Kyle’s European Adventure

Well, I finally moved into my Berlin apartment last night. I brought my stuff over pretty late, and did some reading and crashed. I’m sleeping on a couch-bed here, so it’s going to take a little getting used to. Between that and the total lack of curtains in this place, I was up bright and early. I realized that I needed to spend some energy and make this place mine, so I felt comfortable. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

The folks I’m renting from didn’t really get a chance to move OUT of their kitchen, and I had no idea what was keep-able in the fridge, so everything went. I scrubbed the whole fridge out, and systematically went through the foodstuffs on the counters, getting rid of most the stuff I wasn’t sure about. After that, I rearranged the bathroom and put all my stuff on the counter (looks just like home!). After that, I found a home for my clothes, set up my desk on their table, and put my Berlin books on the coffeetable. Voila! I suddenly feel more at home.

I have to say, staying at Carsten’s house was very comfortable – no only is his apartment beautiful, but I had guided instructions on how EVERYTHING in his place worked. Here, I’m flying blind, and handicapped by the fact that I don’t really speak the language. Everything is an educated guess. Take coffee for example – Carsten has this amazing little machine that you put pre-made packets of coffee in. Push a button, and a moment later you’ve got yourself a perfect cup of coffee. Here, there was no such contraption. They do, however, have a stovetop percolator. I’ve seen these before (hello, Molly!), but never used one. I think I figured it out, but MAN the coffee is strong, and I was seriously concerned that the damn thing was going to explode as it steamed and fizzled.

Anyhow, besides all of that, I’m feeling a bit….. nervous? Anxious? I guess I’m feeling like this is the genuine start to my time here in Berlin – really on my own and disconnected. The lack of internet is having exactly the desired effect – already I’m reading, writing and just generally being motivated more. Without a doubt I will miss the convenience of highspeed wifi, but suddenly I’m really left with only my own company. Now we really get to see if I can stand my own company for days on end.