14

Oh, but words are not enough! This weekend Cole and I took a small trip with the Nemeths to the Loire Valley. It was, hands down, the highlight of my trip. The countryside was exactly how I dreamed to be; beautiful, green fields stretching to bright blue skies, monstrous white clouds, medieval villages, fairytale castles…I was lost within it all. We visited six castles, each representing a different time and style in history, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, in between and beyond. Some were surrounded by lush gardens, or dense forest, or a tiny village; they were unique and they were fun.
To reach the last castle of our journey, we had quite the hike. Once there, we stared in awe at the fictional feel it exuberated. Unfortunately, it was closed on the inside due to the late hour, but we were able to walk the gardens and admire it from the exterior. Cole and I observed the stone towers and spotted an open door at the foot of the corner tower. Right away we thought, “secret entrance!” So, we ran down the slope, through green grass and wild daisies and approached the small, wooden door. Peering over the frame, we saw a dank, dark stone room, and to our disappointment, that was it. So close to an adventure, it was really unfortunate. So instead, we collapsed in the grass beside the tall tower and stared up beyond the stone walls and into the now golden sky, tinged purple at the corners. The breeze was sweet and the grass soft; after a non-stop two days, it was a beautiful way to relax.
Then, Nicolas ran down to join us, plopping down in dramatics, and curious as to our actions. We told him to hush and to pretend we were princesses and he was a prince and we’re just hangin out at our castle. His response (imagine a horrible “American” accent when being said): “Oh cooool. Hello princesses, I am a prince.” And he was serious and Cole and I laughed until our stomachs hurt.
And I also want to mention that Friday we, being just Cole and I, went to the Musée d’Orsay. It contained such a cool collection of artwork and sculptures and photography; I think Cole might even have enjoyed herself, maybe, for a little while, anyways. The best part was the room dedicated to Van Gogh; it was surreal to see the “legit” paintings.
Well, three days left…still much to do ☺

13

Alright, well yesterday was quite the day. We spent five hours in the Louvre! And yes, it was fun. We, being me, poor, unfortunate Nicole, and Nicolas, covered a great expanse of history. First, I dragged them both through Ancient Egyptian Antiquities. The display was very interesting with a detailed account of thematic history in chronological order. There was beautiful artifacts that were surprisingly vivid in color. Next, they suffered through Oriental Antiquities, which presented civilizations of the Ancient Near-East: Mesopotamia, Iran, and Levant. This particular area of the ancient world was most interesting because the cultures seemed almost miscellaneous—Greek and Egyptian influence was evident. Then, we moved to Greek and Roman Antiquities, which consisted mainly of lovely marble statues. After a much needed snack, we went in search of the Arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania (Pacific Islands), and the Americas. I loved this exhibit because it was short and therefore easy to read all the information!
That night we went to a pleasant little restaurant with a friend of Nicolas. Afterwards, we walked along the Seine River and saw the Eiffel tower glowing yellow in the night. Paris is really beautiful at night.

Today we went to a museum that offered a wonderful exhibit of Monet. The artwork was so beautiful, rich, vivid—I could have sat and stared at the intensity for days. Oh and we also enjoyed delicious crepes with nutella.

12

The weather is so incredibly humid! We walked up and down the streets of Paris in search of the Conciergerie, and all the while the air condensed around us. Finally, after having asked countless individuals for directions, we found it. The Conciergerie was built in the 14th century as the royal Palais de la Cité. The style of the castle is medieval; made from stone, large pillars stood through the great hall, leading up to gothic ceilings, high and arching. In later years, during the revolution and after royalty had moved to Versailles, the castle turned into a prison.
Thousands of the prisoners suffered execution by way of the guillotine, including Marie Antoinette. I even had the chance to look into her cell.
It was a beautiful castle and different than any other I have seen thus far. It was full of diverse history spanning hundreds of years that was quite compelling.
Later, Nicolas took us out to his favorite restaurant with a few of his friends. It was absolutely the prettiest restaurant I have ever been in. It was lovely!

11

Today we merely went to a cemetery, though not just any cemetery. Paris has a wide selection of graveyards, all designed like small villages with avenues and streets and towering tombs resembling beautiful buildings, and they all house three or four well-known names. I requested to Nicolas that he take us to the cemetery where Oscar Wilde was buried. Though he looked at me strangely, laughed and had no idea who Oscar Wilde is, he agreed. So, being that it lies on the outskirts of the city, it was a long journey, but well worth it in my opinion.
Ségoléne, Nicolas’s girlfriend, accompanied us and we all searched tirelessly for the grave, which lied all the way in the back. Luckily, a map was offered, though the small winding streets remained confusing. Finally, we found it.
It is hard to miss—covered in smudged lipstick, the tomb sticks out quite well. As an ode to his words, people all around the world come to kiss his grave. I thought it was wonderful.

10

So, as everyone visiting Paris must do, we went to the Eiffel Tower. The tower was built in 1889 for the World Exhibition which honored the hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, won the exhibition and therefore the tower remains standing to this day while the other monuments built for the exhibition were torn down. It really was exciting and a little surreal to be standing before and beneath it. We climbed the 700 steps to the second level of the tower—that was high enough—and enjoyed the amazing view. Then, after enjoying a scoop of ice cream, we opted for the quick way down and took the elevator to the ground.
Next, we took the metro to the Champs Elysées and walked the strip. We had a lovely dinner as night was falling and the city slowly grew illuminated.
The tourist thing was fun—the sights are beautiful !

9

It was overwhelming, as was to be expected. Of course, I am talking about the Louvre. In the three hours we were there, we managed to cover Italian paintings from the 13th to the 15th century, French paintings, Romanticism, and Neo-Classical artwork. This was but a small portion of the museum, a very small portion. So, unfortunately for Cole, we get to go back! Eric, Nicolas’s father, knows everything there is know about art history and so he not only explained the artist’s background, but the story the artist was depicting as well. I was amazed by his knowledge and I fully enjoyed listening to him. I learned a great deal about style, symbolism, and allusions; I had never before realized the complexity.
Then, once night came, Nicolas took over and it was time for “fun.” Annually, there is a huge music festival, city-wide. It was actually very cool—you could walk around the entire city and find concerts everywhere. Though, it was painfully crowed and the metro was suffocating. And, there was a lot of techno. We had the opportunity to meet his friends, and they were all very nice, trying to speak English and always making sure creeps stayed away from us. We went to a fruit bar and had fruit smoothies at 12:30 at night while the city was wide awake. It was fun and a nice insight into younger French culture.
And to end the night, technically the morning, we had Frosted Mini-Wheats and fell fast asleep.

8

Arising early, Cole and I set off for the airport, a long trip when dragging around monstrous suitcases. Once on the airplane, we had a pleasent flight, landing safely in, yes, Paris--you can imagine our excitement! Nicolas and his family live in a suburb of Paris, and from their living room, you can see the tip of the Eiffel Tower. We settled in and Marie Anne, Nicolas's mother, insisted we not waste the day. Because she still had the car, she suggested we go see the Palace of Versaille. Of course, I jumped at the opportuntiy and within a few minutes we were on our way to the extravagant dwelling of France's former royalty. As you may well know, the palace is vast, spanning miles and miles with lush gardens . Within the palace walls there are countless rooms of orate classical decor, gaudy and glowing with golds and rich paintings. My favorite room was the hall of mirrors, a long, golden hall illuminated by an infinite number of chandeliers and long strips of mirrors opposite the windows--the room was, in itself, a light. I also loved seeing Marie Antoinette`s chamber, which had an elegant floral theme. I could have spent days within the palace.
I thought Berlin was busy; Paris is twice, perhaps three times the pace. It is so beautiful! I melt at each narrow, cobble stone street, the wonderful arcitecture, just everything is beyond words for me. I enjoy listening to the constant stream of French in the house, though, unfortunately, I cannot understand most of it. What I can understand is tones and I understand that Nicolas argues constantly with his family; I have to try hard not to laugh :)

7

Alright, so today was…hard to describe. Cole and I ventured out to the far, far reaches of Berlin, to what we would described as a “shady area,” if you know what I mean. We were on our own with sparse directions and a dismal destination. Though, the ex-concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, was not too hard to find from the bahn station, and after a bit of walking, we approached large, concrete walls expanding far off to the left and right of us.
Once through the Information building, we took a long walk along the outside walls on Camp Street, leading up to the entrance of the camp. Then, once through the barbed-wire fringed gates, we observed the command headquarters. First, before continuing, I will say that Sachsenhausen was the first concentration camp established. Built in 1936 from the remains of a prisoner camp, it was a model idea for the rest of the Nazi regime to follow, even offering, three years later, the first ingenious idea of a crematorium (that was sarcasm, of course). Even before the camp was turned into a means of distinguishing unwanted races, it was a horrific torture sight where prisoners of war were taken. The land has an eerie feel and one cannot help but feel disgusted. It’s one thing to learn about this in history class, but to be there, walking around in the vast opening where they would hold roll call three times a day, was haunting. We even had the opportunity to enter into the barracks and see the cramped quarters where hundreds of people lived and suffered. The bathrooms were small—far too small for the inhabitants. There were probably ten toilettes in the tiny room, one right next to the other, void of privacy and space. Guards would use the toilets as a method of murder even, sticking an individual’s head in the bowl until they drowned. Also, in the entrance of each barrack, there was a small closet used for storage of brooms, mops, ect. It was said that men were stuffed in there as punishment, one on top of the other until they suffocated. Standing before the door, I had chills.
When I really stop to think about where I was today, I feel empty and an irrepressible amount of nothing enters me. My fingers can’t seem to find words. I feel as though I cannot do justice to the events in history that marked Sachsenhausen with such tragedy. Though such tragedy is inexplicable and tragic because it is indescribable—such inhumane atrocity cannot be accounted for; the darkness of a human mind is so dark, understanding cannot be seen. So, I will leave it at that.
I am happy we went, however. The only good that came from it is a strong tug of compassion.
Anyways…tomorrow we go to Paris! I am unsure of the internet situation at Nicolas, but I’m sure it will work out fine. So hopefully we will talk to you there…!

6

The day began early this morning when we drove out of Berlin into the town of Potsdam. The drive was lovely, passing by unbelievable homes and breathtaking countryside. We pulled over at a lake and got out to walk around. Being that the sun was out and hardly ever is in Germany, we were fortunate enough to be surrounded by naked, orange men. It was awkward, to say the very least! Once in Potsdam, we visited the palace of Sanssouci. The beautiful castle was home to Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great. The architecture is French and seems out of place in the German countryside. However, this was obviously intended by the prince. Sanssouci translates from French to mean “without worries,” conveying that the palace was a refuge for Frederick the Great, a very fashionable and lavish refuge. As rumor speculates, Frederick II was a homosexual and looked down upon by his father, Frederick William I. Therefore, the prince constructed Sanssouci and entertained guests of his personal taste, one being Voltaire, a close companion for many years; allegedly, they were more than friends. The two men are documented through correspondences illuminating their mutual interest in homoeroticism, which, of course, offers evidence to their romantic relationship. Overall, the palace was beautiful and the gardens were lush and extensive. Also, one thing I found somewhat humorous was that Frederick the Great constructed ruins in his “backyard” to mirror those of Rome, so that he may feel as if he were glancing over a history of art and wisdom, being that he was very refined himself. I do believe the palace was my favorite sight I have seen thus far; I have always, always wanted to visit a castle!
Later in the day Cole and I traveled out into Berlin to find an exchange bureau. The only one we knew of was located near the Zoo. After forty minutes of travel on the bahn, we found the bureau in just a wonderful part of town. Situated in between two brothels, we entered in and were finally able to get more Euros, being that we were running pretty darn low. Then, we began a frantic search for an English bookstore so that Cole may subdue her fervent affinity for the Twilight series and purchase the second book, New Moon; however, tragically, we ended unsuccessful, much to my sister’s dismay. Next door, though, we did have a delicious scoop of Gelato, so our efforts weren’t entirely wasted.
Lastly, we enjoyed a lovely dinner, just Cole and I at, yet again, a Beirgarten. Beer Gardens are called so because they are outside dining.
The day was lovely.

5

First, may I say that the weather, again, was absolutely beautiful. Cole and I went out to the lake, Wannsee (fun fact: in German the W is pronounced as a V, so one would say "Vannsee"), situated on the outskirts of Berlin where the dense forest begins. It was gorgeous, surrounded by tremendous houses and thick, green trees. We took a ferry across and enjoyed ice cream on the other side of the lake.
This evening we went to a Fisherhutte, which is just a former fisherman’s hut turned restaurant upon the lake. It was absolutely wonderful as the sun was setting across the calm water. Friends of Heidi and Greg joined us, diplomats, and having lived in China, India, and other various countries, they provided very intriguing conversation. The day was pleasant.

4

Once again we ventured out on our own today. And to add to our high spirits, the weather was most pleasant. The first stop of our self-guided tour was the Deutsher Bundestag, or known to many as the Reichstag Building. It is the heart of German Democracy. Some may well know while others will have to reach back into shadowy depths of memory, to the months of sophomore year history like myself, but, yes, this building played a significant role in World War II. On February 27, 1933 a fire was set to the building, shortly after Hitler gained power. The fire signaled the end to parliamentary democracy in Germany and served as a pretext for the prosecution of political opponents, thereby granting Hitler the velocity to rise higher and higher in popularity status. Also, the top of the building offers an astounding panoramic view by means of a glass dome that one may tour. It was then, looking around at the entirety of Berlin that I noticed the countless cranes rising up over the red roofs and the green trees. Berlin had been bombed to finality—the city had been nothing but mounds of rubble and shame. Over the years the city has slowly been built up, though with much modern aspects and so therefore, it is different than many other European cities; though it is beautiful. It may be interpreted that the city has yet to find itself: such a sight of political and social cacophony can hardly be expected to settle with ease.
Next, we visited the German Historical Museum, situated near Humboldt University. Naturally, I could have spent five days in there. Unfortunately, due to the time limit as well as Cole’s not-so-passionate-disposition, I had to rush through many parts. The museum was vast, with detailed accounts of world history in relation to Germany. Beginning in 100 BC and spanning to World War II, I was consumed with vigorous awe. Personally, however, the time periods from 100 BC to the late 1800s interested me the most and Cole found her niche in the World War II era. I traveled though the early Roman Empire, viewing artifacts representing the coexistence of Romans and Germanic tribes. The displays were amazing, offering ancient scripts, original pillars and personal possessions of Roman settlements. Then, I moved to the time of the Reformation and Martin Luther. Original copies of his 95 theses were on display along with countless interpretations of religious matter. The political and religious ideologies of Germany as well as Europe as a whole were represented through artwork and writings. Next, came the time of power struggle in Germany's regions and then the French Revolution and its impact. All the while the mentality of the people is rigorously sought out in art, fashion and overall culture. Exploration is addressed along with the arts and literature, showing the breadth and expansion of the human mind through history in Germany as well as all of Europe. All in all, I would have to state I truly loved the experience. Needless to say, we returned home after the museum closed and the day was setting.
Conclusively, the day was beautiful and the experiences were glorious.

3

Having fully recovered from the transition of the time difference, Cole and I felt rejuvenated today and ready for a little adventure. So, with map in hand, we stepped out on our own to wander Berlin. The Bahn (metro) is so convenient —we just went from one train to the next in search of the desired locations. Naturally, this is more difficult for non-German speakers than it sounds. But we managed through team work and by the end of the day we were rather proficient, learning many of the stops without the need to read them from our map. In fact, we find ourselves picking up a little German here and there, with the help of little lessons from Parker.
We walked up and down a long street, Unter De Linden, which means “Under the Linden,” lindens being a type of tree. So the street was lined in lush lindens, along with cafes and brightly colored bear statues. You see, Berlin means “land of bear,” so, of course, like our very own frogs in Angels Camp, you can find beautifully painted bears everywhere. We came across an eccentric antique store which was absolutely brilliant. The furniture and the rooms were fashioned in a neon version of Marie Antoinette décor. Floor to ceiling mirrors were around each corner as were mannequins in bright, elaborate dresses straight from the 18^th century with fake faded roses and frilly blue lace. In actuality everything was collected from various theaters, or so that is what we understood from the yellow fliers covering the outside of the store. Also, we ventured into a book store, offering everything Berlin from the graffiti to the history.
Then, we began our journey to the east. It was long and complicated at times, but we manage to take all the right trains and though it was pouring rain, we arrived at the East Berlin Gallery. The gallery is a long stretch of remaining Berlin Wall. Vivid artwork covers the expanse—images of peace, controversy, freedom, oppression…truly, the history spoken in the loud paintings is moving and surreal. The wall itself is surreal—the idea in its entirety.
And then we arrived home in time for dinner. Overall, I would say it was a most enriching day.

2

Today was most tiring. Cole and I went on a “scavenger hunt” with Greg, Parker, and other teachers with whom Heidi works with, though she was just returning from Portugal this evening. The hunt required us to visit various sites in the city and take a picture of the find. Among the notable visits for me was the Jewish memorial, which was a vast space curiously covered in rectangular boxes, differing in shape and protruding from the ground at different heights—I suppose they represented graves. Speaking of graves, another location I enjoyed, though I feel strange in saying so, was a graveyard. It was actually beautiful and the famous Grimm brothers are buried there. Also, we went to a Turkish market. The atmosphere was loud and crowded. The smells were fresh and spicy.
We ended the day at a Bier Garten (I believe I spelled that correctly), which translates to a Beer Garden. Of course, not only beer was offered on the menu and Cole and I enjoyed a taste of German cuisine. I believe I am getting a hang of the metro system, or as they call it the “Bahn.” The only problem, of course, is the language barrier and being able to recognize stops. It continues to rain and I am remembering how much of a fan I am of warm weather; therefore I am hoping for a little sun, just a little would be great!

1

The last hours of our flight were spent in a tired hysteria—we were eager to land and anxious to exit the stifling cabin. The dense air that sat heavily and thickly in the confined space we all occupied could be captured by imagining an elderly individual, rotting in appearance and having just consumed crap, literally, then falling asleep on ones shoulder and breathing with wet, humid gasps all over ones cheek. Of course, the described situation did not occur; rather, this is how we chose to describe the repugnant odor suffocating us. However, though the atmosphere seemed to be curdling, everything and anything was funny, though we were successful in keeping our obnoxious laughter to a low minimum. And then finally land could be seen, bright green land.
Once having landed safely the reality hit us that we were really in Germany—excitement flooded us and we bubbled with restless energy. Outside the rain was soft and the air was not terribly cold, but refreshing. Greg Morain was there to meet us. He walked rapidly though the bustling airport and we made our way to the buses. From the bus, we continued on train and then another train until we reached the gentle and quiet outskirts of Berlin. Greg proved to be a most informative, personal tour guide, offering information left and right about sights and culture. I felt bewildered at the transition and while I had realized it would be contrasts, experiencing it was something all together different. Graffiti seems to light up the overcast inner-city and there is quickness in the air. Where we are staying, however, is quaint and pleasant. The houses are tall and traditional, built in a Victorian style with a German twist. Rose bushes burn brightly with warmth and it appears the damp cobble stone streets are lined with vivid green velvet. Mothers with pierced noses and long, flowing skirts are walking beside teeming young ones, as miniscule cars race though the streets which lack, I have noticed, stop signs.
Tomorrow, we explore the heart of Berlin. The city is not affluent in comparison to other German cities and its history is not to be seen. After World War II there was not much left to the city. It has seen its fair share of turmoil in war and politics and is viewed internationally with a dark past. However, I find it to be a beautiful place with diversity and a vivid excerpt of ingenuity and strength; I am compelled to learn more.
Well to those this is written for, it is 6:36 in the morning. And for myself it is 3:36 in the afternoon. I have surpassed the twenty-four hour mark and I feel over-exhausted; I am finding it hard to focus on the computer screen. Though, I am trying to stay awake so that I may sleep all night and wake up on their schedule. I was just informed that Cole fell asleep in the living room and I must go wake her.