Sundays in Berlin are so quiet, it’s sometimes freaky. I go outside and there’s hardly anyone walking or driving. It sometimes seems to me that people forget to go outside on this day or there’s a curfew.  Shops and supermarkets are closed, trains are coming every 10 minutes, nobody is waiting at the red light on the opposite side of the street. Life just feels really slow and quiet.  The benefit is that it’s nice to go for a run on the main street sidewalks. I normally run in the parks or down the canal but on Sundays sidewalks are empty and I am not getting on anyone’s way. I’ve also noticed that they cleaned the sand that they put on the snow. So it’s nice and clean.

Sunday is not my favorite day of the week. I always feel tired and sleepy especially when the sun is not out. Today was one of those days. Hope to see some sun next weekend.

Two more days and I am finished with one more level at Deutsch Akademie.  It seems to me that B1 level is the transitioning one between beginner to higher intermediate. B1/1-B1/2 is also challenging because there are more expectations from you as a student to speak during the class. At this point you already know a vast number of words and grammar to be able to express thoughts and ideas somewhat clearly.

Participation is essential especially if class time is the only time you can practice speaking German. There are always students who are more active, sometimes even overbearing, and they intimidate you because they can speak more fluently. But it only takes little courage to „throw yourself into the conversation“ and begin talking. Personally, that’s what I do.

I am excited to start B2 and I look forward to learning more and showing better participation. I might even start blogging in German! (and I would expect supportive comments and less judgment:)