B.Y.A. (because you asked) Berlin, Germany 2012

Hello and Guten Tag to you fine people...


   I received quite the mail and messages telling me to "hurry it up and post some 'damn' pictures"...   so here I go.. sharing some 'damn' pictures with you fine people.    First, I shall answer some questions I received:

No, I am not just on vacation in Berlin... besides the usual reason to visit family and friends, I am here to add a second specialization to my doctorate; suggested by two of my professors.  Thus, I am now studying German emigration in 1708-9.  Because the German people who emigrated during that time went through the Netherlands to England and then later to Ireland, West Indies and for some to Pennsylvania, I am able to link both of my research projects together to come up with a theses.  I am meeting with Historians, Experts and Professors to get and understanding of the entire picture.  We shall see how it goes. 

Yes, Julia is now here with me as well and it is wonderful having her.

No, we are no longer going to Italy...   I know, we are sad about it too ;-)   All resorts near Rome are already fully booked, thus, we have to go to Rome another time.  (However, I have been invited to come to Singapore and I am actually considering it.. Julia is not a big fan in going, so I guess I will a lone traveler for that one)

I am staying here until 2. August and then find my way back to England for a week, spending more time in the archives, seeing Stonehenge and other places perhaps.. We shall see.  But, if I get more info from the Wales Archives, I might be going to Wales instead of England...

I have not done too much of any sight seeing here just yet as I have been quite busy with my German research.  I have not met with many people but three as I just don't really have the time. I have to stick with priorities, which have to be my studies, followed by my mom and then whatever else comes along.  But since I am here for a while, I will meet with you, my German friends, just don't give up on me ;-)

Okay, I think i answered some of the questions and now, without further adue, i shall post some pictures of the stuff I've already seen and done ;-)    I might put a video in my blog with the next post so that you can see silly ole moi in action again ;-)  

Kisses to you fine people...  (click the images for larger view)

This is my first day in Berlin....   my best friend's (Kay) soon to be wife Diana and I at an Italian restaurant... yummmmmmm

 

 

 

 

 

In Wernigerode, Germany

 Andre and I at the top in front of the castle ;-)

What a view :-)

At a  lake in Belitz, Germany    

Julia's arrival in Tegel, Berlin, Germany

The Berlin Philharmony

Inside at a lunch concert

Julia is happy ;-)

Julia is enjoying a "Currywurst", traditional Berlin food

Julia and I in the subway on our way to Ku'damm

Yum... Starbucks

Just for Dad !!!!!!!! ;-)

Europa Center, Water clock

Hot and sour soup

 Well, my fine people...  that's all for now.  I will share more in some days.....  Lots of kisses from me to you !!!!

It has been a while...

Good morning to you fine people...

 

     I have been neglecting this site for quite some time; quite dusty in here.  Although I should be typing away at a 20 page paper and work on my very last presentation for this semester (which I have to present tomorrow morning), I decided to first come here and write somewhat of an update.  On top of that, blogger changed their format/look on me and I have to work myself a bit through that new layout.  Old dogs and new tricks and such..

     This semester was quite interesting... the work load was crazy, but I was deeply submerged in History... American Military History, where I had to listen how the Prussians got their "arses" kicked and then served on a silver platter; and I had a chance to give a presentation in regards to "...but let's not forget..." as a response to said kicking.  In this same class I was able to use my personal research in regards to the discussions of King Philip's War, which was really neat (not the war, but that I could tie my research into this class).   Medieval Religion and Thought was another interesting class, which gave a good understanding even into the people I am privately researching.  When you have the time and the interest for a good medieval laugh, you should go to YouTube and watch any and all episodes of "Worst Jobs in History (The Dark Ages)" and "Worst Jobs of the Middle Ages".  The other class was my most interesting class, I would say; Europe and the Islamicate World to the Enlightenment. This class had very little to do with my personal research, however, it teaches to look at things from different vantage points.  To assess before we judge.  This class, of course, had a huge emphasis on religion in the context of understanding all religions and their origins coupled with human behavior and interpretations.  This class was given by Professor Tadros, which I have had for several other classes ( I introduced him to you fine people in some of my research posts on my research blog ...Walk with me ).   Those were the most important classes of my semester and they took up a lot of my time.  Two more weeks of lectures followed by one week of final exams and then it is .....

     ... Off to Europe....  good ole Deutschland here I come...  I will not only go back "home", but also go to England and Italy.  My travel partner is Julia, while Lewis and Jenny remain here, busy with their studies, work and dance.  I am really excited about this trip... I will continue my research in England and start a new research in Berlin.  Professor Tadros suggested to not only specialize myself in one area for my doctorate.  His suggestion was to use my heritage of being a German and study the migration of Germans to the New World in the 17th century and then bring both of my studies together.  Thus, I will go to Berlin and speak to Historians there and start my research.  Hopefully, I will be spending a lot of time in the Archives in Germany and England (England, because of my specialization in the founding of New England and, of course, to find John Lewis of Westerly....AND I WILL FIND HIM!!! ).  Pretty cool, yes?  Oh, why Italy...  Julia decided to study the history of Religions with an emphasis on the Crusades, thus, we are off to the Vatican City and the Vatican library.  Lots of "good stuff".   And this all begins mid-May... sooooooo excited ;-)  And, as always, I will keep everyone updated via my blogs (here and my research blog) from wherever I am in Europe.

So, that's my update.. what's yours????