A Kiss From Berlin
The train journey from Amsterdam to Berlin kicked off with a bit of a hiccup, as my train had a late start, causing me to miss my connecting ride. Fortunately, I found myself on a train bound directly for Berlin and decided to stay aboard in the hopes that no one else had reserved my seat. I struck luck, and made it to Berlin without any further hassles. Berlin marked the first city on my European adventure that I hadn't explored before, and I can't emphasize enough how eagerly I anticipated this leg of my journey.
Like the other European cities I've traversed so far, Berlin impressed me with its stellar public transportation system. I hopped on the U-Bahn, their version of underground trains or tubes, and arrived at what would turn out to be the most unique accommodation of my entire trip. The Space Night Hostel, although a tad challenging to find and nestled in an unconventional spot, exceeded all expectations. The moment you step inside, the entire place glows in the dark with a captivating space theme throughout, complete with individual pods or "space capsules." Let me tell you, after a week of sharing schedules with fellow travellers, it was a refreshing change to have my own private space to rest and relax.
Berlin itself was just as enchanting as my accommodation. I explored the iconic tourist sites, including the Jewish Museum, the Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery, the panoramic view of Berlin from the Park Inn Hotel, and the vibrant Mauerpark Flea Markets. Reflecting back, it seems like I managed to cover a lot in a relatively short span of time. For anyone planning a visit to Berlin, I wholeheartedly recommend both the Jewish Museum and the Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe. These museums house powerful exhibitions that stir a complex mix of emotions within you. Now, this might be an unpopular opinion, but history has never been my passion, so many of the artifacts left me somewhat indifferent. What truly struck me was the human experience, and the poignant ways it was conveyed. For instance, letters or postcards from individuals en route to concentration camps, expressing their impending death and sending love and kisses to their families. It was an incredibly moving experience.
Following the intensity of these museums, I ascended to the top of the Park Inn Hotel, where I could take in a panoramic view of Berlin and the iconic Berlin TV Tower. It's a budget-friendly alternative to ascending the TV Tower (which I considered a tourist trap, although I'm not immune to such attractions). Armed with my trusty notebook, I began to write as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was a beautiful conclusion to my first full day in Berlin. The next day brought a lighter mood, with a visit to the East Side Gallery. This outdoor gallery showcases a stunning array of artworks, each depicting their idea of 'freedom' following the fall of the Berlin Wall. From one end of Berlin to the other, I proceeded to hop on a tram to Mauerpark, where the city's largest flea market was in full swing. I strolled through the park, trying on vintage pieces and indulging in a delectable (and free!!) piece of apple cake.
After purchasing a hand-made bralette and soaking up the sun while watching the world go by, luck was on my side again as I managed to arrange a spontaneous date with a charming German woman. We rendezvoused at a quaint, sun-dappled courtyard, where she sat with an espresso in hand. Her enchanting accent added an extra layer of charm to our sweet conversation. As we parted ways, a fleeting kiss sealed the moment, and now I'm off to Prague with a heart full of anticipation.
I'll leave you with a German saying I spotted on the back of a waiter's t-shirt in a Berlin café:
‘Gef***t wird immer’ (There’s Always Fucking)