So I'm down to my final semester at UNCC and I can't think of a better way to finish my time here than with a return trip to Berlin in March.

For those of you that don't know me, I am a senior finishing my bachelor's degree in history with minors in American studies and German. I participated in the 2009 spring break trip to Berlin with Dr. Youngman and consider it one of my favorite travel experiences. I have traveled to Europe several times, visiting the countries of France, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, and Ireland, but the most time I had ever spent in Germany was driving through on the autobahn and using the Frankfurt airport. So, with three semesters of German under my belt, I decided to go on the spring break study abroad trip and learn a bit about the country that gives me 1/4 of my heritage.

This blog will chronicle my experiences this year, including planning and preparation for the trip as well as the trip itself. I'm expecting a slightly different experience this year. Last year I did not know anyone going on the trip, and I had only met Dr. Youngman at the pre-trip meeting, so I was a bit outside my comfort zone. This year I know at least a couple of people from German classes and I am familiar with the city of Berlin. This time I will make an effort to see some of the things I missed last year...like the German museum of history. I heard it was awesome from a few travel companions that went on some free time.

A positive attitude and a willingness to learn are the two most essential items you can bring on this trip (outside of your luggage and some good hand sanitizer*). There is so much more to Berlin and Germany than a different language. You need to experience the culture. Walk around the city without a clear destination - but stay on busy streets and bring a map, just in case. Go shopping, eat in a cafe, use public transportation, experience the night life, sit at ein Passant and talk with Sven...he has lived in East Berlin his entire life. Use the language! Yes, I am in my sixth semester of German. Yes, I have spent time in Germany, but heaven help you if you try and use me to help translate. My German is so bad (ask Michael or Daniel who have witnessed this first hand in class) that when I walk into a shop and start speaking in German, they answer me in English. It doesn't matter, as long as you try! I'm sure just about everyone has heard JFK's famous line, "Ich bin ein Berliner." Sure he meant to say, "I am a Berliner," and that's what it means when you translate it literally. What he ended up saying was, "I am a jelly donut," (yes, there really is a donut called a Berliner and it's delicious) the correct way would have been, "Ich bin Berliner," but people knew what he meant and the quote lives on to this day.

*Oh and the hand sanitizer...I am not a big believer in the stuff. However, I acquired a particularly bad head/chest cold the last few days of the trip...I soldiered on but it was extremely difficult. I will definitely be bringing some hand sanitizer with me this time.