The first time I traveled outside to another country outside the U.S. was when I traveled to Germany to visit
Sören. I had met him on my 26th birthday and we quickly hit it up. I was shortly invited to visit Berlin for a week a few months later.
I arrived in Berlin for the first time in November of 2008. The weather was chilly then and there was snow on the ground from previous days.
Berlin is definitely an interesting city; there is a fine combination of the old and new/modern and traditional. A modern city laced with old world history. Probably one of the most striking examples for this is the Berlin Wall, or what is left behind of this. One of the pieces of the wall is on the middle of Potsdamer Platz, which is one of the most developed areas in the city. The plaza also hosts the first traffic light in history, while being overlook by the vastly skyline of modern Potsdamer Platz.
But not only is this evident on the landmarks, but also ingrained in the culture. These days it is not uncommon for Berliners to ask others if they are form the "East" or from the "West." Although these terms no longer apply, "Westeners" are proud of their past location upbringing.
Also one of the biggest things that is settled in their minds is their history and its relation to world events (specifically the WWII Era and the Wall Era). Sören had commented that although this is not something their current generation feel responsible for, they are very aware of it and lies in their minds. Perhaps such traumas are hard to erase from the human consciousness and history and that may be a burden that they have to live with. But of course this is just an opinion based on a commentary. It is also good to learn about the perspectives from different cultures.
Germans although somewhat stereotypically characterized for their rigidness and strictness, know how to have fun. In my own experiences the many Germans I have met are friendly and warm people. Certantly give them a chance ;)
While in Berlin I also learn about the following: Gluhwein and Weihnachten markts (staples of German holidays in winter).
Also one of the biggest things that is settled in their minds is their history and its relation to world events (specifically the WWII Era and the Wall Era). Sören had commented that although this is not something their current generation feel responsible for, they are very aware of it and lies in their minds. Perhaps such traumas are hard to erase from the human consciousness and history and that may be a burden that they have to live with. But of course this is just an opinion based on a commentary. It is also good to learn about the perspectives from different cultures.
Germans although somewhat stereotypically characterized for their rigidness and strictness, know how to have fun. In my own experiences the many Germans I have met are friendly and warm people. Certantly give them a chance ;)
While in Berlin I also learn about the following: Gluhwein and Weihnachten markts (staples of German holidays in winter).
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