Vibrant lights. Cobbled sidewalks. Electric Scooters.
Bryce G. Bundens was starting to get a little overwhelmed today. Instead of following the group back on the S Bahn to Halensee, I opted to take a less-than-traditional route to our heavenly castle-like residence at the edge of west Berlin.
We had mourned at the Holocaust museum, eaten a quick lunch, slept atop a stuffy bus with little lack of rowdy german middle-schooler shouts and giggles, met and shared a worship experience with devastated refugees, and walked what seemed like miles in the sweltering heat to get pictures of the capital building together in a single day… but I was yet searching for something. My mind and body were restless, I felt strangely lost, as if I were grappling for something behind all of staggeringly bright lights, roaring bus engines, immovable monuments, and crowded cobblestone squares.
Tier scooter #117141 and I made our formal greeting for the long trek ahead beneath the fabulous splendor of the Bradenburg gate. I don’t know what possessed me to believe this voyage would be useful or helpful as I surely had things to do at home: texts to respond to, homework to understand, and dinner to have. However, curiosity is exciting… the feeling of control is rectifying. Spontaneity, while a form of procrastination, also seems to be the most exciting part of life.
The power of the handlebar throttle and black rubber grips accelerated me across a busy street into the lush forest of the Tiergarten. It was much like the thrilling feeling of jumping down a rushing waterslide after waiting in a jittery line into the abyss of a silent tunnel with nobody and nothing but yourself. My electric cloud and I flew into the windless trees until the twisting path took us far out of sight of the golden aura of embassy row.
I have traveled a great deal by my standards: Spain, Hawaii, Italy, Peru, the Uk twice, to name a few. By this time, a week or so in, those trips were drawing to a close, and I was ready to head home and find my familiar territory again. Please do not perceive such experiences were not very much appreciated; my travel experiences make up the majority of the greatest memories I’ve collected in my short lifetime! Yet many times, I enjoy coming home just as much as going away… to remember just how awesome my friends and family and lifestyle really are. And even though some trips have been longer, it’s really dawning on me now that this world of efficient public transportation, endless culinary delights, stable trusses, and deep friendships isn’t going away any time soon. I live here now. This is a temporary home.
My scooter drifts (powerslides?) around a fine gravel corner near an elegant fountain, causing a slight stumble. WOah! seriously, I almost fell down, but that was epic. I hope noone saw that. This is a place where I gotta be myself! I cannot simply be a tourist here if I intend to feel as though I belong here. I am adventurous, super energetic, independent and sociable. I must never act like a mindless picture-snapping piglet in a country where there are simply too many opportunities to be inspired and to inspire others. I intend to INTERACT, rather than soak it all in. I am a traveler.
I suppose I did not expect Berlin to be so accessible. A prior evening yeilded the discovery that a 5 minute run from the hotel was all it took to get into the business district, and a train and a bus could get me to anywhere in the city for free. This transit system is insane! It’s clean, smooth, efficient, admired, respected, and used… what few dream and hope for in America. My scooter wobbles a tad crossing a cobblestone path in a clearing from which my eyes glimpse-only breifly-the golden angel wings of the Victory Column peering down. This park sure is big too.
I am throughly impressed with this international city. There are many more cultures present than I have ever seen in Philly or GR, which may account for the surprisingly large english speaking population. It’s actually quite a nurturing environment for my cultural growth, as I can feel confident on my own and when I forget the native language, and can experience most exhibitions and attractions in both German and the King’s preference. I can’t help but hypothesize sometimes I’m trapped in something of a gargantuan Duolingo biodome. Engineering aside, There is so much to uncover about God’s intricate creation here!
My mind now more focused and rejuvenated, feeling stronger yet my identity as a traveling missionary of joy, listener of new wisdom, and witness of fascination, my electric motor reels as I burst from the shrubs onto the crowded city bikelane which will propel 117141 and I to the familiarity of town. What fun! I am so alive.
I took up picture as I locked up my friend for the night for use of another adventure seeker. We may likely encounter each other’s wild hearts again, seeing my newfound passion for motorized expeditions in the heart of the city. Gosh, I can’t wait until this craze hits GR.
My bus and I ride from the edge of the city back to our fortress at Herthastrsse, and I enjoy contemplating what incredible fun we will have here, and what awe-inspiring lessons God has to teach us. I miss my family at home, my girlfriend, my community, the things of familiarity. But I am here because I chose to be, because God has called me to go out of my comfort zone once again to be an attentive listener, learning about His creation. One can never be sure of the limits of their community… who knows who I will connect with here. A friend could be anywhere: at home, on the street, or maybe even in same bus one floor below you… which is exactly where the rest of my group had been the whole ride to my bewilderment as I bumbled down the stairs to exit at our stop.
Until next adventure,