I love studying at DeutschAkademie because my classes are always a unique mixture of cultures. My classmates come from all over the world. Every time I start a new class I am really excited to go and be surprised by where my classmates would come from. It’s such a privilege to have the chance to meet and to make international friends.

For example my current classmates are from England, Yemen, Brazil, Indonesia and USA.  How cool is that, isn’t it? All of them are coming from different background and have an interesting story.

For example, a brief summery can be the next:

• My English classmate is a PhD History student
• My 2 classmates from Yemen are sisters and they came here to work and study German
• My Brazilian classmate studied Chemistry but here in Berlin he is working as Bartender – this is his hobby and passion
• My American classmate has 3 little lovely children. She got married to German and came here 4 years ago. She is currently studying and searching for a job
• My Indonesian classmate is 17 years old, preparing herself for university which starts in September

Every classroom in DeutschAkademie contains so many fascinating stories, unique people and international friendships

I love being a citizen of the world. And here in Berlin you can definitely feel like one

Berlin is a city of art and unique museums. I am so thankful for being able to live here. There are so many interesting places to be discovered and enjoyed.

Have you ever been in the Old National Gallery of Berlin? Yes, the beautiful building in the museum island, the one with the impressive horse rider on the top of the majestic staircases. I went there on the weekend and spent more than 4 hours inside.

It contains an exclusive collection of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. It was incredible!!! You have the option to learn more about the painters and the meaning behind each painting through a free audio guide in different languages. I was amazed after hearing the different stories.

I strongly recommend you to visit this gallery. It’s a magic world that you need to discover.

One of my best friends Adlien got married!!! She is also a German student like me. It’s such a privilege to meet so many special people who are joining me in the journey of learning a new language. They all have a different reason for studying German. Some are doing it because of a hobby, university, job or because their loved ones are German speakers.

The wedding of my beautiful friend Adlien was really wonderful. Her husband Toby is from Switzerland. As you know Swiss people also speak German language but with a different accent.

It was really nice to be part of their big day. Adlien and Toby are such a special couple which always will inspire us. The wedding was bilingual: half was in English and half in German. The guests were from all over the world. Many of them prepared a speech or a surprise for the newlyweds. It was a wonderful experience.

German weddings are very beautiful and offer a great atmosphere

Recently I had my family visiting me in Berlin. They have never been here before and they were really happy to discover the city through my eyes.

I love having visitors who I normally take to the unusual touristic places of Berlin. I love taking them to the hidden corners of the city. That way they can feel the real taste of the capital and to become Berliners for few days.

One of our stops was a cute little shop in Hackeshermarkt. We found many curiosity items and we laughed about many other fun objects. We bought this cute red cookies box as a souvenir from Berlin. Unusual isn’t it? Yes, but that’s what we usually like to be…UNUSUAL :p

If you have family or friends visiting you in Berlin, my advice is to show them something unusual and not very touristic. Take them to your local bakery, to your favorite coffee place or to the small shop in a dark street which carries the Berliner flavor. They will be surprised and they will love it

Today in DeutschAkademie we had a presentation day. That was a great idea of our lovely teacher Kerstin. She asked us to prepare a presentation about a topic we like or we are passionate about. She wanted us to practice our German Speaking Skills in our B2.1 class. I loved the ideas as it made us not only train our German speaking skills but also our public speaking skills. It was fun!

I chose a topic that I love talking about: VALENCIA – The Spanish city where I grow up.

Here I can share with you part of my PowerPoint presentation:

VALENCIA

• Valencia ist eine wunderschöne Stadt an der Ostküste Spaniens. València ist die Hauptstadt der autonomen Region Valencia. In Spanien gibt es 17 verschiedene autonome Gemeinschaften.

Valencia ist die drittgrößte Stadt in Spanien nach Madrid und Barcelona, mit rund 1,5-1,6 Millionen Menschen.

• Was können wir in Valencia essen?

Valencia ist bekannt für seine gastronomische Kultur. Ein typisches Gericht, das ich euch empfehlen kann, heißt paella. Paella ist ein Reisgericht mit Meeresfrüchten oder Fleisch (Hähnchen oder und Kaninchen). In Valencia findet man eine wirklich schöne Auswahl an frischen Meeresfrüchten direkt aus dem Mittelmeer.

• Wisst ihr, welche Früchte Valencia berühmt gemacht haben?

Die Orange … .Valencia wird das Land der Orangen genannt. Die Orangen sind sehr süß und sie sind perfekt für einen frischen Saft am Morgen.

• Was ist interessant in Valencia zu besuchen?

Etwas wirklich Interessantes, das ich euch in Valencia empfehlen kann, ist der Komplex Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

Es ist das wichtigste moderne touristische Ziel in der Stadt Valencia und einer der 12 Schätze von Spanien.

I hope after hearing part of my presentation you are curious about visiting Valencia.

See you there

Hahahahah I love German humour.

Today I would love to share a glamourous topic with you: TOILET PAPER

Hahahha Wait, toilet paper has nothing special but German toilet paper will surprise you.

Today I bought Christmas toilet paper. Can you imagine? Well, I have to confess, that I bought it accidentally. I discover what I have done when I opened the package and then I was overwhelmed by the smell of cinnamon and Grühwein. Hahahhaaha

German humour is the best! Germans never stop surprising me.

Every part of our body will feel Christmassy these days ;)

Christmas is on its away. Are you getting ready for one of the biggest celebration of the year? Berlin in December is the perfect location for all Christmas’ fans. Why?  The answer has two words: CHRISTMAS MARKETS!!!

Berlin’s Christmas markets have the ability to bring to you the wonderful taste of Christmas. Full with creative gift ideas, tasty currywurst, aromatic Glühwein and live music, these markets offer a unique experience to all its visitors. If you have never been to a Christmas market in Berlin, my advice is: “Don’t miss this chance. Go there!” If you have already visited them, my advice is: “Go again!”

Few days ago I had a friend visiting me here in Berlin. We went to the Christmas market situated at Alexander platz. The atmosphere there made our day. We saw a bend of Santa Clauses who were playing cheerful Christmas tunes. Talented people! The different stands with friendly sellers were a great attraction for us too. We met a lady who told us the whole story about her beautiful handmade hats produced in Nepal. She opened a factory there and gave job to so many women who are living in difficult situations. It’s amazing what one can learn after taking the time to stop and chat with the people at the Christmas market.

You are still on time to grab your coat, take your gloves and go to the nearest Christmas market.

Have fun and enjoy Berlin in winter

Viel Spaß