A change of p(l)ace

School ended, and Christmas came and went, leaving me only slightly mournful of the holiday I missed with my family. However, like holidays past, I survived, and I am thankful the hardest part of the year is over. I spent my break with friends from school and language camp, trying to make the most of my time off from school. It has been unsurprisingly refreshing to be able to wander unknown territory in Lüneburg and elsewhere. Studying new buildings, finding paths I've never walked before, tasting the best--and most expensive--candies and coffee I've ever had; it's enough to make me grin with contentment even on the gloomiest of days.

Now I'll backtrack a little bit: on the Friday before Christmas break, I received an email from the head honcho at PI (Partnership International), the German partner of CBYX. I finally received information about my new host family! (Not to worry; I have known since August I would be switching host families in January. I was given a semester placement, meaning I have lived with my current host family for five months, but because of other preexisting commitments or circumstances, they can't host me the entire year. Therefore, I must move to another host family. Nothing catastrophic happened, no cat fight, or a dramatic scene packing my bags, I promise.) As I read on, making sure not to neglect a single word, I passed over "Berlin." Surely this was a joke. Or perhaps I had fallen asleep and this was just a dream. I reread the entire email. There, stated in black and white, was my new placement. Berlin. The nation's capital, founding place of döner, famous for the inspiring history and art of the Berlin Wall.

I informed my family, close friends, and a few kids from language camp, and of course, they are all very happy for me. The greatest feedback I have received, however, has been from the Germans themselves. "Berlin is incredible," "Oh wow, that's so cool, Berlin is my favorite German city," and "I'm so jealous, it's amazing," have all followed my attempt to inform others without sounding like I'm bragging. Everyone has told me about their favorite spots to eat, the best museums, the crazy nights at the discos, and I listen, I take mental notes. There's so much history and culture, I'm afraid I won't have time to see it all, even though I will have it at my fingertips. I will see as much as I can, but what I am most looking forward to is finding my own favorite spots in Berlin, and making a place for myself among the art and attractions. I want to befriend the cartoons at the East Side Gallery. I want to share secrets with the Brandenburg Gate. I want to have lunch with the Reichstag. I want to dance with the Berlin Victory Column. I want to call Berlin my home.