Tuesday I got to go with Frau Tafel to a presentation at this really cool museum that included some of the movers and shakers in the Berlin art world as well as one of the artists we support. The artist in question, Sophia, is really talented and making a name for herself here in Berlin. The meeting was all in German, but it focused on what artists want and need in Berlin, the problems they run into, why they come to Berlin, etc etc. The study they did was really informative and afterwards they opened the floor to Q&A. That got a little heated since a lot of people arguged that people didn't appreciate the work artists did and that there should be more opportunities for them to focus on their art since it's so difficult making a living as an artist. That's where I started getting a bit lost...but otherwise I pretty much understood.
After the meeting there were some free sandwiches (love that) that were quickly demolished by the piranha-like crowd that descended upon them. I got one, but Frau Tafel and I decided to go out for some Italian. Nom nom. Then back to the office for a bit, and then I headed out to meet Nate and his brother. Tuesday was also the Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year. In Paris they have this thing called Fête de la Musique where they play music in the streets since it's light for so long. Well, Berlin has stolen the idea, so Nate and I decided to meet our fellow IUSPer Chelsea and check it out. Peter was also going with his friends and since he's a local (more or less) I asked if we could meet up with them since they'd know where to go. We weren't disappointed! They led us to Mauer Park and we saw some awesome bands and hung out in the grass. He was with Martin and Susi. I met Martin two years ago, but I didn't know Susi so we had a good time talking (auf deutsch, even!). She's currently staying in Robert's room (where I was when I first came to Berlin) so we had a good time laughing about the clutter. Not to say that Robert is a cluttery person per se, but he was kind of in a rush when he left for China, so there is stuff everywhere. And really, I'm one to talk. You should see my room currently. Actually, you shouldn't. :P
Mauer Park wrapped up around ten but that seemed way too early to go home. So we explored Kreuzberg a bit, listening to the bands in the streets or in cafes. We tried to get some beer but there were so many people out that every tabac was running out-they weren't even letting you inside anymore! Peter tried ordering us some and the guy was like, this is all we have left and hands us this sketchy looking bottle that just says "Bier". Apparently it's the cheapest brand ever because they spend no money on ads or anything but it wasn't that bad. But we still all wanted a picture holding it since it just looked so funny.
There was music everywhere. We ended up at this amazing falafel place and just sat there for a while. It was really cool that my Besançon friend could meet my Marburg friends :) Comin full circle. Plus, he taught us a lot of useful German things. We sat there so long that at midnight we got to sing happy birthday to Peter! It was funny since all the other tables started joining in too :) Yay! Happy birthday, Peter!
From there I had to go home since I had to work the next morning, so I caught the S-Bahn back to C-burg and called it a night.
Wednesday was full of boring office tasks at work, but after I got off it was time to head to Peter's for his birthday party! He was going to grill and have some people over. I swung by the store to pick up a few things and then headed to his place. Well, I also learned that when germans have parties they tend to show up late. Good thing to know, maybe? But it wasn't that bad, I mean I lived at the flat for like a week and a half so it felt kinda normal. Peter had also invited Nate and Jacob to come along too if they wanted, so we hung out with Peter and Maria in the kitchen and I made a fruit salad. Cute :)
After a while everyone got there-I knew a lot of them already thanks to my Christmas in Perleberg but I met some cool new people too. We had brauts and steaks and salad and bread and beer-it felt very German hehe. Jenny made an amazing buttermilk cake. i've never had it before but it was great. i want that recipe...
after dinner we hung out and played guitar. it was nice :) Peter showed me his yearbook...it's funny how people look the same...all in all it was a nice party and I was so glad I got to celebrate it with him! The last few years I've met so many awesome people who I (sadly) don't get to see as often as I'd like to, so when I get to I try to really enjoy every moment.
Today was back to work, as usual. I had quite a bit of work to do, but at 3 Frau Tafel took me along with her to this meeting of the Friends of the UdK as they got a free guided tour of the Berlin Art Museum. That was really cool! They had an exhibit of Art in Berlin 1880-1980 (so cool) and then a separate exhibit for Rainer Fetting, a Berlin artist who's been really active for years. That was also really cool. After the tour we had a drink in the cafe. My brain was a little bit tired from 2 hours of straight up German, but I did my best to pay attention and try to talk. everyone was really nice though and very interested in why an American would choose to do an internship in Berlin. I wanted to be like, it's Berlin! Why wouldn't you want to be there?
At like 6:30 we finally left (I was really hungry). Tafel gave me a ride to the S-Bahn station, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and then raced home to call the fam since they're in Texas for Jud's graduation from Basic!! I was so sad I couldn't be there as well. I would love to give him a hug and see him. It's been way too long. We haven't talked on the phone in over a month! The first thing he said is "Where in the world are you, exactly??" Haha GI Jud and Shannon SanDiego. He's going straight to training from here which makes me sad, but hopefully I'll get to visit him when I'm home. I miss my lil bro. And now I can finally talk to him on a regular basis!
Anyway, now you're all caught up! Lots of love from Berlin <3
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