It's a hot day in Berlin. I wake up quite early, ca. 8 am and lounge and lie for another while. There is light pouring in from the balcony door. I get dressed and check my phones, one message and at that moment my phone begins to ring.
No, I'm not in Vienna. Not this weekend. We'll catch up when I'm back.
I'm staying with my friend for the weekend. We have a late breakfast, relaxing on the balcony in the warmth of the sun and discussing possible destinations and plans. We drink tea and listen to music, watching the world drift by and the sun shift to a less intense position.
After some deliberation we agree to visit The Wall by Bernauerstraße.
I had seen part of the infamous Wall before but this time I got to view the remnants by Nordbahnhof and read about the lives that were dissected, the demolished Church of Reconciliation and the various additions to the Wall to hinder escapees. It stands now as a poignant memorial, remnants of the follow of humankind that thinks it can wall in and force compliance. This wall was the bandage on Communism and the East and although the Communists may have changed the dressing, the wound did not close and continued to bleed.
Riding along the S7 one can view various buildings of importance; the TV Tower of Alexanderplatz and the Reichstag among others, as well as murals and graffiti.
Berlin is a wonderful blend of old and new. The city has seen so much and been the focal point in history already and it is constantly evolving. Once a haven for artists, the city may not be as affordable as it once was but it continues to offer a home to those who wish to think outside the box. An open city, with open opportunities for an open mind.
After reading all the information, watching the video clips and staring at the pictures that the memorial had to offer, my friend and I wandered across the street to the Ost-West Café and I ordered a Wessichino.
On this weekend, the Karnaval der Kulturen takes place. The streets are alive to the rhythm and buzz of people, happy, excited and applauding the floats as they drift by.
Feeling peckish we pop into a Vietnamese restaurant and then make our way to the Oscar Wilde for a refreshing beverage and some card games.
My second last day in Berlin consisted mainly of eating and drinking. First, there is lunch with an old friend at Knofi. Then, when we gather ourselves together meeting my hostess and her boyfriend and we go off in search of the best ice-cream in Berlin which is allegedly sold at Vanille und Marille! This was followed by drinks in a carpark but no ordinary carpark, mixing with the hipsters in their sky high establishment, we enjoy a few drinks in the sun at Klunkerkranich.
Finally, there is lunch and stories of bears in Canada before I say my goodbyes and hop on a bus to the airport. My adventure in Berlin had come to an end but it certainly left an impression on me.
Berlin!
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