I loved Berlin so much I went twice. And I’d go again and again. And if I felt the need to be an expat in a country, I’d choose this city. Is it the most beautiful city in the world? Not in the traditional sense. Berlin’s beauty comes from its vibe, history, and people.
Graffiti. It’s everywhere. The moment you step into the city center, you’re greeted with spray painted murals, nonsense, crude pictures, inspirational quotes, and whatever else you could think of tagging. It covers every building from bottom to – somehow – the top, doesn’t matter what the building is underneath whether it’s an apartment, shop, restaurant, etc.
The buildings are relatively new since the city had to be built from the ground up after World War II. A city that doesn’t shy away from its dark past, there are reminders of the war all over the city: the Berlin Wall still stands in pieces in random areas and memorials to the Jewish people are spotted all around the city (seen below – Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
The people are as diverse as any major American city and they dress artistically/athletically/sharply. Their tattoo, piercing, and goth culture is prevalent. And their English is just as clean as their German. Their thrift stores – even though expensive (!!!) – were filled to the brim with clothes from all over the world.
And their food culture is just as diverse as their people. I had Indian, German, Middle Eastern, vegetarian-Persian food, and I had a hamburger at a Mexican restaurant. I sat in a punk-rock themed restaurant where all the patrons and workers were covered in black clothes and tattoos. Our waitress regaled us with stories of the insane clubs Berlin has to offer while serving us burgers and piña coladas. Basically, what I’m saying is you can get whatever food experience you please.
The vein of rebellion and freedom of expression ran through the heart of the city; no one looked at anyone strangely no matter how many tattoos were on their face or how colorfully they dressed.
I felt the need to indulge in their 5:00 to 9:00 happy hours and giant thrift stores. I almost bought a camo jacket with a German flag on the sleeve, but I felt that would be unsavory in many American public spaces.
They celebrated street art with the Urban Nation Museum and an exhibit for Banksy in a mall that was solely pop-up shops.
It was the first country I visited where I actually had conversations with locals.
It was the only country I felt the most at home. I’ll be back Berlin. I’ll be back.
