A jump over to BERLIN

Berlin, is the capital city of Germany where Hitler was stationed during WWII. Not only is it a city enriched with history, it is a city full of surprises. My love for Berlin grows each time I return back to the city where the music is painted on the walls. It's a tough call, but Berlin has made it to my top 5 favourite cities to visit. For the first time, I was not drawn to the design aspect of a city. Instead, I let the history, graffiti, music and people speak for itself. I cannot think of where to begin with the to do's in this city.

Lets start:
I could begin with a rundown on the history of Berlin, but to cut the long story short, I will just say that east Berlin is the place to be. West Berlin is considered 'posh' where you will find
your high end boutique stores and not your typical Berliner chilling here.

With a reliable underground system, the best way to get around Berlin if not by the U-bahn, the buses and trams are just as reliable. As we all know, efficiency to the Germans is AFL to the Aussies. Even the timers at each ends of the platform are 1 minute apart to inform you that if you are waiting for the front of the train to stop, it will take you 30secs-1min before the back of the train reaches 0min and for the to doors open..!! weird I know!

Eberswalder strasse is a definite place to scout. Here you will find good food at a very very affordable price, not to mention Berlin's most famous currywurst stand, which is located under U-Eberswalder strasse, which in my opinion I can't see what the fuss is about BUT Berlin is known for its currywurst. You will also come across Kastanienalle and Pappadalle at the intersections where here you will find cute shops, intimate cafes and 1euro foccacias! If you walk towards Prenzlauer Alle, you're heading towards the right direction! There is no particular shop, cafe or gallery you should visit, you will find the right one that will suit you by pure chance, the wonders of Berlin!! When someone asks me why I like these areas so much and why I suggest them to people, I answer, this is what Berlin is all about, although it is a bit of a yuppie area, it's unpretentious, full of spontaneous art installations which can all be seen through they way Berliners dress and the art crafted on the buildings and even sometimes on the trees (Schönhauseralle). I love that there is no particular Berlin style of fashion and no particular way to dress to fit into the scene, yet their quirky but trendy style still enables you to be able to distinguish between the electro clan from the indie to the jazz.

If you enjoy the walk, head down Schönhauser alle where you will now come across an area solely for shopping. If I had the money, it would all be spent on Alte Schönhauser strasse in all the small boutiques such as Acne, C´est, APC, Cos etc. A special mention must also go to Pro QM, a book store on Almstadstrasse 48 designed by architect J.Fezer and artists K.Reichard&A.Weider. They have created a quality bookshop that stocks every art, design, architecture..book, you name it. Not only is the variety of books and magazines that deserve ackonwledgment but also its gorgeous deco and hospitable setting where you are able to enjoy your book just as much as enjoying it in the comfort at your own home.

Just on an end note with shopping, for the ones interested in design and interior, go inside the Hugo Boss shop at Hackerscher markt, you will be suddenly drawn to the white and very clean display from the front. For all you music and record lovers, my fellow traveler that was with me during the time, was on a mission, the search and scour for records store that stocked rare LP's. For the dirt on which record stores to visit, FFonz has all the info and he is worth contacting.

Berlin is also filled with architectural buildings and monuments scattered around the city, keeping in mind that to get from the very east of Berlin to the very west of Berlin, it can take you 1hr or possibly more by U-bahn, so not all can be seen and accomplished in a few days. One spot that is always unnoticed is the DBZ bank which is located right next to Brandenburger Tor, It's true....GEHRY STRIKES AGAIN! The minute you enter the bank, you are instantly drawn to the fish looking sculpture and the glass roof, where before you read the information plaque, you immediately know that this is another one of Gehry's art pieces. I wouldn't say that it's exquisite, it's very 'Gehry' where I expected the reaction that I got. His use of contour shapes and curved metal sheets in avoidance of any linear formations was no big surprise for me. I saw it in Bilbao, I saw it in Prague and I've seen it again. Although, don't get me wrong, he's not one of the biggest architects in the world for nothing! this is what makes him unique and kudos to that!

The FOOD and nightlife!!
Your food expedition, will start at brunch. Normally after a night of partying, you will be more than happy to wake up late. Head towards the Prenzlaur area or around eberswalder again and eat brunch in any cafe for a measly 2-3 euros!!! That's not the best part, it's all-you-can-eat!! It might not be your typical bacon and eggs but the Germans enjoy their eggs, wurst, cheese, bread, cereals, jams etc and to be honest, I actually prefer a German brunch then your typical English or American breakfast, it doesn't make you sick in the stomach for the rest of the day. For a late lunch you MUST MUST MUST have a döner kebab. My top recommendation would be a small döner and schwarma stall opposite Hasir Restaurant on Adalbertstrasse in Kruzberg (sorry the name doesn't come to mind). For 2.50E, friendly people and grilled veges in the kebab, who could ask for more!

The nightlife in Berlin has left me speechless, watch out Madrid, I think Berlin is close behind by means of an outrageous night! Berlin is filled with electro clubs. I am a fan of indie/dance/electro, although my night out in Berlin consisted of leaving the house at 1:30am for a hard electro club, a guy vomiting on the tram as well as my friends making friends with a bum on the way back home, But oh boy was it a fun night out and I enjoyed every moment. If you are looking for a night as like the one I experienced, head down to the Scala club where you will experience the two levels of hard electro where you will be entertained by the masked dj, but dont hold your breath, it is probably better that he keeps the mask on with the mixing that he was doing.

As for the dont's in Berlin, I cant think of any... it is a city within itself and is completely different to any other german city I have been to. In the winter, you are able to grasp the historical essence of the city because it's normally to cold to wander around aimlessly, where in spring and summer, the city lights up and show it's true colours. From the shops to the culture, Berlin is overwhelmed with it all!

I will end by saying that I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much as I did if it weren't for my toughest critic, personal guide, information handout, inspiration and best friend, Narisha. I know that I said that you were 'such a Berliner' but you wouldn't have discovered these places without being a true melbournian at heart!

I have enjoyed every minute of Berlin and I would be back in a flash. I have now passed on my information that was given to me by Narisha onto you and I hope that you are able to enjoy Berlin in the fun and collective way that I did.

Auf wiedersehen!