Around this time of the year, a couple of years back I went to autumnal Berlin to visit my German friend Lydia who lives there. It was also a trial run because that’s how I got to know that I truly enjoy the city and will surely live there some period of my life. That’s a right city for an artistic soul. But I had had those plans already a long time ago because I have spent 11 years studying German. Unfortunately, I’m such a dumbass with languages and my skills are so rusty that I need to learn it again. I think the best way would be right at the heart of the German culture and hopefully I would pick the language fast. It is also rational to make a living or have a vacation in Berlin. Because…
1. Berlin is a very good deal!
Just recently I read an article that confirmed my feeling about Berlin being cheap. Berlin was written to be the most affordable city for graduates; they spend approx. 36 percent of their net pay in the common living costs (check the article here). The rest they keep themselves.
Also, my friend told me that rents are low and I saw that there are very beautiful buildings to live in and many attractive safe neighbourhoods. What we were also enjoying every day was the tasty lunch at 5 euros! 5 EUROS! And there are so many options and nice different style restaurants to go to.
2. There’s urban young atmosphere in Berlin
As long as we are young or young minded this city rocks! Or rather drum and basses and gets loud with electronic music. These are not my genres but I have to admit that I went to a good party. My friend likes this weird music haha and she knows her stuff.
Berlin is covered with graffiti and it seems that the city is fine with it, because it holds the status of the design city and graffiti attracts the wayfarer. Among graffiti Berlin’s street scene is framed by the photo automates and, of course, personal looking – smiley – people. Yes, people are smiling, they seem happy and friendly to a stranger! I didn’t know how to react first before I realised that I just smile back – a typical Finn!
What appeals to me work vice is the numerous start-ups that there are born in Berlin. I hope to find some projects there, and then I could put my plans in action!
3. You won’t get bored!
I had four days, too little time during my visit in Berlin. Still I saw a lot. It’s easy to move around by the public transport, even walking is nice. History and culture are everywhere. Alongside the drastic historical monuments of Berlin there are great exhibitions, we went to see a good Salvador Dali one; pictures of huge penis and other weird but appealing stuff hahaa. Lydia said Dali used definitely drugs when making those but I said I could do something like that without. Don’t people have that much imagination?!
Beside Salvador Dali penis reel I like vintage stores and I made some great findings. A minus compared to Toronto’s vintage stores that I love was that these were like flea markets – to me it means they smell… Had to wash everything when I came home!
4. Four seasons!
What I have been missing when living in Malta are nature’s different colours and fresh air. When I landed to Berlin, I was just sniffing air happily. It was cool and crispy. Autumn was the finest and colourful leaves were everywhere. Still in trees but also on the ground. It was nice to wear the leather jacket and warmer clothes for a chance. Although I’m a summer person, I find it fascinating to pull out the autumn clothes when the fall arrives. I even enjoy winter a lot when there is snow. And not dark. Berlin has all four seasons and I can imagine they are very beautiful. My friend told me that summer is special, there’s so much happening. And before Christmas there’s a great Christmas market. Something to consider.
Can’t wait the day Ich bin ein Berliner!
