Saturday, 22/11/14
Day 4, Berlin

Hello Parents!

Today's activities, unlike the last few days' consisted of much less activity and more relaxation. One of the biggest selling points which we were all excited about was the tropical island dome which was a huge environment fully-loaded with a food court, pool and much more. As usual, the start of the day began with breakfast at nine. Soon afterwards, we walked through the cold weather to the station and hopped on a double-decker train!

A certain highlight of the day was learning about the German people's love for soccer through some of the citizen's loud and enthusiastic chants on the train.Yes, a group of people shouted throughout the whole trip and I could see each our passengers cringing on the inside. Though I cannot recount all of the students's activities, most of us attempted to swim in the artificial beach, brave the water slide and dine luxuriously in the food court. At regular intervals, we would encounter each other and exchange new information about this or that attraction. Without a doubt, I believe we were still tired despite the day's supposed relaxing purpose.

Right before our departure from the islands, I, unfortunately, was left behind, because I was, umm … busy. The bus left without me but Mr. Jäckisch and some other kind students returned me safely to the train.

All else is the same for the day, with a casual dinner and a briefing of the day events.

~Harry

Friday, 21/11/14
Day 3, Berlin

Hello parents!

We rose from our jet-lagged sleep, rubbing our eyes and at the same time checking the time with disbelief. "9 … 9.15?? What?? Everyone, wake up we're late!!" Hahaha! After having half a bowl of cereal, we hurried to the shopping mall where we met our tour guide, Enrico. A 20-foot christmas tree guarded the mall like a king at the entrance and it's star was a bright, brilliant damsel overseeing Hauptbahnhof. Beaut-iful.

Our first destination was the Brandenburg Gate. We took a train (which was designed specifically for the transport of politicians) and were given quizzes of Germany's history. The Brandenberg gate looked so much different during the day. Looking through the gate, we could see a feint, golden statue in the distance, the Victory Column. The view reminded me of the Shrine of Remembrance and the wide, open path dividing the trees.

We travelled on these trams that looked like massive piano-accordions, and then got off at Alexanderplatz (a large city square). The next activity that we did was an interactive experience with actors in scenes. It was called 'The Berlin Dungeon', and the scenes were about Berlin's dark history. Some people of the audience participated in some of the scenes, including some of the students.

Next, we visited the Berlin Wall. This was very special for us because we had heard and read of the wall, but never seen it in real life. The people of Berlin decided that it was a good idea not to destroy all of the wall, but keep some of it up for history, and for a reminder. The wall is now covered in artistic paintings, symbolic drawings and writing. Although it is just a wall, it has a lot of meaning.

Finally, we visited a wax museum. The figures in the wax museum were so real, that I was slowly starting to go crazy. Even up close they were intimidating! They had wax leaders, celebrities, villains, musicians and Justin Bieber. It was exciting and scary at the same time!

~Charlie