Happy Birthday America!
I have been celebrating with Americans all weekend in Berlin with the true spirit of the 4th in mind - swimming, vacationing, grilling out, spending the day at the lake, and wearing red, white, and blue.
Friday afternoon I spent the afternoon at the Badeschiff - a giant pool and sandy beach constructed on a floating barge in the middle of the Spree. It was super fun, and it definitely felt like a day at the beach.
Then for the 4th, I met up with the Berlin Fulbright crew for grilling out by the Schlachtensee. Our original plan of camping out for the afternoon at the Wannsee was foiled by a giant outdoor concert on the beach. We looked a little silly carrying our potluck grill supplies - not to mention we looked a little out of place being over the age of 17. But we made it to another nearby lake, found an amazing oasis of grass perfect for grilling and longing around, and then we swam for a majority of the afternoon in the clear, gorgeous lake. A pretty amazing 4th, minus the fireworks and American flags.
I hope everyone back home is celebrating in style and enjoying some fireworks!!
Less than 3 weeks!
Pictures from the Badeschiff and Schlachtensee:
Sculpture in the middle of the Spree near Warshauerstr.
Looking out over the Spree
The sculpture again
The Badeschiff pool in the river
People packed in the pool on Friday
The grill masters hard at work
Chris and Lauren
Jason and Chicago friends Will and Katie
Smiling with Phil
The weather was amazing!
Chris and Catherine being quite patriotic
