120 Euro

I did some math yesterday, and realized that the lost bag contained almost $1000 worth of stuff. Most of it collected over time, even years, but I was awestruck nonetheless. I am, however, not feeling very upset about it. I have put myself back together for about €120 and not only is my bag much lighter, but I got to buy a new bag (price included in the 120 spent) and I love to buy new bags. As soon as I can update my blog using my own computer, I will post a picture of it, it's pretty.

I saw a lot of the major sights of Berlin on foot yesterday and today, I ate noodles out of a cardboard box, and spent more time out after dark during the last 4 days than I have in ages. Berlin after dark, in this district anyway, isn't scary or crazy, and not really any more cold than during the day. All the people are so nice and helpful, and it is so pretty here, though prettier I am sure in spring and summer when all the trees and parks are growing and green. The only thing I don't like about Belin so far is that I don't know any German (except the word for coffee, koffe, which was as easy to pick up as it is essential to my daily routine). I wish knew even basic words. Instead I rely on the impressive people all over the city who switch to English for me as soon as they realize, or I tell them, that I speak no German. One of the hostel guys shamed me the other day as he carried on three simultaneous conversations in different languages. He was using German, English, and Spanish, and though I could tell that he isn't 100% fluent in Spanish, he is much better than I am, and was switching between all three to boot. Ahhh, someday that would be a talent to have.

I leave for Russia tomorrow, and am looking foward to having company again, though the last two days alone have really helped me to regain my center and focus on this journey. I am also reading "What should I do with my Life" by Po Bronson, a book my dad bought me when I graduated college, but never had the time or motivation to finish reading then. Dana lent it to me a few days ago, and I am halfway through it. I am not sure it is helping me to come to a decision, but I think the stories will be in the back of my head when it comes time to decide, if that time ever comes I suppose, which i imagine it must at some point.

I am freezing and hungry, so off I go for dinner. I hope this finds everyone well.