Around the World in 80 Days

Well, as most of you guys know by now, I am officially home at this point. But I never wrote about Berlin, so lets pretend I am not.

I am actually, at this moment, in Malena's sweet apartment in a little funky neighborhood in Berlin about to grab a cafe and fall asleep in the park. BEGIN.

Berlin is an incredible city that is nothing like I imagined it to be. I feel like it's a little known secret of a fun, little, funky capital. There is music and musicians galore. Art and graffiti on every wall, door, car, and floor. And people can still smoke indoors. Ok, well that last part stinks (quite literally), but the rest is pretty great.

I met my wonderful roommate/older sister Malena at the train station.

She greeted me with her new, sweet red bike and took me on a tour of the town...

And quite a little funky city it turned out to be. Young people everywhere, musicians jamming away on the streets, and little bridges to take a seat and catch the sunset. It has an extra little dose of energy that is clearly felt by everyone around.

I must admit that we spent most of the time doing what Malena and I like best: drinking coffee, talking, and grabbing the UV waves (with sunscreen of course!).

From one cafe to the next, we hoped around the beautiful neighborhoods of that lovely city, occasionally stopping for a nap in the park. We even swang on the swing-set just in front of the Berlin wall, while listening to live music in a beautiful large park full of artists. They really have done a fantastic job turning a wall of fear and separation into a field of union, laughter, and music. It is quite an extraordinary thing to see really.

Slowly but surely my short trip in Berlin came to an end. I said my sad goodbyes to Malena, knowing full well that we will meet again someday soon, and headed off for my last plane trip, my last journey, and my last little memory of what this great year has been.

And, POOF, I am back home.

A great year, an amazing journey, and a field of memories.

Thanks for joining me everyone. I might just keep this bad boy around for a bit more, because truthfully, its just fun.

Thanks!

Cristina

So I did finally make it to Berlin, though not without my troubles. Turns out my backpack was 2 kilos over the 10 kilo limit and checking it in would cost me 45 Euros!

So the clever Bernardo thought it best to put on all of her clothes, or as much as humanly possible...

7 shirts, 1 dress, and 2 skirts later, I cleverly sneaked through the weighing station with my journal tucked into my back, Animal Farm peeking out from my sweater, and a cute little book on funny French stereotypes just above the waist. Oh and a winter coat in 80 degree weather.

Victoriously, I made my way towards the metal detector only to hear the ding,ding,ding ring in my ears. Oh no, not now I thought!

Well the airport lady was not too impressed by me. She pointed seriously to the four angled specimen protruding from my belly and declared loudly "what is that?!" Oh ya know, just a book, that's totally normal right? Now she thought for sure that I was some type of overweight terrorist. "Go over there, and please remove some clothes...please remove some more."

Oh the horror! Here I was stripping off layers and layers of clothes in front of a packed airport. Everyone was looking at me like a giant weirdo. "How much clothes do you have on??" she asked. Oh ya know just enough to keep 10 children warm in 20 degree weather.

In the end she let me go, and I finally made my way to the plane, giggling to myself, and wishing I had someone, anyone to tell the story to...

love,
Little B

As I write my last entry from France, I can't help but feel a little sad to leave this lovely place. The wine, the food, the friends, the scenery...everything is just so beautiful in France.

Yet, off I go. Berlin is next, and sadly, last on the list. I am off to visit my long-lost German roommate/sister in her new European home.

Then 3 days later, and voilà, I will be home.

So now, I must display to the world, the wonderful city that is Toulouse... La Ville en Rose (The Pink City).

Maybe now Manny will understand just why the Toulouse Opera CD is not white and black but a lovely shade of pink...

I believe I see a theme forming here...

I just noticed P is suspiciously wearing pink as well. This I repeat, was not planned, and yes, I am dating a boy who wears pink... :p

So yes, I finally found my beautiful pink city. And I get/got to ride a free bike around it all day long. Oh how I do love France.

Bisous! à mardi!

Cris

I have put much thought into this list. Please feel free to add on to it.

I will translate it to French...if I EVER learn it.

10. The streets are made for people, not cars
Pedestrians have the right of way here...ALWAYS. If you are going to hit by something, it's probably a bike.

9. Wine, anywhere, costs less then soda
2 euros for a glass? Heck I'd rather have Rosè then shell out 3 euros for a coke.

8. The French mother/mère, is a work of art
She cooks like a pro, cleans like a machine, and dresses like a Kennedy. Ok at least my French mom

5. 7 year-old girls are more stylish than me:
Embarrassing but true. I think kids take Stylish Dressing-101 as enfants.

7. People actually say Oh lal a...ALOT
Though it is usually in lower tone and sounds like Ohhh la la.

6. Cafè, Jacque
My most favorite afternoon activity. Jacque (like backgammon but better) and cafe, though truthfully i drink tea, but shhh it doesn't rhyme.

5. Bikes are freeeee..well almost
Ok this is the best invention ever. For 10 bucks a month you can take out a bike one place in the city and return it to another. Truly genious.

4. French men:
They are well-dressed, well-educated, well-mannered, and still believe in romance...what's not to like?
See exhibit A:

3. The FOOD:it's no wonder 'cuisine' is a French word
Fresh, flavorful, and ohlala delicious, I just have one word: YUM.

2. Le Vin IS the best of the world. They weren't lying.
And they drink it with every meal! Though never too much, just enough to make you smile.

AND drumroll please...

1. Lunch NEVER ends:

First it's the entree, then the main course, then wait...the cheese. Yes they have it for dessert here. And just when you thought you couldn't eat anymore, they bring out a mouth-watering dessert. And wait, wait, wait..then there is #6 cafe/jacque which comes right along with,yes, more chocolate. All and all it a good 3 hour practice. And every bite is delicious. How do they stay trim Anita asks? I HAVE NO IDEA.

Bisous from France,

Cristina

Happy Birthday to the best Dad in the whole wide world (and I can confim that now).

Everyone who has ever met him, loves him. He is the smartest, funniest, and most loving man I have ever met.

And he looks like Jack Nicolson - or so he likes to say.

Thanks Dad for encouring me to explore the world and all of the beautiful things it has to offer. Without you, I could have never bought that ticket! I remember you distinctly telling me: "Beba you have to go on this trip. It is an adventure of a lifetime." And yes Pops... you were right!

So santé to my Pancho (mais pas des pieds)!

The best Cuban Pancho in the world!!