Greetings from Berlin! After 12 hours of traveling and a big time difference, I’m not sure what day it is exactly. I left Indiana Sunday afternoon and arrived in Berlin about 8 a.m. Monday. After little sleep on the plane and lots of walking around yesterday, I am definitely starting to feel the jet lag.
I’ll be in Europe for the next three weeks as part of the amazing RIAS Berlin Fellowship. The fellowship gives American journalists the opportunity to see how German news outlets work, gain a better understanding of German politics and understand the role Germany plays in the world today. The program is packed with amazing speakers and tours, including stops at a refugee camp, the East Wall Gallery and NATO. I’m looking forward to soaking it all up over the next two weeks.
On top of the planned activities we will actually have quite a bit of free time. We were on our own for our first full day in Berlin and I spent time walking around and taking in some of the German Unity Day celebrations. I have a few places I definitely want to check out, but I’d love to hear your recommendations for Berlin, Dresden, Prague and Brussels.
The fellowship last two weeks and then I’ll meet my parents in London for a week of vacation. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and want to make the most of my time here – so send your suggestions my way!
Today we have an orientation before heading to the Reichstag for a tour. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to update the blog, but I’ll try and check in a couple of times a week to fill you in on my adventures. But, for now, I’m in desperate need of coffee!