My Year in (a) Kassel!: Ah! A Long Over-Due Update!

SO my friends, family, and those who have stumbled upon my blog- I think it's about time I've given a proper update to all that has been going on!

The Holiday Season: A 3 Day Christmas Celebration
What a crazy fun time here in Germany! I decided for Christmas that I would go see one of my former host families! It was such a fun time- a 3 day celebration starting with searching for the Christmas tree on the 24th! My host brother and his girlfriend from Spain were there and she was so excited to go out into the woods and cut down a tree! As you can see from the pictures, it was quite a decision to pick the tree! In the end, we all agreed upon the winner and we took it back home.

My host Mum and I cooked lunch while my host Dad decorated the tree (not very typical, but we had fun!).

I did have to go to the doctor on the 24th (which was only possible because my host Mum knows the village's doctor) and get some antibiotics because I was sick, but it didn't stop me from having such a good time! My host Mum, Emily (another American student that came with me to celebrate Christmas), and I went to the children's program at a church- as a host cousin was participating. The church was full of history- truly amazing! After we got home, my host brother had to rush to the cousins with younger children, as he was playing the Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), bringing gifts to the kids. After he got home, we had a wonderful dinner and shared drinks and stories until late, then my host brothers and their girlfriends went out to see friends. On the 25th we had a late start of the day (as those who went out didn't come back until nearly 6am!) but enjoyed a great day together. On the 26th we met with the greater host family and enjoyed a great lunch in an Indian/Greek restaurant (the chef is from India but learned in Greece) and then went to cake/coffee at one of the host cousin's house.

New Years Eve in Berlin!
New Years Eve brought me to Berlin! I was so excited to see a friend of mine, Micheal, who is also a student at CMU and I got to meet a former student from England, Simon. I got to also meet his parents, as he comes from Germany. We celebrated at a smaller restaurant in the area of Berlin called Wedding and then went to the Brandenburg Gate at around 1am! The amount of fireworks that are set off at midnight is unbelievable! They are apparently legal and easily available for the NYE celebrations. After seeing how many people had them- even in the middle of the streets and on street corners where there were a lot of people, I can understand why it's the busiest night at hospitals throughout Germany! I'm thankful we decided to go to the Brandenburg Gate well after midnight- as there were more than 1 MILLION people there! Somehow we managed to position ourselves correctly, and were able to get close to the main stage- where there was a DJ. I'm just going to let the video and pictures speak for themselves! Truly an amazing experience!

While in Berlin with Micheal, Simon, and I hit up some of the main sites, as it was Simon's first time in Berlin! No matter how many times I see these areas, it never ceases to amaze me! I have such an appreciation for the history and culture, it makes me feel so blessed to have this opportunity!