Berlin Day 1

It's been about 2 months since I've settled into Switzerland and I've already gotten the travel bug itch. Since  our department had a random semester break, it was the perfect timing to go to Germany.

This was my first time there and knowing only about 5 sentences and 10 words in German, it was interesting start. First of all, unlike Switzerland and Cambodia, wifi and internet access is extremely limited in Germany. You can't even buy a prepaid SIM card unless you have a German ID. Hence I had somehow made my way to the U-bahn station that I was supposed to meet up with my friend Carina in late afternoon so the plan was to do a little tourist things prior to that. Instead I spent the next hour looking for a cafe with free wifi.  Fortunately, my internet connection addiction (as R calls it) radar has led me to the right cafe.

I have to note that I am a rice person but bread in German was so good I spent literally 90% of my meals with rice. Best of all it's whole wheat (I get sick if I eat too much white wheat for some reason) and best best of all...it's cheap. At least much cheaper than Geneva where a small baguette will cost you about a horrendous $8. I ended up just staying at the cafe, doing more research for things to do in Berlin and also getting some schoolwork done.

Carina picked me up after her seminar and to her new apartment late afternoon. It was a hearty reunion. We both worked together during our time working at Life and Hope Association so it was a 6 month reunion. Since we were so rushed and busy when we left, we never got to say our proper good-byes so this reunion was much needed. Our other ex-coworker Laura joined in from Munich as well. She's leaving to go back to Cambodia again indefinitely in December (she got a job at a university there) so this was a perfect time for a reunion.

With Laura's two other friends in Berlin, off we headed to a drag queen shows and a few beer to chill out. A good first night of laughter and catch-up talks.

On a side note, check out this liquor that Dima brought over. Wine from Crimea! Tastes like port wine but apparently it's used during baptisms. Oh the things you can find in Berlin.... we're off to an interesting start!

 

 
Expenses: 
Water (at airport): 2.7€
Transportation from airport to city: 3.2€
Open baguette and 2 coffees at a cafe:  5.8€
Dinner (kebab): 3.5€
Drag Queen Show: 10€