When I first moved to Berlin (just over a month ago!), I was so homesick. Everything was new, different and terrifying. I became dependent on the internet because it was my only connection to my friends and family back home. Connecting with them made me feel less alone. It gave my days some sense of normalcy. But it also proved to be a hindrance. Now, I realize that people from home are the main ones reading this blog, and are probably a little offended, or hurt by my saying that, but it's true. I was so wrapped up in trying to feel normal that I never even tried to make Berlin become my new normal. I was so reclusive the first two weeks, and instead of attempting to make friends and feel at home, I chose to spend my free time talking to people from home and going on solo excursions. And as much as I enjoy the occasional solo excursion, there's just no way I could go 4 months feeling lonely and missing home. And then came France.
The France excursion completely changed my outlook on everything about studying abroad. I had absolutely no alone time (except for my one solo excursion), extraordinarily limited access to the internet, and new exciting things to do every day/night. I found an amazing group of friends, as well as made some really good ones who tend to lie on the periphery of the general group, which is just how I like to have friends. I was essentially forced to fully embrace the awesome-ness that is studying abroad. And I couldn't be happier. Since we came back from France there's hardly been a dull moment (those mostly come when waiting for the train in the middle of the night). I've been having such a blast. Here's just a few of the amazingly fun things I've done this week: Trip to the Film Museum (which has so many fascinating rooms, and is uber modern), going to 12 Apostles and splitting a ginormous pizza (at least 3 feet in diameter), going to the stock market bar (where the prices are based on demand), and going out dancing until 5:30 in the morning. It's truly been one of the most amazing weeks.
This wasn't our pizza... but it's exactly what it looked like. So good
However, having this much fun means that I don't have the time I had before to keep up with people. Hence the sudden drop in my blog posts. It's proves challenging for me now to prioritize my time. Currently, Berlin and my friends here are my top priority, which means my friends back home are falling to the wayside. And this isn't because I don't love them, or want to talk to them, it's just that I'm trying to have the best time I can here, and I don't want anything holding me back. I know people back home will understand this (hopefully), but I feel bad because my first few weeks here I was making such an effort, and now I'm making almost none whatsoever. I just don't want anybody taking it too personally. From now on, most updates about my life will be coming on the blog (unless you're my parents, in which case you get your own emails :) ). So don't take it personally if you don't hear from me for a while, I still love you, I'm just busy falling in love with Berlin.
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