Birthday in Berlin

Yesterday was my 20^th birthday and after celebrating it here in Berlin I would advise that everyone celebrates at least one of their birthdays in a different birthday. It honestly was amazing and I was so overwhelmed by everything that was done for me.

            Leading up to midnight, my host sister, some of her friends and I went out to pre-celebrate. We started off by going to go to a karaoke bar. As we were walking around going from place to place we kept meeting up with people and our group slowly kept growing. Once we arrived at the karaoke bar we realized that that was a dud so we started to walk somewhere else. We had 15 minutes until midnight and everyone was freaking out that we weren’t at a place and were just walking. Yet, as everyone else was freaking out I was completely content. I was perfectly fine celebrating my birthday on a random street in Berlin because I was with amazing people and in an amazing city. I had no complaints, but no one could let this happen. So we ended up finding a little café probably 5-10 minutes before minute.

When I sat down my host sister disappeared and then her friends started walking around and talking to everyone who was at this café. Once it was almost midnight, the countdown to my birthday began. My table started counting down from 10 and then everyone and I mean everyone at the café started singing happy birthday, which was what Louise’s friends were coordinating when talking to everyone. I honestly could not stop smiling. It was so nice of them to do and I felt so special. After everyone was done singing random people kept coming up to me to shake my hand and say happy birthday. After that we all just sat around at this café hanging out, laughing, and celebrating. It honestly was the best way to turn 20.

Then, the next morning I woke up and went upstairs and I was instantly told that I was not allowed up there for another 20 minutes because they were preparing something for me. So I go to walk downstairs and the doorbell goes off and it’s a delivery for me. My boyfriend from back home had sent me flowers. I was so happy. After waiting 20 minutes or so I was told I could come up and as I was walking upstairs my host family started singing happy birthday to me. As I entered the dining area everyone started to hug and kiss me and say happy birthday. Then on the table in front of me were gifts from them. I was so overwhelmed by all of this. I have known my host family for only 2 weeks and they were so generous and happy for me. It truly was amazing. And then, Nana who is my host mom, made me a special birthday breakfast. She decorated my area with chocolates, gummies, and strawberries, and made me this delicious strawberry, custard tart cake.

            After my morning birthday celebration we went out to the market in Potsdam, which is the town over, picked flowers to make syrup for drinks, and then I came back and napped. However, the celebrations were not over. When I woke up Louise threw me a barbeque. About 10 or so close friends came over and we made food and had drinks. We also watched the Germany vs. Portugal soccer game, which is very important to German people and we won!!!! And finally after the barbecue we went out and just enjoyed the rest of the night.

            I can honestly say though, it was the best birthday ever. I never expected to have anything like this happen to me and I am so thankful and happy for the people I have in my life over here in Germany.