Danglish

This past Sunday, Simon, another teacher and I went to Germany, to guide a group of seven eighth graders through the city of Berlin. Obviously, I had no idea what I was doing but Simon and the German teacher, Marlies, took the navigating position. Both of them were the Berlin leaders the previous years, as well. I felt well connected to the kids because we all shared the same knowledge, or lack-there-of.

The city was not as I predicted. There was a heaviness there. Simon and I couldn't decide if it was because of the dreary weather and grey buildings or because the feeling of disunity between the East and West side still lurked. I guess I was expecting a sense of solidity and power simlar to Paris or New York. They are cities that have been founded and established for hundreds of years and are secure with themselves in as much as to be called "The City of Love" and "The Big Apple." Germany, even after the merge, still seems to be trying to figure out who she is.

People in Berlin were less keen on style too. Here in Denmark, even though Copenhagen is a lot smaller than Germany's captial more men and women dress up to go out on the streets. Simon and I thought that the Germans were confused as to what year it was because most wore sweaters that I believe my mom had in her closet around 1983. Of course, there are your adverage backpacker (more our style: jeans, waterproof jackets, comfortable shoes, beanies and gloves) but that is everywhere in Europe. Anyway, I guess I was thrown off a little by the difference in Berlin compared to other cities that I know of. Another cultural experience.

Simon and I found ourselves less sensitive to the effects of the city having the kids around all the time. The moment we started to feel a little dim one of the kids would do something so off the wall that our spirits would lighten drastically. I was amazed at the creativity that the guys have. From jumping up to hit lights with their heads in a underground walkway to seeing how many times that they can tap thier feet on a tree vertically standing. If only I would have known this during boring winters on the Outer Banks. Yes, your right, I still wouldn't have done it.

We were grateful for this trip. It gave us an oppurtunity to travel, but made us more appreciative of our home, too. Denmark is a fairy tale.

The web-link for additional pictures is: http://www.billesborgskolen.dk/gallery/PhotoAlbum.asp?ShowSub=Marts%2005%20-%20Gruppe%20E%20i%20Berlin