Reflections

As I was thinking of the title for this blog entry, the noun "reflection" crossed my mind. Generally meaning to look back in a contemplative and peaceful manner, it seemed appropriate for my current mood and activity. (Dancing to Lady Gaga in My Room would have worked as well, but let's keep the level of dignity a bit higher for this bit, shall we.) So here are a few reflections on my part which I wrote while in the city today:

If I gave you ten chances, I bet you wouldn't guess where I am writing from. But to those of you who possess psychic abilities, yes, I am sitting on the edge of the Neptune Fountain. The watermarks on this paper would have been a bit of a giveaway, but I cannot exactly add watermarks to my blog, now can I? Then again, it may not have been too much of a help anyway. Berlin is a city of rivers. Since the city began to expand in size and population, the numerous lakes and waterways, once a sort of highway between Berlin and the rest of the world, have become the circulatory system of the city itself.

It surprises me how peaceful this spot is, right in the middle of a city. And trust me when I say that Berlin has just as much "hustle and bustle" and approximately ten times the amount of construction as New York, London, or Paris. Everyone, myself included, is always rushing to some place or other to relax. (Yes, it sounds odd, but it's true.) And now that the comfortable summer weather has finally taken hold, it's so lovely to just stroll along the cobblestones and pass by streets lined with modern or vintage boutiques, or to sit on a part bench reading literature or simply admiring the beauty of the day.

Although I am eager to return to my loved ones in the United States, I do admit that a part of me shall remain in Berlin. Even after I board that plane going West, a shadow of me will walk the streets of this city. (A bit like Guinan in Star Trek: Generations! Okay, maybe comparing Berlin to the Nexus isn't the greatest idea, but still..) You see, I have come to love this city. It's people, its history, its culture. And while I have and always will think of myself as an American, I know in my heart of hearts that I am also a Berlinerin.

Yes, this place has altered me; how and in what way will only be determined with time. There will be challenges in my future, of this I am sure. But of this I am also certain: the roadblocks and hindrances that I have had to overcome have already prepared me for what is yet to come in the story of my life. And sitting here, with two worlds dancing and combining inside me, I must admit, that it looks like it's going to be an amazing ride.

Hello! Me from the present here, again! I think I will conclude this post now. Even though it is somewhat shorter than my previous blog posts, I believe that it says just as much. (And I, as the author [without an editor at this point] have the final call, hehe!) So I hope that you liked reading my thoughts. Dancing to Lady Gaga in my room, TGWTC ;)