So far I'm very pleased with how much German I've been able to speak, but still have to keep close watch on my self-esteem. It's been doing well so far. Keep it up, self-esteem.
I miss my family and friends obviously, but google chat is pretty amazing though.
And so the apartment search begins again. I've written about a million people asking them if I could visit their apartment...still putting off the people who only take calls. We'll see. It might also actually be a little early to look for an apartment...I'm not sure. People are certainly starting to meet people and consider people for September 1st, but I think maybe there will be a lot more options in a week.
The best thing that's happend so far happened the night before last in Kaisers (supermarket). Two, most likely German born, Turks had to look though my bag as I left Kaisers to make sure I hadn't stole anything and saw my Luna bar and asked what it was. I said it was from the US not Kaisers and that it was healthy and good. The guy wanted to look at it. I said fine, go ahead.
Guy: Where did you buy this?
Me: In the US.
Then the girl comes over, puts her hand on the guy's arm and looks at me.
Girl: But...you're not from the US, are you?
Me: Um...yeah.
Girl: But...but...you can speak German!
Me: I hope so.
She then turns to Jens.
Girl: Is she your girlfriend?!
Jens: A friend.
Girl: She can speak German!
Jens: I've noticed.
Girl: Her German is really good!
Whoa. Then I just started laughing and said thanks. That's a really great thing that happened there. I should go to that Kaisers more often.
Why oh why is it so hard. Because Germany...well, any office anywhere isn't run well. Maybe in Sweden. But that's it.
