that other continent
Right now I have a clear idea of my ideal place to live. Berlin, that gloomy city that has for two centuries now been overwhelmed by explosive growth, would be perfect. The overwhelming growth reminds me of American cities, and results in Americanish impersonal neighborhoods and imposingly identical blocks. But unlike our continent, the blocks were built of huge four-to-six story apartment buildings. There are miles and miles of these blocks, creating anonymity and an incredible level of density, both characteristics of my ideal city. Berlin is also very cloudy and gloomy in the winter, which is great for me because, at heart, I'm a hometown boy. I'll miss the snow, but in reality it would only be a four hour train ride away. Berlin is flat, ideal for bicycling. It is the national capital, making it cosmopolitan even for Europe. It is interesting for its forty years of division, and the unique seam of redevelopment that history created. Yessir, Berlin is for me. Until I think of somewhere else. Actually, I'd appreciate some suggestions of comparitive American cities, if it's not much trouble.
I've recently been provoked into thinking about my time in Europe, specifically whether and how I suffered from culture shock. I gotta say, I don't think I had much trouble with culture shock. This is in part because I traveled around Europe until I was sick of not having anyplace permanent to sleep (which I'm proud to say took five months). It might also owe to my travels upon returning (although I don't think this is much of a factor because I went places I'd been many times before). I'd like to attribute it mostly to my processing the culture shock while traveling. When I was there, I kept in my mind all the things I hated about America and noted all the things that were better about Europe. That's not to say that I didn't notice anything I disliked about Europe; the dearth of free toilets I found to be particularly barbaric (I wonder if that has anything to do with the difference in population density). But I did vent my frustrations about the USA while in Europe, so I don't think there was much adjusting to do when I returned. I just went back to my old disdainful self. Of course I want to go back to Germany as soon as possible and stay there as long as possible (note preceding paragraph).
I've recently been provoked into thinking about my time in Europe, specifically whether and how I suffered from culture shock. I gotta say, I don't think I had much trouble with culture shock. This is in part because I traveled around Europe until I was sick of not having anyplace permanent to sleep (which I'm proud to say took five months). It might also owe to my travels upon returning (although I don't think this is much of a factor because I went places I'd been many times before). I'd like to attribute it mostly to my processing the culture shock while traveling. When I was there, I kept in my mind all the things I hated about America and noted all the things that were better about Europe. That's not to say that I didn't notice anything I disliked about Europe; the dearth of free toilets I found to be particularly barbaric (I wonder if that has anything to do with the difference in population density). But I did vent my frustrations about the USA while in Europe, so I don't think there was much adjusting to do when I returned. I just went back to my old disdainful self. Of course I want to go back to Germany as soon as possible and stay there as long as possible (note preceding paragraph).