Hello again, everyone!

The fact that I only have two weeks left in Berlin has really started to sink in, and it has motivated me to make the most of every moment I have left. There is still so much to see and experience, so this weekend was all about exploring as much as possible.

My first stop was Potsdam, a beautiful city just outside of Berlin that is home to Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. Walking through the palace grounds felt like stepping into another era. Every path seemed to lead to another beautifully designed garden, fountain, or historic building. I spent hours simply wandering, appreciating the incredible architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. It was one of those places where getting a little lost only made the experience even better.

Next, I visited Teufelsberg, the former Cold War listening station that has since been transformed into a museum and an open-air graffiti gallery. It was fascinating to see how a place that was once built for surveillance and military purposes has been reclaimed as a space for creativity and self-expression. The contrast between its history and its present-day purpose made the visit especially memorable. Every wall is covered in colorful artwork, each piece adding another layer to the story of the site.

One of my favorite experiences of the weekend was visiting one of Berlin’s famous open-air cinemas. I watched I Swear, a film that I would highly recommend, but what made the evening truly special was the setting itself. There is something magical about sitting outside under the stars, surrounded by people laughing together and enjoying the same story. It reminded me that sometimes the experience of watching a film can be just as memorable as the film itself.

The next day, I visited the Futurium, Berlin’s museum dedicated to exploring what the future might look like. The exhibits examined everything from technological innovation to sustainability and how our daily lives may evolve in the years ahead. It was thought-provoking and interactive, making it a fun way to spend the afternoon while imagining what the future could hold.

Afterward, I made my way to Charlottenburg Palace. The palace grounds are absolutely stunning, with immaculate gardens and elegant Baroque architecture around every corner. Even after seeing several historic sites throughout my time in Germany, I continue to be amazed by the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that has been preserved for centuries.

Of course, no day of exploring Berlin would be complete without ending it with one of the city’s iconic döner kebabs. After walking around all day, it was the perfect reward and a reminder of how food has become such a defining part of Berlin’s culture.

One thing that has continued to stand out to me throughout this internship is how much history and culture are woven into everyday life here. Berlin is a city shaped by countless historical events and influenced by people from all over the world. Walking through the streets, you hear dozens of different languages, see a wide variety of cultural traditions, and witness how people from completely different backgrounds communicate and work together.

This has been especially interesting to observe in the workplace. Before coming here, I assumed that working across multiple countries and languages would make communication much more difficult. Surprisingly, the biggest misunderstanding I have experienced so far has simply been getting my restaurant order wrong! At work, I have noticed something I did not expect. Because so many people collaborate from different parts of the world, virtual meetings have become completely normal. While they make international collaboration much easier, they also tend to feel more formal and structured. In contrast, whenever everyone is together in the office, conversations are noticeably more relaxed. People joke with one another, chat between meetings, and interact much more naturally. It has been interesting to see how the environment itself changes the way people communicate.

As my time in Berlin begins to wind down, I am becoming even more aware of how much this experience has taught me—both professionally and personally. Every weekend seems to offer another opportunity to discover a new place, learn another piece of history, or simply appreciate the unique culture that makes this city so special.

We’re officially in the home stretch now, and I’m looking forward to soaking up every last bit of this incredible experience before it’s time to head home.

Until next time!