Two wheels

Cybil

I would like to introduce you to my new 10 Euro friend, Cybil.  She is a treasure.  As the weather here in Berlin starts to warm and the sun is shines more often I have grown jealous of all the bicyclists who pass me on my way to school everyday.  I started the search for my own bike on craigslist and also visited a couple of weekend flea markets but nothing was connecting with me.  I could tell the guys at the flea markets were trying to sell me a bike that was most likely stolen and as soon as I got home it would fall apart.  Then everything on craigslist was just too shiny and expensive.  I was looking for a bike that had some character and resembled a side of life that I hadn't experienced yet.  That is exactly what Cybil looks like to me.  She's from the other side of town, probably has had many owners, and I couldn't take my eyes of her from the moment we met.  Her tires are too different colors and her chain is all rusted but at least I know no one else will steal her away from me.

What this colorful bike has brought me is a completely new way to see Berlin.  This city is so easy to bike in.  There are bike lanes everywhere and even traffic lights especially for bikers.  When I was out after an early day at school I noticed that I had traveled much furthur than I thought I could in such a short period.  Now, I am so much more eager to go out and explore Berlin.  I can just get on my bike and head in any direction.  When I get lost all I need to do is find the Fernsehturm in the skyline, head towards it and I'll be home in no time.    

So today while I was out on Cybil I took some videos of what I saw.  It was great going to so many great sightseeing spots all in one trip.  The video is below, just be aware of my great humming and sound effects .  Tschus!

Same Same but Different

On the surface I think there are big differences between Berliner and Parisian culture.  This past weekend I was able to experience these differences firsthand while visiting my friend Carolyn (www.franglaisblog.com and you can follow her on twitter @ cenglar and franglaisblog) in Paris.  Beer, electronica, and currywurst is Berlin; wine, french music (maybe an accordian is involved, I don't really know), and croissants is Paris.  At first glance these things seem different but I found that they have similar functions.  

Alcohol is prevelent in every western culture and it almost always brings people together (one of the reasons why I love it so much).  In Paris we visited Le Baron Rouge, a friendly, neighborhood wine bar.  I immediately noticed it was very similar to the scene  I have grown accustomed to here in Berlin.  People were lively and generally happy to discuss life together.   I felt right at home speaking broken French to the barkeep while trying different varieties of Pinot Noir (all were delicious).  

Croissants and Currywurst have different forms but fulfill the same purpose, a need for a quick snack.  Both aren't necessarily healthy but are quite delicious and can be consumed while on the run.  So whether you are wearing lederhosen or a beret you can still get some substanence while rushing around.  

Also both cities have huge towers (so they got that going on).  Its great being able to figure out where you are in a huge city just by looking up.  We all can get lost in this big, big world.

Berlin and Paris both have extensive metro systems, which makes it convenient to see the whole city without being bothered with traffic.  The only difference is how you pay for your fare.  In Berlin we are governed by the honor system and in Paris you either by a ticket or hop a gate to access the metro. Cars aren't necessary in either city.

Each city is filled with inordinate amount of culture. You can spend days inside (that might explain all the pale skin).  In both cities I have been able to visit churches and museums, which seems to be pretty standard in every European city.  I have been able to learn about Germany's radical, ever changing history and see exquisite neo-modern French art from the same time period.  Both reflect periods of change and unrest.

I wasn't able to experience much of the Parisian music scene during my visit but I did notice there were a decent amount of "punks" dressed in leather vests carrying huge chain wallets.  My favorite tee-shirt read, "Pull the trigger bitch" (so eloquent).  Berlin is also full of angry young teens who cover themselves with anarchy symbols and fill their face with metal.  It is was definitely apparent that teenagers in both France and Germany were dealing with some growing pains (I believe I bleached my hair to cope with that).  

Even though I was only able to spend a couple of days in Paris I didn't really feel too much of a culture shock.  I actually seemed to notice more similarities than differences.  The language may be different and the French may prefer different street snacks but I feel that if we get to the core of these issues (and this can apply to all humans) I think we would find we are more alike than different (everybody needs to eat and drink booze).  We would just need to get past superficial culture gaps.

Super Bowl Monday

Being the great patriot I am, I stayed up irresponsibly late on a school night in order to watch real football.  Here in Berlin the Super Bowl didn't start until 12:29 am on Monday February 7th.

I arrived at Belushi's at 11:30 and the place was already packed (this is one of the few sports bars in Mitte that stayed open for this American sporting event).  I knew exactly which part of the bar to attack, I got my beverage promptly, and was able to take a seat on the stairs (the only floor space left at that point).  I made friends with the Americans sitting next to me and gave high fives to the German's across the way who were also rooting for the Packers.

The hairs rose on the back of my neck with the start of the national anthem, but were then abruptly calmed with Christina Aguilera's fail.  Then the first commercial break started...it was about soccer.  Immediately I knew this wasn't what Americans were watching (I had almost forgot I was in Europe).  But the Super Bowl isn't all about capitalism (wishful thinking), it's about putting the ball in the end-zone.

The next thing I know the Black Eyed Peas are making me hate music.  The half-time show was like a K-Mart version of the opening ceremony in Bejing.  I ended up staying for the entire game and didn't get back into my bed until 6 am.  It was worth it.  I really enjoyed the Berlin enthusiasm and a slice of life back home.  I hope everyone was able to enjoy this great day of football as much I did.

Lange Nacht der Museen

Last Saturday (I am a little behind on my posts, I know) was die Lange Nacht der Museen (the long night of museums) here in Berlin.  This event happens twice a year, once in both summer and winter, where almost every museum in Berlin stays open until 2 am.  For 10 Euros you can have access to almost every museum for 8 hours, such a great deal.  We started our night off at the DDR Museum.  This museum features all the "great"/"different" aspects of life in East Berlin during the Cold War.  This museum was very interactive, with tons of little artifacts hiding in drawers and even a interrogation room.  The first thing I noticed was how crowded everything was.  People were everywhere despite the below freezing temperatures.

Next we hit the up the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) to see the Hitler und die Deutschen Volksgemeinschaft und Verbrechen (Hitler and the German People's Community and Crime).  This was a well designed, powerful exhibit.  It provided information on how it was possible for Hitler and the Nazi's to rise to power after the First World War.  It was frightening to see all the propaganda and pictures of violence that occurred during this time.

After seeing so many images of Hitler I needed something a little lighter to finish the night off.  We decided to go the Deutsche Kinemathek Museum Fur Film und Fernsehen.  Everywhere in this museum there are artifacts from when motion pictures started until after WWII.  Also there are short movies playing in every room, it was really nice to stop in each room and watch these old relics.  All the information was presented in chronological order, which made it cool to see how films developed over the ages.

Even with 8 hours to work with we barely scratched the surface of Berlin's museums.  The major disappoint of the night was the Pergamon, for it was closed for this long night.  When we started out I never thought we would stay in museums until 2 am but these exhibits were so engaging it was easy to lose track of time. I thought this was a really cool way to encourage people to actually expand their minds on a Saturday night, without heading to the bar.  It would be nice to see something like this in America.

Jurgen! (Nerd!)

Bunsen burners and lab coats!

This week my classmates and I are strapping on our lab coats and safety glasses.  I may say we look like a bunch of smart folks.  We have started taking a closer look at the ingredients of beer and I can't explain how cool it is to be a nerd...a beer nerd that is.

I have brewed many different beers, using all sorts of malt, hops and yeasts but I have never taken the time to stop and think about what I am actually doing.  As a brewer I was more focused on the day to day aspects of brewing, ie the weight of malt being used in the mash, what hops need to be added to the boil, what tanks needed to be cleaned, etc. Now that I am student again I have been given the great opportunity to stand back and really understand every detail of  brewing.  There are so many different aspects to this trade that I have taken for granted.

Champagne Yeast

Microbiology is probably the most challenging and aw-inspiring class we are taking right now.  In lab this week we made slides of varying types of yeasts.  I was dumbfounded looking at these tiny unicellular organisms that make beer the wonderful thing that it is.  I found myself staring into the microscope and vocalizing my astonishment.  I was definitely getting some curious looks from the fella next to me.  I just thought it was so cool to see these living organisms and check out how they were doing.  It's great to spend a couple hours every week and actually look at our yeasty friends (yeasties always love it when I pay them a visit).

 So bring on the German jocks and meatheads.  I got my pocket protector for safety. I cut my waistband so they'll rip easier during an atomic wedgie and a swirlly might get all that grease out my hair.  Ja! I will embrace my inner nerd.  Jurgen!

Adapting to German Culture

Here are some aspects of German culture that I love.

1. Road Sodas.  Need I say more?  In Berlin (and I think most of Germany) you can drink on the street. There's no need to chug a beer before you step outside for fresh air, just bring the brew with you.  Everyday I see people drinking on the train after a long day of work, and I know my fellow classmates and I always like to enjoy a nice pilsner on a Friday afternoon after a long week of class. What a great way to unwind.  Don't get me wrong though.  Public drunkeness is not tolerated whatsoever but it seems this relaxed attitude towards alcohol in general has lead to a greater respect for our favorite fermented beverages. Respect Beer!

2. Mullets. I have seen some of the most epic mullets here.  Old ones, freshly cut ones, chick mullets, old dude mullets, curly mullets, and a mullet will always put a smile on my face.  Some of them are quite spectacular and seem to require a lot of care. Thats a lot of hairspray and time with the curling iron.

3. Health Care. Luckily I haven't had to visit a doctor yet but from talking to a few people I have only heard about fast and friendly medical attention (plus it's cheap about an 8 euro copay).  Also the pharmacy (die Apotheke) is awesome. Instead of having long aisles of every brand of cough medicine, at the Apotheke you tell the pharmacist what your ailment is and they will recommend the proper medicine.  So simple, so efficient, so German.

4. Relaxation. Despite their reputation as being strict and proper, I have found that most Berliners know how to have fun and relax (maybe this guy is a little too relaxed).  The nightlife here is diverse. You can find hopping night clubs, divey hipster bars, upscale cocktail bars, and everything in between.  There is also tons of day activities, famous museums, tranquil parks, and a world famous zoo.  Berliners definitely know how to have a good time.  

I also love the public transportation (always punctual and efficient), beer (some of the best lagers and wheat beers), monuments (which seem to be everywhere), dedicated bike lanes (they even have traffic lights especially for bikers), beer, pretzels (that go great with the beer), turkish food (amazing street food)..... did I mention the beer?  The list can go on and on.

Bis Bald!

My Favorite Sing Along

        I hope you found your inner child and sang along with Zheng Yi, I know I couldn't help myself.

         The Certified Brewmaster Course at VLB-Berlin is an international course.  For months I have been really eager to meet people from around our small world. On Monday morning I jaunted to my first class (I was a little late due to entering a hospital lobby instead of school) and sat down in my assigned seat.  I introduced myself to my neighbors, a Mexican and Spaniard.  As I talked to the Luis, from Las Palmas, Spain, I learned that he had just spent a month in Philadelphia as an apprentice with Andrew Rutherford (the man and brother of Paul Rutherford, my former Head Brewer).  I was astonished that I had to come all the way to Germany, a 6 hour time difference, to meet a brewer who knows some of my fellow bretheren.  Obviously we began exchanging our love for Philly, the brewing scene there, and how Tom Kehoe loves to eat.  On top of that I found out that 3 of the 7 Americans there were from my home state of Colorado.  We already had so much in common.

        Despite this familiarity, I am studying with people from all over the world.  The long list of countries being represented includes: Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Panama, Uzbekistan, Korea, Japan, Chile, Austria, Uganda, Mexico, USA, Spain, and the Ukraine.  We all have started to get to know each other and it seems everybody is very interested in learning about the beer culture in different societies, as you can expect can differentiate greatly.  Personally, I find myself spending more and more time with Brazillians.  They are loud, out going, and generally friendly people.  We talk about the differences and similarities in German weather, beer, and women (the latter being the most important).  So far this has already been an incredible experience and there is still much more ahead.  Tschus!