I have yet to adjust to the time change and didn't get going until noon today. First I had to find a laundry place. I'm spending 62 euros (I think that's what it was, it may be higher) to have my laundry done... thats about 100 dollars. Thanks Adrian, great idea on bringing less clothes and just washing my laundry here. It's so much cheaper (Nancy, you're dead to me!).
So, not being one to sit around and wait, I decided to find Prof. Jaap on my own. To this point I haven't heard from him. This was much easier said than done. Apparently there is some work being done to the rails I needed to be on. It took me 3 hours to maneuver the S-Bahn because they kept giving directions on what to do next in German only and it was taking a significant amount of time to wait for the next train. I eventually got to my destination even with the 90 degree weather, hot sun, and blister's on my feet; I'm feeling a bit neglected at this point. Not to mention, did you know your KNEE CAPS can sweat? They can, I'm living proof!
So, I walk the remaining 10 minutes to the psychology building. By now it's about 3:30 or so and its a sunny walk. I get there to find Jaap's office deserted as well as the whole building. Hmmm, at this point I'm not just feeling forgotten, I officially am! I wander aimlessly looking for anyone who may be there and may be able to speak English. Finally I stumble upon a secretary of sorts who speaks a little English. After a few phone calls, it seems Jaap has broken his leg and is at home. No one has his number, of course, so the only way to reach him is via email. After looking through an English language description of the faculty, I inquire about another faculty member with interesting research to see if he may be available. He's on vacation until September 26th.
Hmmm, now what you ask? Well, I fumble along trying to maneuver through the maze of the messy public transportation system and get back to my hotel. Someone told me the S-bahn will work normally tomorrow but who knows if I'll need it. I'm going to email Jaap and, because I won't have clean clothes until Wednesday, I'll probably work from the hotel tomorrow. If Jaap is out for the remainder of my time and isn't creative at finding something for me to do, I'm not sure what will happen. I'll probably create my own university tour to all the other Berlin schools but other than that, who knows? I'm starting to think the karma Gods are pissed at me, but what did I do?
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3 comments:
It sounds like you are learning more about Germany than you wanted to know. Keep me posted on if you are able to make contact with someone at Humboldt. What day will you be flying back?
Love, mom
you really have to ask why the karma gods are pissed at you? you badmouth nancy and you have to ask. i would expect karma to strike down with great vengeance upon you in the coming days. you will long for the days where the worst thing that happened to you were a little knee sweet;)
Mom - I leave Aug. 8th and it looks like I will have work to do after all.
Nancy - are you channeling your experience as a religious youth and preachin' to me?
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