It was disconcerting to arrive at Humboldt University (HU) yesterday to be told that according to their records, I don't exist. After months of preparation - applications, language tests and finding a flat in Berlin, not to mention the efforts it took to actually leave Sydney - the prospect of being sent home weighed heavily. Luckily, I had a signed letter from the HU law faculty which I triumphantly produced to the guy at International Office who gave me a few stern words but eventually assured me I'd be allowed to stay.
One hurdle sorted, I've had a few more to conquer. Embarrassingly, I've arrived in the Northern Hemisphere to face the dregs of winter without socks or proper shoes, and have also managed to forget an adaptor, towel and the password to unlock the German sim card for my mobile. Sheer need has already driven me to visit supermarkets, chemists, clothing stores and electronic stores and a trip to IKEA has been planned for later this week. At least it's one way to break the ice with the locals and give the German dictionary a bit of a workout, wandering around the city.
Delightfully, I have four supermarkets to choose from within a 200m radius of my house. A dream come true for someone used to the scant fresh food offerings of Newtown. I've stocked up on all the essentials, including a huge jar of gherkins which I've warmly embraced as a breakfast food. Breakfast, or "Fruehstuck", consists of rye bread, cheese, gherkins and is accompanied by a dose of largely non-comprehensible German radio. I'm trying my best to be an authentic Berlinerin but destined to spend at least the next few weeks grappling with the language, uni administration, temperatures and transport system of this sprawling city.
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