Berlin

After an excitement lacking, anticipation filled 7 hour train ride, I made it to Berlin last night. I am staying with some friends, Guy and Kyo, in their neat little East Berlin apartment above a shisha bar and a cafe that sells doners and falafels for a euro. Food, and rent too apparently, is incredibly cheap here. Where they live there are a plethora of ethnic diners where three people can dine for under 10 euro. That is unheard of in good old Eindhoven.
It has been grey and rainy so far, giving the city quite a melancolie atmosphere that I feel is appropriate as I check out the East Side Gallery and what not. It got dark around 5pm and this city is somewhat lacking in street lighting so I didnt get to see as much today as I would have liked, but it is still so so cool.
East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the wall, and for the 20th anniversary of the collapse, artists that had painted works on the wall were invited to refinish their pieces. It was really beautiful. The pieces had so much emotion in them and understanding the social turmoil of Berlin at the time made it quite the experience.
This morning Kyo and I went to a vintage shop called Colors where half the store sells clothes by the kg. Clothes are surprisingly light and I spent under 5 euro for three shirts. The other half of the store has more expensive vintage clothes but on Tuesdays everything is 30% off. I got a cardigan and shirt for Dana, and a fur hat for myself. I had been looking for a fur hat for a while now. Mostly in Paris where my search turned out fruitless as the French are quite petite folk. I am glad that Germans seem to have larger heads.
On that note, there are quite of few rounder people here. Too much currywurst and beer.

I love the font used on the street signs and train stations.

image via Ask Meta Filter

 The train stations are decorated in coloured tile, all different and very pretty. I like them.

This city is huge. I already know that I will need a second visit.

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