the last few days have been a total whirlwind. i'm not used to not having a job/responsibilities, so this time before class starts is really crazy for me because i have nothing to do. i hang out with tyler every day, and also usually with his roommates or with tim. i really love all of them, and it's nice to have them around, but i'm also excited to meet new people because i'm always afraid that they'll get sick of me after two weeks straight.

last night we taught the europeans how to play beirut and flip cup, which was hilarious. they all caught on really quick, though, and they also learned the lesson that everyone eventually learns at college - don't play these games with anything besides beer. it was fun having a party rather than going out - also much cheaper. this city has been eating my money at an alarming rate. this week i'm going to have to get the spending under control ... it's hard though. there is so much good food on the streets everywhere - currywurst with french fries and mayo is my favorite, with döner kebabs and chicken falafel schwarma a close second and third.


everything is still really overwhelming here, and i still have to get some things together. i bought a cell phone, which is actually really reassuring to have with me. it's sad that i require a cell phone to feel whole, but since i've become so accustomed to having one it makes me feel like i am actually here, in a way, now that i'm reachable and have people's telephone numbers in it. i still need to finalize my bank account and get my begrüßungsgeld, which is 110 euros given to me by the german government for being a student. i got a berlin notebook, which is incredibly useful. i know that my money situation will change soon and it will be easier to save once i'm used to it and live on a schedule. right now i'm going out all the time because there is nothing else to do. it makes me miss ben, because i probably would have spent a ton of money at school had he not been such a cheapskate. having someone with you who is both fun and cheap allows you to stay in more often and spend a lot less.

in other news, tyler and i are almost positive that we spotted angela from the office walking on the ku'damm, but i'm not 100% sure. this blog will get more interesting when i start classes and join clubs and start doing things.