Technology is awesome.

I'm so thankful to be able to skype with people who are thousands of miles away from me. 6,000 to be exact. It was so entertaining to skype with my aunt, especially since she unknowingly started a video chat with me, but for some reason could not hear or see me. But I could see and hear her. Good thing she didn't say anything bad about me! :]


Speaking of skype, if you're reading this blog, I most likely would like to skype with you at some point. Or email. Or Facebook. Pretty much any technology besides texting or calling. My skype name is Speake1317 and (one of my many) email is speake13@gmail.com. I'd honestly love to hear from you! Even though I'm in Berlin doesn't mean that I don't miss you or home or even California! Keep in mind that I am 9 hours ahead of California...


Speaking of missing things...I'm not exactly complaining, but there are a few things that I appreciate more, because they are things that are either not here or difficult to get:
Laundry - no wonder Europeans are known for being smelly! All washing machines I've seen are tiny and everyone air dries their clothes. Apparently, the washing machine/dryer combo in my apartment complex costs 4 euros for a small wash. I think I'm going to go the more domestic route and try to handwash everything I can. Please, please let me know any tips on handwashing. As in can you really handwash a towel?
Screens - Germans don't like screens either. They love windows. Mosquitos love coming in my open windows. They also love buzzing around my face when I try to sleep.
Credit Cards - it's so rare to be able to use a credit card when buying things here, at least for me.
Military time - Everything is in military time and for some reason, I always have issues with the 14:00 - 22:00 hours. I can't even give you a reason why, but I'm constantly counting on my fingers to figure out the time.


I know, these are such little things! I'm really not complaining, just expressing my appreciation for these things back home. I'm very excited because right now, only a German test and a field trip stands in the way of me and Patrick going to Dublin on Friday!


Also, if anyone has an advice on staple foods I should stock up on or easy dinner recipes, it would be much appreciated! I do not have a crockpot or a microwave. And I can't find any frozen chicken breasts, which is what I was depending on...so any advice would be great!