London certainly didn’t fail me today… it rained just about the entire time I was out before my flight to Berlin. After I ate my free breakfast in the hostel, which really only consisted of cereal and toast, I packed up all my stuff to leave in the luggage room and was on my way to, what I thought would be, Kensington Gardens. As I made my way on the Tube, which I wish I could boast I’ve become a pro at using, I saw that just a couple stops past where the stations for the gardens was the stop for Notting Hill. Due to my (almost) shameful love for Julia Roberts films, I decided to go there. I legitimized this past just wanting to see the area because of the movie by telling myself I haven’t been in that area anyways.
When finally arriving at the station I noticed the fact that there was a crowd of people shuffling about, and realized that I was probably going toward the same place they were. That place would be Portobello Market. Apparently world famous, so world famous I had never heard of it? The station at Notting Hill had exits toward Notting Hill Gate North and South... but I never found actual gates, sadly. I thought they would be rather picturesque.
As I followed the crowds I found myself walking along an EXTREMELY busy market, because not only is it world famous but it was also Saturday morning - shopping prime time. There were all different kinds of shopping: retail shops, antique markets, outdoor fresh flower and fruit vendors, food booths, and just about everything you could think of.
Walking along, the smell of tobacco was everywhere and old Beatle's records were playing through speakers for the whole block to hear. At one point, I heard a vendor who was selling jewelry say, "Last time I lied to a woman, it cost me a lot of money, so I'm not lying to you." I bought a strawberry with cream crepe at a vendor who made it in about 2 minutes right in front of me for 3.50 GBP, it was scrumptious. Honestly, it was exactly what I needed for the amount of time that Ineeded to kill... There were people from all over the world there to shop and barter, so although I wasn't really shopping myself (though I did find one treasure - see pictures), it was great to just walk and people watch.
After finding my way to a metro station, hopping on a train, thinking I had the system down, I panicked thinking I got on the wrong train. Turns out I didn't. Smooth. So, as I said before, I wish I could boast that I'm a pro at the metro thing, but I am most definitely not. Eventually I got back to my hostel, packed my things, hung out for a few, and made my way to London Heathrow once again. This time I only rode the metro to Paddington Station, therefore only having to by a day metro pass for zones 1 and 2 rather than zones 1-6 (a $5.00 difference), which I very quickly compensated for by buying a Heathrow Express train ticket (18 GBP). Having only a 15 min ride on a nice train with shelves for luggage and comfortable seats, compared to trying to juggle my (approx.) 100lb of luggage on a hot metro train for almost an hour was well worth the money. As usual, I have my oldest brother to thank for the advice.
My disdain for airlines and their money sucking ways was only heightened when I got to the desk for BMI and had to pay 11GBP for ever extra kilo of luggage I had past the set limit of 20kg for checked luggage. I managed to figure my luggage so I only had to pay for 7 kilos instead of 12. I will not make the mistake of checking two bags on the way back. For. Sure. My flight was slightly delayed, but a nice quick one that still arrived on time... German customs was quick and easy. The customs officer did not say one word to me, but thankfully stamped away in my lovely passport. I have an affinity for stamps in my passport.
Once I juggled my luggage once again, I quickly realized how dead Berlin Tegel was. Which, kind of reminded me of how difficult itwas when Matt and I flew into TXL in 2004. The buses are not easy to find and there were no currency exchange counters open. I understand that it was about 9:00 pm, but JFK and LHR definitely had all of their offices open that late... people are still flying out! Anyways, I got money out of the ATM and had decided prior to even arriving to Berlin, based on how tired I was, that I would take a taxi to my dorm instead of try and navigate two or three different busses. I thought it would be dark, but it doesn't get dark here until closer to 10:00 pm. The cab, again, was well worth the money.
The Schlactensee Student Village is easy to navigate, and I got the my key from the drop box (since I arrived after hours) finding out I was thankfully in house number one. A couple guys were at the door to greet me and help me move my luggage to my room which is happily on the first floor. They essentially told me to drop my stuff and run to the supermarket because it was going to close in a half hour and nothing is open on Sundays, so I did. My grocery list consisted of: chips, bananas, water without gas, bread, peanut butter, Special K cereal, milk, strawberry jam, plastic baggies and most importantly 1.5 liters of Mezzo Mix Zero. My FAVORITE German drink (besides their beer). My groceries cost under 15 euros, which isn't too bad for all the essentials!
I came back and unpacked all my things, which I promised myself I'd do before anything else. I also spent some time getting to know everyone who's staying in my building... mostly all Americans, some from Canada, but everyone is in the same program as I, so that's nice. About 8 girls share one bathroom in our hall with 3 showers... my room is all to myself, though, about very comparable to a Tower C room (woo woo Pitt!) The two floors share one kitchen with a couple fridges, dishes and pots and pans we can use, etc., a big dining room table in its own little space, and a lounge with couches, a table, a tv, and lots of places to sit. Perfect. The student village has its own computer lab, club/bar, laundry (I think), and tons of dorm facilities. It's essentially the college campus without the actual class room buildings. Another frustration of the night is the wireless, which now obviously works, but wasn't last night... I made sure the maintenance men who were working on it today knew the troubles we were having.
Anyways, it's cozy here. I need to go buy some tape so that I can hang the posters I brought in my room, and then I can post pictures for everyone to see! Everyone is friendly an anxious to start and I am, too. I'm beginning to realize I'm in the minority for the amount of people who are conversational in German here... interesting. It's chilly and kind of rainy, so I'm hoping that'll change. Also, I feel it's important to point out that I am staying no where near the center of the city. I'm probably 10 miles out of the middle of Berlin. This was probably the biggest shock for me. I have yet to go into the city...
As for anyone who hasn't lost interest, sorry this is so lengthy, but I think that's all I have. Stay tuned for more!
Pictures:
1. Lyons' Tea: This is my one purchase. It's perfect for so many reasons! a. It's Lyons, duh. b. That family drinks tea like it's their one job in life.
2. Picking the perfect flowers: This older man is a vendor and Portobello Market. Probably has been for forever. He was selecting a flower pack for one of his customers.
3. Sewing machines: For Grandma Oakes. There was a pretty fashionable store with walls decorated with hundreds of old Singer sewing machines!
4. The crowds at Portobello Market.
5. Beautiful houses at Notthing Hill.
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