hey

so ive been near a computer and the internet a lot lately, but it has not occurred to me to blog. Mmm, I think its because I've been writing a lot of essays, doing research and observation, or just you know, working and stuff. I have about two weeks left of my program and probably 30 pages to write ... yowza! Hmmm what else. Well, I'm doing my Field Research Project on a plaza here in Berlin called Mehringplatz. In terms of a public space, it really doesn't "Work". Basically, since I'm really interested in public space, I'm looking at the space, seeing its faults (poor design, not enough interesting elements, poor upkeep), writing about that, and then giving suggestions on how it could work better as a public space. So far its been fun observing peoplea nd looking at the history of the place ... because it really has a lot of history in Berlin, yadda yadda. Here, go to this website < http://www.archiv-der-zeichen.de/orte/mehrpl.htm > - thats the center of it, and go here to see a pretty panned out aerial view < http://www.sammler-bonn.de/online-shop/ansichtskarten/deutschland/n10sta/n10sta-34.jpg >So yeah, thats that. My advisor actually arranged a visit with someone who lives basically ON the Mehringplatz in a high rise on the 15th floor. So we went up there, got a great view, and I got to interview her about her relationship with the park, how often she uses it, if she feels safe bringing her (Adorable) 2.5 year old, etc etc. So yes, its very very interesting. And I've also been enjoying my days since basically I have few classes and can plan as I see fit. When to wake up, what to do first, when to go where. Well ok, I'll write again soon!

Debs

hi everyone!

so here i am, back again. caitlin just left, she was here for a week. we had a really good time .. discovering berlin and doing fun fun things. probably the best thing we did was a free walking tour .. it was about 5 hours but it was free, informative, funny, and actually fun. Our tour guide was a fun guy and made lots of jokes .. and he brought us to some cool hidden places that I would never discover in Berlin. So yay....it was a good week. And now I have a few weeks to do ALL of my work...yowza. Itll be alright. Berlins weather the past few days has been an incredible 21 degrees C which is around 72 degrees F. Amazing!!!!! Caitlin and I walked along the Ufer aka the canal and went to the Turkish Market and bought and then composed our meal. Mmmmm it was amazing. Im going to start my internship soon ... which is exciting. And Ill also start my final project which should be interesting. Thats really all the new news! Jesses housing got all mixed up but he figured it out so we will be living in the dahlemish area which isnt central but is just fine he says. Ok...Im going to go get some lunch

Hope everyone is healthy and happy

Deb

hihi. im here at the collegium in Budapest ... and I am a pretty sick
dog. I went to the doctor this morning with Hajni (the Budapest program
director) and the dr diagnosed me with a viral infection. So now I have 5
different types of medication to relieve my fever, stomach pain, and..dare
i even say it..diarrhea. I know, its gross. But Im telling you all
anyway. Its pretty sad because I basically have a free day here in
Budapest, and its a beautiful day filled with sunshine and a cool breeze.
It felt like it was tshirt weather earlier....ahhh oh well.

So I probably caught this thing in Transylvania ... but it is is more than
worth it. I really had a wonderful time. It looks like it is caught 80
years earlier....they use horses and carriages, get water from wells, make
almost everything at home...and just live a simple life. For 4 nights we
did homestays which were great. One of our host families had animals ...
3 pigs, 2 cows, and 3 calfs. He let us visit them in their little
barn-house...it was super cool. The second day he asked if we wanted to
see one of the calves...so he untied one and brought him out to the yard.
we got to pet him and watch him run around, buck, and act generally crazy. and then the mom cow went crazy mooing ... and when I went in to see how she was doing she gave me the nastiest evil eye i have ever seen. nature at its best

Im actually in Berlin now ... I couldnt finish that beginning of this post because the computer room I was in needed to have a class taught there. Things are good here...it feels great to be home relax do laundry and actually unpack for a long period of time.

I checked my bank account today and its surprisingly and upsettingly low. I guess that happens when you have no income, go on trips, and have to maintain your life with food, toiletries, and the ocassional movies and fun things. Argh.

Caitlin comes tommorow for a week visit. Im excited!! Ive basically not seen her since last school year....itll be very nice having her around. Right now Jesses Mom Polly is here visiting and that is also very nice..the three of us ate dinenr last night and had a joyous time..and that will repeat tonight.

Ok...Im paying for each letter I type...so it is now that we part.

Bye everyone!

Deb

hihi. im here at the collegium in Budapest ... and I am a pretty sick dog. I went to the doctor this morning with Hajni (the Budapest program director) and the dr diagnosed me with a viral infection. So now I have 5 different types of medication to relieve my fever, stomach pain, and..dare i even say it..diarrhea. I know, its gross. But Im telling you all anyway. Its pretty sad because I basically have a free day here in Budapest, and its a beautiful day filled with sunshine and a cool breeze. It felt like it was tshirt weather earlier....ahhh oh well.

So I probably caught this thing in Transylvania ... but it is is more than worth it. I really had a wonderful time. It looks like it is caught 80 years earlier....they use horses and carriages, get water from wells, make almost everything at home...and just live a simple life. For 4 nights we did homestays which were great. One of our host families had animals ... 3 pigs, 2 cows, and 3 calfs. He let us visit them in their little barn-house...it was super cool. The second day he asked if we wanted to see one of the calves...so he untied one and brought him out to the yard. we got to pet him and watch him run around, buck, and act generally crazy. AHH. im in a computer room, and they are about to start a class. my next blog will be the continuation. deb

hi everyone. this shall be quick .... im in a girls room who i met on my transylvania trip...shes from america..but im stealing her computer. i just got back from romania....mostly transylvania though...and it was absolutely amazing. ill tell you more about it later ... but there were men riding horse and carriages...wells, and chickens. right now we just got back to budapest , and im actually fevery and sick and it stinks. i might call you, dad, tommorow to see what you think. love you all .... talk more later
deb