Wandering in Berlin

There are a lot of reasons why I fell in love with Berlin.
It’s a vibrant city, with an eclectic mix of culture, urban life and history, a legendary nightlife, a culinary scene that rivals NYC, and always something new interesting happening.
Berlin literally has it all: vibe, art, music, food, fun, endless possibilities.

You go to Berlin and you don’t want to leave — just like NYC.
And just like NYC, Berlin attracts people from all over the world.
DJs want to play at Berlin most popular clubs (such as Berghain - a club located in an old power station - regarded as the Mecca of techno music), new and talented artists want to present their artwork in one of the hundreds of art galleries that proliferate everywhere, creatives are flocking to experience no ordinary city life, and tech startups are popping up all over the city.

At first the crowd may seem contradictory: There are hipsters, punks, emos, indies, rockers, post-rockers, nerds, white collars, geeks, athletes, ordinary Joes. But after a while you realize that everyone is just doing their thing. Sure, there are posers that seek attention; for the most part though you feel that in Berlin people feel free to express themselves.
It’s a diverse, accepting, and trendy city.

Berlin has an amazing history that is still very perceptible.
It was the center of the Prussian Empire and the capital of the German Reich. After WWI it became the busiest metropolis in Europe and the epitome of the Golden Twenties.
Then came the Nazis who remodeled Berlin as the future world capital.
It was Berlin from where the Führer ignited WWII and it was Berlin where Germany surrendered unconditionally in 1945.

The uprising of the Cold War and the building of the Wall set the tone for the next forty years. Berlin was at the heart of the Cold War and the demarcation line of two political systems and superpowers.

Only after the the fall of the Wall Berlin was able to become the capital of a reunited Germany again.

Every American student learns about the famous JFK speech — from a platform erected on the steps of Rathaus Schöneberg — "Ich bin ein Berliner"

And Reagan's speech at the Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987 "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

But it is one thing to read about it from the American perspective and another to actually see for yourself the results of Berlin's turbulent past with the division of East and West, NATO vs Warsaw Pact, and the post-war buildings that have become part of the historical inventory of the city.

The city remembers its unique past but seems eager to develop into the future. It’s infectious and you can feel it on your skin.

Take for instance Tempelhof, an old airport full of history and heritage that has been turned into an open-sky park for BBQ, gardening, and sports.

I stayed at Dan’s who lives in Friedrichshain, formerly part of East Berlin, now considered one of Berlin's most hip areas — known for its many cafes, pubs, and burgeoning nightlife — and home to numerous design and media companies.

Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Mitte are other hip, artsy, and fashionable neighborhoods I fell in love with.
Each one has its own personality and distinct appeal, and each demonstrate Berlin’s changing face, as this European capital has become a magnet for people from all around the world.

As mentioned earlier, the culinary scene is phenomenal. The caliber of craft and culinary skill that's going on in Berlin is unique. 

It’s home to the first ever Paleo restaurant. You know, just to mention A restaurant. Ha!

Each Thursday night there’s a market (Street Food Thursday) with food from all over the world.
Trust me guys when I say that I had one the most scrumptious BBQ pulled beef ever.

An example of Berlin's capacity to turn an old building into something really cool is Burgermeister: a burger joint which operates from a century old toilet, under some overground tracks of the subway.

Coffee culture is also huge.

The cultural scene, fueled by the influx of young, trendsetting individuals from around the world, is thriving.

Berlin is an open air contemporary art gallery. Everywhere you glance, some artist has left his stamp.

Aside from the breathtaking parts of the city, the city is full of neat apartment buildings, all with balconies adorned with flowers.

Believe it or not, life in Berlin is affordable. From rent to food and recreation.

Beer is cheap. So so cheap.
And you can drink everywhere as outdoor drinking is legal. So parks, sidewalks, even public transportation, you name it.

I’ll be honest here, I felt weirded out when I saw a dude drinking a beer at 9am in the subway. Breakfast? After party refreshment? Who knows...

After my 10 day visit I can fully understand why people fall in love with Berlin, stay longer than expected, return frequently, and end up moving there.

Berlin has it all. Just like NYC has it all, though in a different way.

And just like NYC, leaving Berlin, never easy. I saw the lights fading out.