New experiences, realisations.

The past weekend we had gone to Spreewald as a group.  Spreewald is nature reserve, unique for the large amounts of channels/creeks that run all across the region.  It is located 100km south east of Berlin, about an hour's train ride.  We had gone primarily to go kayaking in the the creeks of Spreewald, which was a very unique and relaxing experience, and which I look forward to repeating again someday.  Half way through the trip we had stopped to have a traditional meal, which included the region's famous pickles (gurken).  The region is traditionally inhabited by Polabian Slavs (Sorbs/Wends), and as you paddle through the creeks you pass by traditional houses and structures, which makes for a very interesting experience, and a good break from a metropolitan city.

A huge part of the Berlin experience thus far has been enhanced by World Cup 2010.  Germany is always a strong contender for the Cup and being here with the die-hard fans is making for some good times.  There are public viewings for the games all over the city, and walking down the street every street shop has a T.V. showing the games, so it's hard to miss a thing.  Tiergarten, Berlin major and biggest park and another place for public viewings, recently hosted a 200,000 person crowd!

After 2 weeks in Berlin, I've been having only one issue, the language, and as time goes on and I become more separated from tourist mindset and become more immersed in the Berlin culture, the inability to communicate with the everyday people is becoming more and more noticable and irritating.  Preparing for the trip I figured if I could understand the very basics and be able to get around the city, I would be set, and worst case pull out the "Sprechen Sie Englisch?", and be okay since alot of Berliners speak English.  And although it has worked fine thus far during my tourist stage, as I now feel myself gradually becoming part of Berlin and it's culture, I feel morally dirty having to ask the locals to speak English with me, worse yet being approached with questions and having to turn them away with a "Ich Spreche Nicht Deutsch".  Need to kick up my German studies.