I am in Berlin now, with Savannah, Hersh and Sierra. It is so nice to see Savannah and hear how much she is loving her summer in Berlin. What a life--20 years old and doing a degree in Europe! It is clearly shaping her in a way she would not be if at home (eg --as you know-- democracy and American style values are not seen as the be all/end all here and leisure/socializing is deeply valued. She says that every day Berlin surprises her in some way she wasn't expecting--a sculpture here, an interesting club there, etc.
We are in this lovely 6 room flat where every inch of space has been tastefully used. The flat borders a park I think that you would love--Savannah and I ran in it yesterday--past large beautiful, fenced off allotment gardens (some with small cabins so people can come and stay in their garden for a weekend), on one side and forest on the other. At the end of the park is this massive Russian monument to their dead soldiers--rather powerful with grave like sections and large towers, pillars and sculptures.
2 nights ago Sierra and I hardly slept--some sort of loud electronica festival was on, complete with all night long pounding sounds and beats resonating into the flat from afar. In Paris the same thing happened only it was a jazz party. People just tolerate this...I appreciate Victoria's quiet (and smoking ban--seems like half of Europe smokes). Yesterday we took a regular bus tour (saw the bottom of everything!) and then went to the Jewish Museum--striking architecture designed to evoke emotion containing the entire history of the Jewish people. Well worth it..We then went to listen to part of an outdoor opera, see Berlin Wall artifacts and history, and see the last remaining gate (Roman Pillars and sculpture),
After dinner we sat on our tiny balcony with candles and wine (Hersh and Sav) and tea (me) as the sun went down. As you can gather, we are having a great holiday. And while I always love home exchanges (so that alone makes it fabulous to be in Berlin), I also loved Amsterdam (surprisingly even more than Paris and London!)--friendly english speaking people, smaller city with interesting sites and neighborhoods, bicycle's buzzing around you everywhere, and fabulous bakeries and restaurants. Of course we did arrive in Amsterdam on the heels of their national celebration for their defeated soccer team--800 thousand people in orange shirts came from around Holland to celebrate. Hollanders know how to honor their athletes for sure!
Paris and London were spectacular, if hot, large and busy. I'll save telling you the details so this email isn't too long...apparently in German there are lots of ways to end conversations and written communication in order to be efficient and to the point.
Today we are going on a bike ride (if Savannah wakes up soon), meeting Savannah's host family, walking in Berlin's version of Central Park and going out for an Ethiopian or German-Indian (add extra cream!) dinner...Sounds promising...
We have't decided on Austria or Prague next (Hersh and I differ a little on what we want, as you might recall)..Maybe we will do both...I am going to look up all inclusive spas/tours on the totally unrealistic notion that we could afford that! We could both get behind that...
So, I haven't thought about work at all...except for the news I heard that Maria is retiring! That is big news. I also am not working on the doctorate, except for a little, and I do mean little, enjoyable reading here and there. Gearing up when I am back home will be a feat!
I have done a few short runs in the past couple of weeks and lots of walking. It is too hot for more.
Viele Gruße
Catherine
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