es regnet

This Saturday I said goodbye to my parents. I woke up at 05:30 to prepare for the journey to Tegel airport (which thankfully was by taxi - or else it would have been a long journey by train and then by bus). I videoed my parents going through security, and I almost cried a bit when my mom turned away to wave at me one final time before she left.

I didn't really expect to be super emotional about them leaving; I have been away from them before with university, but this is obviously a different experience. I'm in a different country, time zone, and life. I never imagined how difficult it would be to stay in contact with my friends and family in the US simply because we are six hours apart. This seemingly innocent time difference changes things entirely because you are on a completely different schedule - I'm eating lunch or walking around my neighborhood when my parents are waking up or I'm going to bed as my friend is eating lunch. Somehow the six hour timing makes all the difference and creates this sense that you have been removed from that previous environment.

Nonetheless, I am quite happy now. I moved into my September apartment which has been absolutely lovely. My host mom and her son have been extremely welcoming and willing to help me practice my German. Although I've been here for only a few days, I already feel at home here and want to explore this new area. I'm also extremely fortunate because both areas I currently and soon will live in are more residential and quieter. This is because they are slightly more removed from the city center, which I find perfect because I can actually count on getting a good nights sleep here.

My best friend from home has made moving in an exciting process because she gifted me with a set of "open when..." letters. Recently, I opened the settling in one which surprised me with these cute pictures.

In Deutschland the friends I have made here have also been extremely wonderful - those who are willing to share a vegan cake with me are the real MVPs! I've been able to relate to other Fulbrighters on their researching experience and graduate life, which has allowed me to reflect upon my goals upon returning to the US. The absolute true MVPs go to church with me even when it lasts for 2 1/2 hours...(personally that was a bit much for me being only one service without Sunday or Bible School).

This week will be an exploration week and also time to prepare for my adventure to orientation in Marburg. I will also begin preparing my materials to present to my host professor, so I can begin my research with him! I'm incredibly excited to embark on this journey and live as a Berliner and researcher in this beautiful city.

danke schön for reading - tschüss :)