It's really a long time ago since my last notes (not counting the ones few minutes ago :)) so I have to look to my calender but as I usually don't make that many notes there I guess I'll forget to write half of the things that happened.. But anyway, at least I'll try. So here is a kind of list of the most important events from the passed weeks:
There was a UG Festival in CZ the week after the one hear. From the first impressions that reached me I think it was a very succesful one and I'm really happy about that. Especially that the thing with the castle went ok.. Must have been really nice there.. reminds me to the IYC in Blansko... wow... "damals"..
On 28th June the Young Voices organised a public party in In House club in Köpenick. The atmosphere was great, the team worked really well, I learned how to make 3 non-alcoholic cocktails... the only little problem we had was the lack of people coming to the party. 29 is not much :( And we could have earned such a lot of money... Well, but we won't give up, there's already another one planned for autumn!!
On 1st July the International Office organised a guided tour to (in) Reichstag. That was really interesting, cause we got to the parts that turists usually don't go to and our guide was also very nice.
The day after we did the Czech movie night :) I played "Pelíšky" and people seemed to like it. Unfortunately we started too late and since it was Wednesday the S-bahns were running only till half past midnight, so we did not manage to see the whole movie.. pity..
The next day I showed them another one - "Samotáři". But both Max and Marie were so tired that they fell asleep. Funny :)
On Friday 4th we celebrated Gerona's birthday and on Saturday the week after there was Marie's birthday party. Both really nice. After Marie's party we went to the last party here inEichkamp but as usually it was nothing that special. But at least we took some nice group pics. And then some of us went to QDorf and had party till the morning.. the last ones on the stage - me and Max :)
20. 7. 2008
I know, I know, I know
I was actually expecting it from the very beginning.. what? That I won't be able to keep this blog updated due to several reasons (lack of time? hm, I'd say laziness maybe even more). It's exactly like my diary (yap, I admit I did that crazy thing.. I like taking notes about experiences, events, people, feelings..).
I think nobody noticed as nobody reads this but just in case - sorry!!!
I'll try to at least sum up some of the important things that happened here in Berlin during the last weeks and days, maybe write a bit more about some of them later on..
I think nobody noticed as nobody reads this but just in case - sorry!!!
I'll try to at least sum up some of the important things that happened here in Berlin during the last weeks and days, maybe write a bit more about some of them later on..
18. 6. 2008
Maxime's Birthday
On Friday night I "escaped" from the Festival to celebrate Max's birthday at his place. There were a lot of people there and a lot of alcohol as well :) Marie unfortunatelly couldn't join but at least she cooked a wonderful dinner for us including the tiramisu! The Dutch were playing against the French (who eventually lost so it was not the right gift for Max..)... Gerona came back from the Neatherlands around midnight and joined us straight.. Of course we could not celebrate without the Danish drinking games.. to cut the long story short, it was a real party. Pity for me that I had to leave early after midnight to get back to the camp cause as I saw the photos and heard the stories of what was going on afterwards.. I missed something :)But it's always difficult and tricky to connect 2 completely different worlds, like UG and Young Voices with Erasmus students.. impossible. So actually I did not enjoy the party as much as I would do normally even though it was very nice. But somehow the melancholic mood was there in my mind and I just couldn't..
United Games Festival Berlin
Time here in Berlin passes even quicker than back home. The day when I arrived here seems to me like yesterday and suddenly I realised that it's June already.. Crazy. But June, except for a promise of nicer and warmer weather, is also special because of one particular fact - because the UG Festival takes place in June!! And this year made no exception..
So on Sunday 8th, after a trip to visit the East Side Gallery, I went back to my place to pack my things (very clever but still better than visiting the gallery with all my backpacks..) and then went back "to the East", to Jugenddorf Müggelsee, where the Festival took place. I was quite lucky to catch the last conection to the Licht- und Luftbad Müggelsee stop cause otherwise it's a looong way to walk from Rahnsdorf (and full of wild pigs in the evening as we found out later on :)) Most of the Young Voices were already there, preparing all the stuff and the place so that it could all start in a couple of hours..
Well, I will not describe the whole festival here as that would take ages and ages. (Maybe I'll do it later :)) The only thing I want to say now is that I really enjoyed my time there, it was a wonderful experience and I felt great. I have to say that the German Young Voices group is a great team with so many wonderful people.. and that made the Festival so great and special. For me it was also an intensive German course which I liked a lot! Actually I have to admit that I really had difficulties speaking Czech the first few sentences after picking up the Czech delegation in Hauptbahnhof!! Strange.. :)
The program was also very well prepared, with a lot of highlights including the Opening performance, the Body Talk - our common nightmare that went on really really well finally; the European Dinner; the Night walk adveture with wild pigs (no, there weren't any, I think we scared them with our screaming when we were coming back with our "big alternative tour" group :)). Our workshop (Intercultural Communication) was interesting and the Final presentation on Köpenicker Sommer was also wonderful thou there were some mistakes.. But all in all it was an amazing and unforgettable week...
Soccer Maddness
I really have to say that since the soccer EM 2008 started, the life in Berlin (and probably in the whole Germany) has changed. It's gone crazy actually. Everytime when there is a match, streets are empty (except for those where there is a public viewing), you nearly don't meet a car without a flag on it, same with shops and houses. And do not try to go out during the night after a match, especially after German or Turkish one.. Places like ZOO can get very noisy, crazy and also dangerous.
Of course we cannot miss such an important event, so besides keeping our old traditions like museums' Thursday (we're alredy done with the Museums Insel by the way, after seeing the last part of Pergamon and Bodemuseum) we keep watching the soccer matches together, supporting our teams.. Well, actually seems like we're not that good at that, as CZ and FRA are already out.. :(
I really don't want to see Berlin after the match tomorrow (GER - POR), whatever the result will be.. and especially after the TUR - CRO game, that will be hardcore as well I guess..
Of course we cannot miss such an important event, so besides keeping our old traditions like museums' Thursday (we're alredy done with the Museums Insel by the way, after seeing the last part of Pergamon and Bodemuseum) we keep watching the soccer matches together, supporting our teams.. Well, actually seems like we're not that good at that, as CZ and FRA are already out.. :(
I really don't want to see Berlin after the match tomorrow (GER - POR), whatever the result will be.. and especially after the TUR - CRO game, that will be hardcore as well I guess..
ILA Airshow
Saturday the 31st May was a big day for me :) Because there was an international airshow at the Schönefeld airport the whole weekend and when I found out, I said to myself now or never! I have always wanted to visit such a show in the Czech Republic but never managed so now it was a perfect chance and I caught it!And it was definetely wort it. Although it's a long way from my place and although it was such a hot weather and I got sunburnt, although I had to wait nearly one hour in the queue... still the positive experience is much stronger than all those little problems..
The show was just amazing. There were lots of interesting planes, army ones as well as civil ones, old ones and also bright new ones including the Airbus A320, which is, by the way, an amazing plane, so smooth and sooooo incredibly quiet! But the best were of course the fighters and the choppers. I really really enjoyed my time there..
Later in the afternoon Max joined me there, bringing me some spare batteries as my camera (with a new card, juhuuuuu) was on the whole time :) Well, poor camera was too hot so it stopped working.. We stayed until the end and then we went to his place, tired like hell. During the way he kind'a scared me with the sunstroke danger but fortunately I did not get any although I was on the sun the whole day. Uffff ;)
Afterwards, as I said, we had a nice dinner at Max's place and I guess there was a party later on but I was very tired so I went straight to bed :) But it was a wonderful day!
8. 6. 2008
German-Soviet Museum and Bowling
On Friday we had nothing to do so we decided to explore another museum (there are lots of them here and not so much time left..), this time the German-Soviet Museum in Karlshorst. It's a bit far but it's very interesting. It's in the building where the capitulation of Germany was signed after WW2, so you can really feel the history there. Inside there are many different objects such as posters (propaganda etc.), short movies, uniforms, official documents, parts of military equipment and much more, outside there are some tanks and military vehicles. And the museum is for free!
Afterwards some of us went to Max's place to have dinner and then we
went to Osbahnhof to play bowling. It was the first time that I played the real bowling (the one with the holes) and I was quite scared of breaking my fingers (you know me, so there was a hingh chance it can happen although normally it doesn't happen..). So everybody was making fun of me but they challenged me and so I tried.. and finally it is not so difficult. First I quite sucked but I improved slowly. And it was a lot of fun!
Afterwards some of us went to Max's place to have dinner and then we
went to Osbahnhof to play bowling. It was the first time that I played the real bowling (the one with the holes) and I was quite scared of breaking my fingers (you know me, so there was a hingh chance it can happen although normally it doesn't happen..). So everybody was making fun of me but they challenged me and so I tried.. and finally it is not so difficult. First I quite sucked but I improved slowly. And it was a lot of fun!
Wannsee and Bodemuseum
The weather here in Berlin got really nice, so since last week there is a lot of sunshine every day with temperatures around 30 degrees, just great! So what can you do during such sunny days? Go to the beach!!
Yes, you can find nearly everything here, also some real sand beaches. Our favourite one is n Wannsee. So we keep going there quito often. It is not so far from my place, so I am happy. The only prob is walking from S-Nikolassee to Strandbad Wannsee, which is about 15 min but I've heard in the radio that there should be a public bus going soon :)
So we went there last Thursday also, after the morning classes (and before the evening one for some of us). The beach was not very full, which was great (cause during the weekend it's quite full and you have to queue quite long before you get in). The water was not cold at all, the sun was shining... hard life of the exchange students :) We have also built a sand caste (that eventually looked like a nuclear plant a bit.. :)) and all in all we had a lot of fun!
After the class (btw. everybody was looking at us very strange when we entered the classroom.. well, no wonder, coming from the beach, sand still everywhere, a bit red skin from the sun.. :)) we went to the Bodemusem - it was Thursday!! ;) I have to say that this museum is a bit strange, because the collection inside (all kinds of medieval art) is a mixture of religious and secular arts and sometimes the combinations are a bit unusual. But the building itself is veeeeery nice, I have to say that I really fell in love with that one, especially with the purple marble.
No need to say where we went to afterwards, or? ;)
Yes, you can find nearly everything here, also some real sand beaches. Our favourite one is n Wannsee. So we keep going there quito often. It is not so far from my place, so I am happy. The only prob is walking from S-Nikolassee to Strandbad Wannsee, which is about 15 min but I've heard in the radio that there should be a public bus going soon :)
So we went there last Thursday also, after the morning classes (and before the evening one for some of us). The beach was not very full, which was great (cause during the weekend it's quite full and you have to queue quite long before you get in). The water was not cold at all, the sun was shining... hard life of the exchange students :) We have also built a sand caste (that eventually looked like a nuclear plant a bit.. :)) and all in all we had a lot of fun!
After the class (btw. everybody was looking at us very strange when we entered the classroom.. well, no wonder, coming from the beach, sand still everywhere, a bit red skin from the sun.. :)) we went to the Bodemusem - it was Thursday!! ;) I have to say that this museum is a bit strange, because the collection inside (all kinds of medieval art) is a mixture of religious and secular arts and sometimes the combinations are a bit unusual. But the building itself is veeeeery nice, I have to say that I really fell in love with that one, especially with the purple marble.
No need to say where we went to afterwards, or? ;)
5. 6. 2008
Another demanding weekend :)
The weekends in Berlin are always very hard.. the last two ones were no exception. First there was the one with the Erasmus party in Eichkamp. We decided to meet earlier, this time in my place, to have a dinner together. It was a challenge for me to cook for the others, so I asked Max to cook pasta in case my "bramboráky" would be not suitable for eating :) And I made a cake (yes, you have no hallucinations, I really baked a cake!!), which was very appreciated by the others :) And actually also the "bramboráky" were finally not bad at all. I liked them ;) And most of the others did as well. Only Marieke will probably not have the best memories connected to them :) :) :)
So after the pre-party in our small kitchen (coping to fit with 7 people in here) we went to the "real" party to the club-house here in Eichkamp. It was around midnight, there was nearly nobody and the music was not the best, but in spite of all that Marie decided she will start the party and she managed. Well, when she starts to dance, everybody just does. She's crazy but sooooo cute :)
I did not stay that long cause on Saturday I had to get up relatively early to go to the self-managemet class..
Yes, no kidding, we had a class on Saturday!! They call it a make-up class here (Ersatztermin auf Deutsch). I think in CZ we would burn the cars or something if we would be ordered to go to school during the weekend. But here it is pretty common. Germany is a crazy country, definetely..
Later in the evening I went to Tiergarten to Marta's place where she was celebrating her birthday. The party was in Hawaiian style so it was veeery veeery nice.
Sunday was more or less just a relaxing day. I went to FEZ to the Animation workshop for YV (quite interesting and useful!) and then to Marieke's place to a little bbq (aslo veeeeery popular here). We played table-tennis for a while then and then we went "home" to get ready for another "study" week ;)
So after the pre-party in our small kitchen (coping to fit with 7 people in here) we went to the "real" party to the club-house here in Eichkamp. It was around midnight, there was nearly nobody and the music was not the best, but in spite of all that Marie decided she will start the party and she managed. Well, when she starts to dance, everybody just does. She's crazy but sooooo cute :)
I did not stay that long cause on Saturday I had to get up relatively early to go to the self-managemet class..
Yes, no kidding, we had a class on Saturday!! They call it a make-up class here (Ersatztermin auf Deutsch). I think in CZ we would burn the cars or something if we would be ordered to go to school during the weekend. But here it is pretty common. Germany is a crazy country, definetely..
Later in the evening I went to Tiergarten to Marta's place where she was celebrating her birthday. The party was in Hawaiian style so it was veeery veeery nice.
Sunday was more or less just a relaxing day. I went to FEZ to the Animation workshop for YV (quite interesting and useful!) and then to Marieke's place to a little bbq (aslo veeeeery popular here). We played table-tennis for a while then and then we went "home" to get ready for another "study" week ;)
Alte Nationalgalerie
Not to break our tradition we, of course, went to Museums Insel also on the 22nd May, this time to the Alte Nationalgalerie. Although we were a bit affraid that paintings will be boring, in fact it was the total opposite. And for the first time we were forced to leave the museum 'cause it was nearly ten and they wanted to close.. Apart from some famous paintings from Picasso, Monet and Manet (and many others) we were particularly interested in Marée, who was most probably a very sick guy. But his playboy painting is not that bad :)
The building itself was also very nice. It was definetely worth to go there.
And think I don't have to say where we went afterwards.. just not to break our traditions ;)
The building itself was also very nice. It was definetely worth to go there.
And think I don't have to say where we went afterwards.. just not to break our traditions ;)
24. 5. 2008
Stasi Prison
On Tuesday the International Office organised a visit of the former Stasi Prison here in Berlin (actually in the very far far east). So we went there with a group of cca 15 people, to have a look and get to know how it was like there.
And it must have definetely been tough. I was a bit shocked by some of the facts we were told by the guide. The cells in the basement were really bad, especially the multi-cells where you could not sit or lie down during the day. Or the standing cell, crazy. And the various ways of torture, oh my God.
The system of functioning of the prison was nearly perfect. From transports of the prisoners (in "Obst und Gemüse" vans) to "traffic lights" in the corridors or the electric security system. Incredible.
After finding out all the details we were and are really glad that we can live in democracy and don't have to be affraid of being put into prison just for drawing a smile to Breznev's picture with a lipstick..
And it must have definetely been tough. I was a bit shocked by some of the facts we were told by the guide. The cells in the basement were really bad, especially the multi-cells where you could not sit or lie down during the day. Or the standing cell, crazy. And the various ways of torture, oh my God.
The system of functioning of the prison was nearly perfect. From transports of the prisoners (in "Obst und Gemüse" vans) to "traffic lights" in the corridors or the electric security system. Incredible.
After finding out all the details we were and are really glad that we can live in democracy and don't have to be affraid of being put into prison just for drawing a smile to Breznev's picture with a lipstick..
"Routine"
Life goes on quite well here in Berlin. Actually I have to say that I don't feel like in Berlin any more. It's more a feeling of beeing somewhere with a group of crazy but great people, enjoying the life.
We have our little rituals, our traditions that we keep, and I really like it!
So a "routine", an ordinary week is something like the last one - classes, fun in them (mostly in Regional Studies with our "drug addicted" José), interesting discussions (like in Mrs. Gail's and Mr. Kassman's classes). Museum visit on Thursday (last week we went to see the Islamic part of the Pergamon Museum, this week the Alte Nationalgalerie) including the cocktails afterwards (in our favourite bar near Museums Insel). And some party and action during the weekend of course. Like last week, when we had a nice evening on Friday at Heidi's place (checking her new bigger room :)) and Sunday table tennis at Marieke's place.. this is the way how I would love to have a life..
Concerning that Friday I have to add something. As I went to the YV meeting (more than 3 hours!! that was a crazy one...), I was joining the others at Heidi's place a bit later. When I came to the room, a strange thing was going on. All the others were sitting around a round table, concentrating a lot, in total silence, just doing some strange movements with their hands. Ups, I thought, have I missed something important? Have they joined a cult or what? Fortunately I was explained immediately what's that all about - it was another, this time a Dutch, drinking game. Very nice one. I think especially Hector must have had liked it a lot, as he had to drank a lot!
Later on some of the people went to Matrix but I went to bed as I had to prepare my PPT for José's class. But on Sunday we have seen shown some pics and videos from that night and it was very wild! :)
We have our little rituals, our traditions that we keep, and I really like it!
So a "routine", an ordinary week is something like the last one - classes, fun in them (mostly in Regional Studies with our "drug addicted" José), interesting discussions (like in Mrs. Gail's and Mr. Kassman's classes). Museum visit on Thursday (last week we went to see the Islamic part of the Pergamon Museum, this week the Alte Nationalgalerie) including the cocktails afterwards (in our favourite bar near Museums Insel). And some party and action during the weekend of course. Like last week, when we had a nice evening on Friday at Heidi's place (checking her new bigger room :)) and Sunday table tennis at Marieke's place.. this is the way how I would love to have a life..
Concerning that Friday I have to add something. As I went to the YV meeting (more than 3 hours!! that was a crazy one...), I was joining the others at Heidi's place a bit later. When I came to the room, a strange thing was going on. All the others were sitting around a round table, concentrating a lot, in total silence, just doing some strange movements with their hands. Ups, I thought, have I missed something important? Have they joined a cult or what? Fortunately I was explained immediately what's that all about - it was another, this time a Dutch, drinking game. Very nice one. I think especially Hector must have had liked it a lot, as he had to drank a lot!
Later on some of the people went to Matrix but I went to bed as I had to prepare my PPT for José's class. But on Sunday we have seen shown some pics and videos from that night and it was very wild! :)
15. 5. 2008
Beach party by Müggelsee
On Tuesday we still had the Pfingstenferien so a few German girls, friends of Yuki, decided to organise a beach party at the beach by the Kleiner Müggelsee. So our more or less usual group went there of course!
After a little difficuties of finding the right bus we got to the final stop and went looking for the beach. It was not so easy but as we are all very clever, we finally managed. The beach was very nice, with yellow sand. The lake seemed nice as well, only a few dead fish were "floating" around. The water was a bit too cold for me but some of the crazy people even went swimming. I was ok up to my knees :)
Later on some more exchange students came and the girls also brought 2 grills so we could grill our meet, sausages etc. So we had a really nice, relaxing time. The only disadvantage of that was the location as it took us around 2 hours to get there (far far east). So next time we'll go for Wannsee :)
After a little difficuties of finding the right bus we got to the final stop and went looking for the beach. It was not so easy but as we are all very clever, we finally managed. The beach was very nice, with yellow sand. The lake seemed nice as well, only a few dead fish were "floating" around. The water was a bit too cold for me but some of the crazy people even went swimming. I was ok up to my knees :)
Later on some more exchange students came and the girls also brought 2 grills so we could grill our meet, sausages etc. So we had a really nice, relaxing time. The only disadvantage of that was the location as it took us around 2 hours to get there (far far east). So next time we'll go for Wannsee :)
Karneval der Kulturen
The last weekend in Berlin was not only the "Pfingstenwochenende" but also a very special time because the "Karneval der Kulturen" took place in Kreuzberg, one of the famous carnevals in Berlin, with a parade and street stages and Strassenfest..
So of course we could not miss it! We went to see the Strassenfest (that took place around Hallensches Tor) on Saturday evening with Danka and Imans. We actually planned to go to a concert of some latino-rock but we came too late. Pity. But at least we walked around the place, looking at the different cultures presenting themselves in different ways, we ate a Hungarian langos, I bought a magical stone for 1 euro (but it lookes very nice :)).. It has its atmosphere.
On Sunday we went to Hermannplatz short after the noon as the parade was supposed to start there around 12.30. And it actually did. We were standing there (at the sun so I got a biiiiit sunburnt) along the street and all the groups passed by, in various costumes, masks, playing strange instruments, on decorated trucks, dancing, doing capoeira or whatever. It was very loud, very crowded, very colourful and very hot.. and a very nice experience, though tough at the same time. It was 101 groups all together!!
I was with Imans and his Polish friend Mariuz first, then they went home so I managed to find Maxim and his girlfriend and later Marie and her family, with whom I stayed till the last group passed by and then went back to my dorm, quite exhausted. But it was very very nice.
So of course we could not miss it! We went to see the Strassenfest (that took place around Hallensches Tor) on Saturday evening with Danka and Imans. We actually planned to go to a concert of some latino-rock but we came too late. Pity. But at least we walked around the place, looking at the different cultures presenting themselves in different ways, we ate a Hungarian langos, I bought a magical stone for 1 euro (but it lookes very nice :)).. It has its atmosphere.
On Sunday we went to Hermannplatz short after the noon as the parade was supposed to start there around 12.30. And it actually did. We were standing there (at the sun so I got a biiiiit sunburnt) along the street and all the groups passed by, in various costumes, masks, playing strange instruments, on decorated trucks, dancing, doing capoeira or whatever. It was very loud, very crowded, very colourful and very hot.. and a very nice experience, though tough at the same time. It was 101 groups all together!!
I was with Imans and his Polish friend Mariuz first, then they went home so I managed to find Maxim and his girlfriend and later Marie and her family, with whom I stayed till the last group passed by and then went back to my dorm, quite exhausted. But it was very very nice.
International Day
On Thursday 8th May there was an event called "International Day" at the FHW, organised by the Intrenational Office, whose aim was to promote exchange programs for students and to present the partner universities. All the exchange students were asked to prepare something about their home countries and universities including national food and drinks etc. (a little bit like the Project Europe of UG). It took place in the entrance hall of the FHW, where there were some stalls (stands), each of them dedicated to some country (or sometimes to 2).
In fact thanks to this event I found out that actually I am not the only Czech studying here at the FHW, I met Martina, who has been here already since last semester, on her own (not Erasmus). Together we prepared our presentation. Well, we did not have to do much as I was at home the weekend before, so I could bring a lot of typical Czech biscuits, sweets, Kofola, syrečky (the smelly but delicious cheese from our region) and bonbons and similar things. We also baked the "perník" (gingerbread cake), I prepared the garlic spread. We had some brochures that VŠE sent us and also a PC presentation about our country (thanks to aazaa films :))... and my big 1 euro flag from Heidelberg.. so we did a good job!
The afternoon itself was nice, just a bit boring. Honestly I was expecting more people to come and ask. But mostly people just came to eat something and later on it was just us, the international students, who were there. Seems like the Germans are not so interested in getting information from us. Whatever. We did our best to present ourselves and to enjoy it and that's the most important thing..
In fact thanks to this event I found out that actually I am not the only Czech studying here at the FHW, I met Martina, who has been here already since last semester, on her own (not Erasmus). Together we prepared our presentation. Well, we did not have to do much as I was at home the weekend before, so I could bring a lot of typical Czech biscuits, sweets, Kofola, syrečky (the smelly but delicious cheese from our region) and bonbons and similar things. We also baked the "perník" (gingerbread cake), I prepared the garlic spread. We had some brochures that VŠE sent us and also a PC presentation about our country (thanks to aazaa films :))... and my big 1 euro flag from Heidelberg.. so we did a good job!
The afternoon itself was nice, just a bit boring. Honestly I was expecting more people to come and ask. But mostly people just came to eat something and later on it was just us, the international students, who were there. Seems like the Germans are not so interested in getting information from us. Whatever. We did our best to present ourselves and to enjoy it and that's the most important thing..
12. 5. 2008
Pavlínka's wedding
The first days of May I spend in the Czech Republic. At first I planned not to go back to CZ at all but then Pavlinka told me that great news that she's gonna get married so of course I changed my plans (moreover it was a good possibility for chaning winter clothes for summer ones :))
So on Wednesday right after my classes I packed my things and went to ZOB to take the night bus, starting the journey at midnight. Everything went quite ok (except for the fact that I could not sleep that much) so we arrived to Prague around 5 am. Then I went to the train station to take the train to Olomouc (and in that one I slept quite well). From Olomouc I took the bus home, arriving around 10.15. I spent some time at home (fullfilling my basic needs like shower, lunch and getting dressed for the wedding) and then my parents took me to Prostejov from where I took a train to Blansko, arriving there around 3.15pm.. veeery fresh :) I met the "German" delegation on my way to the restaurant - Angela, Jürgen, Hagen and Adri with Gerardo.. nice..
After some time also the "Litomyšl" car arrived with Pavel and Peťa Kmošková, so our camp group was complete :) We went to the caves by and eco-train, a ticket to get on board was a shot of slivovice.. (and of course the conductors came during the way and wanted to "czech" the tickets... again.. and again..). But it was a good preparation cause there were som 6 degrees inside the caves. In front of the caves we met Karina, Terka and Iris and also Ola. And finally we saw Pavlinka. Wow, she was amazingly beautiful! No words can describe her, really pretty.
We went to the abbys on the boats, through the caves. It was really romantic, the whole ceremony and everything. The ceremony itself took not so much time, in opposite. But it was very nice. Due to the technical problems we even had to "sing" the wedding song :) But it was a great atmosphere, not only during the ceremony but also (mainly) during the celebration.
After the ceremony we went back to the restaurant (with the same "tickets" procedure) where we had dinner and then the party. There was a band playing (a bit odd) music and we also had a karaoke. Mr. Ducháček managed to knockout a lot of the people with his powerful slovovice shots and Pavlinka's grandma was the best dancer of the night (they even needed to force her to go home :)), the Spanish were the loudest (as usual), some unforgettable frases appeared ("I know your face", viva los mosquitos" etc..). The party went on till nearly 5 am and if we wouldn't give up, it would have gone on in a nonstop or wherewer..
Morning was also funny as we found out after arriving to the hostel (around 5 am) that there is nobody at the reception and we don't have keys.. We tried to contact some of those inside but there was no response. So finally we called Iris, who fortunatelly had her cell phone on and responded, and moreover provided us with some warm space to sleep. Thanks!! We will never forget that ;)
To see some pics just click here.
So on Wednesday right after my classes I packed my things and went to ZOB to take the night bus, starting the journey at midnight. Everything went quite ok (except for the fact that I could not sleep that much) so we arrived to Prague around 5 am. Then I went to the train station to take the train to Olomouc (and in that one I slept quite well). From Olomouc I took the bus home, arriving around 10.15. I spent some time at home (fullfilling my basic needs like shower, lunch and getting dressed for the wedding) and then my parents took me to Prostejov from where I took a train to Blansko, arriving there around 3.15pm.. veeery fresh :) I met the "German" delegation on my way to the restaurant - Angela, Jürgen, Hagen and Adri with Gerardo.. nice..
After some time also the "Litomyšl" car arrived with Pavel and Peťa Kmošková, so our camp group was complete :) We went to the caves by and eco-train, a ticket to get on board was a shot of slivovice.. (and of course the conductors came during the way and wanted to "czech" the tickets... again.. and again..). But it was a good preparation cause there were som 6 degrees inside the caves. In front of the caves we met Karina, Terka and Iris and also Ola. And finally we saw Pavlinka. Wow, she was amazingly beautiful! No words can describe her, really pretty.
We went to the abbys on the boats, through the caves. It was really romantic, the whole ceremony and everything. The ceremony itself took not so much time, in opposite. But it was very nice. Due to the technical problems we even had to "sing" the wedding song :) But it was a great atmosphere, not only during the ceremony but also (mainly) during the celebration.
After the ceremony we went back to the restaurant (with the same "tickets" procedure) where we had dinner and then the party. There was a band playing (a bit odd) music and we also had a karaoke. Mr. Ducháček managed to knockout a lot of the people with his powerful slovovice shots and Pavlinka's grandma was the best dancer of the night (they even needed to force her to go home :)), the Spanish were the loudest (as usual), some unforgettable frases appeared ("I know your face", viva los mosquitos" etc..). The party went on till nearly 5 am and if we wouldn't give up, it would have gone on in a nonstop or wherewer..
Morning was also funny as we found out after arriving to the hostel (around 5 am) that there is nobody at the reception and we don't have keys.. We tried to contact some of those inside but there was no response. So finally we called Iris, who fortunatelly had her cell phone on and responded, and moreover provided us with some warm space to sleep. Thanks!! We will never forget that ;)
To see some pics just click here.
9. 5. 2008
The Destroying Weekend
In a park near to FHW the plans for the last weekend of March were fixed and supported by a deal: me and Mary will experience the Destroying Weekend and even if nobody follows, we have to stick to our schedule.. and a deal is a deal :)
It all began on Friday when we met near Maxim's place to have a dinner together. Mary was cooking her special French-Italian dish, yummy yummy. Maxim's living room is big enough for a lot of people, so it was nice. Afterwards we all went to a club near Platz der Luftbrücke, to the FHW-party, with Marie's bike and some beers:) The club was not so crowded but it was very hot inside, no air-conditioning. The music was so-so, sometimes good, later not so. But we had fun anyway. Paradoxically the last ones to leave were the "sick" ones - Heidi and Yuki. Seemed like mixing pills and alcohol makes you veeery fresh (which was proven wrong the next day when Yuki, not responding to Maxim's message, was nearly declared to be dead:).
On Saturday afternoon we planned to go to the Baumblütenfest, which is a big Volksfest, similar to Oktoberfest in Munic but with Obstwein. It takes place near Potsdam (Werder-Havel) every spring. After some problems by meeting each other (Marie's phone at Maxim's place etc.) and calming down Marie (being angry about Maxim :)) we finally got on the train and went (with hundreds of other people) to that place, discovering the secrets of German regional trains (nice music inside :)) It was just as Sebastian and Tana (from the International Office) said during the meeting - you don't need to know the way, just follow the crowd! The big one.. so we did and we came to the fest. It is actually a small town, very calm normally I assume. Just for this 10 days a year it changes to a crowdy loud meeting place of every wine fan, and it's nice. The people there know how to take advantage of that event, so you see their gardens opened and family members selling home made wine, cakes, sausages and whatever. You can just eter their garden, lie down to the sun, drink wine and relax. Wonderful.
There is also a funfair with some funny roundabouts, so of yourse we tried some of those as well, it was great :) In different parts of the town you can also find stages where bands play various kinds of music and you can dance. Later we met Chris and some other exchange students, so we went dancing together and enjoyed it a lot :)
The only thing we disliked was the journey back as the train was totally crowded and some of the people were really drunk athough it was not so late. But fortunately we survived.
Afterwards we decided to go to Marie's place to have a dinner and then we wanted to go to the "ekectro-party" Basti proposed the other day. But (un)fortunately we could not find the club on the net and as we didn't know where it was, we decided not to go. We stayed and watched the German TV :) It's kind'a strange to see an American movie with German dubbing..
On Sunday we went together to the Treptower Park, to have a little picnic. Hector offered to bring some Mexican food, so we agreed.. another intercultural (eating) experience :) It was nice. We had some beers and wine, were just relaxing, lying in the sun.. Later we went to an island that is in the park, there was a concert for free (well, I wouldn't pay for that one). Actually we just continued in relaxing.. We agreed that having a picnic on Sunday could become a tradition as well, cause it was very nice and pleasant..
It all began on Friday when we met near Maxim's place to have a dinner together. Mary was cooking her special French-Italian dish, yummy yummy. Maxim's living room is big enough for a lot of people, so it was nice. Afterwards we all went to a club near Platz der Luftbrücke, to the FHW-party, with Marie's bike and some beers:) The club was not so crowded but it was very hot inside, no air-conditioning. The music was so-so, sometimes good, later not so. But we had fun anyway. Paradoxically the last ones to leave were the "sick" ones - Heidi and Yuki. Seemed like mixing pills and alcohol makes you veeery fresh (which was proven wrong the next day when Yuki, not responding to Maxim's message, was nearly declared to be dead:).
On Saturday afternoon we planned to go to the Baumblütenfest, which is a big Volksfest, similar to Oktoberfest in Munic but with Obstwein. It takes place near Potsdam (Werder-Havel) every spring. After some problems by meeting each other (Marie's phone at Maxim's place etc.) and calming down Marie (being angry about Maxim :)) we finally got on the train and went (with hundreds of other people) to that place, discovering the secrets of German regional trains (nice music inside :)) It was just as Sebastian and Tana (from the International Office) said during the meeting - you don't need to know the way, just follow the crowd! The big one.. so we did and we came to the fest. It is actually a small town, very calm normally I assume. Just for this 10 days a year it changes to a crowdy loud meeting place of every wine fan, and it's nice. The people there know how to take advantage of that event, so you see their gardens opened and family members selling home made wine, cakes, sausages and whatever. You can just eter their garden, lie down to the sun, drink wine and relax. Wonderful.
There is also a funfair with some funny roundabouts, so of yourse we tried some of those as well, it was great :) In different parts of the town you can also find stages where bands play various kinds of music and you can dance. Later we met Chris and some other exchange students, so we went dancing together and enjoyed it a lot :)
The only thing we disliked was the journey back as the train was totally crowded and some of the people were really drunk athough it was not so late. But fortunately we survived.
Afterwards we decided to go to Marie's place to have a dinner and then we wanted to go to the "ekectro-party" Basti proposed the other day. But (un)fortunately we could not find the club on the net and as we didn't know where it was, we decided not to go. We stayed and watched the German TV :) It's kind'a strange to see an American movie with German dubbing..
On Sunday we went together to the Treptower Park, to have a little picnic. Hector offered to bring some Mexican food, so we agreed.. another intercultural (eating) experience :) It was nice. We had some beers and wine, were just relaxing, lying in the sun.. Later we went to an island that is in the park, there was a concert for free (well, I wouldn't pay for that one). Actually we just continued in relaxing.. We agreed that having a picnic on Sunday could become a tradition as well, cause it was very nice and pleasant..
28. 4. 2008
4xP in Berlin
On Friday 18th Peta, Peta and Paja came to visit me for the weekend!
Finally they manage to arrange everything so that they could come with a car, that was much more comfortable for all I think.
They arrived on Friday (before we had the Dutch yummi yummi dinner at Marieke's place and went then together to Eichkamp to the party here). I was a bit scared when I saw their car full of bags and stuff, but somehow we fitted to the room, although our living space was very very limited then. A big challenge and a training of logistic skills :)
On Saturday we went to the centre, did a classic sightseeing, from Nikolaiviertel to Potsdamer Platz, via all the important buildings along Unter den Linden. We had luck with the weather as it was finally not raining (though the girls kept complaining about the low temperature). After the lunch we went shopping and then we were so tired (did not sleep that well during the night..) that we just opened the wine and drank and ate in my room.
On Sunday we went to Charlottenburg and then around Tiergarten, went up the Siegessäule (nearly 300 stairs) to experience some adrenalin, then we went to Reichstag to compare the view from there (it was also a very strong cultural experience, mainly the cleaning lady on the toilettes, cleanig the toilet seat after every single customer..). Paja got a bit frustrated being investigated by the security because of the metal/weapons check but besides that we enjoyed our trip a lot :)
On Monday we only went shopping a bit (chocolate and cheese etc.), cooked the lunch and then they turned on their GPS and went home, hoping not to get stopped by the police again :)
Finally they manage to arrange everything so that they could come with a car, that was much more comfortable for all I think.
They arrived on Friday (before we had the Dutch yummi yummi dinner at Marieke's place and went then together to Eichkamp to the party here). I was a bit scared when I saw their car full of bags and stuff, but somehow we fitted to the room, although our living space was very very limited then. A big challenge and a training of logistic skills :)
On Saturday we went to the centre, did a classic sightseeing, from Nikolaiviertel to Potsdamer Platz, via all the important buildings along Unter den Linden. We had luck with the weather as it was finally not raining (though the girls kept complaining about the low temperature). After the lunch we went shopping and then we were so tired (did not sleep that well during the night..) that we just opened the wine and drank and ate in my room.
On Sunday we went to Charlottenburg and then around Tiergarten, went up the Siegessäule (nearly 300 stairs) to experience some adrenalin, then we went to Reichstag to compare the view from there (it was also a very strong cultural experience, mainly the cleaning lady on the toilettes, cleanig the toilet seat after every single customer..). Paja got a bit frustrated being investigated by the security because of the metal/weapons check but besides that we enjoyed our trip a lot :)
On Monday we only went shopping a bit (chocolate and cheese etc.), cooked the lunch and then they turned on their GPS and went home, hoping not to get stopped by the police again :)
Jüdisches Museum
To continue in our Thursdays tradition we decided to go to the Jewish Museum on 17th April.
We met at 8 pm, went towards the museum, talking, having fun, meeting a little rabbit on the way.. And when we came there, we found out that it's opened only till 8pm. Ups.. No culture for this week?!
Well , next time we check everything before going somewhere :)
To keep at least a part of our tradition we went to a restaurant (a bit strange Indian one at Oranienburgerstr.) for some cocktails :) Soon we forgot about the unsuccess, the only one who stayed a bit dissapointed was Chris, as he had hoped to finally experience some culture different from the drinking one :) Well, next time..
We met at 8 pm, went towards the museum, talking, having fun, meeting a little rabbit on the way.. And when we came there, we found out that it's opened only till 8pm. Ups.. No culture for this week?!
Well , next time we check everything before going somewhere :)
To keep at least a part of our tradition we went to a restaurant (a bit strange Indian one at Oranienburgerstr.) for some cocktails :) Soon we forgot about the unsuccess, the only one who stayed a bit dissapointed was Chris, as he had hoped to finally experience some culture different from the drinking one :) Well, next time..
YV Weekend
The second weekend of April there was a UG / YV Germany weekend near the Müggelsee, which is exactly the same place where the this year's festival will take place in a few weeks. I thought it would be a good possibility to spy, to find out "how do your western neighbours do it" :)
Although it was not easy to wake up after the party the night before, I managed, packed my things and went to Friedrichshagen, about 1 hour from my place, where I was picked by Sabrina and Gregy. They took me to the camp and shew me the place a bit. I have to say that it is a very nice area there, with little houses (2 rooms with WC, shower and kitchen, all together for 7 ppl each), very close to the lake... nice. If the weather is good, the participants will be very lucky to stay at such a place.
The result of my 2 days spy observations are these:
German UG weekends are pretty similar to Czech ones :) Only a bit too much hard working and with less games (just evenings). But anyway very good. I have to admit that I was impressed by the group, it's atmosphere and spirit. I think the YV group has a big potencial and can manage a lot of things. I felt very well there, even if it was sometimes very challenging (mainly durig the "Psychiater" game :))
During the weekend the festival was planned in details, (including the never-ending discussion about the T-shirts :)), it seems very interesting. I am already looking forward to it, hope I'll be able to participate as much as possible.
Although it was not easy to wake up after the party the night before, I managed, packed my things and went to Friedrichshagen, about 1 hour from my place, where I was picked by Sabrina and Gregy. They took me to the camp and shew me the place a bit. I have to say that it is a very nice area there, with little houses (2 rooms with WC, shower and kitchen, all together for 7 ppl each), very close to the lake... nice. If the weather is good, the participants will be very lucky to stay at such a place.
The result of my 2 days spy observations are these:
German UG weekends are pretty similar to Czech ones :) Only a bit too much hard working and with less games (just evenings). But anyway very good. I have to admit that I was impressed by the group, it's atmosphere and spirit. I think the YV group has a big potencial and can manage a lot of things. I felt very well there, even if it was sometimes very challenging (mainly durig the "Psychiater" game :))
During the weekend the festival was planned in details, (including the never-ending discussion about the T-shirts :)), it seems very interesting. I am already looking forward to it, hope I'll be able to participate as much as possible.
14. 4. 2008
Friday - Kino Babylon etc.
On Friday the International Office prepared another welcome party for all the exchange students, it should have started at 10 pm.
Heidi proposed it would be nice to meet before and get ready for the party :) So we met at her place (I had a bit difficulties to find it but finally I managed :). We had a few drinks, Marie brought a delicious cake, we talked.. and then Heidi proposed to play some card games, that finally turned to drinking games. And now I know why in Czech people say: "You drink like a Danish!" :)
The games were very funny and the drinks disappeared quite quickly, somehow we decided to skip the movie and go only to the party later. We had a bit of slivovice also, especially Marie liked it a lot :) And then she disappeared.. home.. with my camera :)
Around midnight we took a cab to the party, poor driver must have been really happy to get rid of us, after our kind of singing during the way..
The party was quite nice, a lot of people dancing together.. and they had Staropramen there (CZ beer) so I was satisfied. But later on somehow all the people decided to leave to another place, which was kind'a difficult with 50 people.. half of them quite drunk.. so finally some of us decided rather to go home. And it was raining so heavily that my coat and my boots were still wet the next noon!
Heidi proposed it would be nice to meet before and get ready for the party :) So we met at her place (I had a bit difficulties to find it but finally I managed :). We had a few drinks, Marie brought a delicious cake, we talked.. and then Heidi proposed to play some card games, that finally turned to drinking games. And now I know why in Czech people say: "You drink like a Danish!" :)
The games were very funny and the drinks disappeared quite quickly, somehow we decided to skip the movie and go only to the party later. We had a bit of slivovice also, especially Marie liked it a lot :) And then she disappeared.. home.. with my camera :)
Around midnight we took a cab to the party, poor driver must have been really happy to get rid of us, after our kind of singing during the way..
The party was quite nice, a lot of people dancing together.. and they had Staropramen there (CZ beer) so I was satisfied. But later on somehow all the people decided to leave to another place, which was kind'a difficult with 50 people.. half of them quite drunk.. so finally some of us decided rather to go home. And it was raining so heavily that my coat and my boots were still wet the next noon!
11. 4. 2008
Altes Museum
One of the most interesting things that our cute quide told us during the guided tour last weekend was the information that every Thursday from 6 pm you can visit each of the state museums for free! That's pretty good..
That's why during the week some of us decided to try if it is really true. Meeting point: 8pm at Friedrichstrasse, under the bridge (well, later we found out that probably there is more than just one bridge but we managed;). While waiting for the rest, we went to explore the secrets of Rossmann's with Marie and Yuki (actually the main reason was not to freeze outside).
Then our cultural manager Marie together with her assistant Maxim told us about the target of our journey: Altes Museum, right next to the Berliner Dome.
So we went to explore the part of Egyptian collection and some of the Greek as well. Fortunatelly the museum was not so big so everybody survived ;) We found out many intersting things, like, for example, that not only Japanese people take a lot of pictures, that without face lifting Nefertiti would be a very ugly woman and also that "they" have really been here for a long long time.. (see TXF season 1 episode 2)
Afterwards we decided to go to a nice cocktail bar not far from there, to explore some current arts (e.g. how to shake the best cocktail:) So our cultural mission was very succesfull :)
That's why during the week some of us decided to try if it is really true. Meeting point: 8pm at Friedrichstrasse, under the bridge (well, later we found out that probably there is more than just one bridge but we managed;). While waiting for the rest, we went to explore the secrets of Rossmann's with Marie and Yuki (actually the main reason was not to freeze outside).
Then our cultural manager Marie together with her assistant Maxim told us about the target of our journey: Altes Museum, right next to the Berliner Dome.
So we went to explore the part of Egyptian collection and some of the Greek as well. Fortunatelly the museum was not so big so everybody survived ;) We found out many intersting things, like, for example, that not only Japanese people take a lot of pictures, that without face lifting Nefertiti would be a very ugly woman and also that "they" have really been here for a long long time.. (see TXF season 1 episode 2)
Afterwards we decided to go to a nice cocktail bar not far from there, to explore some current arts (e.g. how to shake the best cocktail:) So our cultural mission was very succesfull :)
7. 4. 2008
Buddy meeting and sightseeing
On Friday all the exchange students were invited to one Cafe to meet their buddies. Of course I dod not want to miss such an event so I went there. It should have started at 9 pm, I came a bit later and found out that my assumptions were right - there were only Germans, me and Yuki, the Japanese guy by that time. 'Cause if you say it's gonna start at 9, the exchange students appear at 10 soonest ;)
Anyway. The cafe was a nice place but a bit too small for more than a hundred people so around 10.30 it was nearly imposible to move there or even to order a drink. And to succeed find your buddy (according to stickers with names on it) was highly improbable. I managed only thanks to some German girls sitting next to me (the advantage of comming so soon - I had a place to sit :)) who knew my buddy. So they told me when he was going around. But we only said "hi" to each other and then he disappeared. I only know his name is Nico.
Due to the conditions we decided to go into a club with a group of exchange students. First we wanted to go to some called "Bang Bang" but when we heard the music while standing in the cqueue we decided to go elswhere. There was another club just a few meters from there, so we queued again. But when we finally came to the security guy (or whoever he was), he told us that some people from our group were not allowed to enter. It was a bit strange. I don't really know where the problem was. Some people said then that they were not dressed adequately or something. Anyway it was weird and we agreed not to go to this club any more in the future.
So finally we ended up in the Matrix club where we met quite a lot of other exchange students by chance. Seems like that one is going to be our meeting point as we all like it there.
It was quite hard to get up on Saturday then but at 12 we had a meeting at the ZOO station and we went to a boat trip on the Spree. That was very nice, worth it. Our guide was very cute, telling us lots of interesting stories, also afterwards when we walked with him through a part of the center. Finally we made a group picture on Gendarmenmarkt where our tour finished. Then a friend of ours showed us a very nice shop full of chocolate and stuff made out of it like sculptures, building miniatures etc.. wow, it really looked yummy ;)
Anyway. The cafe was a nice place but a bit too small for more than a hundred people so around 10.30 it was nearly imposible to move there or even to order a drink. And to succeed find your buddy (according to stickers with names on it) was highly improbable. I managed only thanks to some German girls sitting next to me (the advantage of comming so soon - I had a place to sit :)) who knew my buddy. So they told me when he was going around. But we only said "hi" to each other and then he disappeared. I only know his name is Nico.
Due to the conditions we decided to go into a club with a group of exchange students. First we wanted to go to some called "Bang Bang" but when we heard the music while standing in the cqueue we decided to go elswhere. There was another club just a few meters from there, so we queued again. But when we finally came to the security guy (or whoever he was), he told us that some people from our group were not allowed to enter. It was a bit strange. I don't really know where the problem was. Some people said then that they were not dressed adequately or something. Anyway it was weird and we agreed not to go to this club any more in the future.
So finally we ended up in the Matrix club where we met quite a lot of other exchange students by chance. Seems like that one is going to be our meeting point as we all like it there.
It was quite hard to get up on Saturday then but at 12 we had a meeting at the ZOO station and we went to a boat trip on the Spree. That was very nice, worth it. Our guide was very cute, telling us lots of interesting stories, also afterwards when we walked with him through a part of the center. Finally we made a group picture on Gendarmenmarkt where our tour finished. Then a friend of ours showed us a very nice shop full of chocolate and stuff made out of it like sculptures, building miniatures etc.. wow, it really looked yummy ;)
4. 4. 2008
German course
As I promised I'll write a bit more about the course I took part in, called "intensive language course".
It was offer to all the exchange students (not only from FHW, but also from FHTW, TU a TFH), for free, even 5 credits should be gained by paricipation. So I took the offer and participated. First we had to write a placement test and according to its results we were divided into 10 groups/levels.
I got to the last group, the higheste level. But I guess that if there was an oral part of the placement test also, I would definetely not be at that group. Cause I don't have many problems with understanding (though the Berliner Akzent is very strange), the biggest problems I have with speaking.. So I hoped I would get chance (or maybe would be pushed to) talk.
Well, our teacher somehow liked to talk as well. So mostly it was her who was talking. Maybe if we would more active, we could have talked much more. But we got used to listen to her and not react that much, somehow. Probably we were all too lazy or sometimes just to sleepy.
(The course took place at FHTW, near Karlshorst, which, for example for me, meant nearly 1,5 hour spent in public transport.. and as the course started at 9 am every day...)
But generally it was a nice experience. There was a lot of interesting people in our group, from all over Europe, and not only (Poland, France, Denmark, the Neatherlands, Finnland, Russia, Hungary, Georia, ...). And there was also another girl from the Czech Republic :) so I could speak Czech with her, that was nice... ;)
Our teacher, Frau Stolpe, is a wonderful woman, although she is too talkative to be a language teacher I'd say. But for the rest she's really great. Not only because she used to bring us some cookies or chocolate nearly every day. But for all the things she did in her life, for the big heart she certainly has. She's that kind of a person that would share her last food with you, no doubt. Although sometimes we were silently complaining about her speaches (that I called "psychological intejection"), she told us many interesting things and made us think about them. And that was good.
During the 2 weeks we talked about various topics. From the meaning of happiness to environmental issues, cultural differences, gender issues, rising of population, Iraq war or Chinas economical boom.. and much more. I really quite miss that. I guess rest of the studies here won't be that relaxing...
It was offer to all the exchange students (not only from FHW, but also from FHTW, TU a TFH), for free, even 5 credits should be gained by paricipation. So I took the offer and participated. First we had to write a placement test and according to its results we were divided into 10 groups/levels.
I got to the last group, the higheste level. But I guess that if there was an oral part of the placement test also, I would definetely not be at that group. Cause I don't have many problems with understanding (though the Berliner Akzent is very strange), the biggest problems I have with speaking.. So I hoped I would get chance (or maybe would be pushed to) talk.
Well, our teacher somehow liked to talk as well. So mostly it was her who was talking. Maybe if we would more active, we could have talked much more. But we got used to listen to her and not react that much, somehow. Probably we were all too lazy or sometimes just to sleepy.
(The course took place at FHTW, near Karlshorst, which, for example for me, meant nearly 1,5 hour spent in public transport.. and as the course started at 9 am every day...)
But generally it was a nice experience. There was a lot of interesting people in our group, from all over Europe, and not only (Poland, France, Denmark, the Neatherlands, Finnland, Russia, Hungary, Georia, ...). And there was also another girl from the Czech Republic :) so I could speak Czech with her, that was nice... ;)
Our teacher, Frau Stolpe, is a wonderful woman, although she is too talkative to be a language teacher I'd say. But for the rest she's really great. Not only because she used to bring us some cookies or chocolate nearly every day. But for all the things she did in her life, for the big heart she certainly has. She's that kind of a person that would share her last food with you, no doubt. Although sometimes we were silently complaining about her speaches (that I called "psychological intejection"), she told us many interesting things and made us think about them. And that was good.
During the 2 weeks we talked about various topics. From the meaning of happiness to environmental issues, cultural differences, gender issues, rising of population, Iraq war or Chinas economical boom.. and much more. I really quite miss that. I guess rest of the studies here won't be that relaxing...
2. 4. 2008
First classes
On April 1st the semester officially started her at the FHW. And (unfortunately) it is not a joke..
I alredy went to some classes yesterday, one starting at 8 am which was a bit hard for me.. anyway. Instead of 4 hours it was just some 25 minutes, a brief intro and then we were free.
From 10 till 3 we had kind of orientation, with breakfast ;), some speaches, info, tour around the FHW facilities etc.
Then I went to another course but that one was a bit strange so I escaped afeter half an hour, went rather to Young Voices Germany (YV) meeting in FEZ :)..
Today I attended some more classes, e.g. the Mittlestufe 2 in German. Well, it's not as easy as I thought. I forgot so much of my German! And the economic words, well, I don't know much of them, never had Wirtschaftsdeutsch before. We'll see...
Today I had the most expensive Menza food I've ever had so far. Never order a bio-meal. It tastes pretty much the same (menza taste) as the normal one, it is just three times more expensive. Now I know..
Kind of miss Frau Stolpe, I have to say (our German intensive course teacher). I definetely have to write more about the course and her especially. But not today, cause another class is starting in a couple of minutes in another building...
I alredy went to some classes yesterday, one starting at 8 am which was a bit hard for me.. anyway. Instead of 4 hours it was just some 25 minutes, a brief intro and then we were free.
From 10 till 3 we had kind of orientation, with breakfast ;), some speaches, info, tour around the FHW facilities etc.
Then I went to another course but that one was a bit strange so I escaped afeter half an hour, went rather to Young Voices Germany (YV) meeting in FEZ :)..
Today I attended some more classes, e.g. the Mittlestufe 2 in German. Well, it's not as easy as I thought. I forgot so much of my German! And the economic words, well, I don't know much of them, never had Wirtschaftsdeutsch before. We'll see...
Today I had the most expensive Menza food I've ever had so far. Never order a bio-meal. It tastes pretty much the same (menza taste) as the normal one, it is just three times more expensive. Now I know..
Kind of miss Frau Stolpe, I have to say (our German intensive course teacher). I definetely have to write more about the course and her especially. But not today, cause another class is starting in a couple of minutes in another building...
31. 3. 2008
First visitors
Last week I could already welcome my first visitors here in Berlin.
On Wednesday around 10 pm Laura (Campdwarfy) came here. I went to pick her to the S-bahn station and on the way, in the little forest around, I saw some strange being. First I thought it was a dog but then I looked closer and I was a bit shocked cause I found out it was a wild pig! Now I believe that they are really around our place, like Imans (the Latvian guy from our floor) told me. Wow.
On Thursday 5.15 am Karina and Terka were supposed to come, so I went to ZOB for them. It wwas a bit hard to wake up so early but I managed. Only during the course then it was veeery hard to concentrate after only a few hours of sleeping.
In the afternoon also Martynka came and then we went alltogether for a little sightseeing tour. The evening we spent in my place, drinking a biiiiit. Also Hendrik came there with his friend Vitali, some of my flatmates joined us.. so it was nice.
On Friday it was even harder in my class :). But I survived. Afterwards we went for a walk around my place with the Czech girls and in the evening we went to a kind of bar in Kreuzberg with all the others, waiting for the Italians to arrive. They're plane was a bit delayed. They called us after they had landed so we "slowly" went to Friedrichstrasse where we were supposed to meet. But somehow there was a problem with the S-bahn or something and the delay grew bigger and bigger. And we were a bit freezing, at least I was. We tried to drink some rests we had but it did not help much in my case so finally, after some 2,5 hours of waiting, I decided to go to bed. Italians came some 10 minutes after I left I guess. But I was really not able to wait any more..
And, as I expected, I got sore thrat and some kind of a flu or whatever, so on Saturday I was not able to do anything. I just sent the girls to the centre and slept. They all, including the Itlians, juhuuu, came to my place for the evening, so at least I saw them there. We didn't have anything more to drink so we at least cooked spaghetti ;)
Around 11pm they all left to ZOB cause Kari and Terez were leaving from there. I went to bed and stayed there the whole Sunday also, hoping that it will get better.
Well, this morning it seemed so but now I don't feel very well again. Headache joined all the other symptoms so I guess I just finish this sentence and will go back to my bed. Hope I will survive this illness whatever it is...
On Wednesday around 10 pm Laura (Campdwarfy) came here. I went to pick her to the S-bahn station and on the way, in the little forest around, I saw some strange being. First I thought it was a dog but then I looked closer and I was a bit shocked cause I found out it was a wild pig! Now I believe that they are really around our place, like Imans (the Latvian guy from our floor) told me. Wow.
On Thursday 5.15 am Karina and Terka were supposed to come, so I went to ZOB for them. It wwas a bit hard to wake up so early but I managed. Only during the course then it was veeery hard to concentrate after only a few hours of sleeping.
In the afternoon also Martynka came and then we went alltogether for a little sightseeing tour. The evening we spent in my place, drinking a biiiiit. Also Hendrik came there with his friend Vitali, some of my flatmates joined us.. so it was nice.
On Friday it was even harder in my class :). But I survived. Afterwards we went for a walk around my place with the Czech girls and in the evening we went to a kind of bar in Kreuzberg with all the others, waiting for the Italians to arrive. They're plane was a bit delayed. They called us after they had landed so we "slowly" went to Friedrichstrasse where we were supposed to meet. But somehow there was a problem with the S-bahn or something and the delay grew bigger and bigger. And we were a bit freezing, at least I was. We tried to drink some rests we had but it did not help much in my case so finally, after some 2,5 hours of waiting, I decided to go to bed. Italians came some 10 minutes after I left I guess. But I was really not able to wait any more..
And, as I expected, I got sore thrat and some kind of a flu or whatever, so on Saturday I was not able to do anything. I just sent the girls to the centre and slept. They all, including the Itlians, juhuuu, came to my place for the evening, so at least I saw them there. We didn't have anything more to drink so we at least cooked spaghetti ;)
Around 11pm they all left to ZOB cause Kari and Terez were leaving from there. I went to bed and stayed there the whole Sunday also, hoping that it will get better.
Well, this morning it seemed so but now I don't feel very well again. Headache joined all the other symptoms so I guess I just finish this sentence and will go back to my bed. Hope I will survive this illness whatever it is...
26. 3. 2008
Easter
Well,
there's actually not much to say about the Eater holidays here, except for that they were looong. In Germany Friday alias Karfreitag is a public holiday so everything (nearly) is closed and you don't have to go to school :) Which is good.. but if the weather is as it is here and now.. in Czech we would call it April weather. And most of the Easter it was so. Windy, cloudy, rarely sunshine, more often rain or even snow. Only on Monday it was such a wonderful weather, with no single cloud on the blue sky.. sunshine the whole day.. if only it would stay like this!!
So I had to change my original plans (which was sightseeing mostly). I went shopping, not only from the reason not to starve, but also to buy an mp3 player as I couldn't stay the calm in my room any more. I had some criteria according to I finally found the right player for me. And I have to say I'm higly satisfied now. I only need to get some more song into it.. But I already gave my (super PC-work tallented but curently on maternity leaf so not that much up-to-date) sister a description how to send me some songs so I hope she'll manage ;)
Except for listening to BBC and some funny German Radio stations I spent the rest of the Easter reading (Berliner Zeitung and old "Spiegels" I found in our kitchen), a bit sightseeing (mainly on Monday) and in the church (St. Hedwig's Cathedral). During the Mass on Monday some strange guy during the speach of the priest suddenly stood up, went towards him and started to take off his clothes.. for whatever reason, we don't know. Some people stopped him quickly and took him away. But the most strange thing for me was that the priest just continued with his speach, he didn't seem surprised or something. He didn't say a word about that. I felt he should have...
But all in all it was nice to spend Easter here cause for the first time in my life nobody tried to beat me with some strange stick like the guys do in the Czech Republic.. they call it tradition. I quite hate it. Here it was very nice, seeing the mothers trying to secretly hide the Easter (chocolate) eggs in the park, on the S-bahn stations.. simply everywhere.. so that the children could then find them thinking that the "Osterhase" had hidden them there. That I would call a nice tradition. Not beating girls saying that otherwise they would not be fruitful..
there's actually not much to say about the Eater holidays here, except for that they were looong. In Germany Friday alias Karfreitag is a public holiday so everything (nearly) is closed and you don't have to go to school :) Which is good.. but if the weather is as it is here and now.. in Czech we would call it April weather. And most of the Easter it was so. Windy, cloudy, rarely sunshine, more often rain or even snow. Only on Monday it was such a wonderful weather, with no single cloud on the blue sky.. sunshine the whole day.. if only it would stay like this!!
So I had to change my original plans (which was sightseeing mostly). I went shopping, not only from the reason not to starve, but also to buy an mp3 player as I couldn't stay the calm in my room any more. I had some criteria according to I finally found the right player for me. And I have to say I'm higly satisfied now. I only need to get some more song into it.. But I already gave my (super PC-work tallented but curently on maternity leaf so not that much up-to-date) sister a description how to send me some songs so I hope she'll manage ;)
Except for listening to BBC and some funny German Radio stations I spent the rest of the Easter reading (Berliner Zeitung and old "Spiegels" I found in our kitchen), a bit sightseeing (mainly on Monday) and in the church (St. Hedwig's Cathedral). During the Mass on Monday some strange guy during the speach of the priest suddenly stood up, went towards him and started to take off his clothes.. for whatever reason, we don't know. Some people stopped him quickly and took him away. But the most strange thing for me was that the priest just continued with his speach, he didn't seem surprised or something. He didn't say a word about that. I felt he should have...
But all in all it was nice to spend Easter here cause for the first time in my life nobody tried to beat me with some strange stick like the guys do in the Czech Republic.. they call it tradition. I quite hate it. Here it was very nice, seeing the mothers trying to secretly hide the Easter (chocolate) eggs in the park, on the S-bahn stations.. simply everywhere.. so that the children could then find them thinking that the "Osterhase" had hidden them there. That I would call a nice tradition. Not beating girls saying that otherwise they would not be fruitful..
20. 3. 2008
A few more lines
Ok,
so I have some more minutes today to write a bit more.. And actually I don't know how or where to begin.. cause it will take some time I guess to write the whole history of me coming here.. but I have to start one time and I think the time is now ;)
So it all began a year ago when I decided to apply for erasmus in our Uni. And, to cut the story short, I succeeded and so I could be here now, in Berlin, as the student of FHW during the Summersemester 2008!
The way to Berlin was not so bad. Actually I was packing my things on Monday 10th (getting nervous, but just a bit) and some hours later I was already on my way, still not believing it that much.. The bus was quicker than expected, so I got to Berlin ZOB around 4.45 am (!). Yes, it's quite a strange time I have to admit, but for 4 euro for the ticket from Brno to Berlin, it's not bad, is it? Normally it's much more expensive but if you have the right friends who have the right friends who know about special actions.. then you're lucky.
And I was lucky. And also because I have some other good friends who were waiting for me at the station and took me to my new "home" here in Berlin. 5 in the morning.. they must be really good friends! ;)
We came to the WH around 5.30, nobody there. Surprisingly :) After calling a lady whose number was hanging there on some paper we found out that the housekeeper comes at 7 am earliest. Poor lady.. she asked "what's the time actually?". It was 6.30. Nice waking up..
We went to Spandau, looking for a place where we could get a coffee and something for breakfast. Well, was not so easy to find, actually. But we found another important place - the wall street in Berlin (= a street called Am Wall, in Spandau).
Then we went back to my place and finally found the guy to give me the keys. He is a good guy. With a propper Berlin accent.. janz jut.
So I could move in, with all my stuff, jipiiii. And then I could sleep, jipiiii. Well, after a night in the bus.. I deserved it. And my bed is really big, bigger than the one I have at home. But also much softer, but I'll get used to it..
The next days passed quite quickly. Besides all the burreaucratical things I had to go through (WH contract, paying the rent, "Anmeldung" at the towhall, opening the bank account etc.) I managed a little sightseeing (but not so much as I had to go on foot almost everywhere, cause nearly the whole public transport employees were on strike the whole week) and shopping also.
Well, talking about shopping.. I went to buy a USB cabel to my camera as I forgot the original one at home (and so far it's the only important think I forgot, ,I guess. Not bad, is it?). So I went to the electro shop and asked the guy there and somehow he persuaded me to buy a card reader for 10 euro. Sounded like a really good offer. So I buyed it.. And you cannot imagine how stupid I felt when I went out of the shop and realised that I don't have any card in my camera yet. I was just using the internal memory.. Ehm.. well.. Women and hi-tech you would say. And I was always against this saying, actually I felt quite confident in these things, with modern technology. Well, I have a reason to buy a card now;)
But later I discovered that the USB cabel that was packed with the card reader fits to my camera! What a nice surprise!! So I have 2 in 1 now. For 10 euro. Wouldn't you buy that?
In czech we say something like "the fool have luck".. maybe it works. I was lucky with that.
At least I learned that I have to think about what I am buying, the best before I buy it :)
Ok, I guess that could be all for today. I don't want to exhaust anybody. Nor myself. I have 4 days of holidays now. Hope it won't be snowing like yesterday. Next week I'll continue, about our German course and other stuff. So, until then!
so I have some more minutes today to write a bit more.. And actually I don't know how or where to begin.. cause it will take some time I guess to write the whole history of me coming here.. but I have to start one time and I think the time is now ;)
So it all began a year ago when I decided to apply for erasmus in our Uni. And, to cut the story short, I succeeded and so I could be here now, in Berlin, as the student of FHW during the Summersemester 2008!
The way to Berlin was not so bad. Actually I was packing my things on Monday 10th (getting nervous, but just a bit) and some hours later I was already on my way, still not believing it that much.. The bus was quicker than expected, so I got to Berlin ZOB around 4.45 am (!). Yes, it's quite a strange time I have to admit, but for 4 euro for the ticket from Brno to Berlin, it's not bad, is it? Normally it's much more expensive but if you have the right friends who have the right friends who know about special actions.. then you're lucky.
And I was lucky. And also because I have some other good friends who were waiting for me at the station and took me to my new "home" here in Berlin. 5 in the morning.. they must be really good friends! ;)
We came to the WH around 5.30, nobody there. Surprisingly :) After calling a lady whose number was hanging there on some paper we found out that the housekeeper comes at 7 am earliest. Poor lady.. she asked "what's the time actually?". It was 6.30. Nice waking up..
We went to Spandau, looking for a place where we could get a coffee and something for breakfast. Well, was not so easy to find, actually. But we found another important place - the wall street in Berlin (= a street called Am Wall, in Spandau).
Then we went back to my place and finally found the guy to give me the keys. He is a good guy. With a propper Berlin accent.. janz jut.
So I could move in, with all my stuff, jipiiii. And then I could sleep, jipiiii. Well, after a night in the bus.. I deserved it. And my bed is really big, bigger than the one I have at home. But also much softer, but I'll get used to it..
The next days passed quite quickly. Besides all the burreaucratical things I had to go through (WH contract, paying the rent, "Anmeldung" at the towhall, opening the bank account etc.) I managed a little sightseeing (but not so much as I had to go on foot almost everywhere, cause nearly the whole public transport employees were on strike the whole week) and shopping also.
Well, talking about shopping.. I went to buy a USB cabel to my camera as I forgot the original one at home (and so far it's the only important think I forgot, ,I guess. Not bad, is it?). So I went to the electro shop and asked the guy there and somehow he persuaded me to buy a card reader for 10 euro. Sounded like a really good offer. So I buyed it.. And you cannot imagine how stupid I felt when I went out of the shop and realised that I don't have any card in my camera yet. I was just using the internal memory.. Ehm.. well.. Women and hi-tech you would say. And I was always against this saying, actually I felt quite confident in these things, with modern technology. Well, I have a reason to buy a card now;)
But later I discovered that the USB cabel that was packed with the card reader fits to my camera! What a nice surprise!! So I have 2 in 1 now. For 10 euro. Wouldn't you buy that?
In czech we say something like "the fool have luck".. maybe it works. I was lucky with that.
At least I learned that I have to think about what I am buying, the best before I buy it :)
Ok, I guess that could be all for today. I don't want to exhaust anybody. Nor myself. I have 4 days of holidays now. Hope it won't be snowing like yesterday. Next week I'll continue, about our German course and other stuff. So, until then!
19. 3. 2008
So it is
Finally I forced myself to create a blog.. don't if I can actually manage to write that often but we'll see..
Well, don't expect anything WOW.. but I will do my best.
But as the guy here have just said "Der Raum wird schließen in 15 Minuten", seems like today I cannot write that much. As I have nearly no internet acces, just the PC rooms at the Uni, will be a bit difficult I suppose. But I will fight!
Tomorrow I hope to write a bit more..
Well, don't expect anything WOW.. but I will do my best.
But as the guy here have just said "Der Raum wird schließen in 15 Minuten", seems like today I cannot write that much. As I have nearly no internet acces, just the PC rooms at the Uni, will be a bit difficult I suppose. But I will fight!
Tomorrow I hope to write a bit more..
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