We’ve laughed, we’ve watched movies, we’ve met new people, we’ve spoke German. We made exercises, we had homework, we played games. We added new friends on Facebook, we drank coffees, we listened to music and to short fiction stories. We spent Easter, we ate chocolate. We’ve played different roles and spoke with different accents.

But as all good things come to an end, it’s time for my Deutsch Akademie class to end as well. For the second timeJ Today, as B2.1 ends, I have to admit it wasn’t bad at all. Not only that my German has improved, not only that I have more courage to speak – with mistakes, but still… – not only that I know more about Germany and German personalities, but I met really nice people and made really good friends I hope to stay in touch with. People from Japan, Macedonia, Spain, Italy, Denmark and so on. And to me, this is absolutely priceless.

Right now I am taking a break. For a month or two. And then, I’m planning to be back for B2.2.  Hopefully, for a new class filled with joy and good time. I wish you all the best with your study and, if ever interested in more info or just to chat a bit in German, send me an e-mail at luisa_leizeriuc@yahoo.com.

For now…that’s all folks!

Since I moved to Berlin, everyone looks at me with a sort of unspoken sympathy when I tell them I live in Pankow. “Ooo…so far”, ”how can you make it”, “that’s the end of the world” etc etc.

Yes, I know it takes me one hour to get to Deutsch Akademie and sometimes, when I wait for the bus at 5am, I don’t have really orthodox thoughts about this neighborhood, but, on the other hand, let me tell you my dears, that Pankow is a piece of paradise.  What makes it so special? It’s quiet, green totally awesome park!

Right next to me, only two minutes by foot, lays this beautiful piece of forest, crossed by a little river where wild ducks and herons paddle. Small red squirrels run from tree to tree, fooling around. People go biking or jogging, or simply walking with kids or friends. There’s no one to say “one two three four, one two three four” when I run, no one to ruin my Zen. Now, that the spring is here, the flowers are like home and their perfume spreads and covers the park each evening like a gauze. Drops of violet and yellow flowers break the green and blue “monotony”.

Some are reading on the blankets or in improvised hammocks. Others play badminton. Everyone enjoys the sunny pleasant atmosphere.

But, here, in Pankow, the nature goes hand in hand with history. Only 300 hundred meters from the park, rises up the 17^th century Schönhausen Palace, where Frederick I’s coronation as King of Prussia took place. Since 2009, after a serious restoration, the palace is open for public visits and I am sooo looking forward to visit it and find out more.

So, even if it’s a bit far from the city center, a simple walk in this area makes me feel totally refreshed. But I think everyone has a place of its own, where he/she can feel better. If so…then what’s yours?

Just in case it’s Friday, it’s a beautiful sunny day and you’re hungry, I have the perfect suggestion for you – go enjoy some really delicious Thai food and a cold drink in Preußenpark (Fahrbellinerstrasse U-bahn station).

What at first seemed to be just a small initiative, now it’s a well known prosper little business. Every Friday Thai people beat up the quiet park from Charlottenburg, in order to share the fresh home cooking specialties with you. For just a few euro, one can enjoy different types of roasted meet and stake next to delicious rise and a fresh salad. Fish is also present in different shapes and combinations, for every taste. Whether cooked with vegetables or simply grilled, he is always deliciously silent:)

Vegetarians have a wide range of yummy food to try too – from soups to spring rolls, salads and all sort of other unnamed goodies.  And, as it’s Friday afternoon and you really want to enjoy every moment of it, I suggest you take some fried bananas as desert or maybe some special cake with coconut milk and simply lay on the grass in the sun. Don’t worry if it’s too hot and you’re getting thirsty. The Thai middle-aged ladies that seem to run the business can hardly wait to refresh your afternoon with some cool drinks. And, just in case you’re interested in some cool drinks with alcohol, trust me, they are really generous on that!:)

All around, people are laying on the blankets and enjoy the fresh food and the fresh air. Everything is cooked right under your nose so it smells absolutely inviting.

My friend has told me the Preußenpark is also full with rabbits. Totally used to people, they don’t seem to get scared and run away.It’s true, I saw some carrots thrown away now and there, but there was no living rabbit this Friday. Maybe only cooked:)