Day Two
The delegation started the day with Challenge by Choice activities, challenging themselves to explore Berlin and German culture. Exercises included striking up a conversation with strangers about what it means to be German and what it means to be American, ordering food that was outside of their comfort zone, going to a grocery store and asking about local foods, and asking a stranger what German phrases would be helpful during the program.
We challenged ourselves to travel via U-Bahn (subway)! Was a little scary at first (it's all in German!), but we did it! #globalteachers pic.twitter.com/5iq88Fa94o
— Ms. Soldner (@MsSoldner) June 18, 2017
Enjoying some German foods! Currywurst, rouladen, pretzels, and haribo gummies! @GHEprincipal #globalteachers pic.twitter.com/xyHozKOW3N
— Julie Wesner (@MsWesner) June 19, 2017
The afternoon was spent continuing the exploration of Berlin’s dichotomy of the historical and modern.
Berlin – a beautiful blend of old and new. #globalteachers #germany2017 pic.twitter.com/CEgiMT7WlR
— Carla McSwain (@carlamcswain) June 19, 2017
The Berlin TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany. Freddy wants to fly to the top. @GHEprincipal #globalteachers pic.twitter.com/KKEvP26mld
— Julie Wesner (@MsWesner) June 19, 2017
The teachers ended the day by visiting the Reichstag, Germany’s parliament building. In German, it’s called Reichstagsgebäude and today, Reichstag refers to the building itself, while Bundestag refers to the actual political entity itself. The Bundestag began officially meeting at the Reichstag in April 1999.
We're about to tour the Reichstag, Germany's parliament building (like the US's Capitol Building)! #germany #globalteachers #berlin pic.twitter.com/AN8x5133Vv
— Ms. Soldner (@MsSoldner) June 18, 2017
#Teachers turn to learn! #globalTeachers learning at The Bundestag ??? pic.twitter.com/ezTxk0378Q
— Emily Francis (@emilyfranESL) June 18, 2017
We climbed to the top of the dome on the Reichstag. Those mirrors reflect light into the chamber to conserve electricity! #globalteachers pic.twitter.com/i7jeZV87Fd
— Ms. Soldner (@MsSoldner) June 18, 2017
Incredible tour of the Reichstag. #GlobalTeachers @GoGlobalNC pic.twitter.com/9RiKcUqBTm
— Jordan Hohm (@hohmsclass) June 20, 2017
Teacher Cindy Sinicrope reflected on the multicultural environment of Berlin…
An interesting conversation with a rickshaw driver revealed that although he is native to Germany, he feels like more of a “European” than a German per se. He commented that he enjoys spending time in France and Italy, and now sees Germany as part of a larger world community. I was somewhat intrigued to hear this more regional or global, rather than nationalistic, view. Although the man had traveled to New York City, he politely evaded comment on his thoughts about the USA, citing only his taste for American literature and foregoing any social commentary. By contrast, when speaking with our bus driver, Fatih, he boasted a strong sense of national pride in his Turkish roots. Although a Berlin native, Fatih was adamant that he was NOT German, but Turkish, as are his parents. Read more.
ESL teacher Emily Francis shared her thoughts on language in Germany…
I spy…Spanish/German cognates! I'm sure I'll find more! ????? #GlobalTeachers pic.twitter.com/BN5Dsmwxg2
— Emily Francis (@emilyfranESL) June 18, 2017
And teacher Anthony Johnson began his video series, Johnsonville World Tour, and summed up the first two days of travel.
Johnsonville World Tour 2017 (Day 1 & 2) from Anthony Johnson on Vimeo.