My Trip to Berlin

Hi! It's been a while since my last article, I know! I have a good excuse though, I was planning for my vacation, studying and then at Berlin. I've always wanted to go to Berlin to make use of my not-so-advanced German. I liked it very much, beyond the language part, so let's get started!

A selfie in front of the Reichstags Building. This was the sky's colour by the way.

Planning Phase

Shortly after I decided to go on a vacation during spring break, I searched for a European city that a) isn't far and b) interests me. Berlin was the ideal option. Few days before leaving Paris, I had to do some research: museums, transportation passes, food, weather.... I've never been a museum and history enthusiast, but I tried to change this by forcing myself to try.

I downloaded Google Trips app which is really useful to organise your day, where you save the places that interest you and get the directions for them easy peasy lemon squeezy. Some bookings and purchases were done and I was ready to go.

Huge Mistake

Since I decided really late to go to Berlin, I had to go by bus as the plane tickets were almost double the normal price. But the bus was a terrible idea, especially for someone with car sickness, the irony. I bought some pills in hope to reduce the sickness and I tried to convince myself that they were working. Also, I had no time to pack some snacks and I forgot my water bottle in the big backpack so I was starving and thirsty for some hours until we stopped for thirty minutes in Belgium. My planning was kilometres away from perfection, but I survived the bus trip of 20 hours (?!).

Day 1

It began at 6 am on the 11th of April, after my arrival at the main bus station of Berlin. I was supposed to go to my host's home, I had the directions and everything. I had to buy the bus ticket from the machine, but unfortunately  it didn't accept credit cards for some mysterious reasons. And also because I had no time, I haven't had any cash. So I went on a discovery trip to find the nearest ATM. I was praying the whole time that I'd work. It did, thank God! After being lost for some time, I made it back to the station. I waited for the bus for 20 minutes and then it passed me without stopping! I was perplexed because I was sitting in the station waiting.. I learned the hard way that they only stop if I stand up at the edge of the pavement. (Which is not the case at Paris by the way). The ride was almost an hour!

When I arrived home, the host, Ela, welcomed me with a warm smile and asked me what took me so long (three hours) to reach home. I explained the whole thing while we had breakfast. I took a shower and changed and then took off to go sightseeing a bit. Even though I was super tired. But, I don't get to visit Berlin everyday, so..!

The fountain.

I went to Checkpoint Charlie where I felt like being somewhere else. Then I went to the Berlin Cathedral Church but didn't go inside, because it wasn't free, which is weird. The Cathedral was so beautiful and I adored the light blue domes and statues. Then I went to the Funkturm, the fountain that has Triton (I hope) and I don't know its name. The weather was cold by then but the sky was blue and the sun was shining so I decided to sit on a bench and read a little while having a snack (a sweet nutty German thing Ela helped me pick). I was too happy then.

I brought some souvenirs from Alexanderplatz and then went home. We cooked dinner, also something "German": asparagus, boiled potatoes and Hollandaise sauce, I really liked it. Even thought it was so weird eating whole boiled potatoes. I chilled at home a bit then I went to bed. It was of course early, but since I hadn't slept well in the bus I had to.

Day 2

Reconciliation statue.

I woke up relatively early, we had breakfast and then I took off. Bernauer Straße (street) was my target. During Berlin division, the windows of the buildings in this street were used to escape the western side. Also, some short tunnels were dug. Of course, there were fatalities during these escape missions. There is a reconciliation statue few meters away from the street's famous buildings. Next to this, there's a small chapel: Die Kapelle der Versöhnung (The Chapel of Reconciliation), small and simple but warm and beautiful. 

Reichstag Building.

I took the S-bahn and went to the Reichstag Building. A mixture of modern architecture (the glass dome) and the 19th century architecture (the rest of the building). Brandenburg Gate is a walking distance away. It used to mark the start of the Berlin- Brandenburg road. I visited next the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.

It was lunch time by then, so I ate at a vegetarian Asian restaurant. (I should've packed lunch with me instead, but totally forgot)

East Side Art.

A trip to the eastern side took place then. I really enjoyed the East Side Gallery, which had tons of different street art/ graffiti.

Computerspieleinmuseum
Selfie!

What I visited next has to be the coolest museum ever! Computerspieleinmuseum! (Museum of Video-games) It showed the evolution of video games, from chess to Xbox. Even though it was super small for a museum, but it was a unique experience to be honest. I strongly recommend!!

Then, I returned home and had a light dinner then stayed in bed till I fell asleep, I can't remember really. I was exhausted anyway from all the walking and wandering!

Turkish Breakfast!

Day 3

I woke up relatively energetic and decided to have breakfast with Ela at a café nearby. The weather was good enough to make me want to eat outside in the semi-sunny weather. 

A Time-line of Germany, Historische Museum.

I then headed to the Historische Museum. Ela warned me of how big it was. But I wasn't expecting it to be this big! Germany's history turned out to be impressively long, guys! I spent around three hours, even though I didn't read the descriptions thoroughly in the last exhibitions. I had to have many pauses and an apple pie break in the middle.

Since I was exhausted from standing for so long and my back was hurting so bad, I didn't visit any other museum that day, even though I wanted to. I went to the Mall of Berlin, I enjoyed the walk in the sun to get there but didn't buy anything at last. Except for a sweater from a shop somewhere with "Berlin" on it, I'm sorry, but I had to! 

There was a beautiful cathedral nearby (with a splendid light blue dome as well) so I thought maybe I can go to the mass. But then my host told me it'd be for an hour long at least so I took off. 

Dinner: Spätzle.

I returned home, replaced my banana bag by a normal handbag and Ela and I went to eat at a small restaurant at a walking distance. We, as usual, chatted during the walk, about almost everything. We had Spätzle which is a pasta (that looks like weird French fries) and some stuff on it: lentille for me and cheese for Ela. We drank some German soda/ jus drink. End of day 3.

Day 4- Last Day

I was really sad leaving Berlin...

Neues Museum.

Charlottenburg Schloss.

My bus was at 8 pm so I had so much time on my hands.  The Neues (new) Museum was my first destination; it had an Egyptian exhibition and Nefertiti's head statue. I didn't visit the other exhibitions because they were similar to the ones I've visited in the Louvre. 

I met up with two Indonesian girls from Couchsurfing, Sarah, who was visiting as well, and Rima, who's studying in Berlin. We had lunch together, Turkish kebab for me and a burger for Sarah I then went to the Charlottenburg Schloss (castle). And again, the light domes never failed to amaze me! 


I waited for Rima to drop her friend off and then we had dessert and coffee at a cosy homelike café. A cherry cake with decaf black coffee and a cheesecake and cappuccino for my new friend. 

Cherry cake and coffee!

Rima insisted on helping me go to the bus station and long story short, we ran A LOT and changed transportation a couple of times. The good news is that we arrived half an hour early! Which is a victory for your fashionably late blogger (I'm trying to change I swear).

Final Thoughts

I did it on my own! I DID IT, I DID IT! A year ago, the idea of travelling alone and couchsurfing seemed deadly to me. It seemed as something impossible, but here I am, a beginner solo traveller.

I did it despite every single unadventurous soul that doubted I'd enjoy it alone. Well, having company is great but being alone is also good. I got to do what I wanted when I wanted. I got to stare at the paintings that interested me without someone yawning next to me. Most importantly, if you wait for someone to be available to come along you might end up not going at all. Bottom line: don't depend on anyone to travel.

Credit: germanyflag.facts.co

As for Berlin itself, it's great! I was afraid it wouldn't be much different than Paris, but thank God it betrayed my expectations. I'll definitely go back for more local spots or something.

Also a huge thank you to Ela for welcoming me and being such a great host in general and Rima for helping me go to the bus station on time! Shout-out to that friend who kept encouraging me to go beyond my boundaries but also yelled at me for not telling anyone prior my trip.

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"Home": Chapter Two

And finally, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the second chapter of "Home"! If you haven't read the first one, click here!

Photo credit: favim.com

The party was sweet. It was many hours long, not caring that the poor Sarah has been on a long trip. She didn't complain, she was too tired she almost fainted. Or did she?

The next morning, she woke up with a terrible headache. Jetlag symptoms. Determined to fill all her vacation time with productive activities and hangouts, she got up and managed to freshen up. The bathroom hasn't been changed at all. No matter how many times Alia said she wanted to renovate it, she never did. Her children knew she’s been short on cash so there was no blame at all. The mirror was still cracked from the right top corner. Flashbacks rushed into Sarah’s head, despite she closed her eyes to wash them away. She tried to look into the mirror instead of at it. Her reflection was better than her expectations, to be honest. Her panda eyes felt puffy but weren't actually. Her oval-shaped face and thin lips were dry from the lack of water, but that was fine. Her dark hair was a bit greasy so she concluded that it must be washed, soon. She couldn't help but judge her own nose, she’s always disliked it and called it “typical ugly Egyptian nose”. Not only people could be mean to themselves, but also racist, apparently…

All her toiletries were still in her backpack, she almost forgot she unpacked nothing. Either spending the two weeks living out of the luggage or getting a grip and unpacking for the love of God and all the clean tidy things, it was her choice! She did the right thing and fetched her expensive shower gel and shampoo and her average toothbrush and loofah. The warm water relaxed her a lot. At the age of twenty-six, it was hard to face something that a warm shower couldn't fix. Or at least for that specific moment anyway.

In the kitchen, she wished she had brought her new coffee machine instead of drinking cheap instant coffee. “How did I use to drink this on a daily basis? This is garbage!” she told herself. Caffeine was caffeine anyway, so she’d be focused and energetic in a bit, she was sure. Also, walking or driving to the nearest coffee shop in such state wasn't the smartest thing to do, right?

The fridge was full of cheese, vegetables, juice boxes and eggs. The typical “Sarah’s coming home” kind of shopping that she’s always found very sweet and thoughtful. No matter how many times she came back home, each time she missed the good, but not so healthy, local food. And every time she overate. But she was on vacation, so she deserved it. She’s been working really hard all year long, so she definitely deserved it.

Sitting in her room, she scrolled down the social media for a while then decided to watch a movie to kill some time. Still too lazy to plan her activities and stuff. Loneliness hunted her, as usual, but she didn't care, too. She tried so hard not to think of anything that was significant or game-changer. She washed away her thoughts and focused on the subtitled movie. After all those years in Germany, she still hasn't mastered the language. No matter how many hours she practised with a “friend” or how many series she watched, she still wasn't fluent enough.

It was then noon but Alia was still sleeping. Typical. Shady was at college and would probably come back home late if he had to work too. She wanted to call him to tell him to come stay with her, spend some sister-brother time. But no. He was surely busy.

She’s always been the overly-protective sister who’s been always worried but hides it so she wouldn’t scare her brother. His recent actions were worthy of worrying and constant checking, honestly. However, Sarah knew better than bringing them up and discomforting her little brother. She spent years trying to win his trust and she sort of became his friend, thus it would be recklessly stupid to throw at him questions, investigation-like, or even Alia-like.

After the movie ended, not very pleased with it, she grabbed her smartphone and texted her girl friends in their group chat. “Heyyy girls!! I’m finally here so we should totally hang out!!” she typed, as if they haven’t already known. She fooled herself into thinking she might even meet them more than once. Her gang has become a mix of busy and workaholic mommies. Going out with them with their toddlers was never Sarah’s ideal girls’ night out. She longed for their outings together before each one of them got stuck in a marriage. She was never ready for them bashing their husbands and in-laws but she always had to listen attentively. She loved her friends after all, no matter how they’ve changed and no matter how she’s changed too. Compromise was key.

The replies were typical, “Yes suuuuure”, “Thank God for your safety, how was the flight?” and “We missed you so much”. She replied to the kind words then suggested they went out the next weekend and waited for a reply, laying on the bed. Beep. A text, but not from the gang. It was Salah: “Someone came back home without even dropping by and saying hi!”. Here we go again, the teasing. So, she teased back “Tell Auntie Eiman I say hi and kiss her for me!”

Instant reply: “I’m serious, we want you to come have lunch with us today. Come at around 5, I come back home at 4ish”

“I’m sorry I can’t, I changed my mealtimes a long time ago. Now, I eat lunch at noon. [tongue emoji]” She wasn't even sure if she was teasing anymore.

“How about tea at least? Tea at 6 or 7?” He was genuine and willing.  She sensed it.

“Tea sounds fine” Although she was dead sure he hasn't even told his parents they would have her that day. A cup of tea and a chat with his parents and him wouldn't harm. Alia would definitely insist on coming and even bringing Shady if he was free too.

“See you soon then. Back to work!”

Growing up next to each other, then drifting apart through the continents, they must've missed each other, normal. The last vacation he barely had the chance to lay an eye on her let alone talk to her. They went to the same school, constantly visited with their “mothers”. But what wasn't normal, that they didn't both feel the same way about each other.  What was even worse, that they had no idea they weren't on the same page.

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"Home"

This is a story I started writing months ago, but was too scared to publish. If you liked it I will make it a series. Enjoy!

Sarah came back home from work. She must’ve been too exhausted during the flights and transit and running and heavy backpack of hers to even think about what she’s on the verge of doing or what to expect. She didn’t even slightly care to fix her messy hijab or put some ChapStick on her dry lips. She has been on a long journey, that hasn’t even ended yet, no-one was expecting her to look like a daisy.

Sarah’s dark eyes were searching everywhere for her beloved ones when she was exiting the airport gate, pulling her luggage behind her. She found her mother and aunt waiting and when their eyes met, the two sisters screamed of joy and called her name loudly. Hugs, kisses, tears of joy and “how are you?” ’s.

After many consecutive questions in the car, Sarah had the chance to speak, describing the flight, telling few anecdotes and sharing some news. The ladies had almost nothing to share, nothing exciting happens at their small city Damanhur anymore. Or at least that’s what they told her.

A small party was thrown to celebrate her arrival, at the warm family apartment. As usual, proud neighbors and friends were invited. The preparations took too long and too much effort but her aunt, Manal, and mother, Alia, don’t mind it because they love and care about Sarah. Typical motherly instincts. And they, above all, miss her so much they keep reminding each other. Shady, Sarah’s brother, was occasionally complaining about the overreacting, in a “She comes back twice a year anyway” way. Boys.

“Wear the pink dress you have. It’ll look great on you.” said Alia, who came to Sarah’s room to find her staring at the dresser. She might’ve been thinking but her mother wasn’t sure.

“No. I look terrible in it.” snapped Sarah turning her mother’s face blue and eyes evil, hurt or broken, she couldn’t tell. She literally wiped her mother’s smile off.

“Then don’t!” A yelling. Sarah’s years of living away gradually deleted some unhappy memories, similar to this incident. However, each vacation she flies back home, she remembers why she chose to leave in the first place. Besides, of course, improving her career. And getting a degree.

Shady came and asked what was going on and his mother complained about Sarah always being rude and ungrateful. “She’ll never change...I’m sick of this!” Shady was dead sure his mother will cry this day. Sooner or later.

To be fair, Alia became extremely used to sobbing only after The Incident That Shall Not Be Shared. She cries when she remembers. Her general mood stopped her from doing anything and only allowed her to sit and rethink everything. She cries after drinking her last soda can, not in a childish way, but because then she’ll have to go outside and buy another six-pack at least. If there’s an accurate term to describe her addiction, it shall be “sodalic”. Her ‘drinking’ habit was the obvious reason behind her huge weight gain, which nobody dares to mention. You don’t tell a depressed woman she gained weight, right?

Sarah suggested that she goes to seek a professional help many, many, times, but her stubborn mother, with outdated beliefs, strongly refused. Reminding her of what she’s been through wasn’t enough. “This is beyond discussion. I’m not mad to go see a therapist! Are you crazy?!” After many attempts, Sarah got tired of trying and kept her mouth shut about Shady going to one…

As much as this family seems to be amical and ideal, their lies and secrets roam in the apartment as if they could be felt or even seen. Each one of them was ignoring this fact, but deep down they know what they are.

Things I hate about Travelling Solo

When someone says "travelling alone", what comes to your mind is backpacking, meeting locals and a real adventure. However, the experience I'm describing here is only the journey from A to B: bus, train, boarding, overweight luggage and strong coffee. And here's what I hate about it. 

1) Work, work, work

And by "work" here I mean "carry the luggage". Alone. It's terrible. And exhausting. In Paris, there are many stairs in the metro stations and honestly it's energy consuming to carry them up and down at least a couple of times. And if I have two heavy bags, I have to carry the first down the stairs- while keeping an eye on the one on top- then repeat. Fortunately, many gentlemen and even women offer to whether help with one handle or even carry a bag all alone. Shout-out to all the friendly Parisiens out there!

2) I'll be there for you

I know I said in the title "alone". But here, I'm also talking about the luggage. Wanna grab a cup of coffee from the vending machine? I have to take all of your bags and go. Going to the bathroom before boarding is like the worst of them all because there's no room for the big bag inside the stall. If you're feeling adventurous, you can leave it outside, ha ha...no...And that takes us to the next point.
ALSO THE BAG CAN BE DEMOLISHED OR CONFISCATED IF YOU LEFT IT UNATTENDED.

3) Dehydration

As a creature drinking about three litres of water daily, and can't reduce the amount while being healthy, the lack of water for only a day affects me. I'm not talking about something dangerous but my face just decides to copy the desert's landscape and I look terribly sick. To be normal again, it takes me at least three days. My body is a sponge.

4) Self-trust= zero

No matter how many hours I slept and no matter whether I'm travelling in a completely normal hour or during the evil 1-7 am period, I can't trust myself to sleep in the airport. Even if I set an alarm. Those who sleep in the airport must be really confident or something.

5) Easy target

I'm a woman travelling alone and many middle-eastern men get the wrong idea... And yes you read it right. I am a chatty person and I appreciate a nice conversation with people even strangers in the airport. Talking about cultures, our differences and similarities, travelling. But what I don't appreciate is them giving email adresses and/or numbers so we "keep in touch".

6) General Fear

I overthink everything, every single day. At least two days before my journey, I start panicking. "I have the feeling that I'm forgetting something", "Why didn't they send me the boarding pass by email like the previous flight?" and the classic "What will happen if I lose my passport?". This fear increases ten times when actually something worth being scared happens, like going to the wrong gate, twice, and almost missing the flight. Yeah, I waited in a gate then noticed it has a different destination, checked my boarding pass, "It's B8 not B6!!". Half an hour later, I checked a google notification about the flight, the gate is different from the pass, "What do I do now? Which one to believe?!"...Yeah, that was fun. The best part is worrying about being kidnapped, good times, good times.

What if I fainted and no-one helped me, then I missed my flight? What if I died and it took them days to discover my body?

For the description of my first trip alone, though, click here!

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